Chianti Escapes
The Chianti is more a way of life than simply a region. What are the first things you think about as being typical of the Chianti? Probably good wine, great food, beautiful rolling hills with olive groves, vineyards and medieval hilltop towns. Art, culture and architecture of the great cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena may also spring to mind. There is so much more here to immerse yourself in to discover the true Chianti region, so why not try experiencing as many different aspects of Chianti life as you can? Imagine waking up each day to discover the Chianti from a different perspective provided by Chiantigiani, the people living here. Our art escape expert, Sabine, will take you into the Tuscan countryside to spend a relaxing day sketching panoramic views of Chianti hills with their verdant colours and textures of nature. Hadas, our yoga expert, will help you to relax through practising ‘soft yoga’ that will destress even the tensest of bodies and anxious minds. Our wine expert Giulio will guide you through understanding how Chianti wines are made from vine to glass and how to appreciate their distinct flavour and character. Irene, our Italian chef will teach you authentic Italian cooking using fresh, local ingredients, prepared and cooked slowly, for the joy of eating and sharing with friends.
There’ll also be the opportunity to explore the ancient and beautiful city of Florence, the medieval town of Greve in Chianti and the historic village of Montefioralle with its stunning views and car-free cobbled streets. But, above all, this is a holiday, so you’ll have time to relax by the pool, read, swim and rejuvenate with aperitivi and long table, social dinners.
Typical Chianti Escapes
Day 1
Pick up at Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station in the centre of Florence. Welcome and settle into your room, explore, have a swim or lounge by the pool, meet other Escapees. Aperitivi and welcome from our experts, followed by a long table, social dinner in the communal loggia.
Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 5
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Day 7
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Day 8
Buffet breakfast, checkout and transfer to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station
Meet Your Escape Experts
Sabine Blomqvist
Sabine is a highly acclaimed Finnish artist who has lived in Italy with her family for more than 30 years. She specialises in watercolour painting and now teaches, exhibits and sells her work internationally.
“For me, painting is how I express myself and my love of beauty that is all around us. I love the fluidity of watercolour painting, but I also experiment with different approaches and mixed media to express sensations, feelings, emotions and atmosphere”
Sabine’s approach is to encourage individuals to explore and find joy in self-expression. Through initial observational studies in sketch books and ‘plein air’ painting, she helps others seek out their own unique perspective, while guiding with technique development. For her, the journey of making art is more important than the result – it’s a way of learning how art is a strength and an escape through the joy of discovering inner creativity.
“In the Chianti I find the ever-changing light, the rolling hills of vines and olive trees and the distinctly Mediterranean flora and fauna so inspiring. The colours, shades and textures here are incredible”
You’ll find Sabine to be a bubbly, inspiring teacher who cares about everyone she works with. She’s generous in spirit and loves to share her joy and passion for making art.
Website
Hadas Salman
Hadas Salman is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and the founder of the first Iyengar Yoga Studio in Greve in Chianti. She has been practising yoga since 2005 and teaching Iyengar Yoga for over 10 years, with deep professional experience and a strong focus on therapeutic yoga. She is committed to continuous learning and regularly participates in training and workshops in India, as well as ongoing professional development throughout Italy. She actively teaches and studies in the Chianti area, bringing precision, depth, and sensitivity to her work.
In addition to her dedication to yoga, Hadas is a mother of two boys and holds a master’s degree in Neuroscience and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, bridging her passion for yoga and science.
“The transformative power of yoga became evident to me early on, creating a passion to share this invaluable gift with others. This desire led me to pursue a path as a yoga teacher”
Hadas brings extensive teaching experience and offers tailor-made lessons designed to meet each student’s needs and background. She will guide you along your yoga journey with gentleness and care, weaving together asana practice, meditation, and philosophy.
“Once I realised the stability, flexibility and strength I gained from yoga practice are not only physical but also mental, only then did I start to grasp the true potential and depth of yoga”
Hadas will help you reconnect with your inner light and release everyday stress, teaching you techniques you can continue to use long after you return home.
Website
@hadasalman
Giulio d'Afflitto
Giulio is an Italian winemaker, born and raised in Florence to a Florentine father and French mother. He is a descendent of the Amalfi line of one of Italy’s great noble families, documented back to the ninth century. The d’Afflitto family has an esteemed reputation in wine making; Giulio is continuing these traditions at the family estate of Castel Ruggero, Firenze.
“I developed a passion for agriculture and the world of wine at a very young age, having grown up on the family estate that produces Chianti Classico”
After graduating with a degree in Oenology from a French lycée, Giulio chose to learn from the best through working with some of the leading international wine makers, such as Chateau Margaux.
“I decided to gain experience in several of the world’s most prestigious wine-growing regions. My journey took me from France to Australia, California and New Zealand, eventually leading me to Argentina”
Giulio returned home to Italy to Castel Ruggero with his Argentinian wife, Maria. Here they produce Chianti Classico, IGTs or Super Tuscans and Gran Selezione Chianti Classico wines. They also produce Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). His knowledge and international experience make Giulio a sought-after consultant winemaker to various other Chianti Classico wineries in the region.
Website
