Florence Incentive
Programme Overview
Duration: 4 days
A short programme in beautiful Florence ideal for corporate groups. Activities include hiking in the the Tuscan hills, a cooking class, and olive oil and wine tasting.
Highlights: Sightseeing in Florence and various activities.
Arrive Florence
Upon arrival, you will check-in to your hotel. Gifts will be provided in-room prior to check-in as required.
After lunch you will be met by an expert local guide for an orientation tour taking in the city’s major highlights such as the Galleria Accademia, Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.
In the evening you will be met at your hotel by a procession of horse drawn carriages for a short ride to the Palazzo Borghese.
The Palazzo Borghese stands in the heart of Florence, beneath the shadows of the tower of the Bargello Gallery. Palazzo Borghese’s origins date back to 1400, when it belonged to the Salviati Family. It was inherited by the Borghese family during the 19th Century and their family coat of arms still dominates the main façade.
A flag pageantry display and drum players will greet you at the palace before you are led into the Mirrors Room for a champagne reception. The evening will include a Renaissance show with traditional music, singers, dancers and court jester and four course dinner followed by an operatic performance.
Overnight: Grand Hotel
Meal Plan: D
Florence
If needed, meeting spaces can be arranged.
Optional activities:
1) An active hike with private villa visits
Hike from Gamberaia to Fonte Lucente, through the cheerful village of Settignano, then on marked trails uphill to Poggio al Vento, offering outstanding views of Florence, passing by the historical castles of Vincigliata and Castel di Poggio, across the woods of Vincigliata, the Florentines’ favorite natural environment close to town. You will have the chance to see beautiful private noble villas such as the 18th century Villa Gamberaia and the Villa Medici in Fiesole. A hearty two course lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
2) Learn the secrets of Tuscan cookery
Enjoy a hands-on lesson at a renowned cookery school with an English-speaking tutor who will teach you some of the secrets of the local and national cuisine. Lunch will be the culmination of your efforts this lesson. Dishes may include aubergine stew, linguine with lemon sauce, or pork fillet with parmesan followed by orange and chocolate cake.
A private dinner will be served at Montebuoni Restaurant, located in the peaceful hillside surrounding Florence on the edge of the Chianti region. The menu is typically Tuscan and respect for the freshest of ingredients is paramount, with the changing of seasons reflected in the menu.
Overnight: Grand Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Florence
Meeting spaces to be organised within your hotel or at an appropriate palazzo or convention centre.
Optional activities:
1) The Badia a Passignano Abbey and Tuscan wine tasting with cellar visit
Travel into the stunning Tuscan countryside to visit the Badia a Passignano Abbey and its winery where an expert will give a fascinating introduction to viticulture and wine production. Enjoy lunch with appropriately paired wines at the Osteria preceded by a tasting of extra virgin olive oils. The following wines will be tasted: Cervaro della Sala, Guado al Tasso, Tignanello and Solaia. During the meal there will be a short introduction by our knowledgeable sommelier on the correct way to serve wine, including decanting and pairing wine to dishes. You will receive documentation on the topics covered to take home with you.
2) Full day Italian designer outlet shopping
Today you will be met at your hotel for a full day excursion to the Tuscany countryside to visit the various outlet stores, the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself into Italian haute couture. Visit the best outlets, where you can shop with savings of up to 70%. At The Mall, you can find famous names such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo and Yves Saint Laurent. Only five kilometres from The Mall, visit the Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana outlets. Then on to the Prada village SPACE, where you’ll also find designers Helmut Lang, Miu Miu and Jil Sander.
3) Golfing day
Travel to a nearby 18 hole golf course for a day of golfing in the Tuscan countryside. Included is the golf tee time, one electric cart per two persons and one pull trolley per person. Clubs are available to hire if required.
4) The Passage of the Prince – private viewing of Vasari’s Corridor
Today enjoy a private half-day tour of the Princes’ famous Vasari Corridor. Your tour will include a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, housing some of the world's most important art treasures. Here you will also enjoy special private entry to the Vasari Corridor, the private corridor built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, court architect to the Medici family. After walking through this private route to the Pitti Palace on the south side of the River Arno, enjoy some time taking in the Boboli Gardens, built as a private garden for the impressive Medici residence. It is said that 50% of the world's art treasures are in Italy and 80% of those are in Florence. The crème de la crème are in this private collection and today you have a once in a lifetime chance to have the collection opened solely for you.
Tonight's farwell dinner will be held at Villa di Maiano. This aristocratic house is situated just five kilometres from Florence, close to Fiesole, and enjoys stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival, a cocktail reception will be served with the Chianti landscape as the backdrop. Musical accompaniment is provided by a string quartet.
Following the cocktail reception, continue to the Sala da Pranzo for a four course Tuscan banquet. The room is richly decorated with antique paintings, a huge stone fireplace and Murano glass chandeliers, which shimmer in the candlelight. Dancing will follow dinner with a jazz band.
Overnight: Grand Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L,D