Riverside Luxury at Hotel Balestri
Heart of Florence · Arno Views · 4-Star Elegance
- Deluxe Double Room with Arno River view
- Central location, steps from the Ponte Vecchio
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic Florence views
- Daily gourmet breakfast included
ABOVE + BEYOND
The Mona Lisa Tuscan Experience
Experience a Journey into History
An exclusive 3-night journey into Renaissance art, history, and Michelin-starred cuisine | 6 - 9 October 2026
Legacy of the Smile: The Strozzi Estate
Exclusive Access · Royal History · Chianti's Best
- Meet the only living descendants of the Mona Lisa
- Private tour & tasting of four estate wines
- Gourmet 3-course Tuscan lunch amid the vineyards
- Explore the medieval towers of San Gimignano
A Michelin-Starred Finale
1-Michelin Star · Romantic Terrace · Culinary Art
- 5-course tasting menu at Borgo San Jacopo
- Dine on 'the city's most romantic terrace'
- Expertly paired wines included with each course
- An exclusive, sought-after reservation
Seamless & Immersive Travel
Private Transfers · Return Flights · At Your Leisure
- Return Gatwick to Florence flights included
- All transfers via private, chauffeured vans
- A day at leisure to explore Florence's art treasures
- Full immersion in the heart of Renaissance Italy
Above + Beyond Concierge
Your Journey, Perfected
Wish to extend your stay, arrange a private Uffizi guide, or explore other Tuscan gems? Our concierge team designs bespoke Italian experiences — from exclusive truffle hunts to classic car rentals.
Get in touch to speak with an Above + Beyond representative and craft a Tuscan journey that fits your vision.
Your Renaissance Residence
Hotel Balestri · Heart of Florence
Your stay is central to the experience. We've secured Deluxe rooms at the 4-star Hotel Balestri, ensuring your view is of the iconic River Arno and Ponte Vecchio. From its rooftop terrace to its doorstep—steps from the Uffizi—this is the perfect, elegant base for your Tuscan journey.
Secure Your Place →Florence, Italy | 6th - 9th October 2026
About the Event:
Step beyond the canvas and into the living history of the Renaissance. This Tuscany experience is a meticulously curated journey to uncover the story behind the world’s most enigmatic smile, timed perfectly just after the annual grape harvest when the wine is at its absolute best.
Over 4 unforgettable days in the birthplace of Renaissance art, you will indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine on Florence’s most romantic terrace, stay in breathtaking luxury overlooking the River Arno, and uncover Tuscany’s best-kept secret: a private vineyard tour with the only living descendants of the Mona Lisa herself.
An Unforgettable Journey Awaits
This is more than a schedule; it's a carefully composed story of art, flavour, and history. Discover the moments that await you each day in Tuscany.
Day 1
Arrival in the Renaissance Capital
The hum of London fades, replaced by the warm Tuscan air.
Feel the ancient cobblestones under your feet as your private transfer delivers you to the elegant Hotel Balestri. As you check in, the first thing you will notice is the view... a breathtaking panorama of the timeless Arno River flowing gently beneath the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Settle into your Deluxe Room, unpack, and breathe. This evening, the city of the Renaissance is yours to discover at your own pace. Wander the alleys, find a hidden trattoria, or simply watch the golden light fade from your window.
Day 2
A Taste of History
Journey into a landscape of rolling hills and ancient vineyards.
Today we venture into the heart of Chianti. Your destination is the Strozzi Estate, a place where history is not just remembered, but lived. Here, you will be welcomed not as tourists, but as honoured guests by the only living descendants of the Mona Lisa herself. You will walk their ancestral lands, taste four exquisite wines fresh from the recent harvest, and indulge in a three-course Tuscan lunch that is a true expression of the region. Afterwards, we visit the "medieval Manhattan," San Gimignano, its iconic towers a testament to a proud and powerful history.
Day 3
Art & the Art of Dining
Immerse yourself in Florentine culture, then prepare for a masterpiece.
The morning is yours. Will you stand in awe before Michelangelo's David, get lost in the masterpieces of the Uffizi, or simply sip an espresso in a sun-drenched piazza? The choice is entirely yours. As evening descends, prepare for a culinary experience that is itself a work of art. You will dine at the one-Michelin-starred Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, seated on what is known as "Florence's most romantic terrace." Here, a five-course tasting menu paired with exceptional wines awaits, a symphony of flavours to be savoured against the backdrop of the glittering Arno River.
Day 4
Arrivederci, Firenze
A final Florentine breakfast, with memories to last a lifetime.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, perhaps taking one last stroll along the river. Reflect on the art you've seen, the history you've touched, and the flavours you've savoured. Your private transfer will ensure a seamless and comfortable journey back to Florence Airport for your return flight to Gatwick, your mind full of memories, with the taste of Chianti and the glow of Renaissance art still lingering.
The Mona Lisa Tuscan Experience: Frequently Asked Questions
This experience is strictly limited to 12 guests (6 couples) to ensure an intimate, personal, and truly exclusive journey into the heart of Tuscany.
The price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Florence, all private airport and excursion transfers, 3 nights' accommodation in a Deluxe Arno River View room at Hotel Balestri with breakfast, the full-day Strozzi Estate visit with wine tasting and lunch, and the 5-course Michelin-starred dinner with wine pairings.
Yes, both the Michelin-starred dinner and the lunch at the Strozzi Estate can be adapted for most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and other allergies. Please provide our team with specific details upon booking.
The dress code for Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo is smart elegant. We recommend jackets for gentlemen (ties are optional) and cocktail attire for ladies. Trainers, shorts, and sportswear are not permitted.
There will be a moderate amount of walking on cobblestone streets during your leisure time in Florence and during the visit to San Gimignano. We highly recommend comfortable, stylish footwear. All main transfers are by private, chauffeured vehicle.
This specific experience is curated and priced based on double occupancy in 6 Deluxe Double Rooms. For bespoke arrangements or to inquire about possibilities for solo travellers, please contact our concierge team directly.
You can book by registering your interest via the forms on this page or by contacting an Above + Beyond representative. Due to the extremely limited availability for this unique departure, we highly recommend booking early to secure your place.
Above + Beyond never fails to raise the bar with the once in a lifetime experiences they provide.The service and attention to detail is always world class and my clients always ask me when there next event with AB is!
Countdown to The Experience
0
Days
0
Hours
0
Minutes
0
Seconds