DAY 1
Versailles, France
Our sojourn through Europe begins in Versailles, once a small medieval seigniory, now evoking in the visitor’s mind’s eye the golden glitter and magical sparkle of the Palace of Versailles. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace was the residence of three French kings, Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, their courts, and the French government from 1682 to 1789. More than 4 million visitors every year enjoy the outstanding hospitality, top-notch accommodations, and delicious cuisine that Versailles has to offer.
We will begin our adventure with a guided tour of Versailles, where you will experience the luxury and splendor of the famous Palace. From there we will head to the hotel, the Trianon Palace a Waldorf Astoria property, where you can take time to relax in your room before we gather for a welcome dinner. This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with your fellow travelers, sample some delicious cuisine, and wind down after a long day.
Tonight and tomorrow morning we will discuss the route and weather for the next adventure in our trip, our flight into Austria and Hungary.
DAY 2 - 3
Hertelendy Kastely, Hungary
We will begin the day with breakfast at the hotel and a weather and route briefing. Your flight plan will be filed for you by our instructor staff.
The first leg takes us from Versailles to Salzburg, Austria, home to the Flying Bulls and Red Bull Hangar-7, a museum containing a unique collection of historic aircraft and helicopters. Our lunch dining experience will be at the 2 star Michelin restaurant - Ikarus on top of the museum that is sure to delight your culinary senses. After lunch we will fly through the corridors of the Alp Mountains to our destination in Hungary.
We will land at LHKU a private grass airfield of Hertelendy, a beautifully renovated mansion turned resort just 2 ½ hours from Budapest, and get whisked away to the hotel via a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy the serenity of the exquisite rooms, the delightful grounds, and the exceptional service. We’ll have a delicious dinner made with organic ingredients from the local garden, consisting of traditional as well as gourmet cuisine. Relax, enjoy, and share stories about the day of flying with your fellow travelers.
Day 3 will begin with a lovely breakfast before heading out to experience what the resort has to offer, which includes a spa, outdoor activities such as carriage rides, golf, tennis, pool and even hunting and horseback riding. You can ever try your shot with skeet shooting, finding that nature and well-being are the theme of Hertelendy.
After your day of activity, relax in your room or take a stroll around the grounds before preparing for another sumptuous gourmet dinner. We will discuss our upcoming route into and over Italy before you retire for the evening.
DAY 4 - 5
Lido - Venice, Italy
After breakfast we will say farewell to Hungary and head west, crossing over Croatia, Slovenia and along the Adriatic Sea into Italian territory. After seeing Venice off our wingtip we will maneuver to land at Lido airfield, yet another grass runway. Upon checking in at the Excelsior Hotel, enjoy a welcome drink at the bar and relax - this afternoon is free of any planned activities so feel free to make your own or just relax, the time is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 5 will be a do as you please day. Relax on the beach with a book, take a nap, rent a bike or scooter to tour Lido, or head over to Venice via the water taxi for further exploration. We have arranged for a private "behind the canals" of Venice walking tour that is optional if you care to join. If you are enjoying the city we can just meet you for dinner at the restaurant specializing in modern Italian cooking while overlooking the bustling Venetian Lagoon.
DAY 6 - 7
Tuscany, Italy
After breakfast and a weather and route briefing, we will depart Lido, doing some sightseeing from the air, traveling north toward the Alps for a tour around Lago di Garda. As we descend into the lake valley we will have historic villages above our wingtips and watch as we glide over Roman ruins concluding with a turn around the Duomo in Florence.
Our final destination of the journey is Il Borro, a historic estate and winery belonging to the Ferragamo family, located in San Giustino Valdarno, Tuscany. Upon arrival at the grass airfield you will feel as if time has stood still, other than the fact that you arrived in your modern Cirrus! You will be taken to an 800 year old medieval hilltop village that will be your residence for the next two nights, once owned by the de'Medici family. Take a moment to enjoy your suite, each a unique space designed with exquisite attention to detail, and containing both traditional touches and modern comforts, before enjoying dinner at the Bistro.
Day 7 will be a day to do as you please. After a breakfast resplendent in the flavor of the Tuscan countryside, experience what Il Borro has to offer. The estate has many activities, including spa treatments, wine cellar tours, golf, horseback riding, and even a permanent art exhibit housing Ferruccio Ferragamo’s private collection.
Or take the time to relax in the infinity swimming pool overlooking the medieval town. You can also take a walk, discovering the enchantment of the Tuscan landscape between the vineyards and hills. Take a moment to stop for lunch and enjoy the estate and its surroundings.
If you wish, you can arrange for the concierge to set up a bike tour through the Chianti region, a private pasta and tiramisu cooking class, or try your luck at the race track driving Lamborghini and Ferrari's.
At the conclusion of the day we will meet for a group dinner and our last night together, during which time we can partake in exceptional food, delicious wine, and laughter as we share stories of the time we had on our trip.
DAY 8
Departure
The trip ends at Il Borro and we will say our farewells.
We are here to assist you, whether you are extending your trip and continuing on to another destination, or departing to your home base out of Florence or Rome.
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure!!
Included in this trip
Two guests
7 nights accommodations
1 night in Versailles
2 nights in Hungary
2 nights in Lido
2 nights in Tuscany
Breakfast each morning
Dinner on 6 evenings (day 5 exception)
Lunch on 5 days (day 5 exception)
Wine Tour at Il Borro
Skeet Shooting and Carriage rides at Hertelendy
Ground transportation
Aircraft rental, fuel and all aviation fees
CSIP Instructor in your aircraft
Additional activities are available through the resorts.
WEATHER/REFUND POLICY:
The Flight Academy will not fly or sanction flight in weather that is unsafe or for which the Cirrus is not rated. The weather at our departure location and our destination must be above published minimums in order for us to launch.
In the event weather does not permit a flight to take place as scheduled, the Flight Academy will attempt to find an alternate route that allows for a safe execution of the flight. If the weather causes the trip to be cancelled, no refund will be offered. Any additional expenses incurred during the trip due to foul weather will be the responsibility of the customer.
Please note that deposits are non-refundable.