A shaken not stirred cocktail lesson

Luxury self-catering specialist Sanctuary Villas & Apartments is launching a James Bond Experience to tie in with the soon-to-be-released Quantum of Solace. The package will feature four nights and five days in an exclusive apartment in San Gimignano, as well as visits to filming locations, including some that are usually restricted to the public.

What’s more, guests will also enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride with a champagne breakfast to follow; a Shaken not Stirred cocktail lesson; and a day driving an Aston Martin.

Day One
On day one, guests will familiarise themselves with the medieval town of San Gimignano and meet their Sanctuary Host, who can give them great tips on the best restaurants, local wines and events. A light supper will be provided at the accommodation.

Day Two
On the second day, guests are invited to enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Chianti followed by a champagne breakfast. The rest of the day is spent with a private guide exploring San Gimignano and then dinner at Ristorante Doranda, which is well known as a leading ‘Slow Food’ restaurant.

Day Three
For the third day, visitors choosing the James Bond experience will enjoy a guided tour of Siena, including a visit to the famous Piazza del Campo, as featured in the Quantum of Solace. There will also be the opportunity to explore the fascinating underground waterways of the city, the bottini, which were also used in filming but which are usually closed to the public.

On arrival back at La Rocca, guests will take part in a one hour Shaken not Stirred cocktail evening to learn how to make the perfect martini. The lesson is taught by Giovanni Bertini, barman to the stars who used to work in London’s Duke Hotel, a venue popular with 007’s author, Ian Fleming.

Day Four
Day four sees the chance to speed through the rolling Chianti hills in an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. If there’s more than two of you, a BMW 530 XD will be at the disposal of other guests enjoying the James Bond Experience.

Day Five
Guests return to the airport to make their way home on the fifth day.

Accommodation for the James Bond Experience is at the luxury townhouse apartment of La Rocca, housed in a medieval tower in the heart of San Gimignano. La Rocca sleeps up to eight people (up to 6 adults + 2 children) although is perfect for a romantic couple wanting space or a group of friends on a weekend break. It is a stylish apartment split over three levels. The master bedroom on the third floor has a private bathroom with Jacuzzi shower.

Booking information:

The James Bond Experience starts at £2,221 per person in low season based on six sharing La Rocca.

The price includes all accommodation at La Rocca; use of a Sanctuary Host who is on call seven days a week; light supper on arrival; round trip transfer from San Gimignano to Tavernelle; a hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne breakfast; private guided tour in Siena (maximum of eight hours); private guided tour of San Gimignano (maximum of three hours); entrances to relevant sites and attractions; private cocktail lesson (maximum of one hour) including ingredients; day hire of one Aston Martin V8 Vantage and one BMW 530 XD*.

This cost does not include flights or meals (the meal at Ristorante Dorando must be paid for separately by guests; Sanctuary will only make the table reservation).

La Rocca is available to hire without the James Bond experience on a Tailor Made (villa-only) basis or with an upgrade to the unique Sanctuary Hosted basis. The Sanctuary Hosted package offers guests an inclusive, but not intrusive, selection of extra services including an arrival supper, a welcome pack of toiletries and daily maid service amongst other special touches. Flights are not included, although extra services, from chefs to car hire can be arranged.

* Minimum age of driver of 30 years. Two valid credit card details as well as drivers licenses are required for the rental. Drivers must be a minimum of 30 years of age.

To book or for more information, log on to Sanctuary-villas.com.

Sanctuary Villas & Apartments is part of the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio, which also encompasses Sanctuary Lodges & Camps and Sanctuary Cruising.