Public radio station KMST and St. James Winery will host a special 10-day “Discover Tuscany” tour of the Italian countryside in November. The escorted tour is arranged through Collette Vacations.

Hosted by KMST’s station manager Wayne Bledsoe and Andrew Meggitt, executive winemaker at St. James Winery, the tour will depart on Nov. 10, with a reservation deadline of July 1. The return date is Nov. 19.

“Discover Tuscany” will include a relaxing six-night stay in the resort and spa town Montecatini Terme and visits to the legendary cities of Rome, Siena and Assisi. Guests will participate in a wine tasting at one of the Chianti region’s most picturesque wineries and visit the Academy Gallery in Florence, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.”

Other highlights include a traditional Tuscan feast and a visit to the medieval city of San Gimignano. Guests will spend a day strolling through Montecatini’s elegant sidewalk cafes, boutiques and health spas. A visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Factory will give guests a look at traditional Italian leather-making techniques.

“Along the way we enjoy plenty of free time,” says Sonia Smith of Collette Vacations. “And the tour includes regional Italian wines with every dinner.”

KMST and St. James Winery will host informational presentations about the “Discover Tuscany” tour at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, and 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23, on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology. Wine and cheese will be served by St. James Winery.

Reservations are required for the informational meetings. More information, including meeting locations, will be provided upon reservation. To RSVP, contact Bledsoe, Joel Goodridge or Jim Graham of KMST at 573-341-6930, or call Ann Miller of St. James Winery at 573-261-3348.

Additional tour information can be found online.