Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 5	Florence	Renaissance History, Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery & Galleria dell’Accademia	Palazzo Castri 1874, Portrait Firenze
5 - 8	Tuscany	Medieval Towns & Castles, Vineyards, Gastronomy	Badia a Coltibuono, Castello di Spaltenna
8 - 10	Siena	Piazza del Campo, Duomo, Civic Museum & Torre del Mangia	Hotel Athena, Grand Hotel Continental

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 5

International Arrival

You will be transferred from Florence airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

Florence

4 Nights

This rich capital of Tuscany, by the River Arno, is home to some of Europe’s most priceless treasures. Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, Michelangelo’s David and Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus are among the many masterpieces that adorn this birthplace of the Renaissance.

Included Activities

Historic Florence and Medici Villas
Set off from your centrally located hotel on this private tour of the historic attractions in and around the city. Drive out to the famous Medici villas that sit tucked into the lush hillside. Once the tranquil refuge of royal members of the Medici dynasty that reigned over the city, these luxurious country manors are today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll around the beautiful Italian style gardens and admire the elegant interiors featuring period furniture and furnishings in plush fabrics that were popular in a bygone era. Head out to Michelangelo’s square to savor fabulous views of the city. Afterward, choose to get dropped back at your hotel or alight in the historic center. You could then saunter around the cobblestone pathways that wind across the old part of town. Soak in the historic ambiance and get a glimpse of famous landmarks such as the medieval Ponte Vecchio stone bridge. (Half Day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes. You could also bring a light raincoat or umbrella depending on the weather.)

Truffle Treasures of Tuscany
Get picked up from your centrally located hotel as you embark on this interesting excursion in search of truffles. Head to the Tuscan hills where you will accompany an expert truffle-gatherer and his loyal dog in this hunt for prized white truffles. Watch the skilled dog harness its instincts and follow it into the woods to unearth this hidden treasure. Learn all about the traditions and legends related to these tubers, also known as white gold. Walk out of the woods to a truffle factory where you will learn all about the techniques of processing truffle for use in delicious meals. Enjoy a tasting lunch at the factory featuring this premium ingredient and relish the earthy flavor that is unique to truffles. After you wind up your tour, get dropped back at your hotel with memories of a lifetime. (Full Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes. You could also bring a light raincoat or umbrella depending on the weather.)

Pisa and Lucca Discovery
Start off from your hotel in Florence with your private driver to discover the attractions in Pisa and Lucca. Begin your tour at Miracle Square or Piazza del Duomo best known for its legendary Leaning Tower. Wander around this fine example of medieval art, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get a closer look at the cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery that together make up the sprawling complex. Around noon, drive over to Lucca where you can stroll around the city center and amble down the quaint streets right up to the walls that make up the public promenade. Stop by the bustling San Michele and Napoleon squares as you watch people stroll by. Get a glimpse of the Ducal Palace and the magnificent Cathedral of San Martino also known as the Duomo of Lucca. Amble on to amphitheater square before making your way to the Romanesque Church of San Frediano dating back to the sixth century. At your own pace, explore other attractions such as the Tower of the Hours set on the famous Via Fillungo and Puccini House with a museum dedicated to the great composer Giacomo Puccini. Return you to your hotel in Florence with cherished memories of a great experience. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy-Moderate.)

Hotel Options

Palazzo Castri 1874 – Opt 1

Room	Classic Double
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Portrait Firenze – Opt 2

Room	Portrait Studio
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 5 - 8

Your chauffeur will drive you from Florence to Tuscany Winelands in a private vehicle (Duration: 1-2 hrs)

Tuscany

3 Nights

With its hills and forested slopes in the north and rolling hills and verdant valleys in the south, the sundrenched landscapes of rural Tuscany are a true celebration of the glory of the Italian countryside. Add to the mix, its delicious flavors – wine and Pecorino cheese in particular – making it a delight for the senses!

Included Activities

Cooking Chianti Classics
Discover the rich culinary traditions of the land with this interactive tour of the Chianti region, where you get to cook and taste some Tuscan classics. Drive through the picture-perfect Chiantigiana region, lush with vineyards and olive groves on gently sloping hillsides. Arrive at a picturesque farmhouse where your chef will introduce you to signature Tuscan pasta: pappardelle, tagliatelle or tagliolini, stuffed with fresh ricotta and herbs, as well as potato gnocchi seasoned with traditional sauces. Set kneading dough to make pasta of your choice and then move on to the second course, followed by a delectable dessert. After crafting the unique textures and aromas of Tuscan cuisine, it is now time to enjoy its elegant flavors, accompanied by local Chianti Classico wines. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Time: 1030 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate; Private cooking class and lunch included).

Emilia Romagna Gourmet Flavors
Experience the gourmet offerings of the Emilia Romagna region, ranging from its world-renowned Parmesan cheese to authentic balsamic vinegar. Set off in the morning with your chauffeur-guide and arrive at the cheese factory where you can view age-old practices of making the finest Parmesan from milk. Enjoy tasting the cheese that lends Italian cuisine its signature flavor and texture. Make your way to a farmhouse in Modena to learn all about another traditional Italian culinary essential – balsamic vinegar. Discover the many steps that go into the making of pure balsamic vinegar, ranging from obtaining the ‘grape must’ to boiling, fermenting and aging it in wood barrels. Sample this velvety vinegar complemented by delicious light eats. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Time: 0830 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate; Guests are advised to dress in comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella/raincoat, depending on the weather).

Hotel Options

Badia a Coltibuono – Opt 1

Room	Classic Double Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Castello di Spaltenna – Opt 2

Room	Classic Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 8 - 10

Your chauffeur will drive you from Tuscany Winelands to Florence in a private vehicle (Duration: 1-2 hrs)

Board your train from Florence to Siena (Duration: 2 hrs)

You will be transferred from the Siena train station to your hotel in a private vehicle

Siena

2 Nights

Siena, a beautiful medieval town in Tuscany, attracts travelers for its grand architecture and laidback way of life, a la dolce vita. The fan-shaped central piazza, or Il Campo, is where the ancient Roman forum once used to stand.

Included Activities

Siena for Gourmands
Discover the original flavors and culinary heritage of Siena together with your insider food expert. Beginning your walk at Piazza del Campo, make your way past the Duomo, Baptistery of San Giovanni, and other landmarks. Visiting a bunch of handpicked establishments en route, meet and interact with local deli owners, while sampling their artisanal and seasonal produce. Enjoy their family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Savor Sienese sweets, savories, salami, soups, pasta, and gelato, while sipping on a selection of regional sweet wines. Soak up local honey and extra virgin olive oils with bites of Siena’s distinct plain bread. Expect to try panforte (fruit bread), panpepato (gingerbread), foraged truffles, and the rare Sienese pig! Listen to stories of Siena’s favorite dishes, as your guide shares facts and anecdotes, along with their significance in Italian food history. (Full Day; Time: 1100 hrs; Private Activity; Food and wine tastings included; Pick-up & Drop-off at hotel in Siena; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note itinerary and food options are customizable).

Hotel Options

Hotel Athena – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Grand Hotel Continental – Opt 2

Room	Classic Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Your chauffeur will drive you from Siena to Florence in a private vehicle (Duration: 3.5 hrs)

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 4,590 /person
Option 2 From $ 7,690 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 10 days / 9 nights.
Meals as indicated
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- Florence – Siena
All activities as listed :
- Florence: Historic Florence and Medici Villas
- Florence: Truffle Treasures of Tuscany
- Florence: Pisa and Lucca Discovery
- Tuscany Winelands: Cooking Chianti Classics
- Tuscany Winelands: Emilia Romagna Gourmet Flavors
- Siena: Siena for Gourmands
All activities specified in the itinerary including transfers and entrance fees unless otherwise specified
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Welcome kit including all important documents and information regarding your itinerary
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above

Not Included

Florence: Visitor’s tax of 4.80 to 5.50 EUR per person (14 years and above) per night, payable directly at the hotel
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Italy, Under the Tuscan Sun

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Florence

Tuscany

Siena

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included