Day 1 - Arrival in Florence

Upon arrival at the Amerigo Vespucci Airport of Florence you will be met by your driver and assistant who will transfer you to your hotel in city. Traffic permitting, the drive will take approximately half an hour.

Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 2 - Classical Florence Tour

Your private guide will meet you at your hotel for your private walking tour of the city. Florence's rich past as the cultural centre of the Italian Renaissance can still be seen today in the wealth of art gathered here, and in the preservation of its splendid architecture. The tour includes visits of the Duomo and the Baptistry, the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the famous Accademia Gallery.

Balance of day at your leisure. Optional Uffizi gallery reservations or guided tours available.

Day 3 - Pisa and Lucca

Your private full day tour takes you through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty.

Together with a local English speaking guide you will visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral, an unequalled masterpiece of Romanesque art carried out between the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the Baptistry and Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Continue to Lucca where you will have time to visit at leisure. Lucca is also know as the city of Ilaria, the unfortunate bride. It is one of the more distinguished Italian cities housing invaluable historic and artistic treasures; St. Martin Cathedral, St. Michael in Foro Church or St. Frediano Church are examples of the architecture typical of Pisa and Lucca.

Day 4 - San Gimignano - Siena - Montepulciano

After checking out of the hotel, depart with your private English speaking driver/guide for a day of sightseeing in the medieval Gems of Tuscany.

Your first stop will be a short independent visit of one of the most charming and picturesque of all the Tuscan hill towns, San Gimignano. Walk through the wonderfully preserved town square at the Piazza della Cisterna and visit the 13th century town hall - the Palazzo del Popolo. There are good views from the Rocca Citadel and the entire town is an excellent place to stroll and soak up the atmosphere.

Continue to Siena, one of the most beautiful and important medieval cities in Tuscany, you will tour with our local guide visiting the main sights including the famous Piazza del Campo, sight of the Palio horse race.

After your tour and some free time you will proceed to your next accommodations in Montepulciano.

Day 5 - Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano

Depart with your private driver for a day that promises to be a feast for the palate and the eyes. You will be struck by the natural beauty of the landscape which in the past has inspired painters and writers.

Your journey will include a stop in the medieval town of Montalcino. As you climb towards the town you will start to appreciate its beauty. Once you arrive at its summit you will be dazzled by the wonderful view of the Senesi hills and the mountains of the Amiata. You will have time to visit this enchanting town. The town is also famous for its signature wine, Brunello of Montalcino. It is unique and grand and it is recognized globally as one of the world's great wines.

A tasting of the Brunello wine will be included at the Poggio Antico winery.

Continue to the small but fascinating town of Pienza, a rare example of Renaissance town design. Pienza is known for the production of the local specialty, "pecorino" or sheep cheese. You will be able to sample or purchase this cheese in one of the many shops in the town.

You will then make your way back to your accommodations stopping first in Montepulciano, where you will have time to wander around this picturesque, walled hill town and see its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The real reason for your visit however, is the town's famous Nobile wine, a mellow-flavored red with a mildly floral aroma that features a distinctive iridescent orange tone. You will have a chance to taste this wonderful wine at the cellars of the Gattavechi winery.

Your driver will return you to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Day 6 - Cortona - Florence

After checking out of your hotel, depart with your private driver for Cortona, one of the oldest cities in Tuscany and sight of the famous film "Under the Tuscan Sun".

Together with a local English speaking guide you will visit the narrow streets and alleyways of this quaint and historically rich medieval city.

After your tour and some free time you will continue to Florence.

Day 7 - Florence

Your last day in Tuscany will be free for last minute sightseeing or shopping in Florence.

Day 8 - Departure

After check out from the hotel, you will be picked up by a private car and driver for your transfer to the Florence Airport.

Accommodations

Florence Hotel Pierre (or Similar)

Montepulciano Poggio Alla Sala (or similiar)

Sightseeing

Private 4 hour walking tour of Florence, including entrance to the Accademia and Santa Croce church

Private full day excursion to Pisa and Lucca including local guide in Pisa and entrance fees to Duomo and Baptistry

Visit of San Gimignano

Visit of Siena including local guide

Private excursion to Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano including winery visits and wine tastings

Visit of Cortona with local guide

Transfers

Private transfer from city to city as per itinerary with English speaking drivers

Meals

Breakfast at hotels daily

Wine tasting in Montalcino and Montepulciano

Services

Assistance from our Road to Italy office in Rome and local representative offices throughout Italy

Local emergency contact number daily

Personalized souvenir itinerary booklet

Does not include

Airfare

Travel Insurance (highly recommended) Link to Insurance page

Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides

1) Consult with our tour designers

Contact our office by phone or e-mail and speak to one of our tour designers who will answer any question you have about our suggested tour. They will listen attentively to your ideas and plans and suggest changes to personalize the tour based on your interests and budget.

Tel: 416 964 7600
Toll: 1-800-848-8163
reservations@roadtoitaly.com

2) We send you a Proposal

Shortly after your initial contact with our tour designers, you will receive a draft proposal based on your earlier discussions, normally within 2 business days. This proposal is a no obligation draft for your review and comments. Any additions or modifications will be implemented and a new proposal will be forwarded to you for approval.

3) You like what you see!

Upon meeting your requirements and expectations, you will be requested to send a deposit in the amount of 25% of total. Final Payment is due 45 days prior to scheduled departure date.

4) Buon viaggio!

Approximately, 2 weeks prior to departure you will receive a personalized and detailed day by day itinerary booklet and the necessary vouchers for the services to be provided, along with a general information section on the various regions of Italy.

The booklet and vouchers will include all the important information; addresses, phone & mobile numbers for all your service providers, hotels as well as the phone number of our office in Rome.