10 days
Rome and Romantic Tuscany

Day 6: Siena and Tuscany from the Sky!

This morning you will be met by your English-speaking driver/guide who will take you to the charming and historic town of Siena. You will have time to visit this city of quiet beauty, most famous for the annual Palio horse race. The city is easily appreciated by strolling up and down the largely pedestrian-only streets. You will have time for lunch. After lunch you will depart with your driver for an extraordinary excursion to see Tuscany from a different perspective: above, in a hot air balloon. Imagine the silence while floating effortlessly over cities, towns, landscapes, and castles. Imagine flowing with the breeze and changing direction with the wind. A peaceful and fun experience, where the pilot will be your guide and the wonders of Tuscany will be yours, all from a unique and exciting vantage point! Your afternoon will end with the traditional pouring of champagne, as you toast together with your pilot the wonderful afternoon you have spent. You will continue on to Florence and your next hotel.

Hotel: Villa La Vedetta

Day 7: Florence Tour

You will be met at the hotel by your private English-speaking guide. The centre of Florence will be the spectacular frame for a tour dedicated to the city's glorious past and also to its stimulating present life. A four-hour, pleasant and slowly-paced walking tour, will introduce you to the most important monuments of Florence: the Cathedral with the famous Dome by Brunelleschi and the gold "Paradise" door of the Baptistry, elegant palaces, fashionable shops, and the charming narrow medieval streets. You also see Piazza della Signoria, the political complex of Florence since the 1300's when Florence was considered the richest city in Europe, Ponte Vecchio, the bridge that attracts so much curiosity, not only to its unique charming appearance but also to the fabulous jewelry shops lining the bridge, the impressive gothic church of Santa Croce - pantheon of famous Florentines such as Michelangelo and Galileo, and then the Florence eternal masterpiece: Michelangelo's David (plus a few of his other works) in the Academy of Fine Arts Museum.

Day 8: Discover Pisa By Boat

This morning you will depart with your English-speaking driver/guide for a half-day excursion to Pisa. You will visit this famous city in a new and interesting way. Meet the guide to discover the Medieval centre, followed by a discovery of the history of the mariner republic by boat. You will then visit the former Maritime Republic of Pisa on its oldest street: the river Arno. After a short visit of the Leaning Tower area, we pass through the historic centre with the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the arcaded Borgo Stretto and vivid Piazza Garibaldi. Visit the Lungarni, the streets running along the banks of the river Arno lined with architectural treasures displaying the rich history of the city, with various wharfs that were once an integral part of the harbour structures of medieval Pisa. A few steps from there, we reach our modern and comfortable boat. While enjoying the privileged views of numerous churches and beautiful palaces, your guide reveals the stories that are hidden behind their century-old walls. These stories tell of religious piousness and earthly love, political zeal, scientific discoveries, and the continued struggle for immense riches. That's enough material to make the 60 minute-long round trip an unforgettable experience! After this charming visit of Pisa you will return to Florence, but first you will be stopping at the beautiful Figline Valdarno, where you will enjoy a fabulous Tuscan meal prepared by the expert cooking staff at the Torre Guelfa restaurant. The meal will feature exquisite foods and wines of the area. Return to Florence for your overnight.

Day 9: Florence

Today is free for you to enjoy on your own, relax and do your last minute shopping and sightseeing before your departure tomorrow.

Day 10: Arrivederci Italia

After check out from your hotel, our local English-speaking representatives will pick you up for your private transfer to the airport to catch your departing flight.