Day 1: Arrival in Tuscany

Pick up your car at the rental office and start your trip towards Lucca.

On the way you will stop in Pisa. This city was a major centre of learning and scientific discovery during the Renaissance, and was home to one of the era's greatest minds: Galileo Galilee. You will have time to see the sights of the Campo dei Miracoli, including the Cathedral, Baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower. A guided tour will be arranged for you and entrance to the leaning Tower is included.

Continue to Lucca also known as the city of Ilaria, the unfortunate bride 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.

You will arrive in the afternoon at your hotel. Check in and enjoy your evening.

Hotel: Palazzo Visdomini (or similar star rating hotel)

Day 2: Excursion to Cinque Terre

You will head to Monterosso by car where you will meet your local guide. Then you will continue by train to Riomaggiore, with a stop and visit of Vernazza and Manarola.

The Cinque Terre stretch of coastline is a National Park, and a Protected Marine Area, included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The small villages have been there for many centuries, practically inaccessible by land due to the harsh, steep terrain which juts up at their backs. During your tour you can hike the famous "Via dell'Amore", or Path of Love, a short and paved trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola (20 minutes between the towns).

Return to your accommodations in Lucca in the evening.

Day 3: Lucca  to Siena via Chianti

Today after breakfast and checking out of your hotel, depart on an excursion to the famous Chianti wine region and continue to your accommodations in Siena

You will make your way into the scenic Chianti Classico region.

This area is considered one of the oldest wine regions in the world, as evidenced by the medieval castles and ancient towns that line the hillsides.  One of the grapes (the Canaiolo nero) used to make Chianti predates the Roman civilization and was once known as the "Etruscan grape." 

The name Chianti most likely was taken from a noble Etruscan family name, the Clantes.  In the 13th century, Florence created the "Lega del Chianti" to unite the three most important areas, Castellina, Radda and Gaiole.  The black rooster became the symbol of the Lega del Chianti.

Driving along the Chianti road, you will reach the beautiful town of Radda, Greve, Castellina in Chianti.

Continue to Siena. one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany.

Hotel: Garden (or similar star rating hotel)

Day 4: San Gimignano and Siena

Today we suggest a visit to the medieval jewels of Tuscany, San Gimignano and Siena.

Depart for San Gimignano the medieval town of towers. The city gained its prominence due to its location, rising from the hills of the upper Elsa Valley, facing the land of Volterra and positioned right on one of the most important stretches of the medieval via Francigena. It is one of the most charming and picturesque of all the Tuscan hill towns. The towers dominate the town in the manner of skyscrapers in our modern cities. At one time there were more than 70 towers, built as symbols of wealth and as a security precaution by the town's prosperous merchants, but only 14 remain today. 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.

Return to Siena for time to visit.  Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, while the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St. Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks.

Famed for the "Palio", the annual historic horse-races, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.

Return to your accommodations in Siena in the evening.

Day 5: Siena to Assisi via Val D'Orcia

This morning after checking out of your hotel, we suggest an excursion through the picturesque Val d'Orcia: Italy's 'Golden Valley'. This area's naturally beautiful landscape was sculpted during the Renaissance not only to meet agricultural needs but also to reflect the aesthetic sense of the period, and this concept has been maintained to the present day. Your first stop will be the small but fascinating town of Pienza, famous for the cheese, built almost entirely during the renaissance where we will witness one of the first examples of modern urban planning.

You will visit a local cheese laboratory to witness the traditional methods still used to produce high quality products.  You will have a chance to taste the delicious cheese.

Continue to  Montepulciano home of the  famous Nobile wine, a mellow-flavored red with a mildly floral aroma.

Make your way to Assisi in the neighbouring province of Umbria.  Check in to your charming accommodations.

You will stop here for a quick sampling of local cheeses.

Hotel: Le Dimore di San Crispino (or similar star rating hotel)

Day 6: Assisi and Perugia

Today we suggest that you take time discovering the beautiful town of Assisi.  

In Assisi, time seems to have stopped.   The Middle Ages continue to reign supreme and the streets of Assisi are typical of medieval towns set on a hillside. The entire town center is enclosed within the city walls, a sign and guarantee of safety.

Exploring the town and enjoying the views are only precursors to the wonderful Basilica of St. Francis.  We will arrange a private local guide to visit the stunning Basilica with works by Giotto, Cimabue and Lorenzetti.  

Later in the day you may also want to take the short drive to the beautiful city of Perugia one of Italy's best preserved medieval towns, with a long-standing cultural and artistic tradition that continues to this day. 

Return to your accommodations in Assisi in the evening.

Day 7: Spoleto and Todi

Today you will visit two extraordinary towns in Umbria.

Spoleto, home of the annual music and opera "Festival of the two worlds" held in June and early July. The hilltown has a fine cathedral, interesting sights and beautiful walks. 

The Duomo, a mixture of styles  is one of the finest sights. Its apse was frescoed by Fra Filippo Lippi, whose tomb lies in the church. 

Spoleto's Roman ruins include a Roman theatre. There are also two Roman arches visible, the Arco Romano and the Arco di Druso, and a Casa Romana or Roman house - an atmospheric spot with attractive mosaics.

Proceed to the medieval hill town of Todi. Perched on a tall two-crested hill overlooking the east bank of the river Tiber, commanding distant views in every direction. The name means "border", being the city located on the frontier with the Etruscan lands.

Almost all Todi's main medieval monuments face the main square.  The piazza is thus one of the most picturesque in Italy and is often used as a movie set

Return to your accommodations in Assisi in the evening.  

Day 8: Departure or continue your stay

This morning check out from your hotel in Assisi and return your car at the car rental depot. You can decide to end your tour here or continue with another of our self drive itineraries or add some nights in Rome , Florence or in another city.