Tuscany and Beyond:
A 9 Day Tour
We will explore Chianti with its olive groves, vineyards, medieval towns and earthy farmhouses. We will have one home base: the Renaissance city of Florence. We will venture to Venice for a day, and soak in the sinking city’s atmosphere by cruising the Grand Canal and exploring its meandering narrow lanes. A day on the Italian Riviera will allow us to explore Cinque Terre: a string of five fishing villages nestled along the Mediterranean Sea and connected by walking paths. Visits of Siena, San Gimignano included.
Your Tour Includes:
All Hotel Accommodations
Breakfast every morning
Most day trips listed (Chianti vineyard, San Gimignano, Siena, Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence) The Rome day trip is additional ($325).
Services of a tour director 24/7
Services of local historians/guides in Florence, Siena and Rome.
Note that lunches and dinners are not included. Nor are Museum entrance fees.
Your Adventure Awaits:
Day 1: Travel day
We’ll see you on the other side of the Atlantic.
Day 2: Florence walking tour
Arrive in Florence, our home base for the rest of the tour. So unpack your suitcase, make yourself at home, because this is HOME for the length of our vacation. Get together at 5:30 p.m. for our evening discovery of Florence. Our local historian will give you a solid overview of this charming city: Piazza Del Duomo, Santa Croce, The Uffizzi, The Palazzo Vecchio and so much more. Dinner together.
Day 3: Vineyard visit, luncheon and wine tasting, San Gimignano
Today we’ll roam through the Tuscan countryside past olive groves, vineyards, and sleepy villages. We’ll spend most of the day at Villa Pillo, in its vineyards, cellars, and enjoy a wine tasting with a typical Tuscan luncheon. Visit of San Gimignano, another enchanting destination. Take the time to linger, indulge in their delicious gelato, look for photo opportunities, explore at your own pace.
Day 4: Bustling Rome (Optional day trip to Rome)
Day trip to Rome to visit the highlights: the Coliseum, the Forum, and Vatican City. Late return home to Florence. Additional cost for this day trip ($325 to cover high speed train, “cut the line” entrance fees to Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, the Forum and pass to the Coliseum). We will cover the guide’s wages for a full day, subway tickets and taxi expenses between the Vatican and the Coliseum.
Day 5: Venice
Rise and shine…Today we’re going to Venice, the sinking city. A boat ride through the Grand Canal is a must, so as soon as we exit the train station we’ll hop on a water taxi; then we’ll enjoy free time in this timeless city…there is much to see and do: visit the Dodge’s palace, St. Mark’s cathedral, go to the top of the Campanile tower, take a gondola ride, or all of the above…the choice is yours.
Strolling through the leather markets
Day 6: Free day
Free day in Florence. This is your chance to visit its museums, the Pitti Palace and enjoy the architecture of this delightful city. Its Renaissance style buildings will charm you, over and over. If museums are not your cup of tea, we’ll help you take a day trip elsewhere: Pisa, Luca, Perugia, or ??
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Another fun escapade has been planned for today: we’ll head to the Italian Riviera and hike through the hills to the seaside villages of Cinque Terre. Natural beauty you won’t forget.
Day 8: Siena
We’ll walk through its XIIIth century streets with our guide, seeing its palaces, churches & squares. You will learn about Siena’s past based on banking, the influence of neighborhood families even today, and the big Palio race that takes place in the heart of town every year. You will fall in love with Siena. Evening event together (Cooking class)😊.
Day 9: Return home
Time to bid your newfound friends goodbye.
See you soon on another adventure abroad!
Self guided extension to other destinations possible..
Next Departure:
*Land package per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional
