Tuscany Highlights, Private Tour

Drive through some of Italy's most iconic region on this eight-day tour that takes you through Lucca, Siena and Florence. Tuscany is brimming with secluded valleys, magnificent rolling hills and majestic medieval villages boasting bustling restaurants, piazzas and ancient narrow cobble-stoned streets. Its rich landscape is complemented by towns overflowing with Renaissance art and architecture.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Pisa: one of Italy’s most visited cities, a vibrant college town, home of the world famous Leaning Tower, a unique masterpiece located in Piazza dei Miracoli, accompanied by the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Learn about its peculiar history and discover Pisa and its marvellous artistic attractions.

Siena: one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy, honouring the Gothic architecture with its one of a kind main square, Piazza del Campo.

Florence: a living city with an eclectic cultural life that embraces opera, classical music and contemporary art. Also known as the cradle of the Renaissance, is one of Europe’s great art cities.

Day 1: ARRIVAL FLORENCE – LUCCA (70km – 40min)

Meet your driver at Florence airport and depart to Lucca. Check in at your hotel and in the afternoon meet the guide for a half day tour to discover the city. Lucca is a city, fortunately not included too much in the routes of mass tourism in Tuscany. Miraculously preserved from the attacks of the years, retains its medieval character. Enjoy the Guinigi’s Tower, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the Dome of San Martino. (In case of late arrival the city tour will be arranged for the following day).

Overnight in Lucca.

Day 2: LUCCA – PISA – LUCCA (50km – 1hr)

After breakfast meet the driver and depart to Pisa where you meet your guide in Piazza dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo). One of the most famous squares in the world where on a huge esplanade you will find the Leaning Tower, the 58 m high campanile which is the symbol of Pisa. Its famous inclination has made it one of the most visited monuments in the world. A successful example of Pisan Romanesque art, it is surrounded by six floors of galleries which seem to unfold in a light spiral. Bonanno Pisano began its construction in 1173 and it was a century later that Giovanni di Simone tried to correct its inclination without, however, being able to complete his work. The Baptistery: this majestic circular building (110 m in circumference) is covered with a singular dome, ending in the shape of a small, truncated pyramid and topped with a statue of Saint John the Baptist. Inside, a beautiful octagonal baptismal font, a work made in 1246 by Guido Bigarelli, and an admirable pulpit sculpted in 1260 by Nicola Pisano. The frescoes in the Monumental Cemetery: in the northern part of the Place des Miracles there are superb frescoes including the famous Triumph of Death attributed to Buffalmacco. After the tour return to Lucca.

Overnight in Lucca.

Day 3: LUCCA – SIENA (150km – 1.5hrs)

After breakfast meet the driver and depart to Siena. In the afternoon meet your guide to discover the city. Perched on its three hills, Siena appears like a red jewel in the heart of the vegetation. Once a rival of Florence, this city of art and culture has nevertheless kept its traditional identity. The city is indeed dotted with symbols evoking its power and its past. You will visit Piazza del Campo: main square of the city, this place is known both for its curved shape and its leaning floor like an amphitheater but also for Siena's most popular attraction, the Palio. This horse race takes place twice a year, in July and August, and opposes the 17 contrades of the city. In Piazza del Campo, don't miss a visit to the Palazzo Pubblico and its tower. Climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. The Duomo di Siena Cathedral is an impressive Gothic construction erected between 1214 and 1263. The building is decorated with blocks of white marble as well as green and black bands representing the colors of the city. We advise you to opt for the "Opa Si Pass" which will allow you to access all the spaces of the Duomo: the cathedral, the crypt, the baptistery, the museum dell'Opera and the Facciatone.

Overnight in Siena.

Day 4: SIENA – CHIANTI – SIENA (150km – 1.5hrs)

Today visit the beautiful Chianti region and admire the magnificent landscapes of Tuscany that you have certainly always dreamed of. The beautiful ruby colour and the distinctive fragrance with hints of violet are the hallmarks of one of the most famous wines in the world: Chianti. This wine blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Canaiolo, takes its name from the hilly region where it is produced. The sounds, smells and tastes of this land will capture your senses through a unique experience, enjoyed by visiting ancient churches, medieval castles and small villages where the pace of life has remained unchanged over time. The excursion continues with a visit to a charming winery. A guided tour of the cellars is planned to help you discover all the stages of wine production. It will then be possible to taste wines from the estate as well as charcuterie, a few “bruschette” and sausages. You will visit the fortified villages of Monteriggioni where there are many small shops selling typical products and elegant cafés where you can stop for a coffee or an ice cream.

Overnight in Siena.

Day 5: SIENA

Enjoy your day at leisure visiting the surroundings of Siena. You can take the train and reach Buonconvento, San Gimignano or Rapolano Terme.

Overnight in Siena.

Day 6: SIENA – FLORENCE (90km – 1.2hrs)

After breakfast meet your driver and depart towards Florence. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Visit on your own city centre and discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with the baptistery, Giotto’s Tower and Brunelleschi’s Dome. At sunset take a walk along the Arno river. Admire The Ponte Vecchio: stroll along this emblem of Florence to visit all the craft shops, including the famous goldsmiths. Walk through the Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, a stone's throw from the Uffizi Palace and Piazza de la Signoria, where you can stop for an aperitif or dinner.

Overnight in Florence. 

Day 7: FLORENCE

After breakfast meet your guide at the hotel and go to discover Florence. Florence is the city of the Renaissance and of Italian art and thanks to its artistic heritage, it is one of the cities most visited in the world. You will take a guided visit of the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery passing by Piazza della Signoria, the most important square in the city, with the Palazzo Vecchio, attached to the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Fountain of Neptune, and the replica of Michelangelo's David, the original of which is in the Museum of the Academy.

Overnight in Florence. 

Day 8: FLORENCE DEPARURE (15km – 30min)

After breakfast at the agreed time you will be taken to the airport for your return flight.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.