Sample itinirary -Tuscany, Italy

"MUST SEE TUSCANY"
6 Days / 5 nights

Highlights Florence - Siena - Pisa - San Gimignano - Carrara - Chianti Region
Days / Nights 6 Days / 5 Nights
Ideal For Ideal for all! Families with children, nature, art and/or wine lovers
Day 1
Florence
Arrive in Florence by air, car or rail. You will be transferred to your hotel where a welcome bottle of Chianti wine will be waiting for you in your room. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 2
Florence
Breakfast at hotel.
This morning you will meet your local guide who will walk you through Florence’s historical center bringing the Renaissance back to life during this full day tour.

You will admire the Duomo and the Baptistry, walk down Via dei Calzaiuoli,  visit the Accademia to admire Michaelangelo’s masterpiece David, discover Italy’s masterpiece paintings in the Uffizzi Gallery and visit the breathtaking Santa Croce church, known as the Westminster Abbey of Italy because of the many famous personalities buried in tombs that can only be described as true works of art.

There will be free time for lunch which is on your own.
This evening dinner will be included in a typical Florentine restaurant. Overnight in Hotel.  

Day 3
Chianti Region

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Florence to do some shopping (excellent for gold and leather), stroll through the streets and do some private sightseeing or simply sleep in.

After lunch (on your own) you will depart for the region of Chianti, one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, with its soft rolling hills, villas, castles and picturesque wineries.

The afternoon will be dedicated to Mother Nature her fruits. You will enjoy a guided nature walk through vineyards and olive groves, learn how these are grown and cared for and then culminate the day with a guided visit to a wine cellar in a Medieval Castle.

Here you will learn how the world famous Chianti wine is made, what the DOC and DOCG regulations mean and how these labels are obtained. You will  be able to taste selection of  4 wines which are accompanied by a selection of local hams or salamis, local cheeses and typical Tuscan bruschettas.

Return to Florence  in the evening for dinner  (on your own) and dinner. Overnight in Hotel.

tuscany_motor_tour
Day 4
San Giminiano and Siena

After breakfast meet your local guide and driver for an exciting day visiting two of Tuscany’s most loved towns: San Gimignano and Siena.

After a short ride (just under one hour) you will arrive in the historic town of San Gimignano with its unique skyline boasting 14 medieval towers. Declared by UNESCO as part of the World's Architectural Heritage, this ancient town dominates the Elsa Valley from its position on top of a hill.

Lunch is included in a typical Tuscan “Trattoria” where you will be served regional specialties.

The visit in Siena includes the magnificent Piazza del Campo where the ancient Palio horse race is held 2 times every Summer and the magnificent cathedral Il Duomo one of the great examples of Italian Romanesque architecture.
In the late afternoon return to Florence. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 5  
Carrara & Pisa

Following breakfast you will drive to Massa Carrara famous for what is known as “White Gold”, Carrara Marble. It is from these hills that Michaelangelo chose his marble which he later sculpted into his masterpieces and it is here that artists still come to to  choose the best pieces. You will visit an authentic Cave and truly get an understanding of the tolis and perils of Marble Mining. Here you will also be able to admire some of the most beautiful marble artifacts ever made.

Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant that is still used by the local marble artisans for their daily meals.

After lunch continue on to Pisa for a visit to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Here you will marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa as well as the other buildings that make up the Piazza: The Duomo (Cathedral) the Battistero (Baptistry) and the Camposanto (the monumental cemetery).

Return to Florence for overnight in Hotel.

Day 6
DEPART FLORENCE
Depart Florence. Transfer included to airport or Rail Station
 
Last Update: 17-lug-07