Florence | Splendours of Florence & Tuscany Wine & Gourmet Tour

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Discover Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Italy’s famed Chianti area. Explore a region of sprawling vineyards, rolling hills, charming old cities, masterpieces of art and gourmandize. Visit wineries and sample excellent wines, rare cold cuts, cheese & olive oil, and shop for delicacies in the many food shops!  

Day 1: Florence

Arriving in Florence you’ll find your private driver waiting to bring you comfortably to your hotel located in the very heart of the city and within easy walking distance of Florence’s most important sites. Check-in, relax and then perhaps set out again to start exploring this historic city, often referred to as the 'Cradle of Renaissance'.  

Day 2 Florence | Chianti & Wine Tasting

The morning is free to enjoy as you choose. Take a leisurely stroll across the Arno River on Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge best known for the tiny goldsmiths & jewellers stores built on its arches, browse for souvenirs at the 16th-century Loggia del Porcellino arcade or simply relax and people watch while sipping your favourite drink at one of the sidewalk cafés that line Piazza della Signoria square.
In the afternoon, set out on a guided tour to discover the traditions of the Tuscan countryside, enjoy breathtaking landscapes of vineyards & olive groves, and taste famous wines along with typical Tuscan products. During this comprehensive experience, you'll visit one of the most fascinating areas of Tuscany, known all over the world for its wine and its countryside of unrivalled charm, where woods alternate with vineyards and olive groves in a landscape dotted with Romanesque parish churches, farmhouses, villas and castles of rare beauty. The first stop of your tour will be in the heart of the Florentine Chianti Classico, at a small cozy Winery where guided by the owner, you will discover the secrets of winemaking and enjoy a tasting of the best wines produced, accompanied by local products. Continuing along the historical "Via Chiantigiana", you will then cross the Sienese Chianti Classico area, admiring the breathtaking views of the rolling hills that made this part of Tuscany so famous, before reaching a family-run Winery renowned for the excellent quality of its wines. Here you will be welcomed by its passionate winemaker with an introductory walk through the vineyards. A guided tour of the cellars and the lovely aromatic garden will also be waiting for you, followed by a tasting of four different wines and unique local products that you can find only here, before returning to Florence in the early evening. (B) 

Day 3 Florence | Accademia Gallery & Florence Walking Tour

This morning, skip the line to enjoy at your own pace the beautiful Accademia Gallery, one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Among other wonderful masterpieces, you will be able to admire works of art by Michelangelo including his most famous work, David, as well as other important works of art such as“I Prigioni” and “San Matteo”. The young Michelangelo carved the David from a huge block of rough marble in three years, creating an imposing sculpture of absolute beauty, an icon of the renaissance model. He depicted a magnificent nude young man at the height of his physical vigour, whose intense expression of strength and courage, which originated from absolute faith in God, roses as a symbol of power and invincibility of the Florentine Republic at the time of its maximum splendour. Then discover the best of Florence with a friendly professional guide. Starting from the very heart of Florence, just a few steps from Piazza Signoria, your guide will take you on an exciting journey through time, revealing the history, anecdotes & secrets kept in this wonderful city from the still visible traces of the Roman foundation of the city (in 59 BC), to the Middle Ages and up to the glorious Renaissance, a period in which Florence was ruled by the powerful Medici family. You will admire the most iconic squares and monuments of Florence among noble palaces and artisan shops. Discover the spectacular Piazza della Signoria dominated by the majestic Palazzo Vecchio, the Renaissance Palazzo Strozzi, the iconic and picturesque Ponte Vecchio, the district of the Medici family with the ancient Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels, and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, their first residence. And you'll surely be amazed by the beauty of the monumental complex of the Duomo, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the famous Brunelleschi's Dome, the elegant Giotto's Bell Tower, and the beautiful Romanesque Baptistery of San Giovanni. The guided walking tour last minutes 90 minutes and the remainder of the day is free to enjoy as you choose. (B)

Day 4 Florence | San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni & Chianti Wines

Today set out on a memorable journey starting with the charming San Gimignano, world famous walled town located on a hilltop, which remained intact through the centuries, renowned for its tall towers, wonderful frescoes, and many other valuable works of art. Here the tour leader will lead you to the historical center, where you will have around 2 hours of free time for a fascinating discovery. A short distance from San Gimignano we will stop at the charming historical hamlet of Monteriggioni (*), an amazing small medieval village enclosed by its famous walls, which remain standing to this day. Free time to explore. From Monteriggioni, crossing the gently Chianti rolling hills, a short ride will take you to a cozy Winery, where you can relax and enjoy the fantastic world of Chianti with its wine and typical products. You'll taste three fine wines, and balsamic vinegar and enjoy a Chianti-style lunch: 3 courses with “zero food miles” products which ends with "cantucci e vin santo". Later on, getting to Siena, you will meet your professional local guide who will lead you on a comprehensive walking tour of the historic centre. Starting from the Basilica of San Domenico, a jewel of Renaissance art built in the 13th century and dedicated to St. Catherine of Siena, you'll stroll along the narrow medieval streets of the city, flanked by splendid palaces and historic shops, to reach the famous Piazza del Campo, of which the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall) is the focal point. The walk continues to the spectacular Cathedral of the 12th century (inside visit if option selected), of which you can admire the magnificent architecture and the splendour of the polychrome marbles. You will also have some free time to end your perfect day enjoying the unique atmosphere of this amazing city, before the return to Florence in the evening.  (B.L)

Day 5 Florence | Cooking Class & Market Visit

This morning's experience will be a Cooking Course with a Visit to Florence's Central Market followed by lunch. During this course you can learn to cook a typical everyday Tuscan meal, starting off by choosing the ingredients in season. Under the expert guidance of a multilingual chef, you will visit the historic San Lorenzo central market, to select the ingredients that you will then use to prepare a four-course meal (starter, first course, second course, and dessert) in a top class cookery school. The cooking class will be followed by lunch, when you savour the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a good Tuscan wine in an amusing, friendly atmosphere of no more than 15 participants per chef. The afternoon is at your leisure. (B.L) 

Day 6 Florence

Today marks the end of your Resplendent Florence & Tuscany Tour. At a time to suit your departing flight make your way to the airport or railway station to begin your journey home. Arrivederci! (B)

Daily departures

Some excursions included in this tour do not operate daily and itinerary will be modified to suit.