Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. The most is start from Florence then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimgnano and Lucca.
Departure from your home town, flight to land in Florence.
Upon arrive, meet and transfer to check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Pick up at hotel and start the most complete and thrilling guided walking tour: Will visit the peculiar Central market zone, characterized by its workshops and multi-coloured stalls, where the Medici Chapels, and Basilica di S. Lorenzo, the church of Medici’s Family, are located.
In a short time, Then visit to Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the Cathedral (interior visit*) and its dome by Brunelleschi, the bell-tower by Giotto and Saint John Baptistery with its Paradise Door (exterior visit). Then continues by visiting the medieval quarters where Dante Alighieri and Beatrice lived.
Further on you can find Palazzo del Bargello. Not too far, there is Piazza della Signoria, a great “open-air sculpture museum”, overlooked by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Next to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world. Then go to the picturesque Mercato della Paglia (Straw market), where the famous Piglet Fountain is located. You walk along the street that leads to Ponte Vecchio, the “Jewels Bridge”.
By crossing the bridge, you will reach the wonderful Pitti Palace where the tour ends.
Inside Orsanmichele Church you can admire the famous Tabernacle by Orcagna, the Altar of Saint Anna by Francesco da San Gallo and other amazing Medieval and Renaissance artwork pieces.
After sightseeing, back to hotel. Free and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel. Meet at Stazione Leopolda, Florence. Start the tour
The first stop is San Gimignano, a picturesque medieval hilltop town now a Unesco world heritage site. Here you have a couple of hours to wander the historic streets, quaint squares, 15 towers and alleyways to explore the charm inside the town’s walls. Next head on to the Chianti Classico region – the oldest and most genuine area. We make a break at a typical Tuscan winery where you visit the cellars and vineyards. Taste the wine produced here complemented by a delicious typical lunch consisting of Tuscan pasta, cold meats, bruschetta, cheeses and typical pastries (vegetarian menu available upon request).
After lunch we continue to Siena, a city nestled amongst three hills, for a guided tour of the city centre. Admire the Gothic cathedral, town hall and Piazza del Campo; the location of the world renowned Palio horse race. The tour end with a visit to the dramatic medieval fortress of Monteriggioni before returning to Florence.
Back to Florence. Free and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning meet at Piazzale Montelungo. The tour first bring you to world-famous Pisa, where you can explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. This medieval walled space encompasses Pisa's most iconic attraction, the Leaning Tower (from outside). This campanile, or freestanding bell tower, began to tilt during construction, owing to an inadequate foundation on land too soft to support the tower’s weight. You will also get a chance to admire the intricate details of the Baptistery of St John (from outside), constructed between 1152 and 1363 to house the baptismal font. Afterwards, recharge your batteries with free time for lunch (not included).
After lunch, transfer to picturesque Lucca, situated on a fertile plain where the River Serchio broadens before it enters the Tyrrhenian Sea. Founded by the ancient Etruscans before passing on to the Romans, the rectangular grid of the historical centre still preserves the original Roman street plan, but now features many beautiful medieval and Renaissance era buildings. Visit the quaint and peaceful Anfiteatro Square, the tall brick Guinigi Tower featuring a beautiful hanging garden on the roof and the huge dome of the cathedral, decorated with glorious frescoes suffused with golden light. Stroll down one of the typical antique dealer streets, before rounding off your day with buccellato, the local soft sweet bread filled with sultanas and aniseed.
Then transfer back to Florence and drop off at Piazzale Montelungo. Back to hotel, free and overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel. Morning meet at Piazza dell'Unità Italiana. Steep terraces adorned with colourful homes and vineyards await after a comfortable coach journey from Florence. On arrival set sail in a quaint public boat along the coast; breathing in the fresh sea air and admiring a view like no other. See the Gulf of Poets as well as other parts of the coast dominated by green hills, vivid villages and clear waters.
Our cruise takes you to the town of Portovenere where fishermen’s boats dock daintily by the beach with colourful homes peppering the scenery and an old castle looming on the horizon. Enjoy some free time here before continuing the cruise along Cinque Terre to Monterosso. Have lunch, swim, stroll, shop or even join your guide on an optional hike into the Cinque Terre mainland for a different perspective of terraced vineyards, olive groves and spectacular viewpoints.
Enjoy some free time to wander around Portovenere, Monterosso and Manarola at your own leisure. At this point you’ll certainly be quite satiated, especially after seeing the prettiest small harbour in the world. But you haven’t finished quite yet, not until you reach the final destination, Manarola. Here you’ll be dazzled with views of the tiny harbour, full of colourful boats and vibrant natural formations. Once more, feel free to take your time to amble around the area at your own pace and discover everything fate has in store for just you.
Return to Florence after the tour. Drop off at Piazza dell'Unità Italiana. Back to hotel. Free and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel. Check out.
Transfer to Florence airport, board the flight return to your home town.