We Love —
- Uncover the tranquil soul of Italy, Tuscany, where you will get to know not only the landscapes of this idyllic region but also its culture and history.
- Discover Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, the Chiani region, Florence, Siena and Lucca with your fantastic tour, taking you to all the must-see's at each destination.
- Stay in two charming hotels along the way with meals included as per your itinerary, then during your tour, enjoy an alabaster workshop and vineyard visit, the latter of which includes a wine tasting!
Your Destination —
But arguably the most spectacular thing about Tuscany is the breathtaking scenery. Central Tuscany is dotted with medieval hilltop fortresses, vine-planted hillsides and sculptural stands of cypress trees; the northwest and east harbour boast dramatic mountain ranges and fecund forests, and the central and southern coasts feature a garland of islands floating tantalisingly close to a shoreline teeming with wildlife. The range of outdoor activities on offer is equally diverse, contributing to the region's reputation as a repository of grand-slam sights and experiences unmatched anywhere in the world.
Your Itinerary In Brief —
3-night stay in a Standard Room at the Grand Hotel Duomo in Pisa
4-night stay in a Standard Room at the Villa Casafrassi in Castellina in Chianti
Your Itinerary —
On this Tuscany experience, you will travel to two charming hotels and enjoy a host of facilities as well as exclusive treats throughout your stay. Along the way, make the most of your location and visit a host of sensational cities and discover incredible sites.
Upon arrival in Pisa airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Pisa. You will then check in at the hotel and have a meeting with you tour escort in the evening at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Pisa (Wednesday)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet with the guide at the hotel for the walking tour of Pisa. Discover the monuments of Pisa, like the Piazza dei Miracoli. Be dazzled by this marvellous square which is dominated by the Cathedral. Admire the celebrated 'Leaning Tower', a round-shaped Baptistery surrounded by its suggestive columned arcades. From there, you'll head for Piazza dei Cavalieri, the central civic square of medieval Pisa with Italy's academic showpiece, the Scuola Normale Superiore. Pass by the Piazza Dante and Pisa's State University where Galileo Galilei taught, you'll reach the Arno river, flanked by medieval palaces, and the Piazza Garibaldi. In the afternoon, spend some time at leisure for your own personal visit of the city or enjoy any optional tours. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart by private coach to Volterra. One of the most important city-states of Etruscan civilisation, it offers one of the most intact medieval villages of Tuscany, characterised by numerous tower houses, by splendid palaces and last but not least by the Duomo, that houses a surprising number of first rate art ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Also known for its alabaster, you will have the chance to visit an alabaster workshop.
Following this you will have free time for lunch in Volterra. You will then depart for San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures. You will continue your journey to Castellina in Chianti, situated 47 km from Florence. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Florence (Friday)
This morning after breakfast, you will depart for Florence. Upon arrival in the city, you will be transferred to the city centre by public transportation. Enjoy a full day visit to the capital of the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided tour of the Duomo complex: Giotto’s bell tower (exterior visit), the Baptistry (exterior visit) with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso and the visit to the Cathedral (exterior visit) with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi.
You will then have free time at your disposal for lunch. Following this, take a short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florenc, bringing you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi. The tour then continues with the “Oltrarno” area (left side of the river Arno), famous for its handcraft shops. The Florentine tradition of producing artisan goods has been ongoing for centuries and today remains one of the cornerstones of Florence's visual and social history, as it did in the times of the guilds. Following this, you will have time at your disposal for dinner on your own in Florence. After dinner, return back to the coach by public transportation, and then to the hotel by private coach. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast in hotel, you will get to enjoy a free day at leisure for optional activities or to relax in the comfort of your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Chianti region - Siena (Sunday)
After breakfast, you will depart for a beautiful excursion to delightful hills of the Chianti countryside with an ever changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. In the morning, stop at a local farm for a visit to the vineyard, to the cellars and for a wine tasting. Upon arrival in Siena, take a guided tour of the old city centre. Enjoy walking along the small medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and ending up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful in the world, where you will find the Palazzo del Comune (exterior). Dinner and overnight in hotel
Following breakfast in hotel, you will depart for Lucca, the city that gave birth Giacomo Puccini. This city presents itself today as one of the best preserved historic centres in all of Tuscany. You will start your discovery with the beautiful tree-lined walls that characterises this charming town. The first destination of the guided tour is the Cathedral which houses the famous Volto Santo and the splendid marble funeral monument of Ilaria del Carretto created by Jacopo della Quercia. Walking through the medieval alleys you will reach the majestic Guinigi Tower, a true symbol of Lucca. A few steps from here is the famous Piazza Anfiteatro, by many considered to be the most beautiful square of Lucca. You will then have free time at your disposal for lunch. In the afternoon you will head back to to Pisa. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Depart from Pisa (Tuesday)
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will take a transfer to Pisa Airport for your return flight.
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following four-star hotels in a Standard Room with daily breakfast and 3 dinners.
Grand Hotel Duomo, Pisa
Sleeps up to
Villa Casafrassi
Sleeps up to
Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Journey in Italy —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Transportation for the activities included in the itinerary and arrival and departure transfers are included with this offer.
For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.
