Classic Tuscany tour with private villa

Florence - San Gimignano

Day 1: Welcome to Tuscany!

Welcome to Italy! Pick up your rental car and make your way to your private villa, your base for exploring Tuscany's many highlights over the coming days. Spacious, private and featuring a swimming pool, these villas are perfect for resting and relaxing away from the crowds; for this itinerary, we'd recommend choosing a villa in the San Gimignano area.

After enjoying some rest in your villa, head out for a tour of San Gimignano, to enjoy complete immersion into a 1300s borgo ambience. Admire the spectacular towers that watch over the town, which experienced a period of economic wealth and artistic flourish thanks to the merchants and pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena, through San Gimignano. This is the Tuscany that travelers love most, set amidst fields of golden grain, vineyards, and ancient hamlets.

Siena - Monteriggioni - Colle Di Val D'elsa

Day 2: Explore the sights of Siena & beyond

Today you'll take a walking tour of Siena, one of the most fascinating Tuscan cities weaving centuries of history, battles and art. Stroll through the most beautiful corners, squares and streets, marvel at the Basilica of San Domenico and Piazza del Campo, and follow the footsteps of pilgrims from the Middle Ages.

Next you'll journey to the Val d'Elsa, where you'll find many off-the-beaten-path hamlets to explore at leisure. If you have time, don't miss the towns of Colle di Val d'Elsa and Casole d'Elsa, two delightful hidden jewels. You'll also pay a visit to Monteriggioni, a perfectly-preserved fortified village where you can walk on the city walls to soak up views of the Tuscan countryside.

Florence

Day 3: Fantastic food & sightseeing in Florence

Today you'll journey into Florence, to learn how to prepare a traditional Tuscan meal during a four-hour cooking class! Meet your group on via Ricasoli in the morning, and head to the Mercato Centrale Firenze in search of fresh produce and ingredients to make the best dishes. You’ll then head to a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare your meal: an authentic four-course lunch which usually consists of bruschetta, a fresh pasta dish made from scratch, a main course, and dessert.

Savor your creations alongside some Chianti wine, before continuing your day with some time wandering through Florence at your own pace. The city's medieval streets are truly captivating. Discover the iconic cathedral, Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery, cross the River Arno along Ponte Vecchio, or climb up to San Miniato al Monte to admire the sunset.

Montalcino - Bagno Vignoni - Pienza

Day 4: From wine to hot springs: leisurely pursuits await!

Montalcino is home to one of Italy's finest wines: the Brunello. Today, on a visit to the renowned Fanti vineyard and winery in the valley of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the cellar followed by a tasting of the estate wines and extra virgin olive oil.

Next, you'll make a trip to Bagno Vignoni, whose central square uniquely features a pool filled with hot spring water. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and towel along for a day of enjoying the hot springs and surrounding spas. This is also a good place to settle down for lunch and savor local specialties.

Lastly, you'll pay a visit to Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which overlooks the Val d’Orcia. The first example of an ideal Renaissance city, its old walls and buildings are full of atmosphere and romance. Be sure to walk along the ancient walls for fantastic views over the Val d’Orcia.

Pisa - Lucca

Day 5: The many charms of Pisa & Lucca

Begin the day's adventures with a trip to Pisa, a world-famous town north of Florence that's home to the iconic Leaning Tower. There you'll get to visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and monumental graveyard.

It's then on to the charms of Lucca, an unmissable Tuscan destination which, despite its relatively small size, hosts amazing monuments dating from the Roman Age to the Renaissance period. Wander along its city walls, which can easily be explored by bike, and don't miss a trip to the San Michele in Foro Church, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Duomo di San Martino. Soak up all the highlights on an intriguing guided walking and cycling tour, which is expected to last about two hours in total.

Greve In Chianti - Castellina In Chianti

Day 6: Tantalize your taste buds in Chianti

The Chianti area is known across the globe for its vineyards, charming hamlets, ancient castles and churches, and of course, its wines! The easiest way to explore the area is by following the Chianti Wine Road. Along the way, you could stop in Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, and the tiny yet beautiful Volpaia village, often used as a movie set.

As part of the day's excursions, you'll enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch at Tenute Squarcialupi, the perfect place for sampling many varieties of Chianti alongside locally-produced food. Start with a welcome glass of white wine, before touring ancient cellars dating back to the 15th century. Learn about the winery's history and current production methods, before settling down for lunch in a traditional taverna - the cold cuts, cheeses, home-made pasta and accompanying wines will delight any palate!

Volterra

Day 7: A day at leisure

You'll have a free day to enjoy at leisure, so make the most of it! For further sightseeing, an obvious choice is Volterra - a spectacular Etruscan town just 40 minutes' drive from San Gimignano. Alternatively, spend the day in Florence, wandering down old streets and hopping across fantastic museums. Of course, you can always choose to just stay at your villa, for some time by the swimming pool and enjoying the dolce vita.

Florence

Day 8: Farewell, Italy

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out of your villa and driving to the airport, where you will return your rental car and catch your flight back home. Thank you for spending time amidst the charms of Tuscany, and be sure to visit again soon!