Day 1 Florence - Lucca
Your introduction to Italy begins with an in-depth guided walking tour of Florence. Then, it’s off to leafy Lucca, where cobbled streets and red-roofed buildings await. When we get there, we’ll learn about its fascinating history and fine architecture as we go beyond the city walls. Tonight, we’ll come together for the first of our delicious dinners at a local osteria. (D)
Day 2 Lucca – Cinque Terre - Lucca
Rocky coastline. Romantic candy coloured villages. It’s time to explore the Italian Riviera’s sublime shoreline. Our route brings us to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tour highlight. After time spent discovering this beautiful area, we’ll return to Lucca. (B)
Day 3 Lucca - Pisa– Volterra
Infamous and impossible to miss, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a staggering sight and our first port of call today. Afterwards, we’ll travel on to Volterra, where you’ll have the chance to explore the town at your own leisure. Perched on a plateau, this magnificent and mysterious medieval walled town is our home for the night. There’s plenty of time for you to discover its unique character this evening. (B)
Day 4 Volterra – San Gimignano - Siena – Pienza
Today we’ll make tracks to San Gimignano, home to a magnificent piazza, meandering stepped streets
and some beautifully preserved architecture. Here, we’ll visit Gelateria Dondoli to sample the creations of a
master gelato maker, before carrying on to Fattoria San Donato for an indulgent wine tasting complete with
bruschetta and local meats. After taking in the town’s head-turning historic centre, we’ll continue to Pienza
with a stop at Siena along the way. Tonight, the evening is all yours. (B)
Day 5 Pienza - Tuscany
Pienza’s timeless charm and enchanting rural backdrop make it a serene spot to spend this morning on foot with your Tour Leader. After, we’ll sample some handcrafted Pecorino cheese and world-class wine. Driving onwards through the Chianti countryside, another gem awaits: a Tuscan country house that we’ll call home for the next two nights. (B,D)
Day 6 Tuscany
Rise and shine! Today you’re cordially invited to the kitchen, where we’ll roll up our sleeves and put on our
aprons. The villa’s chef will treat us to an exclusive lesson in making Tuscan delicacies before we sit down
to savour the fruits of our labours for lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Tuscany – Florence
Sadly, we have to say goodbye to our villa this morning – but there’s one more treat in store. On our way back to romantic Florence, we’ll stop off at an oil mill for a guided tour, olive oil tasting and light lunch. All in all, it’s a fitting end to a tour celebrating the natural beauty and culinary traditions of Tuscany. (B,L)
This tour can be combined with Slow Food Tour of Puglia and/or Sail the Bay of Naples.
Call for details.