Florence, A Historic City
Fall in love with the beauty of Florence, the home of Renaissance art and architecture in Tuscany. Choose between a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery or climb the 463 steps of the Duomo to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Spend your free time visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David, exploring the many medieval cathedrals or just simply wandering the cobblestoned streets discovering the local charm of this city.
Tuscan Towns
Discover the beauty of Tuscany on a guided day trip to three of it’s most iconic cities- Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano. Start the day in the medieval town of Siena, where you will visit the Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio di Siena horse race. Enjoy a traditional tuscan style lunch in the countryside, paired with tastings of local renowned wines. After lunch continue on the San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to world famous gelato. Finally, end the day in Pisa with free time to admire the Baptistry, Cathedral and of course the famous Leaning Tower.
Chianti Wine and Countryside
Only a short, one hour, drive from Florence, Chianti is home to some of the most famous tuscan wines. Castello di Verrazzano is one of the most ancient but still working wine cellars in the area. Located in Greve, the heart of the Chianti Classico region, the vineyards here are mentioned in manuscripts dating back to 1150. Experience stunning views of the rolling hillsides covered with vines, followed by a tour of the castle estate with lunch and of course wine tasting. On the way back to Florence stop at a local leather factory to view the production process and of course have time to browse and shop!
Florence Food Scene
Florence is home to inarguably some of the best cuisine in Italy and we are here to help you indulge in the best Tuscan meals. With a focus on locally sourced products, their dishes are fresh and simple. Discover the many amazing panini shops and fresh made pasta ristorantes and enjoy an included dinner at one of our favorite spots for traditional Florentine steak.
Thanksgiving**
Just because you aren’t in America doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a traditional Thanksgiving meal! From turkey and all the trimmings, to mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course pumpkin pie for dessert, you will feel right at home. Choose between The Diner, an American staple in Florence, Quinoa, offering a completely gluten free meal, or Ristorante Accademia for a more upscale experience.
Venice or Vespa Tour***
Choose between taking a day trip to Venice or continuing to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside, this time via Vespa, the iconic Italian scooter. If you haven’t quite had your fill of Italian wine yet, spend your day zipping around the country roads and enjoying more local wine tastings. For an entirely new experience, head to Venice. This city, built on the waters of the Adriatic Sea and consisting of over 100 islands, is a dreamlike experience. Witness a private Venetian glass blowing demonstration and then relax with an Aperol Spritz in Piazza San Marco. Not to be missed is a gondola ride down the famous Grand Canal.
**For the Spring Itinerary this highlight will be a Sunset Gourmet Picnic at Piazzale Michelango
***For the Spring Itinerary this highlight will be a choice between a day trip to Venice or Cinque Terre