Absolute Tuscany Tour (6 Day Tour)
Tour Description
Tuscany beckons with magical landscapes, expansive history and fragrant wines. This deluxe, small-group tour of Tuscany visits the medieval towns of Montepulciano, an early settlement of the intriguing pre-Roman Etruscan civilization, Siena and Monteriggioni. You’ll drive through the green-golden hills of the Val d’Orcia, where Cyprus trees dot the countryside like elegant exclamation points. In Florence, you’ll learn about the Renaissance, the cultural movement that lifted Europe to new heights, and in Chianti, you’ll sample the region’s wine. Along the way, the group will sample regional cuisine in local restaurants and trattorias.
View Absolute Tuscany in a larger map
Itinerary
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Montepulciano & Montalcino
Day 2: Siena
Day 3: San Gimignano & Monteriggioni
Day 4: Florence
Day 5: Chianti
Day 6: Florence
Day 1: Tuesday – Montepulciano & Montalcino (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, meet your driver and depart for Montepulciano in Tuscany, once the home of the Etruscans, a culture of mysterious origins that predates the founding of Rome. The Etruscans had their own language and customs, some of these were assimilated by the Romans, though their language is not related to Greek or Latin.
Meet with a local guide in Montepulciano and tour two vineyards near Montepulciano that includes a wine-tasting in the cellar. Lunch in Montepulciano. Continue to Siena, traveling through Montalcino and the wonderful landscapes of Val d’Orcia.
Free time to stroll around Montalcino, a walled, hilltop town with narrow streets and panoramic views.
Arrive in Siena late afternoon and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Siena.
Day 2: Wednesday – Siena (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel and depart for a walking tour of Siena, a World Heritage site and considered by many to be Italy’s loveliest medieval city. At the heart of Siena is Campo’s square, where Il Palio, the famous horse race, takes place two times each summer. The afternoon is free to continue to explore Siena or visit one of the many beautiful small villages nearby. Dinner in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Siena.
Overnight in Siena.
Day 3: Thursday – San Gimignano & Monteriggioni (Breakfast, Lunch)
In the morning transfer to Florence. En route, visit Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, two medieval Tuscan hill towns. San Gimignano, another World Heritage Site, has high towers that dominate its skyline and can be seen from miles away. Lunch will be served in a typical trattoria in San Gimignano.
Arrival in Florence and check in at hotel. Free time to explore the town.
Overnight in Florence
Day 4: Friday – Florence (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Florence with a local guide. Florence was the epicenter of the Renaissance, the movement that catapulted Italy and later Europe into one of the most exciting eras of artistic and literary achievement. Wealthy families such as the Medicis commissioned works from the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli. You’ll visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Dome with Giotto’s bell tower, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce. During a free afternoon, you can explore Florence on your own or visit nearby Pisa or Lucca.
Overnight in Florence. Dinner will be served in a local Tuscan restaurant.
Day 5: Saturday – Chianti (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and depart for a half day tour of Chianti. Explore the home of some of the best wine in the world and of course, see more intoxicating Tuscan scenery. Stop en route for a wine and cheese tasting before enjoying lunch at a local farmhouse with a panoramic view. After lunch, return to Florence. Your afternoon is free.
Overnight in Florence
Day 6: Sunday Departures (Breakfast)
Independent transfer to airport or railway station
Hotel Accommodations:
Siena
Palazzo Ravizza (4 Star)
Athena (4 Star)
Florence
Brunelleschi (4 Star)
Pierre (4 Star)
Santa Maria Novella (4 Star)
Hotel may be substituted with similar category
Additional Information:
The tour includes:
- Private transfer to and from airport
- Bus as per itinerary
- *Tour Escort/Host*
- 2 nights in 4 Star Hotel in Siena
- 3 nights in 4 Start Hotel in Florence
- 2 dinners & 3 lunches with wine, mineral water and coffee
- Wine tour in Montepulciano
- Walking tour of Siena
- Visit to Monteriggioni and San Gimignano
- Walking tour of Florence
- Visit to Chianti with wine tasting
- Hotel and city tax
The tour does not include:
- Tips
- Porterage at airport
- Luggage handling at hotel
- Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
*Tour Host
These tours are operated with a tour escort.
We guarantee bookings with a minimum of two participants. With groups of six or under, the tour will include a tour host. Groups of seven or more include a tour guide, who travels with your group.
Your tour host will escort guests to the restaurants when dinner is included. Your tour host is available by phone 24 hours.
The passengers are provided at their arrival with a Travel Pocket Guide with information, maps and an itinerary with details, tips and emergency toll free number.
