Complete tour of Tuscany

Join us as we explore Pisa, renowned for its Square of Miracles. Here, you'll encounter the Baptistery, the awe-inspiring Camposanto, a sacred burial ground, and the Cathedral, boasting a marble façade embellished with columns and statues. Of course, we can't forget the iconic Leaning Tower, a truly unique and striking structure.

Embark on a journey to Lucca, renowned as the city of a hundred churches and magnificent medieval city walls. Access the historic heart of the city through one of its seven gates. As we stroll, we'll encounter the 'Amphitheater' marketplace, a testament to the city's Roman roots. You'll have the opportunity to taste the Bucellato Cake. Don't miss the captivating San Michele Square, home to the Church of San Michele in Foro and Palazzo Pretorio. These sights are a must-see on your visit.

Join us as we explore Montecarlo, a charming town perched on a solitary hill in the Lucca plain. Our journey takes us to the impressive Fortress completed in 1555 by Cosimo I de Medici, a testament to the town's rich history. We'll also visit the Church of S. Andrea, a beautiful structure dating back to 1700, and the serene Chapel of St. Anna. Montecarlo is also home to the Rassicurati Theater, an architectural gem from the early 18th century. Come, let's uncover the magic of Montecarlo together.

Join us on a journey to Pietrasanta, a medieval city renowned as the historic heart of Versilia and the hub of marble craftsmanship. Over the years, this city has transformed into a living museum, attracting artists globally. As you explore the city, you'll discover a dynamic and ever-changing exhibition of top-notch contemporary art and sculpture in its many galleries and squares. Pietrasanta has been affectionately dubbed 'Little Athens' due to the influx of artists choosing to make it their home, including notable names like Igor Mitoraj and Fernando Botero. As you meander through the stylish historic center, you'll find yourself amidst a delightful mix of art galleries, chic boutiques, cozy wine bars, and tempting restaurants.

Then head to Carrara and its renowned marble. From the majestic marble quarries of Carrara to the intricate sculpture studios and the historic heart of Carrara, you'll find an experience that is both unique and unexpected. This isn't just about exploring a stone or its extraction process. It's about immersing yourself in a captivating blend of hard work and brilliance, ancient traditions and modern technology. It's about understanding the history of a region and its people, who have been synonymous with marble for generations. You'll learn about the quarries, the techniques, and the history. You'll visit the quarrymen's villages, discover their age-old customs and traditions, their unique dialect, their cuisine, and their day-to-day life.

Nestled precisely between the renowned cities of Florence and Lucca, each just 40 km away, lies the charming city of Pistoia. This vibrant city, once a robust ally of Pisa and Siena, fell under the dominion of the two aforementioned powers. Often overlooked by first-time visitors to Tuscany, Pistoia is a hidden gem, boasting stunning architecture and a warm, welcoming ambiance. The city hosts a variety of events, making it a treasure trove for those seeking authentic cultural experiences, such as the Giostra dell’Orso or the world-class rhythm and blues at the Pistoia Blues Festival. Spend a delightful half-day exploring Pistoia’s historic center, visiting the Cathedral of San Zeno with its bell tower, the Baptistery, the Ospedale del Ceppo, Pistoia Sotterranea, the Piazza della Sala, and the Marino Marini Museum. We assure you, Pistoia is a must-visit destination in Tuscany.

Join us on a journey to Greve in Chianti, often referred to as the gateway to the Chianti region due to its prime location halfway between the heart of Florence and Siena. This quaint town offers a genuine taste of the countryside. The town square of Greve remains the hub of activity, hosting the traditional weekly market every Saturday. Experience the charm of this picturesque town with us.

Join us for a day as we dive into the heart of the world's largest art capital: Florence. A staggering one-third of Italy's art treasures are nestled in the Tuscan capital. We'll visit Santa Croce, Italy's largest Franciscan church, known as the final resting place of significant Italian figures from history, art, and literature. For lunch, we'll taste authentic italian pizza with a glass beer. We'll also marvel at the grandeur of Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, home to the replica of Michelangelo's David. Our journey doesn't stop there; we'll explore the octagonal Baptistery dedicated to San Giovanni, the patron saint of Florence, and the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the first palace of the early Renaissance in Florence. This adventure is not to be missed.

Let's explore the stunning city of Siena together. Its historic center, uniquely arranged in a three-star formation around the Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, standing tall at 88 meters, is a sight to behold. From this vantage point, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the renowned Piazza del Campo.

Then join us on a journey to the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the heart of Tuscany. This charming town, frozen in time since the 14th century, is one of Tuscany's most visited and beloved destinations. Here you'll taste the World Champion Ice Cream Dondoli.

Next stop, Monteriggioni: a gem of medieval architecture nestled in the heart of the country. Founded in the 13th Century, this town is one of the most well-preserved medieval city centers you'll ever see. Perched atop a quaint hill, Monteriggioni is surrounded by a wall stretching nearly 600 meters. As we wander through its narrow, charming streets and admire the quaint houses, it's as if we've stepped back in time.

Today, we're going to explore the enchanting 500 Mt. hilltop Etruscan town of Volterra. This town is a living testament to the Etruscan and Roman past, showcasing parts of the city wall with a gate from the 4th/3rd Century A.C., and the remains of the Roman amphitheater. The Duomo and the Priori Square are fascinating, featuring the Episcopal Palace, the Pretorio Palace with the tower of Podestà, and the apse of the Basilica. In this town renowned for its alabaster, you shouldn't miss the collection of Etruscan urns in alabaster. Join us as we delve into the rich history and culture of this captivating town.

Then head to Certaldo: a small gem, easily reached by a funicular from the lower city. Everything is very well preserved and you can enjoy a wonderful view. Don’t’ forget to visit the House of Boccaccio and the cathedral.

End your trip to Chiusdino with a visit to the San Galgano Abbey. Here, you'll witness the legendary sword embedded in stone, a symbol of peace that still stands today. This sight transports us back to the Arthurian Saga.

Let's embark on a journey to Montepulciano, a town steeped in Etruscan history, believed to be founded by Porsenna, the Lucumone of Chiusi. Historical documents and artefacts discovered in the Fortress suggest its existence as far back as the IV-III century B.C. Montepulciano is renowned for its abundant, high-quality vineyards that produce the exquisite 'Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG'. Here you'll have the opportunity to taste the authentic wines.

Next, we'll explore Montalcino, globally recognized for its exceptional 'Brunello' wine. Join us as we delve into the rich history and savor the world-class wines of these remarkable Italian towns.

Start your day visiting Pienza, a splendid jewel of the early Renaissance. The city it's named after Pope Pius II, who wanted to transform his birthplace Corsignano in an art jewel, after the election to the papacy. Numerous monuments are worthy of admiration, such as the Palazzo Piccolomini.

Next, we'll explore San Quirico d'Orcia, nestled in the heart of the Orcia Valley. This ancient village, likely of Etruscan origin, is enveloped by a scenic landscape of hills, olive groves, vineyards, and oak woods. The old town's charm is accentuated by its cobblestone streets and stone fountains. The village's history as a stop on the Via Francigena is evident in the Hospital of La Scala, which once provided hospitality to pilgrims. The quaint village of San Quirico d'Orcia, with its center built around a large tank flowing with Spa waters, is a sight to behold. Lastly, we'll visit Bagno Vignoni, a spa town renowned since the Etruscan era for the therapeutic benefits of its waters.

Let's embark on a journey to Saturnia, Italy's most ancient town. Its existence dates back to the Etruscan era, known as Aurinia, and later renamed Saturnia by the Romans. The town's rich history is evident in the remnants of the IV-III century B.C. walls, the Roman Gate, and the oldest Spa building near the parish church, home to a distinctive square pool. According to a local legend, Saturn, the god of abundance, once threw a lightning bolt to earth out of anger at mankind's incessant wars. This bolt gave rise to warm, sulphurous water that enveloped and soothed the world, birthing wiser, happier humans. This water gushes at a rate of 500 liters per second, maintaining a constant temperature of 37°C. We recommend dedicating a day to the free Spa, known as the Cascate del Mulino. These large limestone basins, formed over centuries by the calcium-rich thermal waters, offer a pleasant temperature even in winter.

Next, we visit Sorano, a quintessential medieval village with Etruscan roots. In the ninth century, the fortified town was under the Aldobrandeschi family's control, later taken over by the Orsini family in the late thirteenth century. The city's tuff-carved road is a sight to behold. Key attractions include the Palace Comitale, the Orsini's original residence and a splendid example of Renaissance elegance, the Fortezza Orsini, the Romanesque Church of St. Nicholas, later restored in the neoclassical period, and the Tower.

Join us on a journey to Pitigliano, a town once known as 'Little Jerusalem' due to its significant Jewish community. This charming place traces its roots back to the Etruscan era, and it's believed that during the Lombard period, a 'vicus' existed here named Torianu.

Next, we'll explore Sovana, a former Etruscan city originally called Suana, translating to 'green earth'. A bustling hub since 350 B.C., Sovana retained its Etruscan identity even after Roman influence. Later conquered by the Lombards, it was given to the Aldobrandeschi family. While the necropolis bears witness to its Etruscan past, the town itself is distinctly medieval. Notable structures include the Palazzo Bourbon del Monte, once owned by the Marquis of the same name, and the Church of Santa Maria, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic influences.

Our adventure concludes in Arezzo, home to the impressive Archeological Museum Cilnio Gaius Maecenas. Housed in the S. Bernardo Monastery, this stunning building is built atop the ruins of a Roman amphitheater from the mid-second century A.D., with its vaults visible on the first floor. Established in 1823 as a 'Natural History and Antiquities' collection, the museum's Etruscan section boasts precious jewels from the Poggio del Sole necropolis.

Here our journey comes to an end, hope you had a great time with us!