Discovering Tuscany

Embark on your journey with your personal rental car and make your grand entrance into the beautiful city of Florence. The day is yours to explore at your own pace. As the sun sets, retreat to your cozy hotel in Impruneta, San Donato in Fronzano, or right in the heart of Florence for a restful night's sleep.

Today, we're diving into the heart of the world's largest artistic metropolis. A staggering one-third of Italy's art treasures reside in Florence. 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. We'll also marvel at the grandeur of Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, home to a replica of Michelangelo's David. Other must-sees include the octagonal Baptistery of San Giovanni, dedicated to Florence's patron saint, and Palazzo Medici-Ricardi, Florence's first Renaissance palace. We suggest a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, a globally renowned art gallery showcasing European paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city center's narrow streets, and cap off the day with a coffee in Piazza della Repubblica. In the evening, savor a traditional Tuscan dinner in a Florentine restaurant. Your overnight stay will be in a hotel in Impruneta, San Donato in Fronzano, or Florence.

Immerse yourself in one of the most magnificent landscapes filled with rolling hills, vast fields, endless vineyards, and olive groves. Discover San Gimignano, a city whose towering spires can be seen from miles away. Don't miss out on the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the Palazzo del Popolo housing the Museum Civico, and the charming Piazza della Cisterna with its beautiful fountain. Enjoy a taste of the world-renowned ice cream at a gelateria situated in the heart of Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano. Spend the night in a hotel in either San Gimignano or Siena.

Join us today as we explore the towering 500-metre high Etruscan city of Volterra. The city's Etruscan and Roman history is narrated through parts of the city wall with a gate from the 4th/3rd century AD, and the remnants of the Roman amphitheatre. Take note of the Cathedral and Priori Square with the Bishop's Palace, the Pretorio Palace with the Tower of Podestà, and the apse of the Basilica. In the town renowned for Alabaster, don't miss the collection of Etruscan urns made from this material. Next, we'll visit the charming town of Certaldo, a hidden gem that's easily accessible by funicular from the lower town. The town is beautifully preserved, offering a stunning view. Be sure to visit Boccaccio's house and the cathedral. We'll conclude our day with an overnight stay in a hotel in San Gimignano or Siena. We can't wait to share this journey with you.

Embark on a journey to Siena, where you'll have the opportunity to sample a traditional Christmas cake, a treat now enjoyed year-round. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the stunning city of Siena. This medieval gem is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its labyrinthine old town and narrow streets flanked by towering palaces made from reddish-brown Sienese clay brick. It's as if time has stood still. The historic centre, perched on three hill ridges, is arranged in a three-star formation around the Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, standing 88m high. From here, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the renowned Piazza del Campo. Next, visit the medieval town centre of Monteriggioni, one of the country's best-preserved. Founded in the 13th century and nestled on a small hill, the medieval centre is surrounded by a nearly 600m long wall. As you draw near, the formidable stonework is visible from a distance. Monteriggioni's landscape is marked by quaint houses and narrow streets, making it easy to feel as if you've stepped back in time. The two remaining gates, Porta San Giovanni or Fiorentina and Porta Romea, are named after the two main cities they face. The Romea gate leads to the charming Piazza Roma. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel in San Gimignano or Siena.

Join us for a full-day tour that will take you to the heart of Pisa, a city renowned worldwide for its iconic Leaning Tower. You'll be captivated by the stunning ensemble of the Duomo, the Tower, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto, all located in the awe-inspiring Square of Miracles. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta stands as a testament to the brilliance of Italian architecture. Inside the Baptistery, you'll find the unique hexagonal pulpit crafted by Nicola Pisano. The cemetery, designed as a monumental cloister, is a sight to behold. Our journey continues to Montecarlo, a region celebrated for its DOC-certified wines. The old town, perched on a solitary hill in the Lucca plain, is a sight to behold. Here, you'll explore the fortress completed by Cosimo I de' Medici in 1555, the church of S. Andrea built in 1700, and the chapel of St. Anne. Montecarlo is also home to the Teatro dei Rassicurati, dating back to the early 18th century. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel in Magione or Montecarlo. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.

Embark on a journey to Lucca, renowned as the city of a hundred churches and its stunning medieval city wall. Access to the historic centre, spanning just 2 square kilometres, is exclusively through one of the city's seven gates. Our tour will guide you through notable sites such as the market square, remarkable for its unique round shape, a testament to its Roman Amphitheatre roots. Don't miss out on the Piazza San Michele with the Church of San Michele in Foro and the Palazzo Pretorio, each offering their own unique charm. Indulge in a wine tasting session at the hotel or a local winery in Montecarlo. Your day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay in a hotel in Magione/Montecarlo.

Embark on a personal round trip with your very own rented vehicle. Our trip ends here. If you ant to extend the vacation, talk to your group leader!