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The following is a list of ours "Tours through Tuscany": a selection of tours with private car and driver, from 7 up to 9 days: in these itineraries we can deal with everything from booking of hotels, restaurants, museums, etc. You just have to book your flight to Italy, relax and enjoy the wonders of our region! The programs here presented can be modified depending on Your requests or needs. Families are welcome: we can supply for baby seats (from 0 to 5 years age) and stroller, without any charge. IMPORTANT: if you are looking for a Private Tour with driver through Italy, please check our website http://www.privatetourofitaly.com LUXURY TUSCANY WINE TOUR - 7 DAYS
Day 1 - Private Art Guided Tour & Gourmet Dining - Your English speaking private chauffeur will meet you at the airport, and you will transfer to your hotel located right in the historical center of Florence. Check into your luxurious hotel. After you freshen up, your own private art guide will pick you up and you’ll discover the best highlights of Florence. After a welcome aperitif with your charming guide, enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence's "Centro Storico" including the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria (the gorgeous square where the Uffizi gallery, Neptune's fountain and the Palazzo Vecchio are all located), and plenty of hidden gourmet gems enroute. The city’s cobblestone streets, lively atmosphere, and stunning artistic history all add to the enchanting atmosphere. In the afternoon, sip a glass of wine on a stylish terrace or get in some shopping or sightseeing. Tonight’s dinner is a special treat- dinner at Cibreo. This restaurant is one of favorite gourmet haunts in Italy. The New York Times described Fabio (Cibreo´s chef owner) best when they said, "he talks like a poet and cooks like a wizard". Fabio is definitely one of the best chefs in Florence, and indeed Italy, a maestro. Day 2 - Chianti Classico Wine Tasting - Full breakfast in your hotel. Today will be a wine tasting extravaganza! Your chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel and you will transfer to the delicious Chianti Classico wine region, through the enchanting Chiantigiana route. This is the land of Sangiovese and you will taste different expressions of this noble grape. Begin with a visit to a historic estate such as the beautiful Badia a Coltibuono property, with its abbey and manicured gardens.On a private tour, explore the grounds and finish with a tasting of their best wines and even Balsamic Vinegars and Olive Oils. Carry on to Antinori´s Badia Passignano estate, our absolute favorite in Chianti. Your exuberant host will take you on a memorable tour of the property and you´ll taste some of Antinori´s mythical wines such as Tignanello, Cervaro della Sala, Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano, Guado al Tasso, and Solaia. After the cellar visit, enjoy an extra virgin Olive Oil tasting followed by an outstanding lunch at the Michelin starred Osteria, with dishes paired with the aformentioned following wines. Top class. After lunch, you will carry on to the spectacular town of Siena. Your own personal art guide will meet you and take you on an “insider’s tour” of Siena. Walk off that lunch and discover some wonderful hidden corners of this charming town. After your tour of Siena you’ll travel to your hotel for the next two nights- a hill-topped castle in the countryside of Chianti! Free evening to enjoy the restaurant of the hotel on your own. Day 3 - Montalcino & Montepulciano VIP Wine Tastings - After breakfast your chauffeur will pick you up and take you first to Montalcino. This ancient village is best known for its elixir red Brunello di Montalcino wines, made with the Sangiovese Grosso grape varietal. Enjoy a VIP private visit to a Brunello producer such as the prestigious Poggio Antico estate. On the way to the winery, you can stop for a quick visit to the stunning ruins of the 9th century Abbazia di Sant’Antimo. At the winery you will tour the barrel caves, the installations, take in the gorgeous views and taste Brunello “Riservas” and also Rosso di Montalcinos. Lunch will be in the Michelin starred restaurant of the winery. The cuisine is world famous and signature dishes include his Chianina beef tartare and ravioli in a wild boar sauce. After a delicious lunch, carry on to Montepulciano. Of Etruscan origin, Montepulciano is one of the most beautiful (and steepest) hill towns in Tuscany. The fortified hamlet was built along a narrow bridge made of natural tufa. Montepulciano is an absolute treat and of course a mythical name for wine lovers. Perfectly preserved and historic, there are darling enotecas (wine bars), gourmet shops and historic palaces, fabulous. The Vino Nobile wines of Montepulciano, were the first to be given the ultimate quality level of DOCG certification. Which is why you are here! You’ll visit a top estate such as Valdpiatta or Avignonesi and enjoy a tasting of Vino Nobile wines. In the late afternoon, enjoy free time on your own in Montepulciano and transfer back to your castle hotel. Day 4 - Maremma, Home of the Super Tuscans - Today, you'll travel southwest, from Montalcino to the mythical Maremma Wine Region. The drive takes you from the cypress-covered hills of Montalcino into the beautiful and wild Maremma region. The Maremma is one of the most interesting areas of Tuscany, and curiously “undiscovered” by non-Italians. It is more famous locally for its glamorous beaches on the Tyrrhenian sea, and millionaire’s yachts in Porto Argentario. It is also, interestingly, famous for its cowboys. The ‘butteri’ (cowboys) notoriously beat Buffalo Bill in 1911 when he challenged them to a contest of breaking in the colts. For wine lovers, it is also the home of some of the biggest wine names in the world such as Ornellaia and Sassicaia. We will save the wine tasting for tomorrow to give you a chance today to soak up some culture. You will visit Montemerano, Pitigliano and other little villages before checking-in into your beautiful and villa hotel. Lunch in this gorgeous town, called Italy’s “Little Jerusalem” for its Jewish heritage and ancient synagogue. In the late afternoon you will arrive to your country villa style hotel, a delicious property. This is a five star hotel that was once an aristocratic hunting lodge. It is certainly the most luxurious property in Southern Tuscany and you will love it! Alain Ducasse, France’s most famous chef, is the consultant chef here and he has created a Tuscan inspired creative menu, wonderful. Overnight on your own to enjoy the restaurant of the hotel. Day 5 - VIP Wine Tastings at Petra & Ornellaia - Today is all about Super Tuscans! In the last 3 decades, there has been an explosion of tiny "garage" style wineries making some of the world’s best (and most expensive) wines. These days, the wines from Maremma can cost up to 400 euros a bottle! You will enjoy a wonderful wine tasting day, taking in two superb cellars such as Petra (designed by the famed Mario Botta) and Ornellaia in the castle crowned village of Bolgheri (one of the best cellars in Italy). After your wine “breakfast”, you’ll have one of the best meals on the tour- an unforgettable lunch at our favorite restaurant in the region, Ombrone. This converted 13th century "Frantoio" (olive oil mill) is fabulous. Your hosts are extremely charming and you will enjoy an olive oil tasting before your Tuscan style lunch. In the afternoon, your chauffeur guide will be on hand and you can visit the beaches of the Maremma, do some sightseeing in medieval villages or go back to your luxury little hotel to enjoy it. Day 6 - Return to Florence via San Gimignano - Today you will enjoy an excursion to San Gimignano on the way back to Florence. San Gimignano is a gorgeous medieval village called “the Manhattan of Tuscany” because of its many towers (medieval, of course!). From the wild Maremma you will drive northeast into the beautiful rolling hills covered in vines, olives and historic villages. Stop in San Gimignano for a relaxing break and visit the town by your own. Take in the lovely cobblestoned streets lined with ristoranti, wine shops, ceramic shops, etc. Visit the medieval palaces and art museums. Sit on a terrace before you leave, tasting the local white tipple, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Upon arrival to Florence, you will stay in the same lovely hotel as your first night. Enjoy a last night in Florence on your own, with a last gift waiting for you in your room. We recommend Enoteca Pinchiorri for dinner if you want a famed Michelin starred chef or La Giostra if you are looking for something charming and lively, enjoy your last notte in Florence. Day 7 - Arrivederci...! - This concludes your wine tour of Tuscany, with wine tasting in Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano and the Maremma. You will leave with many gourmet goodies, and above all with a deeper appreciation of Tuscan wines, art and architecture. Your driver will transfer you to the airport.
This route is our best seller and has been designed to offer tourists the best of our region, in comfort and safety.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
8th day - After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport or to the next destination. End of our services. Overnights: 3 in Florence, 4 in Vagliagli (Siena's area)
Day 1 - Florence - Your very own chauffeur picks you up from Florence airport. We start by visiting the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). The Cathedral is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, built in 1436. Its exterior is covered with green, pink and white marble. Our tour guide will explain how its construction took about 150 years. That cathedral has the world's largest brick dome. The bell tower is, in fact, an independent building, designed by Giotto in the Florentine Gothic style. Afternoon at leisure for relax. Overnight in Florence. Day 2 - Pisa - With your personal driver, travel to Pisa. This is a calm and pleasant town recalling the past of the Pisan republic. The river system in Pisa prevented it from declining towards the end of the Roman Empire. We will focus on the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Duomo is a medieval cathedral with massive bronze doors. Its golden ceiling, its medieval pulpit and its black and white marble interior are breathtaking. The round-shaped building nearby is the baptistery, with an octagonal font that contrasts with the large round interior space. The Leaning Tower was the campanile (bell tower for the cathedral). It started leaning shortly after its completion in 1173. It is the world's most famous leaning tower, but there are at least three dozen leaning towers all over the world. Return to Florence in the early afternoon and visit of the Accademia Museum or/and Uffizi Museum. Day 3 - Lucca - Today we travel to Lucca. Composers Giacomo Puccini and Luigi Boccherini come from here. Lucca's Renaissance fortifications and gates allow for an interesting walk, commented by our tour guide. The Duomo houses the Holy Face of Lucca, a wooden representation of Christ of the cross, which is the object of an annual procession. We stroll through Lucca's streets. The San Michele in Foro church was built in 1070. Its facade has many sculptures, arcades and blind arcades. return to Florence in the early afternoon and tine at leisure for relax and shopping. Day 4 - Versilia - Today is a day tour to Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, fashionable seaside resorts. Viareggio is quite a new city by Italian standards: it was founded in the 16th century. Architecture and local customs are hence quite different from other Italian towns. The Liberty style is the Italian equivalent of the Art Nouveau. Each summer, a Puccini festival takes place in Viareggio, in an open-air venue. Puccini's villa is now a museum and can be visited on this tour if you wish. Your driver will offer you to sightsee or, if you prefer, to relax on the beach. After we'll proceed to Forte dei Marmi, a little seaside resort famous for its trendy shops and for the elegance of its palaces. Return to Florence in the afternoon. Day 5 - Chianti - San Gimignano - Today we leave Florence and head to the Chianti area. When in Italy, it is a good idea to travel to the town of San Gimignano. The town dates back to the medieval ages and is small walled. The town of San Gimignano falls in the province of Siena, which is in North-Central Italy. The town is famous for its wine and architecture. San Gimignano is often referred to as ‘the town of towers’, as the town has been able to preserve 14 towers from the medieval times. Time at leisure for visits. Will follow a stop in a little typical winery for a guided visit of the cellars and of course a wine tasting of different types of Chianti wines. For lunch your driver will suggest a typical trattoria in the country side where you can taste some typical tuscan food in the middle of the vineyards. Overnight in a country resort located in the Chianti area. Day 6 - Siena - We leave from your resort for the day on a private tour to Siena with your driver and the local tour guide. It is the capital of the province of Siena. The historic center of Siena has been declared as the World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The most famous structure of Siena is the main Cathedral or the Duomo. People travel from all parts of the world to have a look at the Duomo of Siena, which houses the works of artists like Nicola Pisano, Ghirlandaio, Ghiberti, Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia. The Piazza del Campo is a shell-shaped structure, which is also a major attraction for the travelers and is famous for hosting horse races. The Palazzo Pubblico is a great work of architecture. The Palazzo Pubblico also houses an important museum of Siena. Return to the country resort in the Chianti. Day 7 - Volterra - About 30 miles away from the Chianti area lies Volterra, a town with origins back the Neolithic times. The Piazza dei Priori is one of the most attractive in Italy; it features the Palazzo dei Priori, designed in 1239 with a pentagonal tower and a glorious cross-vaulted council hall. The San Vivaldo monastery, in Montaione, was planned by the Franciscans to allow for a pilgrimage without going as far as Jerusalem. Finally, we conclude the day by a visit a new Chianti vineyards, and are introduced to local fines wines. Back to the country resort in the Chianti. Day 8 - Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino - Today your driver will pick you upand he'll drive you to Pienza. Pienza was rebuilt from a village called Corsignano, which was the birthplace (1405) of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini (Italian: Enea Silvio Piccolomini), a Renaissance humanist born into an exiled Sienese family, who later became Pope Pius II. Once he became Pope, Piccolomini had the entire village rebuilt as an ideal Renaissance town. Intended as a retreat from Rome, it represents the first application of humanist urban planning concepts, creating an impetus for planning that was adopted in other Italian towns and cities and eventually spread to other European centers. You can visit the main sights as the Duomo, Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Comunale. Don't forget Pienza is also the place where they produce a very good cheese (PECORINO). After that we'll go to Montepulciano, one of the highest of Tuscany hilltop town. The town is encircled by walls and inside the streets are cranned with renaissance-style palazzi and churches but the town is also very well known for its local wine "vino nobile di Montepulciano". At the end we'll drive to Montalcino where the foremost activity is wine producing, as is evident from the number of shops where you can buy the excellent "BRUNELLO". The town, situated on the top of a hill has very narrow, winding and steep streets. The Fortezza (Fortress) was built by Cosimo I in 1571 and you can walk on the ramparts and look at the spectacular view over the countryside. Of course here you'll have a guided visit of a very old winery and taste the famous Brunello wine! Back to your country resort. Day 9 - Florence - On this last day, depending on the schedule of your flight, you have the opportunity to improve your knowledge of Florence....or simply make the ultimate shopping! We can visit the Palazzo Pitti, an early Renaissance residence of severe style, built by a banker. Nowadays, it is a large museum housing the Palatine Gallery, with over 500 Renaissance paintings by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Rubens, and Pietro da Cortona. At the end of the tour drop-off at Florence airport. |
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1st day - Arrival transfer from any Italian airport to 
2nd day - Breakfast at hotel and then meet the professional local guide for 4 hours a city tour: a chance to visit the so called capital of Renaissance and all its wonderful features. If required we can book the entrance to the 
3rd day - After breakfast at hotel, in the morning move to 
4th day - After breakfast leave Florence with the private car for a 
5th day - Free time in the morning to relax in the swimming pool or the Spa Resort. In the early afternoon meeting with our driver to move to 
6th day - After breakfast, transfer to the so called "three pearls" of 
7th day - After breakfast, transfer to 
