Day 1 - Arrive Florence

Upon arrival into Florence Airport, your local representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall for your private transfer to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city on Piazza della Repubblica.

Overnight: Hotel Savoy

Day 2 - Florence

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and enjoy a half-day walking tour of Florence (up to 5 hours) with your local English-speaking guide. This tour will include visits to the Uffizi Gallery, housing some of the world's most important art treasures, and the Church of Santa Croce, where many famous Florentines are buried, such as Michelangelo and Galileo.

Enjoy a tasting of local cheeses and wines at a fantastic enoteca.

In the afternoon, explore some of Florence’s lesser visited gems (3 hours). Walk by the impressive Duomo on to the lovely Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where the Spedale degli Innocenti, Europe’s first orphanage and a masterpiece of Classical design, is fronted by Brunelleschi’s colonnade. The Convent of San Marco is a delight with its frescoed monk cells, whilst the Scalzo Cloisters with frescoes by Andrea del Sarto depict scenes from the life of John the Baptist.

Overnight: Hotel Savoy

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Florence

It is often argued that Italy has the finest cuisine in the world; today you have the opportunity to learn the skills of the Tuscan kitchen with a private hands-on cookery lesson at an important culinary institute with English-speaking instruction.

Your morning begins at the Mercato Centrale where your chef will explain how to select the best produce before returning to the kitchen for a hands-on lesson and enjoying the fruits of your labour for lunch.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Savoy

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Florence - Tuscan Countryside

Tuscany is renowned for its glorious views, eminently drinkable wines and the simplicity of its mouth-watering cuisine. Today's full-day transfer takes in the famous Chianti area, which is often considered the most beautiful in the whole region. As you gaze across the countryside, soak up the rich panorama comprising rolling hills and hilltop towns, many of which are encircled by Etruscan walls and slender cypress trees. See the charming hamlets and farmhouses, as well as fortified villas and castles that symbolise the conflict that tore Tuscan communities apart in the Middle Ages. Heading southwards towards your hotel, enjoy a leisurely espresso or gelato in the historic main square of Greve, considered the principal town in Chianti.

This afternoon, sit back and enjoy a stunning drive through the Chianti countryside on the journey to the hilltop town of Castellina, whose noble origins date back to the thirteen century. Here you have time to soak up the lively atmosphere as you wander through its charming streets. During the course of the day, you also have the opportunity to sample the exceptional Chianti Classico wines at two different estates estates - the outstanding Monterinaldi and Castelvecchi wineries (subject to availability). (8 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Castello di Casole

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Siena, San Gimignano & Monteriggioni

Today you will be met at your hotel by your English-speaking local guide for a 3-hour walking tour of Siena. The scenic Tuscan town of Siena was built on three hills and is enclosed by a set of walls and gates. Visit the Piazza del Campo, one of the finest main squares in Italy and see the Palazzo Pubblico, which has served as Siena's Town Hall since the 1300s. Siena's Duomo is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy and well worth a visit; here you can see the brilliant frescoes by Pinturicchio that adorn the Piccolomini Library. 

This afternoon enjoy an excursion with private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide to explore the countryside and visit San Gimignano, where you may wish to visit the Collegiata containing 15th century frescoes, the Palazzo del Popolo, now the municipal museum containing Renaissance paintings, and the Church of Sant’Agostino, or simply wander the narrow cobbled streets with your driver-guide who will know where to go for the best local wild boar salami and Vernaccia white wine! Time permitting enjoy a stop in Monteriggioni, a delightful example of a fortified medieval village.

Overnight: Castello di Casole

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Tuscan Countryside

Today is a chance to relax and enjoy your fantastic surroundings

Overnight: Castello di Casole

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Montepulciano & Montalcino

Experience some of the gorgeous Tuscan towns to the south-east of Siena today. The first stop on your full-day excursion is in Montepulciano, an archetypal Tuscan hilltop town set 605 metres above sea level and offering superb views over the surrounding countryside. Inside the ancient city walls and fortifications, you discover winding streets and a wealth of Renaissance-style palazzi and churches. Further to the west, the town of Montalcino is everything you could hope for in a Tuscan hilltop town, with its narrow streets and charming, flower-covered houses. Afterwards, continue on to visit the pretty town of Pienza, the centre of which was redesigned by Pope Pius II, who wanted to build a model Renaissance square in his native village.

During the course of the day, you have the opportunity to sample some of the wonderful wines of this region. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards and wine tasting at Podere Le Ripi (subject to availability), where you learn about the winery's complete dedication to using biodynamic methods to create exceedingly rich wines. Inhabited by a shepherd and his sheep until 1998, today this elegant boutique winery is owned by Francesco Illy, part of the Illy coffee group. With its spectacular views and unique approach, this winery is sure to be a highlight of your excursion today. (8 hours, driver-guide

Overnight: Castello di Casole

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Depart Florence

Your driver will privately transfer you to Florence airport or the railway station today.

Meal Plan: B