Welcome to the enchanting land of Italy, where every corner whispers tales of history, art, and culture. Your journey begins in the Renaissance city of Florence, a treasure trove of architectural marvels and artistic masterpieces. Walk through its cobbled streets, and let the legacy of the Medici family and the grandeur of Michelangelo's David captivate your senses. As you venture into the Tuscan countryside, the picturesque town of Montepulciano awaits, renowned for its exquisite wines and rustic charm. Dive deep into the region's culinary traditions, from the robust flavors of Vino Nobile to the handcrafted delight of pici pasta. With stops in historic Siena and the serene Valdorcia, this 8-day tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, culminating in memories that will linger long after your departure. Join us, and let Tuscany's magic unfold before your eyes.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Welcome to Italy! Upon your arrival, independent transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight in Florence.
Day 2 - Florence and the David
Join an expert local guide for a fun, informative walk through the city's past and learn about the rich legacy of the Medici family, who were not only famous bankers but also important patrons of the arts and left the city a wealth of cultural and artistic treasures. The guide will take you to famous spots such as Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral with Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s stunning gold-paneled doorway, and Orsanmichele before crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge and entering the Oltrarno neighbourhood, an area renowned for its artisanal workshops and quaint atmosphere, making it the perfect place to grab a gelato and relax. During the tour, you’ll also visit the Accademia Gallery, home to one of the most exquisite art collections in town, which includes Michelangelo’s giant statue of David, a symbol of Florence and one of the greatest works of art of all time, along with paintings by major Florentine artists like Giotto, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, ancient plaster casts, and antique musical instruments.
Overnight in Florence.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 - Florence
Today is yours to explore and discover! Overnight in Florence.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 - Florence to Montepulciano with enroute stop in Siena
Meet your driver at your accommodation and transfer to Montepulciano. Before arriving at the destination, take a stop in Siena for an independent visit. Have a delightful stroll around the town’s major landmarks starting from Piazza del Campo, the spectacular shell-shaped square guarded by the local Town Hall and the Torre del Mangia bell-tower. While walking through the atmospheric medieval streets, you will admire all of Siena’s major landmarks including the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery and the complex of Santa Maria della Scala, one of Europe’s oldest hospitals. You will also explore hidden corners of the “contrade”, the town’s neighborhoods that run the Palio. After the visit, continue to Montepulciano.
Overnight in Montepulciano.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 5 - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Tour
Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque Tuscan hills, where you'll be guided to two esteemed Vino Nobile wineries. Here, passionate producers will unveil their intriguing stories, intricate production methods, and the profound philosophies that infuse every bottle. Delve into a vineyard of the renowned Prugnolo Gentile grape variety and savor the exquisite Vino Rosso di Montepulciano DOC and the prestigious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Overnight in Montepulciano.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 - Pici and Fresh Pasta Handmade
Discover the art of making pici, the famed pasta of Siena Province, in a hands-on cooking class. This rustic delight, thicker than standard spaghetti, is lovingly crafted through the age-old technique of rolling and hand-rubbing the dough, known locally as "appiciare." This peasant recipe is remarkably beginner-friendly, making it accessible to those less experienced in the culinary arts. Overnight in Montepulciano.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 - Montepulciano & Valdorcia
Today is yours to explore and discover! Overnight in Montepulciano.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 8 - Departure
Breakfast and end of our services
Meals : Breakfast
Photo Gallery
Other Information
- Tour Code : SMT013.24
- Duration : 7 Nights/8 Days
- Departure City : Florence, Italy
- Ending City : Montepulciano, Italy
- Type : Private Tour
- Departure : Guaranteed Departure
- Grade/Difficulity : Moderate
- Transport Mode : Car/Minivan
- Children Allowed : Yes
- Max Group Size : 15
- Language Offered : English
Departure Dates
September 2024 - 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30
October 2024 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31
Tour Includes
- 3 nights in Florence
- 4 nights in Montepulciano
- Daily breakfast
- Small Group Tour - Florence Walks with Accademia / Meet the guide at a meeting point / Drop off at Accademia Gallery Exit
- Private transfer from Florence to Montepulciano with en route stop in Siena
- Small Group Tour - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine tour / Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
- Small Group Tour - Pici and fresh pasta handmade / Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
- Digital Remote Briefing 7 days before arrival
- 24/7 Emergency Phone to assist you during your stay
Tour Excludes
- Everything that is not mentioned in “Inclusions”
- City Tax to be paid at the hotels
- Transfer to meet the guide for your guided visits, unless differently specified
- Return transfer at your hotel after the guided visits, unless differently specified
- Flights are not included
- Personal Insurance
Notes
- Florence - Hotel Executive or similar
- Montepulciano – Hotel Dimora dell’Erbe, Hotel Villa Cicolina or similar
The Tuscany Absolute Tour Package was an absolute delight! From the charming vineyards to the picturesque landscapes, every moment was a postcard come to life. The knowledgeable guides added depth to the experience, making history and culture engaging. However, a minor hiccup arose with the transportation arrangements on the fourth day, causing a brief delay. Despite this, the overall journey was unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour for anyone seeking an immersive and breathtaking Tuscan adventure!
The Tuscany Absolute Tour offered an immersive exploration of the region's rich culinary heritage. From enchanting vineyard visits to tastings of exquisite wines, every moment celebrated Tuscan flavors. Exceptional guides and a well-balanced itinerary blending culture and indulgence made it an unforgettable exploration of Tuscany's wine delights, showcasing the area's oenological richness.
The Tuscany Absolute tour package exceeded my expectations! The hotels were great, especially the picturesque Montepulciano one nestled in the countryside—a true Tuscany gem. The excursions were expertly organized, and the transportation service was seamless. It's the perfect way to embrace Tuscany's soul in comfort and style.
The Tuscany tour package was an absolute delight! Everything was well-organized, and what truly stood out was the perfect blend of wine, delectable food, and rich history and culture. The gastronomic experiences were sublime, complemented beautifully by the captivating insights into Tuscany's heritage. Each moment felt like an immersive journey through time and flavor. It was an enriching, delightful escape that left me thoroughly impressed and fulfilled. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an enchanting and well-rounded Tuscan experience.
The Tuscan Absolute tour was a feast for the senses! The cooking experience in Florence was beyond fabulous, offering hands-on immersion into authentic Tuscan cuisine. The wine tasting was exquisite, introducing us to the region's finest flavors, perfectly complemented by a delightful lunch amid Val D'Orcia's breathtaking scenery. This tour flawlessly blended culinary indulgence with picturesque landscapes, leaving me enchanted by Tuscany's beauty and its delectable offerings. An unforgettable journey that tantalizes both the palate and soul!
The Tuscany Absolute Tour provided a fantastic experience with comfortable hotels and engaging excursions. The hotel in Montepulciano, though set amidst picturesque countryside, necessitated foresight for dinner plans due to its distance from the city center. This aspect added a touch of anticipation and encouraged exploration, enhancing our overall journey.