Italy 2024
Idyllic Tuscany
June 8th-June 15th, 2024
Only 2 spots Available!
Save $400 with code
TOSCANA
Based in Florence, this tour is designed to immerse you in the heart of Tuscany, allowing you to experience the diversity of the region. From the forested north to the otherworldly south, Tuscany offers mountains, beaches, cedar-crested hills, and rolling valleys. Together, we will explore family-owned farms and vineyards, visit the Tyrrhenian Sea, work with Florentine artisans, and cook with Italian chefs. You will enjoy an intimate look at this region that has captured the imagination and hearts of people across the world.
Depart your city and head to Italy...
June 7th: Travel Day!!
Day 1: June 8th
Welcome to Florence!
You will be greeted at the airport by your guide, and transported to your hotel in a private car. You have individual accommodations in a 4-star hotel in the historic city center.
After settling in, we will take a guided walk around as an introduction to Florence. Next, we will stop for an aperitif, then we have a reservation for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: June 9th
A Taste of Northern Tuscany
This morning, our driver will pick us up to take us into Northern Tuscany where we will begin our day with a guided tour to learn about the art of Italian espresso, from its history to its future, followed by a five senses tasting experience. After lunch at a small trattoria, we will visit a local cheesemaker to taste traditional Tuscan cheeses, like pecorino. We will end our day with a visit with a fourth-generation winemaker, touring his vineyard and cellar, then tasting some of his small batch wines, which are only available in Tuscany.
Day 3: June 10th
Exploring Florence in the Footsteps of Michelangelo
Today, we will explore the city together, beginning at the Galleria dell'Accademia, home of Michelangelo's David. Next, we will visit Santa Croce, a local church that houses the tomb of Michelangelo. After a stop for our lunch reservation at a Neapolitan pizzeria, we will head across the river to Piazza Santo Spirito to see the only known wooded carving by Michelangelo, which dates back to 1492.
This afternoon, you have free time before our optional group dinner reservation.
Day 4: June 11th
Hilltop Towns and Rolling Valleys
We will begin our day with a stop at a hilltop overlooking Florence. Stunning views of the city, the Arno River, and the surrounding mountains are paired with an exploration of an 11th century church.
Next, we will head south to explore the towns that make up the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. We will visit a small production, family-owned vineyard for a tour of their wine cellar, followed by a tasting and a leisurely lunch overlooking the valleys.
Afterward, we will head further south to San Gimignano, a small, medieval-era, walled town. This evening, we head back to Florence for an optional group dinner.
Day 5: June 12th
Discovering Your Inner
Renaissance Artist
This morning we will visit the workshop of two Florentine artisans who specialize in working with marble, stone, and resin. Here, we will learn about scagliola, a renaissance-era art form incorporating shaded resin into Carrera marble, creating your own keepsake. After our lunch reservation at a local family-owned restaurant, you have free time to explore the city. You will have a pass that gives you entry into almost every museum, garden, and historical site in the city.
Tonight, we have a group dinner reservation at a local restaurant.
Day 6: June 13th
A Seaside Holiday and
"Snow" Capped Mountains
Today, we head to the Tuscan coast to visit two unique places. Our first stop is Carrara for a visit to the famous marble quarries. What looks like snow on the mountains is actually the beautiful Carrara marble being hewn from the same mountains sourced by Michelangelo for his sculptures. We will ride up the mountain in a 4x4 vehicle, then enjoy a glass of Prosecco as we tour the caverns.
Next, we head to the beach! You have the afternoon to swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the promenade and do some shopping. After we soak up some Mediterranean sunshine, our driver will return us to Florence to get ready for dinner.
Day 7: June 14th
A Day in the Renaissance City
Now that you have become familiar with this Renaissance city, today is the perfect day to explore Dante's House, the Boboli Gardens, or even the Uffizi using your museum pass! Your itinerary will include suggestions for shopping and dining, as well. This evening, we will visit a private apartment in Florence for a cooking class with an Italian chef, then dine on the terrace overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
Day 8: June 15th
Arrividerci!
This morning, your driver will take you to the airport to begin your journey home.
Unless... you opt for the extension to Venice!
June 8th to June 15th
$4650
2 spots available!
Save $400 with code
TOSCANA
Inclusions
The Idyllic Tuscany Tour includes the following:
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Private driver for transfer from the airport or train station in Florence to your hotel in Florence
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Your own private room in a historic hotel located in the city center of Florence for 7 nights
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Breakfast each day
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Private, guided walking tour in Florence with a welcome aperitif
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Private car for an outing to Northern Tuscany
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Guided tour and Five Senses Experience at an Italian Espresso Academy
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Tasting experience with a beekeeper, including a honey of your choice
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Visit to a private vineyard and a tasting hosted by the winemaker
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An outing including entry to the Galleria dell'Accademia, Santa Croce, and Santo Spirito
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Private car and driver for a guided outing to Chianti
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Lunch and wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard
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Scagliola workshop with Florentine artisans including your own keepsake piece you create
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Private car and driver for a day visiting the Italian seaside
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Tour of Carrara marble quarry
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Museum pass for Florence
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Private cooking class with an Italian chef
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Transfer to the Florence airport or train staiton from your hotel in Florence
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WELCOME
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Exclusions
Travelers are responsible for:
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Airfare
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Travel insurance
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Lunches and dinners (with the exception of the lunch at the vineyard and the cooking class on Day 7)
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Personal expenditures
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Tips for Drivers and Local Guides (at your discretion, approximately $100 total)
Payment
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$900 deposit to secure your spot. Because of the small size of these trips, it is advisable to secure a spot early.
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40% of trip cost due 120 days out from departure
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Balance of trip cost due 60 days out from departure