Tuscany Highlights Experience

Upon arrival at Florence airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Lucca. After checking in at your hotel, meet your guide in the afternoon for a half-day tour of this charming city. Lucca has largely escaped mass tourism and retains much of its medieval character, having been well preserved over the centuries. We will explore highlights including Guinigi’s Tower, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the Cathedral of San Martino. Should your arrival be delayed, the city tour will be rescheduled for the following day. Overnight in Lucca.

After breakfast, we meet your driver and travel to Pisa, where your guide will join you at Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as Piazza del Duomo. This renowned square is home to the Leaning Tower, a 58-metre-high campanile famous worldwide for its distinctive tilt. An outstanding example of Pisan Romanesque architecture, the tower features six levels of galleries spiralling upwards. Construction began in 1173 under Bonanno Pisano, and a century later Giovanni di Simone attempted to correct its lean, though without completing the effort. You will also visit the Baptistery, a grand circular building measuring 110 metres in circumference, topped with a unique dome and a statue of Saint John the Baptist. Inside, admire the octagonal baptismal font crafted in 1246 by Guido Bigarelli and the intricately sculpted pulpit by Nicola Pisano from 1260. The tour includes a look at the frescoes in the Monumental Cemetery, located on the northern side of the square, featuring notable works such as the Triumph of Death attributed to Buffalmacco. After the guided visit, we return to Lucca for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we meet your driver for the transfer to Siena. In the afternoon, join your guide to explore this striking city, famously built across three hills. Once a rival to Florence, Siena has preserved its rich artistic and cultural heritage along with its distinctive identity. We visit Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square, known for its unique shell shape and gently sloping floor, which serves as the setting for the renowned Palio horse race held twice yearly. Here, we explore the Palazzo Pubblico and climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views over the city. The Duomo di Siena, a remarkable Gothic cathedral constructed between 1214 and 1263, features striking white marble with green and black bands symbolising the city’s colours. We recommend opting for the “Opa Si Pass” to access all areas of the cathedral complex, including the crypt, baptistery, museum dell’Opera and the Facciatone. Overnight in Siena.

Today we explore the stunning Chianti region, renowned for its rolling hills and iconic vineyards. This area is famous for producing Chianti wine, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Canaiolo grapes, celebrated for its deep ruby colour and distinctive floral aroma. We will visit ancient churches, medieval castles, and charming villages where time seems to have stood still, offering an authentic glimpse of Tuscan life. The day includes a guided tour of a local winery’s cellars, where you will learn about the wine-making process before sampling estate wines alongside traditional charcuterie, bruschette, and sausages. Later, we visit the fortified village of Monteriggioni, known for its well-preserved walls, quaint shops selling local products, and elegant cafés—perfect for a coffee or ice cream break. We return to Siena for the night.

Spend the day at your leisure exploring the area around Siena. You may choose to take the train to nearby towns such as Buonconvento, San Gimignano or Rapolano Terme, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. Return to Siena for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, meet your driver for the transfer to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Explore the city centre independently, taking time to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, including the baptistery, Giotto’s Campanile, and Brunelleschi’s Dome. As evening approaches, take a stroll along the Arno River and admire the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s iconic bridge lined with artisan shops and renowned goldsmiths. Wander through the nearby Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, close to the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria, where you may wish to pause for an aperitif or dinner. Overnight in Florence.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel to explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and a treasure trove of Italian art. We will visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, home to some of the world’s most renowned masterpieces. Along the way, we will pass through Piazza della Signoria, the city’s principal square, where you can admire the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Fountain of Neptune, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David—the original statue is housed in the Accademia Museum. Overnight in Florence.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Florence airport for your return flight, concluding your journey.