Tuscan holidays: aesthetics, wine, and landscapes

Day's program:

• Walk through the historic center of Florence
• Cathedral Square, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery from the outside
• Giotto's Bell Tower, Orsanmichele, Baptistery of St. John
• Palazzo Medici Riccardi
• Upon request — the Accademia Gallery after lunch
• Aperitif or dinner as preferred

Description:

Private transfer to the center of Florence. After arrival — a walk through the historic center.

The route covers the Cathedral Square with Brunelleschi's dome, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery from the outside, the Baptistery of St. John, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Church of Orsanmichele, and the Medici-Riccardi Palace.

After lunch upon request — the Accademia Gallery featuring Michelangelo's statue of David. In the evening — an aperitif with a view of the city or a gourmet dinner with Tuscan wines.

Day's program:

• Mercato Centrale and a gastronomic walk
• Delicacies of Tuscan cuisine and Florentine street food
• Uffizi Gallery
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Upon request — a cooking masterclass with lunch
• Evening walk through the center
• Dinner at your preference

Description:

The day is dedicated to gastronomy and the main artistic symbols of Florence. The morning begins at Mercato Centrale: Tuscan cheeses, pâtés, truffle products, cantucci, seasonal ice cream, and Florentine street food.

Next — the Uffizi Gallery with works by Renaissance masters and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with the Baptistery, Giotto's bell tower, Brunelleschi's dome, the crypt, and the Duomo Museum.

Upon request — a cooking masterclass: fresh pasta, sauces, dessert, and lunch with the prepared dishes. In the evening — a walk through the center and dinner at your preference.

Day's program:

• San Gimignano
• Tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano (upon request)
• Transfer to the Chianti region
• Greve in Chianti and wineries
• Castello di Verrazzano or another historic castle in the region
• Abbey of Passignano
• Tasting of Chianti Classico, Riserva, or Gran Selezione (upon request)
• Dinner at your preference

Description:

San Gimignano — one of the most recognizable towns in Tuscany, known for its medieval towers, the Via Francigena road, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine. The walk takes place in the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next — the Chianti region: vineyards, castles, the Abbey of Passignano, and Greve in Chianti. Upon request — tasting of Chianti Classico, Riserva, or Gran Selezione in an ancient castle or an authentic winery, with snacks or lunch at your preference.

The route can focus on wineries, cheese farms, or historical cellars from the 12th to 14th centuries.

Day's program:

• Private transfer to Val d'Orcia
• Montalcino
• Brunello di Montalcino winery (upon request)
• Medieval castle and views of the hills
• Lunch at a historic estate
• Dinner at your preference

Description:

Val d'Orcia — one of the most picturesque landscapes in Tuscany: hills, cypress trees, vineyards, and ancient estates. The first stop is Montalcino, the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino.

Upon request — visit to a local winery with a tour and Brunello tasting. After a walk through Montalcino — a medieval castle and views of vineyards, oak groves, and the gentle lines of the valley.

Lunch takes place in an ancient estate with its own mill, pasta, and olive oil production.

Day's program:

• Pienza
• Tasting of Pecorino di Pienza (upon request)
• Montepulciano
• Tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (upon request)
• Lunch at a farmhouse or a small restaurant with a view of the valley
• Aperitif with a view of the hills
• Dinner at your preference

Description:

Pienza — a Renaissance town on a hill above Val d'Orcia, rebuilt by order of Pope Pius II. Here, the main gastronomic focus is on Pecorino di Pienza: young, aged, with truffles, herbs, nuts, honey, or fig jam.

Next — Montepulciano, a city of palaces and churches from the Renaissance, associated with the wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Upon request — descent into historical cellars and tasting of local wines with salami, bruschetta, and pecorino.

Lunch — in a farmhouse or a small restaurant with a view of the valley: Tuscan appetizers, pici, wild boar meat, or the classic cacio e pepe, cantucci with Vin Santo. In the end — an aperitif with a view of the hills.

Day's program:

• Private transfer to Siena
• Historical center and panoramic viewpoints
• Siena Cathedral
• Contrada Owl Museum
• Chianti Colli Senesi (upon request)
• Tuscan cooking masterclass (optional)
• Tasting of Vin Santo and Sienese sweets (upon request)
• Dinner at your preference

Description:

Siena is a city of medieval architecture, contradas, and the traditions of the Palio. The walk covers the historical center, panoramic viewpoints, the Cathedral with mosaic floors, and the Contrada Owl Museum.

Upon request, taste Chianti Colli Senesi in a wine cellar or take a Tuscan cooking masterclass in an ancient villa with a view of the city. A special focus is on the Sienese pastry tradition: ricciarelli, panforte, and Vin Santo.

In the afternoon, explore wine bars and enotecas with rare wines from the Siena area, super Tuscan wines, local cheeses, and salami.

Free morning for last strolls and personal shopping. Private transfer to the airport.