Italy, Tuscany – Best of Tuscany

Cortona

To get the first full day of your stay off to an exciting start, we’ll head into the nearby town of Cortona; where we have plenty of things for you to see and do! Our enthusiastic tour guide will take you on an enjoyable walk of the town, with coffee included.

To integrate you with the Tuscan lifestyle, you’ll experience lunch at a local trattoria. With your stomach full, you’ll have the opportunity to sit and relax to your heart’s content or explore the town in greater detail.

Mid-afternoon you can either return to your apartment, or stay in Cortona. Later this evening everyone with meet up for dinner. What better way to savour the flavours of Cortona than with a traditional aperitivo in the Piazza, followed by dinner!

Overnight Cortona

Meals B, Coffee, L, D

Siena & San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a town so iconic that you have to see it to truly believe it – and this is where we’ll be headed at 9am. Upon arrival we’ll have a brief coffee break and you will be given an overview of the town and its rich history.

Shortly after your introduction, you’ll have free time to explore, meet some locals and partake in activities at your own leisure.

It will then be time to travel to nearby Siena, where you’ll meet your tour guide who will fill you with knowledge, expose you to the traditional lifestyle and offer an understanding of the town first-hand.

Again you’ll have some free time here before enjoying an evening meal at a local restaurant in Siena.

Overnight Cortona

Meals B, D

Lazy Morning & Cooking Class

For fans of cooking, today you’ll be introduced to the art of making Italian cuisine. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your culinary skills with a Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class where you’ll prepare 4 courses and then enjoy eating with the chef.

The remainder of the day is free.

Overnight Cortona

Meals B, L

Montepulciano & Pienza

Featuring 15th Century architecture, Pienza is today’s first village visit. It’s as stunning as it is traditional. Enjoy a quick break for coffee, before taking some time to explore the town in greater detail. Pienza is undoubtedly one the most romantic destinations in Tuscany, where you’ll find streets with evocative names such as Via del Bacio (Street of the kiss) and Via dell’Amore (Street of Love).

At 12:30pm, you’ll transfer to Montepulciano for a lunch and wine tasting – which takes place in a traditional underground cellar. You’ll then have some free time to enjoy the village. With views as intoxicating as its “noble” red wine, the delightful walled hilltop town is well worth the climb. Especially for its main square (an absolute must for “Twilight” fans) and the elegant Renaissance palaces and churches.

At 5pm, return to your accommodation where you can unwind for a couple of hours before dinner.

Your visit to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without an authentic pizza, so tonight it’s time for some!

Meals B, Coffee, T (wine), L, D

Chianti

This morning we have an exciting tour of Chianti planned. En-route there will be a stop in Castellina for a coffee following with an opportunity to explore the town and all it has to offer.

Castellina is an ancient town of just under 3,000 people, located in the picture-perfect wine-famous Chianti Hills. The many wonderful sights include the imposing 14th-century Rocca (Fortress), offering spectacular views of the town and surrounding countryside, the 16th-century San Salvatore church and the Via delle Volte medieval arched passageway. Just outside of town are the pre-Roman Etruscan burial tombs of Monte Calvario and the Necropolis of Poggino.

An extended lunch and tasting session is planned at an exquisite organic winery, where there will be the opportunity to meet the winemakers.

Later in the afternoon, return to base.

Overnight Cortona

Meals B, T (wines), L

Tour-Free Day

As your trip slowly comes to an end, we allocate this time for you to choose the types of activities that you’d like to partake in – from exploring the nearby area, to relaxing by the pool.

Whatever you choose to do, we’ll ensure that you’re back in time for a traditional Italian Aperitivo, followed by a farewell dinner to mark your visit.

Overnight Cortona

Meals B, D

Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer you to the local train station for your departure.

Meals B