7 Days • 6 Nights
Taste of Tuscany: Florence, Siena & Wine Country
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Tour a family-run winery in the heart of Chianti, roll fresh pasta in a farmhouse kitchen, climb the towers of medieval San Gimignano, and stand in the shell-shaped square of Siena. Between the sights are long lunches beneath the vines, drives along cypress-lined roads, and evenings that seem to stretch forever.
It is the ideal journey for lovers of food, wine and the good life, and pairs beautifully with a few days in Rome or on the coast.
Trip Highlights
- A Chianti winery tour – walk the vineyards and cellars and enjoy a private tasting of the region's celebrated wines
- A hands-on Tuscan cooking class – learn to make fresh pasta and classic dishes from a local cook
- Medieval San Gimignano – the 'town of fine towers', a perfectly preserved hilltop skyline
- Siena – the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and a magnificent striped Gothic cathedral
- Florence's masterpieces – Michelangelo's David and the treasures of the Uffizi
- The Tuscan countryside – cypress-lined roads, olive groves and golden-hour views over the Val d'Orcia
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Florence. After settling in, an orientation walk introduces you to the Renaissance city — its river, its bridges and its honey-stoned palazzos. Enjoy a first Tuscan dinner and a glass of Chianti as the evening light plays across the Arno.
A full guided day among the treasures of the Renaissance. Stand before Michelangelo's David, wander the Uffizi's galleries of Botticelli and Leonardo, admire Brunelleschi's soaring Duomo and cross the goldsmith-lined Ponte Vecchio. As evening falls, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for a golden panorama over the city.
Today you head into the rolling hills of Chianti, Tuscany's most famous wine country. Tour a family-run estate, walk the vineyards and cellars, and enjoy a private tasting of Sangiovese and Chianti Classico paired with local produce. A long, lazy lunch among the vines is the heart of the day before you return to Florence in the golden afternoon light.
Journey to San Gimignano, the 'town of fine towers', whose medieval skyline rises dramatically from the Tuscan hills — pause for the world-champion gelato in its main square. Continue to the ancient Etruscan town of Volterra, famed for its alabaster workshops and sweeping views, before returning to Florence.
A guided day in Siena, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval cities. Explore the vast shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse race, and step inside the breathtaking striped Gothic cathedral. Wander the steep lanes and contrade before a leisurely Tuscan lunch.
Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class. Begin with fresh, seasonal ingredients before learning to make pasta, a classic main and the beloved tiramisu under the guidance of a local cook. Then sit down together to enjoy the feast you have created, paired with local wine — a skill and a memory to take home.
After a final Tuscan breakfast, your private transfer takes you onward, or you may continue with us to Rome or the coast, richer for a week in the most beautiful countryside in Italy.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival transfer to your Florence hotel
- 6 nights in Florence (or a Tuscan estate) with daily breakfast
- Guided Florence city tour including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery & Michelangelo's David
- Full-day Chianti wine tour with a winery visit and private tasting
- Long Tuscan lunch among the vineyards
- Full-day excursion to San Gimignano and Volterra
- Guided visit to Siena and the Piazza del Campo
- A hands-on Tuscan cooking class with lunch
- Private departure transfer
- Daily breakfast at your hotels
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and experiences listed in the itinerary
- Private, licensed English-speaking local guides
- Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and tours
- Warm meet-and-greet on arrival
- Complimentary 24/7 in-trip travel assistance
- All applicable local taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- International airfare and applicable airport taxes
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Lunches, dinners and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards, shopping and minibar
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Optional excursions and activities not listed in the inclusions
- Room, flight and category upgrades
- Early hotel check-in and late check-out charges unless specified
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Passport & Visa: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Most nationalities require a Schengen visa for Italy — please check your own requirements and apply in good time
- Currency: Italy uses the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets, cafes, tips and small vendors
- Getting Around: Your trip uses Italy's high-speed trains between cities and a private air-conditioned car with driver for day tours and transfers
- Weather & Packing: Pack comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for cobbled streets, layers for changeable weather, sun protection and a light rain jacket
- Church & Site Etiquette: Dress modestly to enter churches, cathedrals and religious sites — shoulders and knees should be covered
- Dining Hours: Italians eat late — lunch from around 1pm and dinner after 8pm. Reservations are advised for popular restaurants
- Stay Connected: Local SIM cards and eSIMs are inexpensive and give excellent coverage across Italy
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering medical care, cancellation, delays and belongings is strongly recommended
- Pace of Travel: There is a good deal of walking at the historic sites; let us know if you would like a gentler pace and we will adjust
- Local Customs: A friendly 'buongiorno' opens doors, and it is polite to ask before photographing people
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip good for food and wine lovers?
It is designed for them, with wineries, tastings and a hands-on cooking class built in.
Do we need to hire a car?
No — a private driver is included for all the countryside days.
When is Tuscany at its best?
May, June, September and the September grape harvest are especially wonderful.
Can we stay on a wine estate?
Yes, we can upgrade your base to a beautiful vineyard agriturismo.
Are meals included?
Daily breakfast plus the winery lunch and the cooking-class lunch; other meals are free.
Can this be combined with other regions?
Yes — Tuscany pairs perfectly with Florence, Rome or the Cinque Terre.
Is it suitable for non-drinkers?
Absolutely; the scenery, food and hill towns are a joy with or without the wine.
How much walking is involved?
Gentle walking in hill towns and vineyards; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Can the pace be relaxed further?
Yes, we can add free days and slow the touring to suit you.
Do you use expert guides?
Yes, licensed local guides lead the sightseeing and winery visits.
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