Tuscany Highlights
10 Days
from
$2,550 to $2,980 pp*
Highlights:
Tuscany
(Florence, Montepulciano, Siena)
Trip Start/End:
Florence
/
Florence
Renaissance means “a rebirth” which is what you’ll experience when you visit Tuscany.
Explore a region of Italy that gave birth to the Renaissance movement. Wander the idyllic landscape with its rolling hills, rustic vineyards, olive groves, golden wheat fields, and medieval villages. Navigate hidden alleyways and ancient cobblestoned streets in search of a rich and orphic history. Take in Tuscany’s many extraordinary paintings, frescos and architectural masterpieces. Enjoy the wonderful cuisine and many fine wines from the Chianti region. In the evenings, relax in charming and comfortable accommodations.
Tour Florence on foot and visit the Uffizi Gallery that houses masterpieces like Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch” and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Annunciation.” Head to Signoria Square and marvel at the re-created duplicate of Michelangelo’s statue of “David.” Cross Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) which dates back to 1345. Wander Via Maggio and pick up an antique from the 16th century to add to your collection. Visit the historic San Lorenzo market and select the finest ingredients which you’ll then prepare in your afternoon cooking class. Tour the Montalcino and Brunello vineyards and bring home a bottle of wine that will remind you of your glorious Tuscan vacation.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Florence
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Italy - Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- At Leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Grand Hotel Cavour (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*) (Classic)
|
- Day 2
- Florence
| - Private - 1/2 Day Walking Tour with Uffizi Gallery (3hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Shopping
- Dinner (not included)
| Grand Hotel Cavour (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Florence
| - Shared - 1/2 d Cooking Class & Visit to Market (with Lunch) (5hrs) - Cooking class
- Lunch (included)
- At Leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Grand Hotel Cavour (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Florence - Chiusi - Montepulciano
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Florence - Chiusi [1.5 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Chiusi - Montepulciano [20 mins] - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Villa Cicolina (4*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Montepulciano
| - Private - 1/2d Walking Tour - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- At Leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Villa Cicolina (4*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Montepulciano
| - Optional Activities
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Villa Cicolina (4*)
Classic (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Montepulciano - Chiusi - Siena
| - Transfer - Private - Montepulciano - Chiusi [20 mins] - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Chiusi - Siena [1 hr 15 mins] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Athena (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Siena
| - Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- At Leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Athena (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Siena
| - Shared - San Gimignano & Chianti (5 hrs) - Coach/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- At Leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Athena (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Siena
| - Transfer - Private - Siena - Florence [1 hr 15 mins] - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Florence
Hotel Cavour from across the square
Day 1: Florence
A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer to the airport in Florence today.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) is situated in the Duomo neighborhood of Florence, this property is near Duomo Works Museum, Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, and Statue of David. Additional nearby points of interest include Bargello Museum. Recreational amenities at Grand Hotel Cavour include a health club and a fitness facility. Other amenities include a restaurant, complimentary breakfast, and a business center. Guestrooms have complimentary wireless Internet access, satellite television, and minibars; bathrooms include bidets and hair dryers.
Uffizi Gallery 
Shopping in Florence
Day 2: Florence
Travel back to the Renaissance period during this half day walking tour that explores the renowned Italian city of Florence. This guided tour ensures that you visit some of the many landmarks and sites that have made Florence a global tourist hub, and one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. This walking tour begins with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, boasting some true masterpieces of art including Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch” and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Annunciation.” The tour continues with a walk through the Signoria Square to marvel at the re-created duplicate of Michelangelo’s statue of “David.” Next is a visit to the elegant Ponte Vecchio, which translates to “old-bridge,” dating back to 1345, this bridge was actually built to replace the once previous bridge structure that was unfortunately swept away during a vicious flood. Along either end of the bridge, take this opportunity to view, and purchase if you’d like, some of the many items for sale including souvenirs, snacks and jewelry. Your final visits on this tour include stops at the 14th century Cathedral Square to view the Duomo, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objects d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) 
San Lorenzo central market
Day 3: Florence
On this course you can learn to cook a typical everyday Tuscan meal, starting off by choosing the ingredients in season. Under the expert guidance of a multilingual chef, you will visit the historic San Lorenzo central market, where you will select the ingredients that you will then use to prepare a four-course meal (starter, first course, second course and dessert) in a top class cooking school. The course will be followed by lunch with the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a good Tuscan wine and a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) 
Montepulciano
Villa Cicolina
Day 4: Florence - Chiusi - Montepulciano
Take a private train station transfer in Florence.
Take the train to Chiusi. Journey will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Your private driver will meet you at your hotel in Chiusi and transfer you to Montepulciano. The journey will take approximately 20 minutes.
Accommodation: Villa Cicolina (4*) Until the end of the 19th century Villa Cicolina (4*) was the country residence of a noble family of Montepuciano, it was built in late sixteenth century as the wooden capitals and doorposts show. In 2000 it was purchased by Andrea e Angela, two doctors travel lovers, who decided to transform it into a small relais. Restructuring the villa was inspired by the African lodges where the natural elements and the housing comfort blend together in perfect harmony. The restructuring process was fulfilled with a logic of total conservation of the furniture and decorations, we aimed to make our guests feel that the untouched spirit of the centuries go through the walls of Villa Cicolina.
Day 5: Montepulciano
Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private local guide. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the top sights. Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide is officially licensed. This personalized tour will give you local insight into the real history and hidden gems.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Villa Cicolina (4*) Day 6: Montepulciano
Enjoy this splendid Tuscan village or book one of the many local tour options at your hotel, including; day tour of Montalcino and Brunello vineyards, day tour of local vineyards with lunch, visit the house and property of La Foce a short drive from town.
Accommodation: Villa Cicolina (4*) 
Siena
Hotel Athena
Day 7: Montepulciano - Chiusi - Siena
Your private driver will meet you at your hotel in Montepulciano and transfer you to Chiusi. The journey will take approximately 20 minutes.
Enjoy the train ride to Siena. Journey will take approximately 1h 15m.
Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Athena (4*) The Hotel Athena (4*) is located in the historic centre of Siena, approximately 500 metres from the Duomo and Piazza del Campo, in a quiet and easily accessible area with a wonderful panorama. The property is a fully air conditioned hotel, with all the necessary comforts for a relaxing stay including a bar and a restaurant The hotel has 100 single, double, triple and quadruple rooms. All rooms feature private bathroom with hairdryer. The accommodations are furthermore equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, heating and Internet access.
Main Square - Siena
Day 8: Siena
Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private local guide. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the top sights. Discover the most unusual and unforgettable aspects of Siena, including the Cathedral Crypt. See the city's monuments and hidden alleyways, which all give a true insight into Sienese Life. The tour starts from the Campo Square, following the pilgrims, wayfarers, artists, merchants and saint's and the traces they left behind in courtyards, fine old churches and forgotten frescoes. The tour will end with the 13th century frescoes in the Cathedral Crypt.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Athena (4*) 
San Gimignano
Day 9: Siena
You will be guided in the discovery of the marvellous unspoilt landscapes that have been cradling the Chianti vineyards for centuries, unravelling before your eyes in a harmony of colours that only the hills of this region can give you. Visit ancient churches, medieval castles and little hamlets where the pace of life has remained unchanged over the course of time. Explore the fantastic settings and soak in their ancient traditions. The tour then continues to San Gimignano, a medieval town that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Gimignano, distinguished by its world famous, characteristic towered skyline, stands along the via Francigena on the hills of upper Val D’Elsa. The town is also famous for its wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, saffron and the precious Santa Fina pottery. Your guide will accompany you to every corner of the town characterised by beautiful squares, buildings, churches and suggestive alleyways. Guided tour of a wine estate with sampling of wines, bruschettas, sliced cold meats and salami included.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Athena (4*) Day 10: Siena
Enjoy the transfer from Siena to Florence in a private chauffeured driven vehicle with English speaking driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Hotel Cavour from across the square
Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) - Florence
Grand Hotel Cavour (4*) is situated in the Duomo neighborhood of Florence, this property is near Duomo Works Museum, Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, and Statue of David. Additional nearby points of interest include Bargello Museum. Recreational amenities at Grand Hotel Cavour include a health club and a fitness facility. Other amenities include a restaurant, complimentary breakfast, and a business center. Guestrooms have complimentary wireless Internet access, satellite television, and minibars; bathrooms include bidets and hair dryers.
- Villa Cicolina
Villa Cicolina (4*) - Montepulciano
Until the end of the 19th century Villa Cicolina (4*) was the country residence of a noble family of Montepuciano, it was built in late sixteenth century as the wooden capitals and doorposts show. In 2000 it was purchased by Andrea e Angela, two doctors travel lovers, who decided to transform it into a small relais. Restructuring the villa was inspired by the African lodges where the natural elements and the housing comfort blend together in perfect harmony. The restructuring process was fulfilled with a logic of total conservation of the furniture and decorations, we aimed to make our guests feel that the untouched spirit of the centuries go through the walls of Villa Cicolina.
- Hotel Athena
Athena (4*) - Siena
The Hotel Athena (4*) is located in the historic centre of Siena, approximately 500 metres from the Duomo and Piazza del Campo, in a quiet and easily accessible area with a wonderful panorama. The property is a fully air conditioned hotel, with all the necessary comforts for a relaxing stay including a bar and a restaurant The hotel has 100 single, double, triple and quadruple rooms. All rooms feature private bathroom with hairdryer. The accommodations are furthermore equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, heating and Internet access.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Italy
VISA/PASSPORT
Italy is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Italy for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/italy.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Rome.
Government: Kingdom of Italy declared in 1861. Republic since 1946.
Language: Italian is the official language. English, French and German are spoken in the biggest cities.
Religion: 87.8% Roman Catholic with Muslim and Protestant minorities.
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +39 (followed by 6 for Rome, 2 for Milan, 11 for Turin, 81 for Naples, 41 for Venice and 55 for Florence).
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet: There are also Internet cafes in all main towns.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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