Departure from U.S.A. to Florence by scheduled service. 

 

DAY 2 - TUSCANY REGION

 

Arrival at Florence airport. You will pick up your rental car and drive the short distance to Montaione, located in the Chianti wine region. After check-in at the Palazzo Mannaioni, the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, you’ll enjoy an authentic Tuscan dinner at your hotel.

 

DAY 3 - TUSCANY / SIENA

 

Following breakfast, you will begin your Italian cooking lesson with a local chef and interpreter followed by a tasting of the dishes you helped create. After lunch, you'll take a short drive to the medieval city of Siena for a private, guided tour with a local art historian and guide. Afterwards, there will be time to shop and browse on your own. This evening is at your leisure.

 

DAY 4 - SAN GIMIGNANO

 

Following breakfast, you will drive to Fattoria San Donato, a quaint Tuscan farmhouse in San Gimignano for a demonstration on Tuscan wines. A tasting of the farm’s cheese, olive oil and wines will be followed by a light lunch. You are on your own this afternoon to visit the medieval village of San Gimignano, well-known for its seven towers, brightly colored ceramics and specialty smoked meats. This evening is free for you to explore the countryside on your own.

 

DAY 5 - TUSCANY

 

Following breakfast you will have an entire day to explore the medieval villages of Tuscany on your own. You may wish to visit Pisa to see the leaning tower or Lucca, the city set inside a ring of Renaissance walls.

 

DAY 6 - TUSCANY / FLORENCE

 

This morning you will drive the short distance to Florence, drop off your rental car and check into your hotel. For the afternoon, we have made your reservation to visit the famed Academia of Fine Arts, home of the original statue of David by Michelangelo. The remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure. 

 

DAY 7 - FLORENCE 

 

Today is yours to explore the city on your own or visit the Uffizi Gallery, famous for its Renaissance painting collection, or you may consider an optional excursion to visit the charming town of Pisa. This evening is free to dine where you please.

 

DAY 8 - FLORENCE / USA

 

This morning you will be transferred by private car and English-speaking driver to the Florence airport in time for your departure flight home.