UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

The same Italy we saw on postcards

Magnificent Florence, Siena, Pienza and Pisa, vineyards, cheese factories and the incredible Ligurian coast with the Cinque Terre towns
18-25 SEPTEMBER

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word Tuscany?

Vineyards stretching beyond the horizon? Golden hills illuminated by the soft sun? Cozy medieval towns where history is hidden behind every door? Florence, the cradle of artists and great masters of the Renaissance? Or perhaps delicious wine, cheeses and leisurely dinners overlooking the Tuscan landscapes?

Yes, that's exactly how we imagine Tuscany! And this tour is like a postcard come to life with this magical place. We will travel along picturesque country roads, immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of ancient towns, enjoy the best tastes of the region, and finally find ourselves on the shores of the Ligurian Sea in Cinque Terre. Are you ready to see Tuscany in all its beauty? Then start the program
PROGRAM
Day 1. FLORENCE
You will need to arrive the day before the tour, as the program starts in the morning of the first day.

We begin our journey early in the morning, when Florence is just waking up. At 7 am, the city is still shrouded in morning freshness, the streets are deserted, and we have a unique opportunity to see it without the bustle of tourist crowds.

We will go on a walking tour with a local guide who lives here and is in love with this city. He will take us along the most atmospheric streets, tell us stories that cannot be found in guidebooks, and show Florence through the eyes of locals. We will walk through iconic places before the opening of shops, restaurants and stalls, so that nothing distracts from the majestic architecture, history and morning mood of the city. The Pitti Palace, the grandiose Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its famous Brunelleschi dome and the graceful Giotto bell tower are the very iconic places that you want to see without the frenzied crowd. Let's walk through Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the city, where the most important events in the history of Florence once took place.

Be sure to take a photo on the Ponte Vecchio - an ancient bridge with unique shops, which in itself is one of the main attractions. Here you can feel the spirit of old Florence, enjoy the atmosphere and admire the reflection of the city in the waters of the Arno River.

After the walk, you will have time to explore Florence on your own. You can look into famous museums, climb to observation decks, try the best dishes of the region: Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina), cooked over an open fire, or pappa al pomodoro - thick tomato soup with bread.

This is how our Tuscan journey begins - with the morning magic of Florence, its silence, comfort and the feeling that the whole city belongs only to us.

We will spend the whole day in Florence, and in the evening we will go up to the Michelangelo Square - the best observation point of the city. After walking along the noisy streets, we will go to the very heart of Tuscany - to our first atmospheric accommodation, a small family hotel in a small cozy town, where time flows completely differently than in crowded Florence. Immersion in the culture and special rhythm of life of rural Italy begins.
2 The charm of Chianti and the genius of Leonardo da Vinci
Our morning begins in the heart of Tuscany, on a family farm in the Chianti region. Here we will have a truly cozy breakfast prepared by a caring hostess: fresh cheese, crispy bread, jams, a hot omelet made from homemade eggs, aromatic coffee, and warm Italian hospitality.

After a leisurely morning, we set off to explore the Chianti region, famous for its vineyards, hill,s and atmospheric medieval towns.

What awaits us on this day?
The city of Vinci is the birthplace of the great Leonardo.

We will visit the open-air Leonardo da Vinci Museum in the master's hometown. It contains his inventions, mechanisms and models, many of which changed the world. This is a place where you can feel the genius of the Renaissance and be inspired by Leonardo's creative spirit.

Then we went for a tasting in a castle founded in the 12th century, which is the oldest winery in Italy. Here, we will learn about the history of the founding family and the process of creating the famous drink. We will also taste the most delicious wines produced in this unique place. We will walk around the winery and enjoy a glass of Chianti from an incredible panoramic terrace.

Hungry? Of course! We are ready for a traditional lunch with local cheeses, homemade pasta with truffles and classic Tuscan drinks in one of the atmospheric trattorias of the region. After that, you can walk among the vineyards, sit on the green grass with a view of the Tuscan hills, and just soak up the gentle autumn sun, which will be so missed in winter. Do you feel it? Have we caught that very real rhythm of Tuscany, chatting about nothing, laughing and enjoying the moment, not thinking about business and worries, just enjoying life and the views. Is this even legal?

In the evening we go to our new home, where we will spend the next few nights - we move to a winery in the Montepulciano region. This is a cozy Tuscan house among the hills and vineyards, from where there are breathtaking views, especially at sunset. No matter how much you fall in love with this place, you will not want to leave.

We finish our day surrounded by nature and the best tastes of Tuscany.
Day 3. The charm of Montepulciano and Pienza
Wake up surrounded by the Tuscan hills, enjoy a leisurely homemade breakfast at a winery, and then set off to explore southern Tuscany, a region where architecture, nature and gastronomy merge to create the perfect picture of an Italian dream.

Montepulciano – a city of fine wines and panoramic views

The first stop of the day is Montepulciano, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric towns in Tuscany. It is located on a hilltop with breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia valley. Narrow medieval streets, Renaissance palaces, ancient wine cellars – here you want to walk, slow down and soak up the special charm of the region.

We will visit a traditional winery, where we will taste the legendary Nobile di Montepulciano wine, famous for its rich aromas and centuries-old history. We will learn how it is produced, how it differs from other Tuscan wines, and, of course, enjoy a tasting in the unique atmosphere of an ancient cellar.

Pienza - the perfect Tuscan town

Next, we will head to Pienza, a town that is called "the perfect embodiment of the Renaissance". This is a small, but incredibly cozy and picturesque town, created in the 15th century by the idea of ​​Pope Pius II. Narrow streets, cozy squares, the aroma of pecorino cheese shops and stunning views of the Val d'Orcia Valley make this place a real postcard.

In Pienza, we will try the famous pecorino - sheep's milk cheese, which is made here according to traditional recipes. We will stop by a local cheese factory or a small delicatessen to bring home a piece of real Tuscany.

Evening at the Winery

After a busy day, we return to our cozy Tuscan home where you can relax, enjoy the sunset over the vineyards, share impressions, and feel the real Italian dolce vita.

This day will be filled with the aromas, taste,s and views that make Tuscany such a special place.
Day 4. Tasting Brunello di Montalcino – immersion into the world of great wine
Today we are heading to Montalcino, the birthplace of one of the most famous Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino. This day will be dedicated not only to tasting, but also to immersing ourselves in the culture of winemaking, because behind each bottle of Brunello there is history, traditions and the unique climate of the region.

Morning: a walk around Montalcino

We will start the day with a short walk around the medieval town of Montalcino, located on a hilltop. We will see:
• The 14th-century fortress (Rocca di Montalcino), which offers breathtaking views of Tuscany.
• Narrow streets with wine shops, antique shops and family restaurants.
• Quiet squares and old houses that immerse you in the atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside.

A winery with history

We will visit a family winery where Brunello wine has been made for several generations. Here we will learn:
• Why Brunello di Montalcino is considered one of the best wines in Italy.
• How terroir influences the taste of wine and what is the secret of its aging.
• How to taste Brunello to reveal its full bouquet of aromas.

During the tasting, we will try several varieties of Brunello - classic aged and younger versions, compare their taste and find out which dishes are best to combine them with.

Lunch with traditional Tuscan dishes

After the tasting, we will go to an atmospheric trattoria that serves the best dishes of the region. Here we will try:
• Pici with game ragout - traditional Tuscan pasta with a thick meat sauce.
• Bruschetta with Tuscan olive oil and truffle.
• Local cheeses and prosciutto that go perfectly with Brunello.

You can take a glass of your favorite wine from the tasting and just enjoy the moment in the cozy atmosphere of an Italian lunch.

Saturnia Hot Springs

After a walk in the hills, we will go to the Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia, a place famous for its natural hot springs. The waters here are rich in minerals and are considered healthy and rejuvenating. Here you can relax, unwind after a busy morning and immerse yourself in the wild hot springs.

At sunset, we will return to our cozy winery
Day 5. Val d'Orcia and Siena
This day will be dedicated to the beauty of Tuscany — the very views that decorate postcards, movies and travelers' dreams. We will go to Val d'Orcia — the famous valley where golden hills, slender cypresses and secluded farmhouses create ideal compositions for shooting.

Photoshoot in Val d'Orcia

In the morning we will go to the most picturesque locations of the valley to capture the famous Tuscan landscapes. We will see:
• That very road with cypresses — one of the most famous landscapes of Italy.
• The house from the movie "Gladiator" — scenes with wheat fields and Tuscan sun were filmed here.
• Panoramic views that look like living canvases of the Renaissance.

Time for photo sessions, video shooting and just enjoying the scenery in a leisurely, friendly atmosphere.

Evening in Siena

At sunset we will arrive in Siena, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in Tuscany. Here we will see:
• Piazza del Campo, the famous shell-shaped square where the legendary Palio horse race takes place.
• Siena Duomo, one of the most impressive cathedrals in Italy, made of black and white marble.
• Narrow streets of the medieval city, filled with history, cozy shops and panoramic points.

We will have dinner in a traditional Siena trattoria, where you can try local specialties - panforte, pici with truffles and game.

We will spend the night in a cozy family villa in Siena.
Day 6. Pisa, San Gimignano and transfer to Cinque Terre
oday we will visit a few more magical Tuscan towns before diving into the atmosphere of the seaside Cinque Terre. This day will be full of architectural masterpieces, medieval history and new vibrant landscapes.

Morning: Pisa – the city of the famous tower

Our day begins in Pisa, one of the most famous cities in Italy. Of course, the main attraction here is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but this city offers much more. We will see:
• Piazza dei Miracoli, where the cathedral, baptistery and the famous tower are located.
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture.
• The picturesque streets of old Pisa, where you can feel the atmosphere of a university city.

After some free time for photos and a walk, we move on.

Day: San Gimignano - the city of medieval towers

The next stop is San Gimignano, an amazing city famous for its numerous medieval towers, which is why it is called the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages". Here we will:
• A walk through the old town, which has preserved the appearance of the 13th-14th centuries.
• Piazza della Cisterna - the central square surrounded by majestic palaces.
• The most delicious ice cream in Italy - Gelateria Dondoli, recognized as one of the best in the country.

After getting to know the city and its flavors, we will set off on a journey to the sea.

Evening: Transfer to Cinque Terre

In the afternoon, we will move to Cinque Terre - one of the most picturesque regions of Italy. Narrow streets of seaside towns, colorful houses, steep cliffs and turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea await us.

We will spend the night in a cozy town - Monterosso.

In the evening - dinner with seafood and a glass of local white wine to the sound of the waves. This is how we finish a busy day and prepare for new discoveries on the coast of Liguria.
Day 7. Exploring Cinque Terre: by sea, on foot and by train
Today we are dedicating the entire day to the Cinque Terre, five picturesque fishing villages that are located on the rocky coast of the Ligurian Sea. It will be a day of beautiful views, sea breeze, Italian streets and the amazing atmosphere of seaside Italy.

Morning: boat trip along the Cinque Terre

We start the day on a boat, sailing away from our town to see the Cinque Terre from the water. From the sea, they look truly fabulous: colorful houses, cozy clinging to the rocks, boats rocking in small bays, and the endless Ligurian Sea.

During the boat trip, we will see all five villages of the Cinque Terre:
• Riomaggiore - a town where you can see classic colorful houses stretching along the cliffs.
• Manarola - one of the most photographed places in Italy, especially from the sea.
• Corniglia is the only village without access to the sea, located high on a hill.
• Vernazza - with its picturesque harbor and medieval tower.
• Monterosso al Mare is the largest and the only one with a real beach.

During the walk, you can swim in the crystal clear water or just enjoy the view of the coast and the feeling of complete freedom.

Day: exploring each town of Cinque Terre

After the walk, we disembark and begin exploring the villages by land. Between the towns, we will travel by train, which connects all five settlements. This will allow us to feel the atmosphere of each of them and enjoy the different rhythms of life in Cinque Terre.
• In Riomaggiore, you can look into authentic shops and try the famous focaccia with pesto.
• In Manarola, take iconic photos against the backdrop of the sea and rocks.
• In Vernazza, climb the fortress and drink coffee with a stunning view.
• In Monterosso, enjoy the beach atmosphere and taste the freshest seafood.

Evening: Relaxed dinner with a sea view

After a day of exploring, we return to our town and finish the day with a leisurely dinner in a restaurant with a sea view. Fresh fish, seafood pasta, white Ligurian wine and the soft sound of the waves will create the perfect end to our seaside day.

This day is about freedom, exploration and total immersion in the atmosphere of Cinque Terre.
Day 8. Return to Florence and farewell to Tuscany
Our journey is coming to an end, and today we return to where our Tuscan adventure began: Florence.

Morning: Last look at the Cinque Terre

Before leaving, we will have some time to once again feel the atmosphere of the Ligurian coast - drink a morning espresso with a view of the sea, stroll through the narrow streets or just enjoy the fresh sea air.

Then we head back to Florence, passing through the familiar Tuscan hills, vineyards and cypress groves that have become part of our history.

Afternoon: Free time in Florence

Before leaving, we will have the opportunity to enjoy this incredible city a little more:
• Visit those places that we did not have time to visit on the first day.
• Walk along the Arno and admire the view from the Ponte Vecchio for the last time.
• Buy souvenirs and Tuscan delicacies to remember.

Sit in a cozy cafe, remember the best moments of the trip and just feel how Tuscany has become a part of us.

Evening: farewell to Tuscany and Italy

We are seeing off this tour with a warm feeling of gratitude for everything we saw, experienced and felt. This route has become for us not just a trip, but a real postcard of Tuscany, full of colors, tastes, history and emotions.

But Italy is a country where you want to return again and again. So we say not “goodbye”, but “see you soon”!
PRICE
2290 EURO
INCLUDED
  • Accommodation in cozy 3-4* hotels, villas and guest houses (2 people per room)
  • Car transfers according to the program
  • Boat and train in the Cinque Terry area,
  • Sightseeing tour of Florence
  • Sightseeing tour of Siena
  • Nobile di Montepulciano wine tasting in an ancient castle
  • Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting
  • Montepulciano wine tasting
  • Cheese tasting
  • Photo session in the Val d'Orcia valley
  • Visit to the Saturnia hot springs
  • 10 professionally processed photos from the trip
  • Support at all stages of the trip
NOT INCLUDED
  • Flight to Florence (find flights)
  • Transfer from the airport to Florence
  • Transfer to Florence airport (if the departure time is different from the recommended one)
  • Meals
  • Travel insurance (verified company)

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS 3-4*, VILLAS AND GUEST HOUSES

All the hotels, houses and villas on this trip are cozy and beautiful accommodations of good quality, which will immerse you in the real atmosphere of Tuscany. We will also spend the night in a villa with a vineyard, where each room has a magical panorama of fields and cypresses, like Van Gogh's paintings.

Accommodation is 2 people per room. If you are traveling alone, we will find you a roommate of the same sex.

Single accommodation is possible for an additional price

GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITION

We travel in small groups of up to 9 people. Our tourists are single or couple travelers who love non-standard natural routes. The age of participants is usually from 25, 30 years. These are specialists in their fields, IT workers, managers, executives and bloggers. Both Russian-speaking and English-speaking people travel with us.

Single travelers 75%
Groups of friends 15%
Families 10%

VISA AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Tuscany is an Italian territory. A SCHENGEN visa is required to visit.
The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the SCHENGEN zone.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the entire stay in the SCHENGEN zone

FLIGHTS

On the first day of the trip we meet in Florence. Each participant gets to Florence independently, it is necessary to fly the day before the tour.
The flight can be taken in the evening on the last day of the trip also from Florence (after 16:00) If tickets are purchased at the recommended time (16:00-20:00) we will organize a transfer to the airport for you.

BAGGAGE

We kindly ask you to bring a suitcase that meets the definition of "carry-on baggage" on the plane: 55×40×20 cm in length, width and height or 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions. If these parameters are exceeded, we cannot guarantee that the luggage will fit in our cars.

IF I WILL GO ALONE

8 out of 10 of our clients go on tour alone. During the trip, the whole group communicates and spends a lot of time together. Adventures bring people together, which means you may find new friends!
Also, you do not have to pay extra for single accommodation. We will find you a roommate of the same gender.

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