Europe

Tuscany food and wine tour with Florence and Rome SOLD OUT

12 Days

We’ll be seeing much of northeastern Italy on this comprehensive tour. We’ll start in Florence, with works of art at every turn. A highlight will be the Acadamie to see Michelangelo’s David, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art. A major component will be visiting wineries and fine dining restaurants. Those details to follow. We’ll also visit Pisa, and it’s leaning tower, and take a train into Cinque Terra, an Italian National Park along Italy’s rugged northern coast. Before ending our trip with multiple days in Rome, we’ll see much of the Tuscan and Chianti regions most visitors never see.

Overview

THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT. IF YOU’D LIKE TO JOIN A WAITLIST OR HEAR ABOUT A NEXT DEPARTURE PLEASE LET US KNOW

Best of Tuscany, Rome, and Florence Guided Tour

The more we look at the details of the trip Alex has put together for us, the more excited we are. We’re going to be experiencing so much of Italy, all packed into 12 magical days. Here’s just a little sample of all he has in store for us:

  • Florence – the ancient powerhouse, and home of The Medici family and Michelango. Florence is like an outside museum where we’ll see statues and art going back hundreds of years. The highlight will be a visit to The Academe Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
  • Pisa – here we’ll see the Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Field of Miracles.
  • Cinque-Terra – one of the most photographed areas of Italy, with 5 villages nearly plastered along the cliffs. Traditionally one walks a trail that takes you to all 5 villages. Except for the adventurous, we’ll take the train.
  • Rome – we’ll be seeing the Vatican, the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel. Later we’ll see what makes this the eternal city when our private guide takes us to The Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Navona Square.
  • Umbrian Countryside – we’ll drive through incredible landscapes and see underground tunnels built by the Etruscans 2500 years ago, Civita di Bagnoregio with a population of 14 (and growing?). There are no cars in Civita, where time has stood still for the past several hundred years.
  • Tuscany and the Hot Springs of Borgo Vignoni – we’ll enjoy one of Italy’s most spectacular open-air hot springs with this trip into the Tuscan countryside. Visit the spa at the nearby resort and relax in front of the breathtaking view of rolling fields and cypress trees.
  • Visit the regions of Chianti, Tuscany, Umbria, and the Orcia Valley – our journeys will take us to multiple regions with history, wine, and food.

Come join us! This trip is limited to 12 and will likely sell out soon. Note that weather during our visit averages high of 75 / low of 55.

Trip Highlights

  • Academy Gallery (Michelangelo's David) in Florence
  • Gelato & pizza making experience in Florence
  • Cooking class with lunch and wine tasting in a country farm
  • Full day trip to Cinque Terre and Pisa
  • Day trips to Siena and Montepulciano with several Tuscan winery stops
  • Thermal Spa and Hot Springs
  • Verrazzano Castle in Chianti with Lunch and Wine Cellar Tour/Tasting
  • Vatican Museums with a private guide

Itinerary

Take an overnight flight, arriving in Florence the next morning.

Meet our guide in Florence and take private transfer to our hotel. Settle in at your hotel in the town center and have some time at leisure or to explore on your own. We’ll meet that evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Dinner

After breakfast we’ll meet our private guide and begin exploring Florence.

We’ll have a skip-the-line tour of the Academy Gallery of Fine Arts (to see Michelangelo’s David and many other renowned pieces of art). Afterward, we’ll walk through the historic streets and monuments of Florence, like the Duomo and the Baptistery. Soaking up views of the Arno River, we’ll cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and stroll through the bustling Piazza della Signoria, where the impressive Palazzo Vecchio sits.

 

Breakfast, Dinner

We’ll continue our exploration of Florence today, to catch the sights we didn’t get to the day before. Late-afternoon, we’ll have a Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class, learning tips and techniques to make the perfect pizza, tasty homemade tomato sauce and fresh fruit gelato in authentic Italian style. This chef-led class will introduce us to the history of these glorious Italian creations before we enjoy a dinner of the delicacies that we’ve prepared ourselves.

 

Breakfast, Dinner

Today we’ll take a private tour to Pisa to visit the Field of Miracles. This pedestrian area is one of the finest architectural ensembles in the world, including the Leaning Tower and the Duomo, a Romanesque masterpiece dating back to the 11th century. After this, we’ll be visiting the extraordinary Cinque Terre. Crystal clear waters, local shops, restaurants, bars, all framed by cliffs, will make you fall in love with this unique coastline. Visit the best of Cinque Terre, that was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore; explore these colorful villages, that have long been isolated, hidden between the sea and the mountains.

Breakfast, Dinner

Today we’ll travel to the heart of Chianti, famous for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, and stop at the tiny village of Greve in Chianti. This town looks like a place truly out of a fairytale, with its cobblestone streets and enchanting homes. See the lovely square with the one-hundred-year-old butcher shop. Next, continue to the world renowned Verrazzano Castle, where the famous explorer was born. Have a guided tour of the ancient wine cellar and lunch in the middle of vineyards and olive oil trees. Return to Florence in the afternoon and enjoy some free time.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we depart Florence with a private driver to San Gimignano and Siena.

We’ll explore charming villages, passing landmarks such as Piazza della Cisterna, the Dome, and Palazzo del Podestà. After this, we’ll head to a Tuscan winery where we’ll have lunch and a wine tasting of selected labels. Next, we’ll continue to Siena, a medieval town famous for the “Palio” race, a frenzy horse race held in the main square.
We’ll explore the picturesque lanes in the historic center of this hilltop jewel of a city, and visit important attractions like Piazza del Campo and Duomo. We’ll see the headquarters of the world’s oldest bank and admire the impressive facade of the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, covered with colorful local marbles. This place holds masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.  Then we head south and arrive at the tiny village of San Quirico d’Orcia, which is the gateway to the world renowned Orcia Valley. We will settle at our hotel within the village’s city wall for three nights.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our private driver will take us to two of the most charming towns in Tuscany’s UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia region – Montepulciano and Pienza. We’ll get to taste prized red wine varietals like Nobile di Montepulciano and stroll through medieval squares in Pienza, famous for its delicious cheese. We’ll have a wine cellar tour in a typical winery in the area. We will have plenty of stops to snap photos of the scenery along the drive.
Two key scenes from Ridley Scott’s Academy-Award winning “Gladiator” were filmed in the Orcia Valley. The serene landscape that’s inspired poets and artists for thousands of years was the perfect setting for idyllic scenes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Today we’ll depart with our private driver to the lovely village of Borgo Vignoni. Here, we’ll enjoy one of Italy’s most spectacular open-air hot springs with this trip in the Tuscan countryside. We’ll visit the spa at the nearby resort and relax in front of the breathtaking view of rolling fields and cypress trees.
We can also explore the old settlement, which is different from the others.
In traditional town centers, there is a main square; in Bagno Vignoni there is a pool in the center, 150 ft long and 90 ft wide, from the bottom of which bubbles up the water from several hot springs, whose therapeutic qualities have been renowned since antiquity.

Breakfast, Dinner

Our private driver will drive us through the magnificent Umbrian countryside to Orvieto, renowned for its wine and olive oil. The medieval town sits majestically on the cliffs.
We’ll visit and explore the town, checking out the stunning cathedral, considered one of the most important in Europe, and walk down the many narrow cobblestoned lanes.
Then we’ll have a delicious lunch in a family run restaurant, and an extraordinary visit of its underground tunnels and passageways, which were built more than 2500 years ago by the Etruscans. This is a unique experience!
Next, we head to the striking village of Civita di Bagnoregio, which has only 14 residents, making it the least populated town in Italy! Once abandoned due to frequent earthquakes, Civita has been resurrected thanks to a number of artists who discovered the town and restored it. Perched atop a steep hill, the town is an extraordinary place, accessible only through a pedestrian bridge built in 1965. There are no cars in Civita, where time has stood still for the past several hundred years.
After this, we continue onto Rome, and get settled at our centrally located hotel for two nights.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll take a private transfer to Vatican City in the morning, where we’ll have an unforgettable experience with a skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. An expert guide will passionately lead us through the fascinating Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, with the legendary Michelangelo’s frescoes, providing us with historical facts and leaving us plenty of time to take photos and to absorb the breathtaking beauty of the masterpieces.
Next, we’ll enter Saint Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church building, where we will admire some Baroque masterpieces and the breathtaking statue of “Pietà” by Michelangelo.

The tour finally ends in Saint Peter’s Square with its marvelous Bernini columns. We will admire Saint Peter’s dome, created by Michelangelo, and the balcony where the Pontiff gives the blessings. Here we will see Sistine Chapel’s roof (where white or black smoke signals if a new Pope has been selected) and the famous obelisk in the middle of the square.
At the end of the visit, we’ll have some time on our own for lunch in the Vatican area.
After this, we meet our private driver who will show  us around the city center, where we will see the main attractions of the Eternal city like Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Navona Square and much more, before dropping  us off at our hotel at the end of the tour.

That evening we’ll enjoy a three-course farewell dinner with music and show in one of the most renowned restaurants of the capital city.

Breakfast, Dinner

Our guide for the week will transfer us to the Rome airport (FCO) for our journey home.

Breakfast, Dinner

Included in Price

  • 12 Day Tuscany Tour in first class hotels with breakfast
  • All private transfers to/from airports
  • Minivans with Private English-speaking drivers as per itinerary
  • Skip-the-line tickets to the Academy Gallery (David) in Florence, Vatican Museums in Rome, with private guides
  • Lunches and Dinners as noted in itinerary, with some to include wine tastings
  • Farewell dinner with music and show in Rome
  • Activities: Cooking Class, Pizza & Gelato Making, Wine Cellar Tours, Thermal Bath as noted in itinerary
What is the currency in the Italy?

Italy uses the Euro, as do most European countries. We strongly recommend getting some cash from an ATM machine once you land for the best rates. However, you’ll only need cash for the occasional souvenir at small shops and for tipping. Mastercard and Visa are universally accepted in Italy, even in the smaller towns.

Does Italy still have COVID regulations?

No. You may come and go with no restrictions, tests, or forms. Only your passport is required.

How much money do I need to bring?

Please carry money for tips and souvenirs.

Italy Facts

If you haven’t been to Italy for awhile, you’ll find it developed and forward-thinking. Rome is a dynamic, vibrant cosmopolitan city. Florence’s population is quite educated and sophisticated. But everywhere you’ll find people wanting to greet you and get to know you.

Why take a Travel Avidly tour?

Travel Avidly provides an incredible once-in-a-lifetime small tours experience on every trip, providing our travelers with a unique perspective and appreciation for the places they visit.

Our experience working in Italy spans many years. We’ve connected with the local community and a range of businesses to offer exceptional tour packages covering every main destination, for a holiday you’ll never forget.

Taking a tour is the perfect way to make the most out of your trip. Our reputation as one of the best Italy tours in 2023 and our commitment to offering a comprehensive experience sets us apart.

If you’re considering an Italian vacation all-inclusive of local experience, scenery, and activities, we’re the ideal company to book your next holiday.

Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo, Florence, 2 nights

Just a 10-minute walk from Florence Cathedral, the Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo offers spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV. Palazzo dal Borgo is a converted 15th-century building with a quiet internal courtyard. The breakfast buffet consists of pastries, hot food options and fresh coffee. Rooms are air conditioned and many feature a 4-poster bed, all have private bathrooms. In the lounge area you will find antique furniture and frescoed walls. The property is just two blocks from Florence’s historic center, the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery.

Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe, Montecatini Terme, 3 nights

Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe is in the heart of Montecatini Terme, one block from the thermal spas and the shopping district. The large gardens feature a sun terrace with outdoor swimming pool with hydro massage. Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe boasts a range of elegant furnishings, including Murano crystal, ancient bronze, and 19th-century paintings. The rooms come with air conditioning and a satellite TV. Most rooms have a balcony. Restaurant I Gran Duchi serves a delicious mix of Italian and international cuisine, plus a wide selection of Tuscan recipes. On request, guests can have relaxing moments in the spa. It boasts a hot tub with mini-pool, Turkish bath and a bio-sauna. Shiatsu massages, lymphatic drainage and foot reflexology can also be booked.

Hotel Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais, San Quirico, 3 nights

Set just inside San Quirico Dorcia’s historic town walls, Palazzo del Capitano is a charming 15th-century building. It features a wellness center and a garden with vegetable patches and fountains. This property is surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean gardens. The wellness center includes a hot tub, a Turkish bath or a massage. The rooms are decorated in a rustic style, with wooden-beamed ceilings, antique furniture and terracotta floors. They all have satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is served at Trattoria Toscana Al Vecchio Forno, a few steps from Palazzo del Capitano Relais & Wellness. There is also the relaxing living room which was once the stables and the Vecchio Forno restaurant. This Michelin-recommended restaurant serves Tuscan food and wine indoors by the fireplace or outside in the beautiful garden, under the olive trees.

Hotel Quirinale, Rome, 2 nights

The Hotel Quirinale is a luxury 4 star hotel in Rome. It was founded near Via Veneto in 1865. Predating the Rome Opera house by a couple of years the two buildings are connected by a charming passage through a glorious inner garden. A sense of timeless history is almost physically tangible. The Quirinale’s spacious rooms are uniquely decorated and feature classic furnishings and parquet floors. Each room offers double glazing and a flat-screen TV with satellite and international channels. Some rooms overlook the small garden and courtyard.

Cinque Terra

Florence Street Scene

Tuscan Grapes

Montepulciano

Pienza – Alley

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Rome – Trevi Fountain

San Quirico d’Orcia

From $4,670 USD
/ Shared Room (Double Occupancy)
From $5,870 USD
/ Private Room (Single Occupancy)
  • Small Groups of 8 - 15 people
  • Flexible Payments
  • Pre-trip Educational/Preparation Meetings
  • TravelAvidly Trip Leader
  • Immersive Experiences

Trip Information

Activity Level: Relaxed (see all ratings)

Curator: Dianna Germany

Trip Leader/CSR: Andrea Martin