Come with us as Pam, our in-house sommelier and wine legend, takes us on an in-depth tour of all that is Tuscany, from Florence, to Pisa and beyond. We’ll explore regional wines, visit world-class restaurants, take intriguing cooking classes, and more. Then it’s on to Rome for our final few days.
Pam has put together an amazing trip to Tuscany, covering not only the fine cuisine and wine of the region, but many of the must-see sites as well. We’ll start this magical journey in Venice, where we’ll stay overlooking one of the incredible canals. We’ll then take a two hour train ride from Venice to Florence, one of the most important cities of the Renaissance. Along the way we’ll see the amazing countryside of Tuscany, from one end to the other. There we’ll visit the statue of David, Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, check out some local wines, and so much more. If this city isn’t on your bucket list, it should be!
We’ll extend our stay in Florence and make day trips to Pisa, Cinque Terre, Lucca, to explore the Tuscan wine and food scene. Finally, we’ll head to Rome, the eternal city. There we’ll stay in a centrally located hotel while we visit the Vatican, climb the Spanish Steps, explore the Roman Forum, and stuff ourselves with pizza and pasta! Oh and we’ll also check out more vineyards and their wines.
Highlights
Two nights in Venice
A boat trip to the Islands of Murano & Burano
Visit a local glass maker and lace maker and explore the quaint town
Venice street food tour featuring cicchetti & Spritz
Tour of Sienna and San Gimgnano
Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Have lunch at a winery in Chianti and try some wine
A private pizza/pasta making class wth Gelato at a Tuscan Farm
Four nights in Florence
Cinque Terre Day trip with optional Hiking
VIP Private Rome tour to include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica
Three nights in Rome
Guided Tuscany Day trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting
Once we clear customs we will meet our guide for our transfer to our hotel. We will be staying in Hotel Concordia, directly overlooking a Venetian canal. After unpacking, we will have some time to explore before we meet for dinner and get to know each other during our welcome dinner.
After a sumptuous breakfast, we’ll meet our guide for a tour of Venice, and two of the islands that make up this collection of marshy islands off the Italian coast. We’ll visit St. Marks square, and tour the Duomo Palace and see other palaces from the Grand Canal. We’ll travel by water taxi to watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace.
We will be able to return to the hotel before we take an immersive walking tour led by a local guide to discover the vibrant culinary culture of Venice, focusing on the delightful cicchetti—Venetian small bites. The word “cicchetti” means “to take a small bite,” and these tasty morsels offer a wonderful variety of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing and sampling. The tour begins in the historic Jewish Ghetto, where you’ll explore narrow, charming streets and hear captivating stories about the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and its role in Venice’s history. During the tour, you’ll indulge in a selection of traditional cicchetti at some of Venice’s best local spots. Taste the authentic flavors of sarde in saor (sweet and sour ) and creamy baccalà mantecato, each bite offering a delicious taste of Venetian street food. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions that make Venice so enchanting, leaving with a new love for its flavors and food stories.
We will check out of the hotel after breakfast and go to the train station for a two hour train ride through the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany. Once we arrive in Florence we’ll check into the Rivoli Boutique Hotel for four nights. We will have time to explore this historic city before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Art, history, countryside, food. Tuscany has it all. We will venture into Tuscany on this day trip from Florence and discover the region’s highlights with a local guide. Explore the medieval city of Siena and its cathedral before heading to the hills of Chianti for a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting (optional). Roam the streets of San Gimignano, and travel to Pisa to admire the architectural drama of Cathedral Square—home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa. admission to climb the tower not included
Spend a day exploring the Tuscan countryside on a tour from Florence
Take a guided tour through Siena, with entry to the gothic Cathedral
Set your own pace to explore Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa
Includes a hearty lunch and wine tasting in Chianti
Nothing says Italy like pizza, pasta, and gelato—but what happens when your vacation ends? Learn how to recreate these quintessential treats during this half-day culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside. Your professional Italian chef provides a fun hands-on cooking lesson that culminates in a 3-course feast of appetizers, pizza or pasta, and gelato, accompanied by wine and beer. Then, receive recipes to take home and practice your newfound skills.
Get professional-level guidance from an Italian chef as you test out recipes
Learn how to make authentic pizza, pasta, and focaccia from scratch
Enjoy a 3-course meal with wine or beer at the picturesque Tuscan estate
Round-trip transportation from central Florence is included
This gourmet cooking class pairs two Italian favorites with scenery that beats any restaurant.
On this full-day excursion, you’ll head to all five former fishing villages. We will have a guided tour, with an optional hike along the cliffs of the national park. This tour also include a boat ride along the Italian Riviera.
Relax with round-trip transportation from Florence by private vehicle
Admire spectacular coastal views from panoramic heights
Soak up the old-world atmosphere as you explore Cinqueterre villages on foot
Visit areas inaccessible by car with a guide during an optional hike
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this active tour lets you explore unspoiled Italian Riviera landscapes by foot.
We will have breakfast then check out of our hotel and depart for the train station to Rome, we will check into the Hotel Manfredi Suite then will have time to explore the area before dinner.
Experience the best of Rome via a private, chauffeured sightseeing tour. Enjoy a conveneint way of exploring the highlights as your English-speaking driver guides you through iconic sites like the Circus Maximus, Trevi Fountain, and Saint Peter’s Square. Conclude your tour with a breathtaking view from Janiculum Hill, while sipping Prosecco. Enjoy hotel pick-up, drop-off, and sanitized transport. Customize your itinerary with ease for a truly unique experience in the Eternal City.
See the iconic Colosseum from outside and take some photos in front of it
Walk on the famous Spanish Steps and stop to admire the Trevi Fountain
Enter St Peter’s Square and St Peter’s Basilica; admire the Renaissance vibe
Admire the scenic evening view of the city from the terrace of Gianicolo
We will take a Tuscany tour from Rome and see the best of the captivating Val d’Orcia region, near Siena. With a local guide at your side, discover countryside where historic hill towns perch on sun-drenched hills and Tuscan farms dot the landscape. Visit the wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and enjoy free time to explore Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine tasting and lunch at a farm is included.
Visit Val d’Orcia in Tuscany on a day trip from Rome
Relax with a locally produced 3-course lunch on a Tuscan farm
Sample regional wines, including the famous Brunello di Montepulciano
Spend time at leisure in Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit a Romanesque abbey and stop for lunch at a farmhouse—rare perks.
We will arrange for transportation to the Airport where we will say Caio to Italy for now.
Breakfast
Includes
Cost Includes
All airport shuttles
Welcome Dinner
Two Nights in Venice
Breakfast each day
Tours and boat rides in Venice
Train Ride to Florence
Four Nights in Florence
Tours and Transportation
Train Ride to Rome
Four Nights in Rome
Classes and Tours
Farewell Dinner
EXCLUDES
Airfare To and From the United States
Alcohol
Tips
Souvenirs
Food other than breakfast each day and two dinners
Venice
Set in Venice, the family-managed Hotel Concordia overlooks Saint Mark’s Basilica. The entrance is in Calle Larga, a picturesque street with restaurants and bars. Rooms feature 18th-century Venetian-style furnishings. The rooms feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. The bathrooms are in marble and hard stone.
Groups in particular like the location – they rated it 9.7 for stays with multiple people.
Non-smoking rooms
Room service
Free Wifi
24-hour front desk
Elevator
Heating
Bar
Laundry
Air conditioning
Very Good Breakfast
Air is not included at this price. We are happy to provide you the group flight itinerary so you can book your own air to Venice, returning from Rome. Alternatively, we’re happy to purchase air for you for $50 per person.
Pam Howard, Trip Leader
Pam Howard, CSW,CSS,EBS
Pam Howard was the Director of Education with Cool Springs Wine and Spirits since 2015 and recently became Travel Avidly’s Wine and Spirits Travel Director. She hosts classes in Wine and Spirits, helps with private events, and is now partnering with Travel Avidly full time to help lead wine and spirits-centered trips.
Pam had a successful 25-year career in dentistry, including time in the US Army as a dental hygienist before she began her second chapter in life pursuing her passion of good wine and spirits. Beginning with her love of wine, she obtained her Sommelier certification from the Guild of Masters Sommeliers, then the WSET in London, the Society of Wine Educators in the US, and a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist from Spain. Expanding on her love of spirits, she earned certifications in Tequila and Rum, and is an Executive Bourbon Steward, certifying at least a dozen bourbon Stewards each month.
Pam loves to travel and has seen all 50 states and over 30 countries, with a goal of seeing every continent before she’s 100. She loves to educate others, and strives to fill her life with good food, wine & spirits, good friends, and fun travel!
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