This 11 days private tour will combine the indisputable beauty and charm of Venice with the unforgettable flavours of one of the most beautiful regions of Italy: Tuscany
Overnights: 3 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Chianti area
Note: this itinerary can be customized according to your needs
Day 1 – Venice
At your arrival at Venice airport meet our representative and take the private water taxi for the direct transfer to your hotel in the center of the old city. Rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2 – Venice tour
Breakfast at the hotel where you will meet your private English speaking guide for your 3 hours walking tour in Venice. The heart of Venice is a square: Saint Mark’s Square. Entering in San Marco square by the two monumental columns in front of the lagoon (the so-called “water square”), near the Bridge of Sighs, suddenly we can admire the history of the Republic of Venice displayed: we can visit the Doge’s Palace, seat of government and center of political and administrative life of the city, the Basilica, with its golden mosaics and precious marbles, the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower. Rest of the day is free.
Day 3 – Venice’s lagoon, Murano, Burano, Torcello
This 5 hours private tour will take you to the splendid islands in the northern lagoon. It will start with Torcello, the first island that was inhabited already in the 5th century A.D., but now there are only 12 inhabitants! You’ll visit the splendid Romanic cathedral, the most ancient building in the venetian lagoon and after you’ll taste several specialities in one of the island restaurants. In the afternoon the tour will proceed in the near Burano island, famous for the lace working and houses painted with bright colours. At the end you’ll visit Murano, the glasses island: you’ll enter in a real furnace admiring glass makers who create marvellous glass objects with ancient techniques, and you’ll end in the Santi Maria e Donato medieval church, famous for her mosaics.
Day 4 – Venice and Florence visit
Check out from your hotel and transfer by private water taxi to the rail station for departure to Florence by high-speed train with 1st class seats. At your arrival direct private transfer with English speaking driver at your hotel in the city. This will be a very exciting day!…In the early afternoon meet at hotel our tour guide for a relaxing 3 hours guided walking tour of the old city including the visit at the Accademia Gallery. The best way for have a perfect orientation of Florence and have a good start! At the end of this tour the guide will recommend the perfect restaurant according to your preferences.
Day 5 – Chianti & Cooking class
This is going to be a very special day for those who loves cooking & wine!!!! After breakfast at your hotel you will be taken by our driver to join a beautiful winery in Chianti where to experience an unforgettable cooking class and consequent lunch. The courses are addressed to all those who wish to widen their knowledge of Italy and of its traditions through the experience of delicious lunch, lessons, meetings with experts, all made even more pleasurable by the elegance and comfort of the Villa. Only fresh and seasonal ingredients will be used and because of this the menus prepared will be in accordance with seasonal and market availability. In a warm, functional kitchen equipped with the most modern technology, with splendid views over the surrounding hills, you will have the pleasure of preparing both typical Tuscan dishes and others using the fresh ingredients along with the best local products. The four courses lunch will be served immediately after the end of the cooking lesson for the joy of your palate, combined with excellent wines!!! Will follow an informative tour of the cellars where the wine maker will explain everything about their wines showing the aging rooms, barrels and more! Continue the day visiting a couple of small villages such as Panzano, Greve and Montefioralle for last. Back to Florence by 5pm
Day 6 – Lucca
Departure from hotel at 9am for Lucca where you’ll find our tour guide waiting for take you on a 2 hours walking tour: among the attractions not to be missed, the church of San Michele in Foro, the church of San Giovanni e Reparata and the famous Cathedral of San Martino which chapel, built by Matthew Civitali holds the sculpture of the Holy Face. An last but not least, certainly one of the features that make the city of Lucca unique in the world, Torre Guinigi: 44 metres high with a magnificent oak planted on its summit. Time permitting, very romantic walk will be over the ancient walls nowadays become a green park, enjoying the beautiful landscape of a city and of the many towers that stand out on the horizon of what once was a defensive fortification but now retains the charm to keep intact the heart of a beautiful Medieval city. For lunch you have a reservation at one of the most famous and old restaurants in the old city. This restaurant is situated on the ground floor of what were once the stables where horses were changed. The various old tools and utensils that hang on the walls and from the ceiling add to the traditional atmosphere. Old recipes of best regional dishes feature on the menu….you’ll love it! Depart at 2pm, drop off at your hotel by 4pm.
Day 7 – Truffle and Pisa
Today our driver will pick you up at 9.30am for go to San Miniato, one of the most productive truffle-rich areas of Europe. The white truffle (which is usually a pale ochre in colour) that grows in the San Miniato hills is the most valuable type known. Meet the owner of the farm house and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience searching for truffles with a truffle-hunting dog through the woods around San Miniato. Follow the dog hurriedly through the forest as he sniffs about and experience the surge of excitement as he starts digging for this edible treasure (white truffles go for nearly $15,000 per kg). Once it is found, you will be treated to a delightful meal that incorporates the truffle that you just discovered! Leave the farm house after lunch for go to Pisa for relax and to admire the famous Leaning Tower. Named after a Greek city (from where it’s believed the first inhabitants originated) Pisa will be yours to explore… Thanks to its Tower, Pisa has become a symbol in Italy and around the world where it is often cited as one of the seven wonders of the medieval world; one that has fascinated film directors and location researchers alike. Climbing the Leaning Tower will be also possible by buying the tickets ahead of time if desired (please advise!). Back to your hotel by 5pm.
Day 8 – Guided visit in Siena (change of hotel)
Check out from your Hotel in Florence , meet your English speaking private driver and depart for Siena where you will meet your personal English speaking driver who will lead you on a journey of discovery. The history of this small and unique city will be expertly illustrated, allowing you to open your hearts as if you were a true inhabitant of Siena. You will discover the Magnificent Piazza del Campo where twice a year (2 July and 16 August) an event , that every citizen of Siena looks forward to takes place: the Palio di Siena. You will learn about the history of the Contrade (ancient Sienese name for neighborhood) and visit the famous Duomo but also other monuments of the city, at the end of the visit you will have lunch in a nice and typical restaurant in the city centre. Here you will be able to taste some delicious Tuscan dishes, from the flavors of wild boar ravioli to the classic “ribollita” (Tuscan soup) and their exquisite Florentine steak, all accompanied with the best local wines. After lunch enjoy a nice and relaxing digestive walk back to your hotel…
Day 9 – Brunello wine & cheese
Everything seems like a dream in the Brunello kingdom – the castle and village of Montalcino at the top the highest hill, the roads through the Sangiovese grosso vineyards, the taste of the famous Brunello wine from the huge barrels resting in the deep cellars…! Departure from your Relais at 9.30am for the first top rated winery. The tour includes an English speaking guide, wine cellar visits, wine tasting. Will follow the visit of Montalcino historical center, continue then to the little and charming Pienza: this is one of the most beautiful Tuscan towns, rare example of Renaissance architecture brought to completion. Considered for long time the ‘ideal city’, and birthplace of Pope Pius II, it represents today one of the practical ways through which during Renaissance men tried to create an ideal model of life and government on earth. Some time for explore the town, after you’ll visit a local Pecorino cheese producer and taste the different types…Pecorino is the name given to all Italian cheeses made from sheep’s milk and they come in a variety of flavours determined by their age. Aged Pecorinos referred to as ‘stagionato’ are hard and crumbly in texture with buttery and nutty flavours. Young or ‘semi-stagionato’ and ‘fresco’ Pecorinos feature a softer texture with mild, creamy flavours. Return to Siena by 5.30pm with full bellies, a happy heart and great memories…
Day 10 – Free
Enjoy this last day for relax, upon request is always possible to organize something for you..tell us your preferences!
Day 11 – Departure…ciao Toscana!
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Meet your personal English speaking driver with a private luxury car for a direct transfer to Florence airport, train station or other destination. End of our services.