The best of Florence and Tuscany in just 8 days.

If you are looking for the perfect balance of culture and gastronomy, look no further. Let a local guide walk you around the streets and alleys of Florence, giving insider knowledge and history of this majestic city. Then sit back and relax as we take you through the countryside as well as to San Gimignano, Volterra and Siena before heading to the picturesque Val d’Orcia. Visit family-run wineries, an olive mill, a cheese producer and even try your hand at making your own Italian cuisine. All this, but still with the freedom to explore a little on your own as well.

 

What’s included

  • 7 nights/8 days in 4-star hotels or boutique country house accommodation

  • All transfers in comfortable transport

  • Transfer back Florence train station at the end of the tour

  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches & 4 dinners

  • 6 food and wine experiences

  • Welcome pack

Dates:

  • 22nd - 29th March, 2025

  • 28th June - 5th July, 2025

Contact us if you have a small group and are interested in other dates.

Price

From $9063* per person twin share

Single occupancy supplement available on request.

Exclusions
- Transport
- Optional excursions and activities
- Tips / Gratuities
- Meals and beverages other than those included in the food and wine experiences
- Anything which is not clearly specified under “What’s included”

Not suitable for vegans or those with food intolerances.

*Please note, price is subject to fluctuation and availability is subject to change until booked and confirmed.
Prices are in AUD. Contact us for a quote in another currency.

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1: Check in to your hotel in Florence. Welcome dinner.

Check in to your beautiful hotel, relax and settle in. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner to meet the rest of your group and have a chat about the upcoming gastronomic adventure.

Day 2: Florence walking tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a walking tour around the beautiful city of Florence to learn about the culture and of course, the food with a local guide. We will have lunch together with our guide. In the afternoon you will be free to wander, shop or relax as you please. You are free for dinner and we are happy to give you some restaurant recommendations.

Day 3: Enjoy a Tuscan Cooking Class in the hills of San Gimignano.

Check out of your hotel in Florence after breakfast. We will then make our way to the picturesque hills around San Gimignano to enjoy a cooking lesson where you will roll up your sleeves and learn to make a full Tuscan meal, including fresh pasta! After working your magic in the kitchen, you will savour the fruits of your labour paired with a delicious glass or two of wine. We will then check in to our hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore the historical centre of San Gimignano.

Day 4: Olive oil mill. Volterra visit.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to a local family-run olive farm in the Volterra countryside where you will visit the mill and learn all about this “liquid gold”. Enjoy lunch at the mill with an oil degustation before making our way to Volterra. Explore the town under your own steam before meeting back up in the evening for a wine tasting paired with local cheeses and cured meats near the town square.

Day 5: Siena Walking Tour. Pienza.

Pack up and have breakfast before checking out. Transfer to Siena for a half-day walking tour with a local guide who will take you to visit the most important sites and taste the delicious local cuisine. Check-in to the hotel in Val d’Orcia before enjoying some free time in Pienza (our shuttle service will take you and pick you up) or relax at the hotel. You are free for dinner this evening, either in Pienza or at the hotel.

Day 6: Wine tasting in Montalcino. Thermal bath in Bagno Vignoni.

We will make our way to Montalcino, home of the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine. Visit this small family-run vineyard before savouring not only their wines but home-made prosciutto amongst other delicacies. In the afternoon, relax and soak in the thermal waters in Bagno Vignoni before enjoying dinner together around the UNESCO World Heritage listed piazza.

Day 7: Truffle Hunting*. Evening in Montepulciano

See the incredible truffle dogs in action with this unique experience. After walking through the woods to find these “black pearls”, enjoy a truffle-based lunch back at the farm house. After lunch we’re off to Montepulciano, home to one of Italy’s famous red wines, Vino Nobile. Enjoy some free time to browse the wine and leather goods, then delight your tastebuds at a local wine bar for a wine tasting and farewell dinner.

Day 8: Check out and transfers.

Check out of the hotel after breakfast, transfers to Florence train station.

*Some activities are seasonal, if they are unavailable during the dates you choose to book, they will replaced with an equally delicious experience