Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Montalcino 

Awaken to the beauty of the fabled Val d’Orcia as you enjoy a delightful breakfast at Villa Le Prata, surrounded by stunning countryside.

Your journey begins with a short drive to the heart of Montalcino, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of wine shops and explore the impressive medieval fortress that stands as a testament to the town’s rich history.

Next, experience the charm of an organic dairy farm that has thrived for over three centuries, beautifully situated atop a hill with breathtaking views of southern Tuscany. We savor a tasting of Pecorino di Pienza and other local cheeses, including fresh vegetables, homemade pasta, and local wines.

After a satisfying lunch, enjoy a stroll through the elegant streets of Pienza, located just a few miles from our villa. Relax in the central piazza, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and take in the lively atmosphere as you enjoy some people-watching, or treat yourself to a delicious gelato while wandering the picturesque pedestrian streets overlooking Val d’Orcia.

After some well-deserved time to refresh at the villa, we’ll journey to the enchanting village of Bagno a Vignoni. Famous for its hot springs and striking central steaming fountain, Bagno a Vignoni offers a perfect setting to conclude our second day of this Tuscan trip with dinner on your own at one of its cozy restaurants, where you can indulge in traditional Tuscan specialties.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Montalcino 

Take full advantage of your last day at Villa Le Prata with a leisurely late morning designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Picture yourself strolling down a serene gravel path lined with olive trees and vineyards, soaking in the tranquil Tuscan countryside. Alternatively, you might prefer to unwind by the infinity pool or immerse yourself in a captivating book within the cozy main living room of the villa.

As noon approaches, we will venture into the enchanting halls of a medieval castle where generations have crafted exquisite wines. Nestled atop a hill, this historic castle is enveloped by fertile vineyards that trace their roots back to the Etruscans, now proudly belonging to the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino’s DOCG appellation.

Indulge in a delightful lunch expertly paired with a wine tasting, all while uncovering fascinating stories about the castle’s storied family heritage and its rightful place in the heart of Tuscany today.

This afternoon, seize the opportunity to either return to the villa or join our tour manager for an exploration of the stunning Abbey of St. Antimo. With its mesmerizing early-medieval sculptures and evocative ambiance, this site offers a remarkable glimpse into the past.

As evening falls, delight in a memorable fine-dining experience at a celebrated restaurant, listed in the Michelin Guide, that offers breathtaking views. Savor a traditional menu reimagined with a modern twist, ensuring a perfect end to your unforgettable day in Tuscany.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Accommodation: Lucca 

After a delightful breakfast, we bid farewell to the stunning Val d’Orcia and embark on our journey toward northern Tuscany. Our first stop is Siena, a captivating gem you simply cannot miss in Italy.

Accompanied by an expert local guide, we will dive deep into the fascinating history and vibrant traditions that make this city so extraordinary. From its pivotal role in banking to its ancient pilgrimage routes, the highlight of Siena is the iconic seashell-shaped square, Il Campo. Here, twice a year, the exhilarating Palio horse race unfolds, showcasing the fierce rivalry between city districts.

Experience the thrill firsthand as we gain exclusive access to the hidden rooms where devoted supporters of a Contrada prepare for this legendary competition. This rare opportunity takes us into the church where horses receive blessings, the hall adorned with banners from past triumphs, and the museum showcasing the elaborate costumes worn during the parade.

Later in the afternoon, our Grand Tour of Tuscany arrives in the enchanting heart of Lucca and checks into a luxurious boutique hotel nestled within a historic aristocratic palace, offering spacious and elegant accommodations.

As we stroll toward dinner, a knowledgeable local expert guides us through Lucca’s vibrant piazzas, sharing captivating stories of the city’s rich past. To cap off the day, indulge in a delectable dinner at a charming historic trattorias. We enjoy the vibe of Lucca at night after tourists are gone, a privileged point of view that will stay with you long after you leave.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Lucca  

Today, our Tuscan trip heads to the northern tip of the region. First, a short drive takes us to Pisa, a city that was once a powerful Maritime Republic and now hosts one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks.

We are dedicated to transforming your visit into an effortless and enriching experience by bypassing the crowds and placing you right in the heart of this remarkable site. Imagine capturing that classic photo at the foot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa—a snapshot you won’t want to miss! But that’s just the beginning—prepare for an exciting surprise waiting for you in Pisa!

Afterwards, we’ll head to the breathtaking Apuan Alps in northern Tuscany, where the world’s finest marble has been extracted for centuries. In a four-wheel vehicle, you’ll explore the majestic Carrara marble quarries alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Experience the thrilling ride as we ascend to greater heights, surrounded by the stunning “white gold” of the mountains and the picturesque Mediterranean coastline in the distance.

On our return, savor a free evening for dinner in the beautiful city of Lucca, where the culinary treasures await.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch 

Accommodation: Florence 

After a delightful breakfast, we check out and conveniently leave our luggage at the hotel. Just a short stroll away, we meet a talented local chef who warmly invites us into his kitchen.

Lucca is an undiscovered gem for food lovers, often eclipsed by larger cities like Florence and Bologna. With its rich culinary heritage, Lucca emphasizes simple, high-quality ingredients that highlight the true essence of Tuscan flavors. Join us for an immersive, hands-on cooking class that features an array of recipes, spanning from beloved Italian classics to refined local specialties.

This engaging and friendly morning allows you to dive into the culinary experience at your own pace—feel free to try every dish or take a break whenever needed, just like you would in a local home. Plus, you’ll leave with printed recipes as cherished keepsakes. Lunch is a celebratory occasion where we gather around the table to savor the delicious results of our hard work alongside our chef.

In the afternoon, we journey to Florence, checking into a luxurious 4-star hotel located just steps from the city’s major attractions. For our final two nights on this Grand Tour of Tuscany, we’ll be staying in a historic palace where the young Michelangelo is rumored to have honed his craft. The serene inner garden offers a peaceful escape from the lively streets, creating a tranquil retreat. Our rooms are thoughtfully selected on the upper floors, providing stunning views of either the city rooftops or the charming courtyard.

Tonight, allow our tour manager to guide you in finding the perfect dining option for your independent evening in Florence—an opportunity to explore this captivating city at your leisure!

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

 Accommodation: Florence 

Kick off your day with breakfast before meeting an experienced local tour guide. Enjoy the privilege of skipping the line to enter the Accademia Museum, where you’ll be awestruck by iconic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Florence, where our local guide unravels grand palazzi and the open-air museum atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria in an intimate walking tour, avoiding crowds.

In the afternoon, take advantage of your free time to explore the heart of the Renaissance at your own pace, or indulge in shopping at the renowned leather, gold, and fashion boutiques that Florence boasts.

As the day winds down, we gather to celebrate the culmination of our Grand Tour of Tuscany with a memorable dinner in one of the historic trattorias near the Mercato Centrale. Join us for a true taste of Florentine culture, and toast to the end of this curated Tuscan adventure!

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: n/a

Enjoy one more breakfast before checking out and say arrivederci until we meet next time!