Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Enjoy breakfast at Villa Le Prata as you wake up surrounded by the fabled countryside of Val d’Orcia.

We take a walk in the quaint village of Pienza, located a few miles or so from our villa. We take a stroll up to the central piazza, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and enjoy a gelato along the pedestrian narrow streets overlooking Val d’Orcia.

Then, our Grand Tour of Tuscany stops at an organic farm founded more than three centuries ago, located on a hill crest with breathtaking views over southern Tuscany.

We tour the estate among olive orchards, friendly animals and a bucolic atmosphere. Step inside the aging premises where the farm’s award-winning Pecorino di Pienza cheese is stored, then sit at the table and partake in a generous tasting of the products of the farm including a fresh seasonal salad and more.

A short drive takes us back to Montalcino, for an optional walk on top of the medieval fortress.

After some free time at the villa to freshen up, tonight we take our guests to the charming village of Bagno a Vignoni, where you have enough time to enjoy a dinner on your own among the many cozy restaurants overlooking the large fountain of the central square.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

The last day at Villa Le Prata deserves a leisurely late morning so you can enjoy it at your own pace: maybe a walk on a gravel countryside path among olive trees and vineyards. Maybe you prefer to relax by the outdoor infinity pool or read a book in the shade of the main living room of the villa.

Around noon, we step inside the aging premises of a medieval castle where wine has been produced for centuries. Perched on a hill crest, il castello is surrounded by bountiful vineyards originally tended by Etruscans, which today lays within the limits of Brunello di Montalcino‘s DOCG appellation. 

A tasteful lunch is paired with the wine tasting as we learn stories of the family who owned the castle in the past as well as the present life of this charming gem of the Tuscan countryside.

This afternoon the choice is yours to go back to the villa or explore with the tour manager the abbey of St. Antimo. Its early-medieval sculptures, evocative architecture and quiet surroundings provide an evocative journey back in time.  

On the way to dinner, we take a secondary road for the quintessential views of Tuscany. A short and pleasant hike takes us to a countryside chapel for iconic pictures of the rolling hills and cypress trees of Val d’Orcia.

Tonight we dine at a well-established restaurant minutes away from the  villa. We indulge in a delectable fine-dining experience where Tuscan  dishes are prepared with a modern twist. 

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, we say farewell to Val d’Orcia and drive to Siena, an absolute must-see in Italy.

Our engaging local expert takes us on an informative walking tour of Siena . We bring up to life the intricate combination of history and local traditions that makes this city absolutely unique.

From banking to ancient pilgrim routes, Siena’s highlight is the sea-shell-shaped square of Il Campo, where, twice a year, the most famous horse race of Italy known as Palio, takes place.

Relax onboard our comfortable van or minibus as we drive to Viareggio. Check-in at five-star Plaza et de Russie Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux property, located on the famous sea-front promenade flanked by fashion shops.

Take off your shoes and enjoy a walk on the sandy beach of Viareggio, steps away from our hotel or enjoy an Italian aperitivo inspired by the movie La Dolce Vita.

Tonight we reserved a table for our small group in a historic trattoria known for seafood and fish, prepared with the freshest catch of the day.

Meals included: breakfast

Viareggio is about thirty minutes away from Pisa, once a powerful Maritime Republic. We take you to the famous piazza by skipping the crowds of tourists and help you get the classic, not-to-be-missed picture at the foot of the leaning tower.

We strive to turn the visit to this popular site into an easy and safe experience. A surprise awaits you in Pisa.

Next, we drive to the mountains, known as Alpi Apuane, in northern Tuscany where the finest marble on Earth has been quarried since Roman times.

Board a 4X4 vehicle and discover, with a local expert, the fascinating stories and hardships of Carrara’s marble quarries. Enjoy the scenery of unparalleled beauty, surrounded by the brightness of the “white gold” and, in the distance, the Mediterranean coastline.

Lastly, we toast with a glass of Prosecco and a tasting of a local speciality, Colonnata’s cured lard, refined with herbs and salt for 6-10 months in marble cellars. 

On the way back to Viareggio, we spend the evening in Pietrasanta, home of artists and local people for some free time among art galleries, shopping, and plenty of choices for dinner on your own.

Meals included: breakfast, light lunch 

After breakfast, we collect your luggage and we only drive 30 minutes or so to the city of Lucca.

Meet our passionate and knowledgeable local expert who will show us some of the highlights and hidden treasures of this wealthy community. Silk trade, pilgrims, and solid city walls made the fortune of Lucca which today is also a foodie destination.

We visit some bakeries for a tasting of local bread, then a local soup and many other specialities specific to northern Tuscany. 

In the afternoon we arrive in central Florence.  Check-in in a 4-star hotel located steps away from all major attractions. 

Tonight let our tour manager suggest historic trattoria and fine restaurants for your free dinner in Firenze. 

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, meet an experienced local tour guide and skip the line to access the Accademia museum. We behold striking masterworks such as Michelangelo’s David and we walk through the lively streets of Florence, among stately palazzi, the open-air museum of Piazza della Signoria, and much else.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own the cradle of the Renaissance or shop among leather, gold, and fashion stores for which Florence is known for.

Tonight we celebrate the end of our Grand Tour of Tuscany with a traditional dinner in one of the historic trattoria near the Mercato Centrale.

Meals included: breakfast

Today you can say arrivederci to Florence or decide to extend your stay with one more night by joining our Florence post-tour extension.

This extra day includes a day trip to the iconic Chianti wine region with an exclusive lunch in a winery, paired with wine tasting.