Enjoy amazing Italy in the autumn... see the beautiful Tuscany countryside, picturesque ancient villages of Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano, and the Renaissance capital Florence!

 

We’ll be based in Florence where we'll stay six nights in boutique hotels. We'll explore Florence's historic city centre and stroll along the picturesque Arno River with its beautiful bridges.

 

We'll have private tours with local historian guides of the Uffizi Gallery... the Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo's David statue is displayed... and the Florence's magnificent Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore. 

 

We'll visit Boboli Gardens with its lavish gardens of blooming flowers, magnificent fountains, grand sculptures, and shady lanes lined with towering cypresses.

 

We’ll take day trips through the Tuscan countryside visiting three beautiful and historic UNESCO World Heritage site cities -- Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano.

 

We'll stroll through Lucca's ancient city centre with its Renaissance buildings and cobblestone streets. We'll visit Siena's famous shell-shaped Piazzo del Campo where horse races are held twice a year, and see Siena's Duomo, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with Michelangelo statues and Bernini sculptures. We'll visit San Gimignano with its medieval architecture and 14 ancient towers.

 

There will be free time for personal sightseeing, relaxation and shopping. And time for sampling delicious Italian gelato... relaxing at sidewalk cafes... and exploring Florence's fabulous boutiques.

We'll take an Italian cooking class learning about Tuscan cuisine and having a group meal with a local chef... and have a Tuscan wine tasting session with a region expert.

 

Optional before breakfast group pleasure walks through Florence's city centre, parks and gardens are organized for travelers who want some morning exercise before starting their vacation day.

 

The Tuscany Discovery Trip Is Designed To Provide:

• A fabulous vacation experience in Italy visiting Florence, the Tuscan countryside, and three beautiful historic UNESCO World Heritage site small cities – Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano

• Friendly and fun small group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• Many activities -- including visiting Florence's Uffizi Gallery... the Accademia Gallery... Florence's Duomo – Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore... day trips to Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano... Italian wine tasting session... and Tuscan cooking class.

• Free personal time to discover and enjoy Florence at your own pace.

• Optional group morning pleasure walks led by WalkEurope president, Tom Harter.

• Recommended restaurants should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone is invited to join the tour host for local-cuisine group meals.

• Connoisseur service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service, for a fun and worry-free vacation!​ 

 

What's Included:

• Six nights in a choice of personally selected hotels.

  • Charming Boutique Hotel: Stay in a quaint and romantic old-world style hotel with antique furnishings and a rooftop garden overlooking the Arno River.

  • Premiere Signature/Luxury Hotel: Stay in a contemporary up-scale designer hotel with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Arno River.

• Daily hotel buffet breakfasts.

• Welcome Reception – with local Italian wines and cheeses hosted by WalkEurope.

• Morning Pleasure Walks - optional before breakfast daily escorted group pleasure walks through Florence's city centre, parks and gardens... and along the Arno River.

• Private tour of Uffizi Gallery with local art historian guide.

• Private tour of Accademia Gallery with local art historian guide.

• Private tour of Florence's Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore with local historian guide.

• Visit to Florence's Boboli Gardens.

• Day Trip to Lucca - a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its ancient city centre and cobblestone streets. Lucca is considered to be one of Italy's most beautiful cities.

• Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano - visit to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Siena is known for its brick medieval buildings, shell-shaped Piazzo del Campo where horse races are held twice a year; the Siena Duomo, a Romanesque-Gothic art-packed cathedral with mosaic floors, Michelangelo statues and Bernini sculptures; and Torre del Mangia, the 14th -century tower. San Gimignano is noted for its medieval architecture and 14 ancient towers; and the town's famous Vernaccia white wine.

• Italian Wine Tasting Session – with region expert.

• Cocktail Hour Soirees – enjoy before dinner aperitifs and local wines hosted by WalkEurope

• Farewell Dinner – featuring Tuscan cuisine and Italian wines hosted by WalkEurope.

• Cathedral, museum, palace & garden entrance fees for all group activities and day trips.

• Ground transportation for all group activities including private vans for day trips to Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano.

 

Arrival & Departure City:

Florence, Italy

 

Trip Cost:

Charming Boutique Hotel Option:

• $3,650 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. For solo travelers, we will try to find you a roommate. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• Added cost for private single room hotel accommodation option - $1.225

Premiere Signature/Luxury Hotel Option:

• $5,550 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• Added cost for private single room hotel accommodation option - $1,925

         

Space Is Limited -- Available on 1st Reserve Basis -- Recommended to Reserve Early!

Small Group Trip - Limited to 15 persons.