The Tuscan countryside was built as a work of art by a refined people, the same people who in the 15th century ordered their painters to paint and fresco: this is the feature, the main trait lowered over the centuries into the design of the fields, into the architecture of Tuscan houses. It is amazing how these people built their rural landscapes as if they had no other concern than beauty.
Henri Desplanques
Discover all Tuscany from the marble-rich peaks of the Apuan Alps to the sun-drenched shores of the Maremma, Tuscany unfolds like a masterpiece painted by nature and refined by human hands over millennia. This central Italian region, revered as the birthplace of the Renaissance, continues to captivate visitors with its harmonious blend of artistic genius, pastoral beauty, culinary excellence, and profound cultural heritage.
For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car: the roads are comfortable and the different destinations are not very far apart; moreover, you will feel totally free to stop and admire and photograph sights and landscapes and travel at your own pace.
If you prefer other ways of travel, however, we can provide train + private driver or driver only.
Discover all Tuscany: days 1 – 2
After your arrival at the Florence airport, you will immediately transfer to Lucca, where you will spend your first two nights in a 4-star hotel with all amenities.
In the north, Carrara’s marble quarries have provided the raw material for countless masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David. These white-streaked mountains give way to the historic city of Lucca, where Renaissance walls encircle a perfectly preserved medieval core. Cyclists and pedestrians traverse these ramparts daily, gazing down at a cityscape punctuated by the unique Guinigi Tower, crowned with ancient oak trees growing on its rooftop garden.
Discover all Tuscany: days 3 – 8
From Lucca you move to Cortona where you will stay for 5 nights in a luxurious relais
Perched on a hilltop in eastern Tuscany, Cortona is a charming medieval town with Etruscan roots. Located in the province of Arezzo, it’s ideally positioned for exploring central Italy’s highlights: Siena 40 miles northwest, and the scenic Lake Trasimeno 8 miles east. The famous wine region of Montepulciano lies just 20 miles west.
In these days you can visit Siena, the Val d’Orcia, Arezzo, Montepulciano and San Gimignano to other incredible villages that will make you fall in love!
Siena‘s shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, host to the twice-yearly Palio horse race, embodies the competitive spirit that once drove Tuscan city-states to create ever more magnificent architectural and artistic wonders. The city’s striped marble cathedral, though unfinished, stands as one of Italy’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.
The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, presents the quintessential Tuscan landscape that has inspired artists for centuries. Rolling hills dotted with solitary cypress trees, ancient farmhouses, and medieval towns like Pienza and Montalcino create a pastoral symphony. This region produces the robust Brunello di Montalcino wine and the sharp, aged Pecorino di Pienza cheese, exemplifying Tuscany’s gastronomic excellence.
Discover all Tuscany: days 9 – 11
Two nights spent on the coastline offers another dimension to Tuscany’s diversity. The Etruscan Coast, named for the ancient civilization that once flourished here, combines archaeological sites with pristine beaches.
In the south, the Maremma region was once a malarial swamp until land reclamation in the 20th century revealed its potential for agriculture and tourism. Today, it’s known for its butteri (cowboys), thermal springs, and the striking Uccellina Nature Park, where ancient watchtowers guard the coastline.
We suggest to spend two nights near Capalbio: nestled in southern Tuscany’s Maremma region, Capalbio is a medieval gem rising above the Etruscan Coast. This well-preserved hilltop town is crowned by ancient walls offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Monte Argentario. The coastline features pristine blue-flag beaches like Chiarone and La Torba, where crystal-clear waters meet golden sand shores backed by Mediterranean pine forests. The untamed coastline alternates between rocky coves and long sandy stretches, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The area is famous for its Etruscan archaeological sites, rolling countryside, and the unique Tarot Garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The region is also known for its excellent wines and wild boar dishes, reflecting the area’s hunting traditions.
Discover all Tuscany: days 12 – 15
The last stop is Florence, the region’s capital, stands as a testament to human creativity and ambition. The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, engineered by Brunelleschi, still dominates the skyline, while the Uffizi Gallery houses an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art. In the narrow streets of the Oltrarno district, artisans continue centuries-old traditions of leather-working, goldsmithing, and paper-marbling, their workshops echoing with the sounds of ancient crafts.
One day during your stay in Florence will be devoted to a tour of the Upper Chianti region stretches between Florence and Siena like a verdant quilt of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads. Here, medieval castles turned wineries produce the famous Chianti Classico, recognizable by the black rooster seal. Small towns like Castellina, Radda, and Greve serve as gateways to understanding Tuscany’s wine culture, where ancient cellars hold oak barrels aging precious vintages.
On the 15th day you will take the plane back home from the Florence airport.
Visit to the Marble Quarries
Treasure of the Apuan Alps
The Apuan Alps stand as mountains of marble, abundant with quarries – most notably those of Carrara – which have become an invaluable treasure, bringing worldwide recognition to this region. The quarries reveal themselves like an enchanting spectacle. Visitors delve into the mountain’s core to experience firsthand the same precious material that captivated master artists like Michelangelo and Canova.
Explore the breathtaking marble quarries of Colonnata, Torano, and Fantiscritti. Note that all visits must be accompanied by industry professionals.
Cooking Class in Val d’Orcia
True flavors, a lasting memory
Tuscan cuisine reflects the region’s agricultural abundance and historical practicality. The concept of “cucina povera” (poor cooking) has evolved into a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients. Thick-cut Florentine steaks, hearty ribollita soup, hand-rolled pici pasta, and crusty unsalted bread demonstrate how basic ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
It is the best place to participate in a cooking class, having fun and learning some secrets of Tuscan recipes and then enjoy the fruits of your labor at the table!
Tour in Val d’Orcia
Among wines and cheeses
Accompanied by an experienced guide and driver visit charming wineries, you will taste the best of wine and dairy production, surrounded by fabulous natural and architectural scenery.
The tour starts from your hotel in Cortona and lasts the whole day.
TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE
Siena, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano
You will meet your guide in Siena who will accompany you on this day.
Siena is a real jewel, famous for its splendid examples of Gothic architecture and its Palio horse race. Your local guide will lead you to the intriguing Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia stand. Next, head to Piazza del Duomo and admire the imposing Cathedral, one of the finest achievements of Italian Gothic architecture.
Around noon you will move to Monteriggioni; here you will have lunch (not included) and then you’ll have a walk through the magnificent village. (For the place of lunch, you can decide at the time whether to eat in San Gimignano or Monteriggioni!)
You will continue to San Gimignano: that it is a special place you can tell as soon as you catch a glimpse of its outline in the distance with its many towers, which seem to lie on top of the hill on which the town stands. There is no getting around it: San Gimignano is a true paradise for those on vacation in Tuscany. As if that were not enough, the panorama surrounding it is wonderful, made up of hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. At the end of the tour you’ll return to the Hotel in Cortona with your driver.
Alto Chianti region Tour
Between hills and rows of vines
Your guide as well as driver, will pick you up in Florence around 10 am: your destination will be the hamlet of Lamole, in the municipality of Greve in Chianti (about an hour and 15 minutes for a 40-km drive).
Discover the scenic heights of Tuscany in this High Chianti tour through Lamole and Greve in Chianti. Perched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Lamole offers breathtaking views across vineyards and olive groves.
In Greve, the region’s wine capital, explore the iconic triangular Piazza Matteotti and visit historic wine cellars. The area is renowned for its robust Chianti Classico wines, characterized by the Black Rooster seal. Local wineries offer tastings of these celebrated reds, produced from Sangiovese grapes grown in the area’s unique high-altitude terroir.
Here you will visit two family-run wineries where you will taste wines and typical products of the area.
Knowing Florence
The Art City
Your private, historical guide will be waiting for you to take you on a tour of the city’s most beautiful sites, including the Accademia, the Duomo complex with Giotto’s bell tower and Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and many others. Includes tickets to the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s wonderful David.
What makes Tuscany truly exceptional is not just its individual elements but how they interweave to create an experience that engages all senses. The play of light on ancient stones, the scent of wild herbs carried on the breeze, the taste of just-pressed olive oil, the sound of church bells echoing across valleys, and the texture of hand-carved marble under fingertips create an immersive journey through time and culture.
Tuscany’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to maintain authenticity while embracing the present, creating an environment where the past doesn’t just survive but thrives in meaningful ways.