Essence of Tuscany

Meet your guide at Fiumicino (Rome) International Airport and drive to Florence. Arrival in Florence. Check-in at the hotel and free time available. Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. The city lies on the River Arno and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. A turbulent political history included periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, religious and republican revolution. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence is often known as the "Jewel of the Renaissance". Free Dinner at the hotel or in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Florence.

Breakfast at 8.00am. Visit of Florence with your local guide. During the day the group will visit Duomo, Campanile di Giotto, Cupola Brunelleschi. The Bargello museum is the most important museum in Florence after the Uffizi Gallery. It is housed in the former Palazzo del Bargello, where Florence's city magistrate resided. It was built in 1255 by Di Cambio's father; the Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio, the main building of the Medici's family; Piazzale Michelangelo,one of the best viewpoints in Florence, it is the most famous observation point to appreciate the panorama of the city. During the afternoon visit Bargello Museums and Uffizi Gallery. Back to the hotel for the dinner. Overnight in Florence.

Breakfast in Florence and transfer to Siena, the Italy's finest medieval city. On the way stop in the medieval village in San Gimignano. After San Gimignano, stop in Monteriggioni, the walled village. Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio di Siena run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. Guided visit of Siena and the downtown. In the late afternoon, transfer to Chianciano. Chianciano Terme is one of the most famous thermal spa destinations in all of Europe, is located right between the Val d'Orcia and the Valdichiana, perfectly placed to enjoy some of the most renowned, beautiful parts of Tuscany. Dinner and overnignt at the hotel in Siena.

Breakfast in Siena and visit the medieval village of Pienza. Pienza is a gem in the Val d'Orcia. It's known as the city of Pope Pius II, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who was born here in 1405. Once Pius became Pope, he wanted to transform his humble birthplace, Corsignano, into an urban- architectural treasure. Then transfer to Montepulciano. Thanks to its superb vineyards, the Montepulciano area is considered one of the finest winemaking regions in the world, which makes it without a doubt one of the most frequented and beloved tourist destinations in Tuscany. In the afternoon vist to San Quirico d'Orcia and Montalcino. Back to the hotel in Pienza, relax, dinner and overnight in Pienza.

Breakfast in Pienza. Morning relax at the thermal spa in Bagno Vignoni. Bagno Vignoni is an ancient and famous spa village, located within the Val d’Orcia Natural Artistic Park. Its thermal waters were used since Roman times thanks to the proximity of the Via Francigena, the road for pilgrims heading to Rome. The main attraction is the Piazza delle Sorgenti, the place where the first houses began to rise, later accompanied by inns and the church dedicated to San Giovanni Battista. This square takes its name from the large basin in the center which, with its colored waters and its vapors, creates a suggestive and surprising scenario, further embellished by the Renaissance buildings that surround it. Also on the square you can find bars and restaurants to appreciate the tasty Tuscan cuisine. After the relax, enjoy a free lunch in a nice restaurant in Bagno Vignoni. Then transfer to Fiumicino to flight back at home.