“Congratulations on another very successful Tour of the Italian Countryside. We continue to receive high praise for the uniqueness of the tour, as well as your exceptional involvement, careful planning and consistent attention”
Assistant Dean of Arts & Sciences Extension, U.M.-St. Louis
For dates & fees call Gina at 314-809-9951or email gina@classicaltours.net
What’s Included:
Escorted by Gina who will advise you and guide you daily!
First Class Hotel with private bath in the heart of Florence
All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
All Sightseeing as Described in Itinerary
All Buffet Breakfasts, Welcome Dinner with Wine, Villa Lunch with Wine
Pizza Party & Wine Tasting with Tuscan Appetizers
To register please call Gina at 314-809-9951
Tour Highlights:
-
Orientation tour with Gina whose stories and anecdotes will make Florence come alive for you
-
Join Gina for some fun evening walks stopping for incontro per l’aperitivo or happy hour Italian style!
-
Visit San Lorenzo one of Florence’s oldest food markets where you can sample Tuscan delicacies and wines
-
Visit a Renaissance villa in the hills of Florence for olive oil class and elegant lunch with wine
-
Discover marvelous antiques, hand-painted pottery, rich tapestries and more, on our Florence shopping tour
-
Enjoy the Tuscan countryside as we visit the fortified Medieval hill-towns of San Gimignano and Siena
-
Wine tasting and class at a private estate
- visit Santa Maria, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies
- Pizza making class. Make your own pizza in one of Florence’s oldest pizzerie, then enjoy it with a glass of vino!
Depart U.S. as per your arrangements
Day 1 - Florence City Tour/ Welcome Dinner/Evening Walk
Arrive in Florence and make your way to our centrally located hotel. After you’ve settled in, enjoy a get acquainted welcome drink, followed by an orientation walk through the streets of Florence. Afterwards, we go to our restaurant for a festive welcome dinner with wine. Later, on our way back to the hotel we stop in Piazza della Repubblica where Florentines and tourists alike congregate to listen to music, sip an after-dinner drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Day 2 - Bus Tour to Tuscan Countryside / San Gimignano /Vineyard visit and wine tasting/ Siena
After your buffet breakfast enjoy a scenic ride to San Gimignano, going through the countryside as seen in the film Under the Tuscan Sun. On a walking tour of San Gimignano, see beautiful Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo della Podesta’ and the Town Hall where Dante spoke to stop the constant strife between rival families. Stop at a private estate which produces award-winning Super Tuscan wines for a fun, informative wine tasting with snacks. Tonight, you’re free to discover Florence on your own, or enjoy an evening walk with Gina stopping at a popular spot for Italian happy hour.
Day 3 - City Tour / Learn About Florentine Gold & Leather / Wine Tasting
Today you visit Florence’s most famed attractions, including the Cathedral, Baptistery with its Doors of Paradise, Piazza della Signoria and the church of Santa Croce which houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Macchiavelli and other Florentine giants.On your walking tour, wander through many side streets to see Dante’s house, historical cafes and the ancient outdoor straw market. Time for a wine tasting with appetizers. Later, experts will explain the Florentine arts of gold and leather. Tonight yo’re free to explore on your own, attend an optional cooking class or join Gina at a fun, informal eatery.
Day 4 - Lunch in Tuscan Villa / Visit Italy’s Oldest Pharmacy
Leave Florence for an excursion into the Tuscan countryside. Stop for lunch at a
country villa. Tour the property, then enjoy a lecture on the kinds and uses of olive oil, including a tasting of oils on bruschetta before lunch. Back in Florence, we stop at Italy’s oldest pharmacy, where you can purchase scented soaps and creams, still made in the ancient way by Dominican monks. Free evening in Florence.
Day 5 - Free day- Optional excursion to Assisi
This morning after breakfast you’re free to explore some of Florence’s famous museums like the Uffizi, the Accademia & the Pitti Palace, or take an optional tour to Assisi in Umbria. This is not only the greenest region of Italy but also contains numerous treasures of art. Visit Assisi, the holy town of Saint Francis, with its marvelous buildings, its basilicas, Roman temple, castle and the frescoes by Giotto.180 euros per person.
Rest of day is at leisure to rest, shop or just sit at an outdoor café’ in Piazza della Signoria which is in itself an outdoor museum.
Day 6 - Food Market / Antique Shops / Pizza Party
After a leisurely breakfast you can join Gina on a walk to the old market of San Lorenzo where Florentines shop for the freshest
ingredients to prepare their meals. Continue on to explore some interesting shops of hand painted pottery, antiques and rich tapestries. Later, we go to Santa Croce for a lesson in the art of pizzamaking. Create your own pizza at the best pizzeria in town, then enjoy your festive pizza party with wine.
Day 7 - Arrivederci!!
After breakfast, make your way to the Florence airport for your return flights home, with same day arrival in U.S.
ROME EXTENSION
Day 7 – Train to Rome. Walking tour with Gina to Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain. Overnight in centrally located first class hotel.
Day 8 – Breakfast at hotel. Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Day 9 – Breakfast at hotel. Walking tour with Gina to see the Forum, Colosseum and Arch of Constantine
Day 10 - Free day to explore Rome’s many treasures
Day 11 - Private transfer to Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport for your flight home.
Please call us at 314-809-9951 or contact us to ensure your space