FLORENCE

Welcome to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Private transfer to your hotel. Take some time to wander the oldest streets in the city and experience an authentic Florentine gelato, considered by many to be the best in the world.

FLORENCE  
After breakfast at your hotel, begin your intimate, small group half day walking tour of Florence, with the Accademia Gallery. Hear stories about the powerful Medici family whose patronage made Florence one of the hot beds of the Renaissance art world. Reach Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the Duomo, with its imposing dome by Brunelleschi, recognized as the architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance; Giotto’s Bell Tower, one of the greatest examples of gothic architecture in Florence and the Baptistry, with its gilded bronze door depicting scenes from the Bible. The final tour destination is the Accademia Gallery, to meet Michelangelo’s David, and gain unique insight into how he turned jagged rock into the beautiful, life-like figures of his sculptures. In the afternoon, take some time to explore the city on your own.

FLORENCE — PIENZA   
After breakfast, enjoy your morning at leisure in Florence. In the early afternoon, take a scenic two hour drive through Tuscany on the way to Pienza, one of the best-planned Renaissance towns, reflecting urban planning concepts that were adopted by other towns in Italy and the rest of Europe. Check in at your accommodation in Monticchiello (located about 10mis from Pienza).

TUSCAN WINE ROADS
After breakfast, depart for Montecucco, a small area south of Montalcino. This area is of special interest due to its small specialty vineyards. Arrive at Perazzeta for a wine tasting. Enjoy lunch at Flavio’s Restaurant with stunning views of the village of Montenero, the volcano and Castello Banfi. The menu includes local products such as pecorino cheese, ham, olives, fresh tomatoes and of course, excellent wine. After lunch, visit the medieval town of Montalcino, known for its high-quality Brunello wine; see the top of the fortress, the old historical center, and the square with its small café and wine shops. Later in the afternoon, visit the Brunello di Montalcino winery for a guided tour of the vineyard and wine tasting at Poggio Antico. Return to Pienza.

PITIGLIANO
Enjoy a buffet breakfast. Today, you will visit the stunning medieval town of Pitigliano, dramatically perched atop a tufa cliff with many homes and caves chiseled into its landscape. The town is known for its Jewish ghetto and has been called Little Jerusalem due to its large and active Jewish population which settled in the 15th-century. After extensive restoration, the synagogue, Kosher oven and cemetery are all open to the public. Other important archaeological sites include Etruscan tombs and monuments. Enjoy lunch at Hostaria del Ceccottino which serves delicious rustic dishes made with local ingredients. Continue on to Sovana, a small village with a single street and castle ruins that lead to the cathedral. Stop at the Pinzi Pinzuti Food and Wine Shop for olive oil, cheese, wild boar and salami tasting with chestnut liqueur. Return to the hotel.

SIENA
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning, begin your guided half-day visit of Siena, famous for its cuisine, art, museums, and medieval landscape. See the relevant artistic, cultural and religious sights and hear about the noble families that were instrumental in the history of this city. Enjoy time in the afternoon for lunch, shopping and exploring on your own. Return to Pienza.

PASTA COOKING CLASS & HOT SPRINGS
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to Le Macinaie Restaurant in Monte Amiata for a pasta cooking class where you will prepare tagliatelle and pici made from traditional recipes passed down through generations of Italian families; devour your tasty creations for lunch. Later in the afternoon, visit the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni or San Filippo the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Return to Pienza.