Itinerary

Day 1 Florence

Even among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver. (Extra surcharge will be applied if after 8pm or before 7am).

A welcome package with your itinerary, vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

The Hotel Brunelleschi (4*) is located in the historical centre of Florence, a stone’s throw from the Uffizi Gallery, the “Piazza della Signoria” and one of the world’s most famous  shopping streets. The Brunelleschi has 96 rooms and suites, spectacular views of the “Duomo”, a restaurant, and a gym. The hotel has been created within a circular Byzantine tower and a medieval church, entirely reconstructed, but keeping the original characteristics of the buildings. Inside you can find a private museum in which is conserved the architectural ruins discovered during the restoration of the buildings.  This hotel is also featured at the end of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Day 2 Florence

Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private English speaking local guide in Florence, taking in a visit to the Uffizi gallery. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.  This personalized tour will give you local insight into the real history and hidden gems. A visit to Florence is not complete without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Uffizi. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery to have an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. At the end of the tour, you are free to remain in the museum to explore further at your leisure. (The tour includes a prebooked entrance and guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in English).

Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objets d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Day 3 Florence

On this course you can learn to cook a typical everyday Tuscan meal, starting off by choosing the ingredients in season. Under the expert guidance of a multilingual chef, you will visit the historic San Lorenzo central market, where you will select the ingredients that you will then use to prepare a four-course meal (starter, first course, second course and dessert) in a top class cooking school. The course will be followed by lunch with the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a good Tuscan wine and a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Day 4 Montepulciano

Montepulciano, a medieval and Renaissance hill town in southern Tuscany, sits on a high limestone ridge. It is 124 km southeast of Florence, and 186 km north of Rome. Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Wine connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile among Italy's best. The pedestrianised main street stretches for 1.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. Main sights include the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Tarugi, The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio. A day tour to the nearby Brunello vineyards of Montalcino is a highlight.

Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

Take the train to Chiusi. Journey will take approximately 1-2 hours.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Montepulciano today.

Albergo Il Rondo, Montepulciano - sat amidst olive groves and vineyards, this Montepulciano hotel is close to the historic centre of this stunning medieval Tuscan town. And yet, in its own big garden, just 500 metres from the defensive walls of Montepulciano, the accommodation is an oasis of peace and quiet. From here you can stroll into Montepulciano and the hotel also has a private car park exclusive to guests.

Overnight at Albergo Il Rondò (3*).

Day 5 Montepulciano

Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private local guide. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the top sights. Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide is officially licensed. This personalized tour will give you local insight into the real history and hidden gems.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Albergo Il Rondò (3*).
    
Day 6 Montepulciano

Enjoy this splendid Tuscan village or book one of the many local tour options at your hotel, including; day tour of Montalcino and Brunello vineyards, day tour of local vineyards with lunch, visit the house and property of La Foce a short drive from town.

Overnight at Albergo Il Rondò (3*).
    
Day 7 Siena

The Tuscan city of Siena is one of the most lovely in Italy. Though abundant with Renaissance palazzi, churches and museums, the city is compact by any standards. The focal point of the town is the Piazza del Campo. Surrounded by elegant public buildings, it's the perfect starting point for seeing the city's myriad attractions. Nearby, the cathedral sits in its own square, the elaborate façade just a teaser for the grandiose interior. When you need a rest from pacing the streets, you'll find plenty of restaurants serving delicious Tuscan fare and numerous pavement cafés where you could spend hours sipping cappuccinos and watching the world go by.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Montepulciano today.

Enjoy the train ride to Siena (direct). Journey will take approximately 1h 15m.

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

The Hotel Athena (4*) is located in the historic centre of Siena, approximately 500 metres from the Duomo and Piazza del Campo, in a quiet and easily accessible area with a wonderful panorama. The property is a fully air conditioned hotel, with all the necessary comforts for a relaxing stay including a bar and a restaurant The hotel has 100 single, double, triple and quadruple rooms. All rooms feature private bathroom with hairdryer. The accommodations are furthermore equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, heating and Internet access.

Overnight at Athena (4*).

Day 8 Siena

Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private local guide. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the top sights. Discover the most unusual and unforgettable aspects of Siena, including the Cathedral Crypt. See the city's monuments and hidden alleyways, which all give a true insight into Sienese Life. The tour starts from the Campo Square, following the pilgrims, wayfarers, artists, merchants and saint's and the traces they left behind in courtyards, fine old churches and forgotten frescoes. The tour will end with the 13th century frescoes in the Cathedral Crypt.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Athena (4*).

Day 9 Siena

You will be guided in the discovery of the marvellous unspoilt landscapes that have been cradling the Chianti vineyards for centuries, unravelling before your eyes in a harmony of colours that only the hills of this region can give you. Visit ancient churches, medieval castles and little hamlets where the pace of life has remained unchanged over the course of time. Explore the fantastic settings and soak in their ancient traditions. The tour then continues to San Gimignano, a medieval town that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Gimignano, distinguished by its world famous, characteristic towered skyline, stands along the via Francigena on the hills of upper Val D’Elsa. The town is also famous for its wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, saffron and the precious Santa Fina pottery. Your guide will accompany you to every corner of the town characterised by beautiful squares, buildings, churches and suggestive alleyways.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Athena (4*).

Day 10 Siena

Enjoy the transfer from Siena to Florence (hotel or train station) in a private chauffeured driven vehicle with English speaking driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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