DestinationsThe destinations listed are only examples. Because we are a personalized service, we invite you to contact us so we can help you design a tour based on what you want to see and where you want to go. ![]() FlorenceFlorence is the capital city of Tuscany and is considered by many to be the heart of art and culture in Italy. The museums, sights, and markets combine to make this one of the most glorious cities in the world. Full of Renaissance-style buildings and churches Florence is steeped in culture and has changed little since the 16th century. Amongst the many Florence attractions not to be missed are the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, and a visit to the Galleria dell’ Accademia to visit Michelangelo’s "David."
PisaLocated north of Siena towards the coast, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower, a free-standing campanile or bell tower. It was closed to the public in1990 after concerns that the beloved tower’s lean had become too great and was in danger of collapsing. After a twelve year multimillion dollar restoration project the tower has now reopened. Next to the tower, on Campo dei Miracoli, stand the elegant 11th-century Gothic Cathedral and the Baptistery. Nearby, the 13th-century Camposanto is a cemetery contained within a courtyard said to have been built to enclose earth brought from Jerusalem by the Crusaders.
![]() LuccaLucca is a small city, rich in sights and history where you still can feel the flair of all its important periods. The city has many beautiful attractions including, the many Romanesque churches, the Duomo of San Martino, the Basilica of San Frediano and a leisurely stroll along the city walls should not be missed.
![]() SienaIn the scenic country side just 55 kilometers south of Florence this picturesque well-preserved medieval town lies right in the heart of Tuscany’s wine region. Siena’s most prosperous era pre-dated the Renaissance and consequently much of the fabric of the city is in the older Gothic and Romanesque styles. While most buildings are of reddish-brown brick (hence the color ‘burnt sienna’), the stunning Cathedral is constructed of alternating stripes of black and white marble, and is said to be one of the best examples of Italian Gothic architecture. The labyrinths of narrow cobbled streets that make up the historic center converge at Piazza del Campo.
![]() MontepulcianoMontepulciano is Tuscany's highest hilltop town at 605m (1,950ft) above sea level. Located in South Eastern Tuscany, Montepulciano delights visitors with fine wine and great views. Sheltered within the town's fortified walls are narrow cobbled streets, Renaissance-style churches, and the views from the tower at Palazzo Comunale are among Tuscany’s finest.
![]() MontalcinoMontalcinois a classic Tuscan hill-town, 20km west of Pienza. Set within medieval walls and looks spectacular from the ground but the climb the walls and views surrounding countryside with its vineyards, and olive groves are magnificent. While the views are grand, Montalcino is most famous for producing one of the world’s top red wines, Brunello di Montalcino. Brunello di Montalcino has become so famous that it has found its way to some of the world's finest wine cellars and restaurants. Brunello di Montalcino was virtually unknown outside its production area or beyond a limited circle of connoisseurs until about the mid-1960s. It gained in both popularity and reputation during the succeeding decades until it became, perhaps the most esteemed of Italian wines. Today there are over 183 consortium recognized producers of Brunello di Montalcino.
![]() San GimignanoOnce a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the invading barbarian hordes. Known as the ‘city of beautiful towers’, San Gimignano is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. During the Middle Ages, the height of a family’s tower was a symbol of prestige and wealth. This led to fierce competition amongst the wealthiest families with each one vying to build the tallest structure. Today, 13 of the original 76 towers remain, creating a truly unforgettable skyline considered by many to be a must see when in Tuscany.
![]() CortonaIn recent times, Cortona has been made famous by Frances Mayes’ book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun, which chronicles her restoration of an old farmhouse just outside of the town walls. However, the town has a long and rich history that precedes Maye’s book by many centuries. Founded by the Etruscans, Cortona is one of the oldest hill towns of Tuscany. With a scenic location on the side of a mountain, Cortona offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside which is filled with olive groves and vineyards. Cortona’s vibrant past lives on within its medieval walls that rest on an Etruscan-era foundation. A truly charming town with cobblestone streets lined with medieval buildings.
![]() Cinque TerreCinque Terre or the five lands is a UNESCO recognized national park that consists of the small towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore,that strech along the coast where the sea, hills, terraced vineyards, and the old fishing villages result in breathtaking scenery. ![]() Factory OutletsOutlets in Italy are not the rummage sales that outlets in the US tend to be. They are typically very well arranged with deeply discounted merchandise presented in boutique fashion. The inventory changes almost everyday and you can find some great deals if you have someone with you who knows some of the inside secrets Possible ItinerariesHere is a short list of possible itineraries based on their proximity to one another. Please let us know what you are interested in seeing.
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