Tuscany

A series of hills, villages where time stands still, fortresses, churches and country houses: a picturesque nature and rich not only in beauty and history but also of unique and inimitable products that have made this region famous worldwide . Departure for Chianti’s area, land of one of the most known wines all over the world: the Chianti Classico. Here , along the “Chiantigiana” the famous wine route , hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey; on the way, you will discover tiny villages on the hills. Possible a break at Greve in Chianti, famous for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer known for the discovery of USA. Enjoy a visit to a typical farm; also, do not miss the opportunity of a wine tasting to sample some of the best Tuscan wines.

Dedicate a day to the “Lands of Renaissance” discovering the historical centre of the marvellous Florence and its hills where you can visit the Etruscan town of Fiesole and the De Medici Villas. 

In Florence, starting from Michelangelo’s square for the best view of the town, we lead you till the historical path to enjoy a nice walk , admiring  ” Ponte Vecchio” bridge and the streets of the old centre; see the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s bell tower and the Cupola designed by Brunelleschi.

Then departure to Fiesole, one of the most important Etruscan sights, not to miss to understand better the Italian history and Tuscan roots.

 On this tour also visit  one of the villas owned by the De’ Medici family, the dynasty who ruled Florence in its best period.

Our first stop is Pisa, where you can discover the beauty of its monuments in Miracle Square, famous for its Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and monumental Cemetery. Optional, departure to the mouth of the Arno river, and visit of the Basilica San Pietro a Grado: during the Roman period San Piero a Grado was a port of call, where the vessels arrived from the sea; “Gradus” in Latin means “port of call”. Around noon departure to Florence, where you can enjoy your free time walking along the characteristic streets and dedicate a day to the “Lands of Renaissance” discovering the historical centre of the marvellous Florence. Starting from Michelangelo’s square for the best view of the town. Then enjoy a nice walk through ” Ponte Vecchio” bridge and the streets of the old centre , crossing close to:  the Academy of Gallery, famous museum for the works by Michelangelo and his original statue of the David; then visit the area of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, the Uffizi Gallery, and Santa Croce square.

We will drive along the Chiantigiana the famous wine route, where hills of vineyards and olive trees are just beautiful to admire. Guests can visit the tiny hilltop towns that add the name “Chianti” to their names such as Greve in Chianti, famous for being the oldest market in the area; Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer famous for the discover of the American continent was born here as well. Dinner is at Macelleria Cecchini with a T-bone steak menu: Beef Tartar, Seared beef, Bone-in Rib eye or Strip steak, Panzanese steak, T-bone or Porterhouse steak, local vegetables with olive oil, Tuscan beans with olive oil, baked potatoes, Chianti butter, Tuscan bread, Olive oil cake, Coffee and Grappa Cecchini. Quality local wine and water are included. Our menus are basically dairy-free (unless you like cream in your coffee) and perfectly adapted for a lactose intolerant diet.

Pick up from your location and departure for the part of the Excursion dedicated to “Truffle Hunting”. With an expert Truffle-gatherers of the Tuscan hills, and his inseparable dog, you will lead for a walk in the wood with them. It’s the opportunity to discover this hidden “treasure” of the woods of Tuscany and the dog’s training methods. After the walk, some experts will explain you the working processes and the use of the truffle and then enjoy a wonderful tasting lunch of Truffles in a real truffle factory. You will surely understand why this incredible product of the Earth is called the ” White Gold”.

Special truffle Lunch. Departure to Vinci.

Driving along the beautiful street among the olives trees of Montalbano mountain, you will arrive at the foot of Leonardo’s house, typical ancient colonial house of Anchiano area. Take the chance to visit Leonardo’s home from the inside and to admire the “Renaissance lands”. Going on to the historical center of Vinci you will visit the Museum, situated in the Castle of Guidi family where you can see the most beautiful invention of the genius. Some of the most famous machines: the Motor Carriage, the Articulated Wings (intuition of the modern hang-glider), the Revolving Crane, the Crank-Operated Cart, the Diver, and so on. On the way back, we will stop at an oil mill for the extra virgin olive oil tasting, typical of Leonardo’s land. Experienced workers will explain you the oil processing methods.