Explore Florence, Lucca and the Chianti region

Tuscany is very generous with its beauty and you will be richer for taking a little bit of it home with you. Magical landscapes, rich artistic heritage, and sumptuous wine and gastronomy experiences are powerful enough reasons for visiting enchanting Tuscany. Beyond the crowds, and fully immersed in a local palette of experiences, we'll connect you to this beautiful region in a way seldom experienced by the passing visitor.

Our tour focuses on the Tuscan icons of Florence, the Chianti region, and Lucca. Visits to an art restoration workshop, artisan shops, local markets, and a wine and olive oil maker under the knowledgeable guidance of a true Florentine, allow you to see Tuscany with the eyes of a native. Country walks and optional bicycling excursions round out your adventure.

Activities

Easy cultural touring, country walks, optional bicycling and cooking class

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Tuscan icons of Florence, the Chianti region, and Lucca
• Take in breathtaking views from rolling vineyards to the magnificent Florence cityscape
• Sip fine wines, taste handcrafted olive oils, and feast on regional culinary delights

2010 Prices
$3,795 per person (7-8 people)
$4,095 per person (5-6 people)
$4,495 per person (3-4 people)
$4,995 per person (2 people)
$700 single supplement

Duration: 7 days Start Location: Florence End Location: Florence Best time to go: March - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Florence

  Arrive in Florence. Enjoy a casual stroll around town culminating with an instructional walking tour of the some of the city's important sites and make Florence's history come alive.

• Day 2 : Around Florence

   We begin our day with an introduction to what is considered one of the precious and labor-intensive tasks, that of art restoration. This is a unique opportunity to see some of Florence's tradition and legacy. Following this introduction, we'll visit the central market (mercato centrale), another important hub in the life and culture of the city.

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  Day 3 : Florence - Castellina in Chianti

  Today we head to Castellina in Chianti, a beautiful small hamlet of Etruscan and Roman origins in the heart of Chianti Classico hills.  On our way, we will stop in Greve, the wine capital of the region, where we will visit the town and have a light lunch. We may also visit the 11th-century Abbey of Passignano before continuing on to Castellina in Chianti. Upon arrival, we will take short, guided, walking tour (about one hour) through the vineyards of Casa Frassi, where you will be officially introduced to the artistry of wine making.

• Day 4 : Chianti

  Today we take advantage of our location in the heart of Chianti to explore the region. Depending on your energy level we have a few options. We may choose to take a daylong walk or hike punctuated with some unique visits, including learning the art of how terra cotta pots are made and kilned; we may rent bicycles in the morning to ride in the surrounding hills followed by an afternoon walk; or we may walk in the morning and enjoy a visit of Siena or Monteriggioni in the afternoon.

• Day 5 : Chianti - Lucca

  This morning we'll take Chianti's back roads to Lucca and we may stop in a couple of villages along the way. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town and enjoy a dinner on your own.

• Day 6 : Around Lucca

  Today we'll set out for an exploration of the region surrounding Lucca. We will start with a hike in the Garfagnana territory, a landscape so far removed from the traditional image of Tuscany as to make it seem from another country. Other activities may include a drive to Lago di Vagli, Villa Torrigiani or Villa Reale.

• Day 7 : Florence

  Transfer to the Florence airport and depart on homeward-bound flights.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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