Discovering Florence

Day 1: Arrival Florence

Upon your arrival in Florence reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the evening, join a small group tour to step into the heart of Italian culinary tradition with this immersive pasta masterclass and gelato tasting experience. Begin your journey by meeting an expert local chef who will guide you through the art of fresh pasta making using traditional techniques and simple, high-quality ingredients. Learn how to knead, roll, and shape pasta by hand while discovering the secrets behind some of Italy’s most beloved recipes. As the aromas fill the kitchen, enjoy a relaxed and convivial atmosphere that reflects the true spirit of Italian dining. Once your pasta is ready, sit down to savor the fruits of your work paired with delicious sauces prepared on site. The experience concludes with a delightful gelato tasting, offering a sweet finale and a deeper appreciation of one of Italy’s most iconic treats. A perfect blend of hands-on learning, authentic flavors, and local culture, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience Florence through its cuisine. Overnight in Florence.

Day 2: Florence

After breakfast, you will enjoy a small group tour to visit the beautiful city of Florence and, it’s a must, the Uffizi Gallery. Discover the artistic soul of Florence with a highlights tour of the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in the world. Accompanied by an expert local guide, explore a carefully curated selection of masterpieces that tell the story of the Italian Renaissance, bringing to life the genius of artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. As you move through the elegant corridors of the former Medici palace, your guide will provide engaging insights into the artworks, the historical context, and the powerful families who shaped Florence’s cultural legacy. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the beauty and significance of the gallery without feeling overwhelmed, offering a deeper understanding of the art and history that made Florence a cradle of creativity. In the late evening join a small group to visit the Duomo. Entering with a skip-the-line ticket, with your passionate guide first focus on Florence Duomo: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is also often considered the symbol of the city. Discover masterpieces such as Paolo Uccello’s clock, Vasari’s frescoes and Bandinelli’s marble choir. Then, begin your ascent to Florence Heaven: the staircase climb, through narrow and open air corridors that have been closed to the public for centuries, will be rewarded by an incomparable view of the city from the Duomo Terraces, on the cathedral rooftop. A skywalk that will feel like floating between the city landscape, with its ancient roofs and towers, and the imposing Dome standing just a few meters above your head. This is an exclusive visit to the Terraces, which are normally not open to the public. Then, if you feel like continuing your climb, you can reach the top of Brunelleschi's Cupola. Skipping the endless long lines, you will have the opportunity to reach the 91-metre-high panoramic viewpoint for the highest level of this Florentine Heaven and breathtaking views. Take your time and enjoy an unforgettable sunset above the city.  Overnight in Florence.

Day 3: Florence – Tuscany – Florence

After breakfast at the hotel reach the meeting point to enjoy a day trip to the Tuscany Countryside area. This journey begins with a visit to San Gimignano, a world-famous hilltop town renowned for its medieval towers, stunning frescoes, and remarkable artistic heritage. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore the historic center before enjoying around two hours of free time to wander through its charming streets and discover its most fascinating corners at your own pace. The tour then continues to Monteriggioni, a beautifully preserved medieval village enclosed within its ancient walls, where you will spend some time soaking in its timeless atmosphere. A short drive away, you will reach a welcoming countryside winery, the perfect place to relax and experience the authentic flavors of Chianti. Here you will enjoy a tasting of three fine wines and balsamic vinegar, followed by a three-course lunch prepared with local products, ending with traditional cantucci biscuits served with vin santo. The final stop of the day is Siena, beginning near the Basilica of San Domenico and continuing through the city’s narrow medieval streets, passing iconic landmarks such as Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, and Siena Cathedral. Inside the Duomo, you will admire its extraordinary mosaic marble floor, Donatello’s Saint John the Baptist, Duccio di Buoninsegna’s rose window, and Nicola Pisano’s marble pulpit, as well as the Piccolomini Library, once home to an impressive collection of illuminated manuscripts. Before returning to Florence, you will have some free time to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of this magnificent city. Overnight in Florence.

Day 4: Departure Florence

Enjoy your last breakfast in Florence and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.