Welcome to Italy where you will experience two of the most iconic regions in Tuscany. This 8-day journey will start in Chianti and end in Florence! Relax and prepare for great scenery, food, wine, artwork and medieval villages as you explore the laid back lifestyle of Central Italy. Enjoy authentic Italian food and the popular wine regions of Tuscany that showcase the fresh ingredients used by local restaurants and wine techniques that have been used for thousands of years!
Hotels:
- Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
- Hotel Home
Included:
Meals:
- 7 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
Activities:
- Bike Tour in Tuscany
- Day trip and guided tour in Siena
- Wine cellar tasting and visit at Antinori Winery
- Guided tour in Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Bike Tour in Chianti
- Cooking Class in Chianti
Other Services:
- One airport transfer privately in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Transportation privately in an air-conditioned vehicle during the tours mentioned on the program
- English-speaking guide service during the included tours mentioned on the program
- Official English-speaking guide service during the archaeological sites
- Entrance fees, Road tolls, Taxes, VAT
Not Included:
- Tips for porters, guide and driver- the value of the tip is up to the client
- All other services not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses
- International airfare throughout the program
- International airport taxes, airport porter and extra baggage
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Local municipality taxes according to hotel category
- Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
- Travel Insurance
Notes:
- International flights should arrive and depart out of Florence International Airport
1354881
Day
1
Welcome to Italy! Tuscany
Arrive at Florence Airport and privately transfer to the Chianti region at Fonte de Medici Wine Resort. This beautiful wine resort, owned by the Antinori family, is perfectly nestled between the Chianti vineyards. The village, six hundred tears old, takes its name from a freshwater spring, which served as a resting place for pilgrims on their way from Florence to Rome. Fonte de Medici Wine Resort provides the perfect setting for tranquility. Relax with a steam bath and sauna in their small and cozy gym room, book beauty treatments and massages, partake in yoga lessons, or enjoy their pool overlooking the vineyards.
Upon arrival, check into your room or apartment and enjoy lunch at leisure before relaxing by the pool. A welcome dinner at the Farmhouse will offer a wide selection of typical dishes representing the Tuscan traditions. In the kitchen, the chef will use only ingredients with a short supply chain, strictly in season, adapting the proposals to the rhythm of nature and accompanying them with a selection of wines from Antinori estate, enhancing each dish with the right combination. Overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
2
Bike tour in Chianti region
Start your morning with a wellness activity and leisurely breakfast. Later, meet your English-speaking guide and get ready to start your 5-hour hybrid bike adventure on the Chianti hills. The gentle road passes through old castles on secondary and dirt roads. We will stop at a Vineyard to enjoy the landscape and take some more pictures of Tuscany’s fantastic nature. Helmets and insurance for all are included, and we will provide transportation to follow in case of necessity.
In the afternoon, we will stop for lunch in Panzano at Chianti village.
After lunch we continue to Greve in Chianti to admire the wonderful square Giovanni da Verrazzano. The square is named after the Italian explorer who charted the Atlantic coast of North America between the Carolinas and Newfoundland, including New York Harbor in 1524.
Bike back to Fonte De Medici and take the rest of the day to relax by the pool, use the gym, or enjoy a pre-booked massage. Dinner will be on your own at the resort restaurant. Overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
3
Cooking class & Siena
Have a leisurely breakfast at the resort. Later in the morning, meet your English-speaking driver and depart towards the Siena countryside to reach Chef Andrea's private house, lying on gentle hills. Andrea defines himself as Chianti’s “Host,” which explains a lot about his personality. An avid adventurer and great communicator, he has lived in Chianti throughout his life and knows every single corner of the region. In the morning, meet Andrea in his veggie garden and learn more about his peculiar way of growing plants and picking seasonal veggies. Your cooking class will be held right afterwards in the house-equipped kitchen. Lunch will follow, based on your efforts.
In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day excursion to nearby Siena, “The Gothic Dream.” Meet your licensed local guide and learn about the history and legends of the town, which was an obstinate enemy of Florence. Explore “Il Campo,” the enormous square where the famous Palio medieval horse race takes place every summer in July and August.
Return to your accommodations after the tour. Dinner will be on your own and overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
4
Free day in the countryside
Enjoy the morning to explore the property, partake in wellness activities, and have a leisurely breakfast. Today you are free to enjoy the countryside. The Wine Resort is the ideal place to indulge yourself with moments of tranquility. The pool overlooks the Antinori Family's vineyards and allows you to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Chianti.
During the day, you can have a yoga session or partake in a walking or bike tour in the countryside. Lunch will be at Trattoria Della Fonte with wine included.
Dinner will be on your own and overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
5
Antinori Winery
Enjoy morning wellness and a buffet breakfast at the Resort. Later in the morning, transfer to the biggest name in the wide world of Tuscan Wines, the Antinori Winery. The Antinori family waited seven years for this breathtaking cellar to be completed. From the very beginning, the fundamental concept was that of “invisibility.” The cellars were constructed in total harmony with the landscape and they decided to plant a vineyard which covered the entire edifice. Enjoy a guided visit of the cellar, followed by lunch at Ristorante Rinuccio 1180 inside the cellars. You will return to Fonte dei Medici after lunch. The afternoon will be at your disposal to enjoy the resort facilities or a yoga session. Dinner will be on your own and overnight in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
6
Florence
Take in your last morning of the Chianti landscape with wellness and a buffet breakfast at the hotel before checking out and having a private transfer to Florence city center.
Arrive in Florence, leave your luggage at the hotel for a later check in and meet your local guide. Explore the lesser-known corners of Florence with a native Florentine guide at your complete disposal—small churches, perfumeries, frescoes, bakers, and tastings will make for an extraordinary sensory experience! The tour lasts 3 hours, departing from the Lungarno and finishing at Mercato Centrale. You will enjoy the perfumes and traditional scents prepared by the Dominican friars at the ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. You will visit the oldest pharmacy of Europe to discover the story of its worldwide products, such as the almond paste used as a moisturizer for the hands and the pleasant potpourri blend of Chianti flowers. Walk along the “Via Delle Belle Donne” the streets of the “beautiful ladies” and reach Via Tornabuoni, famous for its elegant shops like Armani, Pucci, and Ferragamo. Time to savor an intense espresso or cappuccino with chocolate, while you sit in a comfortable renowned Cafe' of the town before getting into the medieval heart of Florence and Piazza Della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo of Florence. The walk proceeds through narrow alleys, surrounded by high tower houses and Renaissance finely decorated palaces which hide colorful warehouses in their cellars. These artisans sell their precious porcelains, papers, fabrics, and leather goods below frescoed ceilings and vaulted roofs. Stop at a local “forno” (bakery) to taste the irresistible Focaccia with olive oil and have a pizza slice right from the oven! The last stage is the central fruit and veggies market in the authentic district of San Lorenzo, located in a historic 19th-century building where you will enjoy an authentic lunch with wine. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure for individual explorations or wellness activities, but we highly recommend walking the Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning sunset view. The way up to Piazzale Michelangelo will not appear difficult, because this walking tour will have the perfect speed—your own! Reaching the top of the hill, you will discover a breathtaking, excellent panoramic view of Florence. Dinner will be on your own and overnight will be spent in Florence.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Home
Day
7
Uffizi Gallery
Start your morning with a wellness activity and breakfast at the Hotel. This morning, meet your local guide at the hotel and walk to the Uffizi Gallery, a “must” if you are coming into Florence for the first time. We will focus on the greatest Florentine Renaissance paintings, made by artists such as Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. The Uffizi tour will also give us the opportunity to talk about the Medicis, bankers, and patrons in Florence, who commissioned it in the late 16th century and the function the building had at that time. It is simply a place to visit for art lovers! You will also see the masterpieces by Raphael, Tiziano, and Caravaggio. A coffee break at the coffee shop of the Uffizi is the perfect way to refresh ourselves and look at the view. We will enjoy a privileged perspective of the huge Brunelleschi’s dome while sipping our Italian espresso! This is the best way to end our Florence Uffizi tour! The rest of the day will be at your disposal for individual visits, wellness activities at the hotel, or last-minute shopping. A farewell dinner will be hosted at a local restaurant in the center of Florence, with wine included.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Home
Day
8
Arrivederci!
Enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel before checking out. Privately transfer to Florence Airport for your return trip home.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Light - Nothing too challenging. Light walking, uneven surfaces, snorkeling and hiking suitable for most fitness levels.
Itinerary
Day
1
Welcome to Italy! Tuscany
Arrive at Florence Airport and privately transfer to the Chianti region at Fonte de Medici Wine Resort. This beautiful wine resort, owned by the Antinori family, is perfectly nestled between the Chianti vineyards. The village, six hundred tears old, takes its name from a freshwater spring, which served as a resting place for pilgrims on their way from Florence to Rome. Fonte de Medici Wine Resort provides the perfect setting for tranquility. Relax with a steam bath and sauna in their small and cozy gym room, book beauty treatments and massages, partake in yoga lessons, or enjoy their pool overlooking the vineyards.
Upon arrival, check into your room or apartment and enjoy lunch at leisure before relaxing by the pool. A welcome dinner at the Farmhouse will offer a wide selection of typical dishes representing the Tuscan traditions. In the kitchen, the chef will use only ingredients with a short supply chain, strictly in season, adapting the proposals to the rhythm of nature and accompanying them with a selection of wines from Antinori estate, enhancing each dish with the right combination. Overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
2
Bike tour in Chianti region
Start your morning with a wellness activity and leisurely breakfast. Later, meet your English-speaking guide and get ready to start your 5-hour hybrid bike adventure on the Chianti hills. The gentle road passes through old castles on secondary and dirt roads. We will stop at a Vineyard to enjoy the landscape and take some more pictures of Tuscany’s fantastic nature. Helmets and insurance for all are included, and we will provide transportation to follow in case of necessity.
In the afternoon, we will stop for lunch in Panzano at Chianti village.
After lunch we continue to Greve in Chianti to admire the wonderful square Giovanni da Verrazzano. The square is named after the Italian explorer who charted the Atlantic coast of North America between the Carolinas and Newfoundland, including New York Harbor in 1524.
Bike back to Fonte De Medici and take the rest of the day to relax by the pool, use the gym, or enjoy a pre-booked massage. Dinner will be on your own at the resort restaurant. Overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
3
Cooking class & Siena
Have a leisurely breakfast at the resort. Later in the morning, meet your English-speaking driver and depart towards the Siena countryside to reach Chef Andrea's private house, lying on gentle hills. Andrea defines himself as Chianti’s “Host,” which explains a lot about his personality. An avid adventurer and great communicator, he has lived in Chianti throughout his life and knows every single corner of the region. In the morning, meet Andrea in his veggie garden and learn more about his peculiar way of growing plants and picking seasonal veggies. Your cooking class will be held right afterwards in the house-equipped kitchen. Lunch will follow, based on your efforts.
In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day excursion to nearby Siena, “The Gothic Dream.” Meet your licensed local guide and learn about the history and legends of the town, which was an obstinate enemy of Florence. Explore “Il Campo,” the enormous square where the famous Palio medieval horse race takes place every summer in July and August.
Return to your accommodations after the tour. Dinner will be on your own and overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
4
Free day in the countryside
Enjoy the morning to explore the property, partake in wellness activities, and have a leisurely breakfast. Today you are free to enjoy the countryside. The Wine Resort is the ideal place to indulge yourself with moments of tranquility. The pool overlooks the Antinori Family's vineyards and allows you to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Chianti.
During the day, you can have a yoga session or partake in a walking or bike tour in the countryside. Lunch will be at Trattoria Della Fonte with wine included.
Dinner will be on your own and overnight will be spent in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
5
Antinori Winery
Enjoy morning wellness and a buffet breakfast at the Resort. Later in the morning, transfer to the biggest name in the wide world of Tuscan Wines, the Antinori Winery. The Antinori family waited seven years for this breathtaking cellar to be completed. From the very beginning, the fundamental concept was that of “invisibility.” The cellars were constructed in total harmony with the landscape and they decided to plant a vineyard which covered the entire edifice. Enjoy a guided visit of the cellar, followed by lunch at Ristorante Rinuccio 1180 inside the cellars. You will return to Fonte dei Medici after lunch. The afternoon will be at your disposal to enjoy the resort facilities or a yoga session. Dinner will be on your own and overnight in Chianti Countryside.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Fonte de Medici Wine Resort
Day
6
Florence
Take in your last morning of the Chianti landscape with wellness and a buffet breakfast at the hotel before checking out and having a private transfer to Florence city center.
Arrive in Florence, leave your luggage at the hotel for a later check in and meet your local guide. Explore the lesser-known corners of Florence with a native Florentine guide at your complete disposal—small churches, perfumeries, frescoes, bakers, and tastings will make for an extraordinary sensory experience! The tour lasts 3 hours, departing from the Lungarno and finishing at Mercato Centrale. You will enjoy the perfumes and traditional scents prepared by the Dominican friars at the ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. You will visit the oldest pharmacy of Europe to discover the story of its worldwide products, such as the almond paste used as a moisturizer for the hands and the pleasant potpourri blend of Chianti flowers. Walk along the “Via Delle Belle Donne” the streets of the “beautiful ladies” and reach Via Tornabuoni, famous for its elegant shops like Armani, Pucci, and Ferragamo. Time to savor an intense espresso or cappuccino with chocolate, while you sit in a comfortable renowned Cafe' of the town before getting into the medieval heart of Florence and Piazza Della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo of Florence. The walk proceeds through narrow alleys, surrounded by high tower houses and Renaissance finely decorated palaces which hide colorful warehouses in their cellars. These artisans sell their precious porcelains, papers, fabrics, and leather goods below frescoed ceilings and vaulted roofs. Stop at a local “forno” (bakery) to taste the irresistible Focaccia with olive oil and have a pizza slice right from the oven! The last stage is the central fruit and veggies market in the authentic district of San Lorenzo, located in a historic 19th-century building where you will enjoy an authentic lunch with wine. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure for individual explorations or wellness activities, but we highly recommend walking the Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning sunset view. The way up to Piazzale Michelangelo will not appear difficult, because this walking tour will have the perfect speed—your own! Reaching the top of the hill, you will discover a breathtaking, excellent panoramic view of Florence. Dinner will be on your own and overnight will be spent in Florence.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Home
Day
7
Uffizi Gallery
Start your morning with a wellness activity and breakfast at the Hotel. This morning, meet your local guide at the hotel and walk to the Uffizi Gallery, a “must” if you are coming into Florence for the first time. We will focus on the greatest Florentine Renaissance paintings, made by artists such as Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. The Uffizi tour will also give us the opportunity to talk about the Medicis, bankers, and patrons in Florence, who commissioned it in the late 16th century and the function the building had at that time. It is simply a place to visit for art lovers! You will also see the masterpieces by Raphael, Tiziano, and Caravaggio. A coffee break at the coffee shop of the Uffizi is the perfect way to refresh ourselves and look at the view. We will enjoy a privileged perspective of the huge Brunelleschi’s dome while sipping our Italian espresso! This is the best way to end our Florence Uffizi tour! The rest of the day will be at your disposal for individual visits, wellness activities at the hotel, or last-minute shopping. A farewell dinner will be hosted at a local restaurant in the center of Florence, with wine included.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Home
Day
8
Arrivederci!
Enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel before checking out. Privately transfer to Florence Airport for your return trip home.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Light - Nothing too challenging. Light walking, uneven surfaces, snorkeling and hiking suitable for most fitness levels.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at 754-457-9870
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Accommodation names are subject to availability. Should accommodation mentioned on specific itinerary not be available, a similar or higher rated accommodation will be substituted. Single room allotments are subject to availability and booked on a FCFS basis. Fit4Travel will work with each vendor or supplier to secure as many single rooms as possible to accommodate each traveler.
