Come see extraordinary Tuscany on this 8-day tour through famous hillsides to vivacious coastlines. The itinerary is outstanding and our guide (David) was truly exceptional. His stories of discovery, cleaning/excavation, challenges with bureaucracy, etc. Lisa's personal stories brought Italian culture and society to life. There was a good balance of tour activity and free time. This was harder for my husband (had open heart surgery in Oct) than we expected. With its excellent hotels, Florence makes a great base for Tuscan explorations heres our take on where to stay there. Francesco, our guide, provided a view of Tuscany as only a native son could. Walk along medieval fortified walls and hold . So much more than I ever expected. The Top 10 Rated Vacation Rentals in Tuscany. The food, the drink. Made up of stunning countryside and distinguished cities, Tuscany is the perfect escape for gastronomes, cognoscenti, and fans of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the stunning Roman Catholic cathedrals and galleries of Florence and Arezzo, or make your way to Pisa to see its hallmark Leaning Tower. There are also flights into Bologna, Perugia, and Rome which are all within driving distance. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Getting to the caves was breathtaking, walking through the verdant forest down the cliff. Don't worry; there . Then there were the mountain villages of Pitigliano and Voltare, and the tour of a family owned vineyard and winery, no to mention the food. Despite having been to Tuscany before, every day on this tour was a new adventure. Becoming acquainted with several local families and visiting their homes and getting to know how they live was something that we would not have experienced if we had been traveling on our own. I loved the smaller group of seasoned travelers. There is certainly no shortage of ways to get around Tuscany. The crowds in Rome and Florence were hard to get through. The 2nd week I tested positive for COVID. What a treat!". I was and am so thrilled with the tour I signed up for Ireland in 2023. The blend of history, culture, music, art, food, wine and humor was magnified by his passion for each aspect of the trip. I enjoyed the in-depth focus on Tuscany, an enchanting area of a beautiful country. As first-time Rick Steves tourers, we had few expectations. They were knowledgeable and helpful which allowed us the opportunity to enlarge our minds as we listened to their stories and insight about life in Italy. With rooms and apartments, you can choose to relax in the spacious gardens by the pool or set out to explore nearby . The hotels were charming. "Wowed" by what I learned of the culture and history of Tuscany. Getting to know all the people on your tour and all the little "surprises" was great. "The places we wentt, the things we did and the experiences we had, the accommodations, tour guide, fellow tour memberswhere do I stop?". "Visiting multiple medival towns and the gorgeous spring fields and hills they were situated in. You can get inside the magical world of wine and olive oil making, by taking part in a harvest in one of the many agriturismi. It was springtime and just beautiful in the valleys and rolling hills. An abandoned medieval village in central Tuscany has been restored and made into a unique place to stay. Francesco did a great job! Sleeps 13 6 bathrooms. AND WE DID! Cecelia was an excellent tour guide, and she went the extra mile to help anyone's special requirements. "The private Etruscan/Medieval cave in Val d'Orcia reflected an awe inspiring cross-section of pre-history and history. I felt like we were in safe hands w Mario & Francesco at the helm. I would have given it an outstanding review had it not been for all the Covid stress and a bit of overscheduling. Most visitors arriving from Rome, Milan, or Venice by train will transfer here for the Tuscan countryside. Best Tuscan Guided Tours in Winter Exploring Tuscany in winter just became so much more fun with these top 10 guided tours. "I have many WOW moments but one that stands out was being at Ponte Vecchio during sunset. She was also super helpful with a medical issue. The guide was excellent, Vanessa (Princess Peachy). The tour was too long and the buttero show was staged and touristy. The accommodations, destinations, and our tour director, David, were all outstanding. 3 Book the trip when you are ready. "The beauty of the Tuscan countryside was breathtaking, so definitely a series of wow moments, but as an avid Puccini opera fan, I have to say the private concert of Puccini opera selections by Silvana Froli in Luca was a personal highlight.". Several wow's included David, the sculpture and David, our guide! Lastly it would be the Etruscan burial area outside Pitigliano.". Tuscany's many attractions include historic cities, art-filled museums and churches, great wine and food, medieval hill towns, beaches, and beautiful countryside. Francesco is an outstanding guide who makes his job look easy and fun. Our tour experience was fantastic - everything from the guide, the tour members, the activities and the hotels. We even got to go to an island and we ended the tour in a walled city!!!!!!!! Thanks to driver Rudolfo, too! While Elba was relaxing and the rest welcome, the hotel staff was surly, and unfriendly. This tour was fantastic with gorgeous places to visit, amazing sights to see, perfect pacing, tranquil (and mostly spectacular) hotel rooms, authentic and delicious meals and wine, genial and fun- loving fellow travelers, and the very talented, personable, and well organized tour guide, David. Just amazing. We appreciate that you have refunded a generous share of the tour price. Ray and Cathy promise to never kill the pasta again. Seeing Michelangelo's David is always stunning and our local guide Lucia was incredible at bringing out all the details in the exquisite sculpture. Known for producing vin santo (a sweet wine designed to accompany desserts), the town is near to many other Tuscan destinations, making it a terrific home base. Pitigliano, group dinners (one with a band), cave roads and free day on Elba with a climb to the top of the fort, followed by a swim in the Mediterranean! But what really took this tour over the top was our tour guide, David. Pisa also has frequent train services to Lucca, Livorno, and Grossetto. Each part of the Tuscany region has its own unique personality. I loved the little village experience The Isabella experience and the cave walk was also great". The drive up to Castello di Gargonza was a wow - realizing we were going to be staying so off the beaten path in such a unique and historic place, surrounded by such beauty, a place we'd never find on our own. Loved all the wine tastings, "Our hotel room in ValD' Orcia was phenomenal. And Michelangelos birthplace of Arezzo is served by the ATAM bus company. from $683 /night. But check out this quirky museum, and try this unusual street food. Terms of Service | Privacy. I wanted to see parts of Italy I had not seen before, though I've been many times (3 other RS tours). Tuscany is beautiful, but there's just not enough there for us to recommend this tour to other people. Our guide was amazing ,she took us to many places we would not have been able to see on our own. Listening to her hit those high notes in the restaurant made my soul shiver. "Climbing up to the Medici fortress on the island of Elba and gazing at the gorgeous view of the city and the water beyond.". Also, the unexpected Roman ruins in Volterra.". Being guided through Tuscany with David was a top-notch tour. included some cool off-the-beaten path accommodations and experiences, some wonderful food and wine, our guide was fantastic, we had a really nice group of people on the tour. Vanessa went above and beyond to help tourers who had issues. Cora in Florence and Annie in Volterra; also Roberto in Sienna). Francesco was a great guide. We got our first hint that we were in for something special during the intro session. Be on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. This afternoon we'll gather for a fun and informative cooking class, where we'll learn time-tested pasta-making techniques and the secret to sauces. The other members of the group were seasoned travelers and it went so smoothly. The Museo di Borghello was really nice.". The rooms blew us away. Perhaps the best way to see the highlights while you simply enjoy yourself is a guided tour or package tour of Tuscany. If you fly into Tuscany, you have a choice of 2 airports. "Visiting the village of Volterra was the best part of the tour. I really appreciate the attention to cultural experiences and meeting the local residents. ", "La moscatella, beauty of Elba island, too many to name". I guess my "wow" moments were discovering the small Tuscan hill towns. Lets take a look at some of the amazing ways you can experience the Tuscan countryside. and their family's farm tour, olive oil and wine tasting.". In such a desirable place to vacation, it's best to travel in the off season to avoid lines and crowds. As I'd never been on a Rick Steves tour before, the immediate 'first' impression was positive with great optimism. Everything was perfect from the time we arrived until the time we left. Bus: 1 hour. Be aware that this is a strenuous tour, especially if you've lost stamina in the last few years. I enjoyed the things we saw and did, and we had a great group of people on our tour. But some of the best things to do in Tuscany are just being present and soaking in your surroundings. The Tuscan countryside is beautiful and visiting the hill towns was fun. Francesco and the local guides did a wonderful job showing it all to us. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. The first week was terrificeducational, food, drink, hotels, castles, outstanding guide, great fellow travelers. Best Way to Visit the Tuscan Countryside The glorious region of Tuscany is a picture-postcard destination in northwest Italy. The Tuscan landscape is at its most vibrant during these times and the weather is particularly pleasant, with temperatures around 63F to 79F. The guide was perfect, funny, smart, and all around wonderful. We enjoyed our tours in each city and the hotels we stayed in. Also having a lovely meal with a dear friend in the Piazza dellAnfiteatrosipping wine, eating excellent pasta, and listening to the nearby musicians. "Its so hard to pick just one! Sleep in Maremma. Top of my list are the outstanding guided tour of Michelangelo's David, the amazing view from the road of the ancient town of Pitigliano perched on a cliff, and the private recital of Puccini arias at our hotel. Roll your way through the Chianti hills sipping wine and strolling through Siena. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. Attempting to make Pici Pasta and enjoying the hilarity that ensued. Its a healthy and natural way to explore this wonderful region, breathing in the clean air and the green views. Perfect about of scheduled activities and on your own time. Surrounded by the pure beauty of Chianti in Tuscany, this agriturismo features 5 vacation rentals in a classical country decor. 1 Describe your dream trip to Tuscany. Francesco was a wonderful tour guide. Our tour guide Lisa was also fantastic. Or experience Truffle Hunting in San Miniato countryside with a local guide and his truffle dog. It was the first guided tour we have ever been on and it was so fun. I had at least one a day! It teaches that not everything can be obtained as we like it but that hard work yields fruits that are gold. "There are so many.. the emersion in tradition and culture to pick one.. We fell in love with Volterra! The Etruscan archeological site and Etruscan Museum were unexpected and fascinating. It was an amazing sight in person. I had been to most of the towns on previous tours of Italy, but they are different each time. "The time at Moscadella Working farm and pasta making". He is very informative and knows his history, add to that a great sense of humor and patience. => Serious athletes might want to check out the famous Chianti Marathon beginning of June ( for more info see the official site), and the Tuscany Crossing in the Val dOrcia usually at the end of April (see official site). After free time for lunch, we'll meet a local guide for a walking tour including a visit to an alabaster workshop. It was like touring with a knowledgeable and helpful friend. Gambassi Terme - RIF. Tour Guide Karin was excellent ! Lucca was as charming as always. Our trip was greatly anticipated after covid delay. After a tasty gelato break, we'll provide admission to the Puccini museum and you can visit on your own, or spend the afternoon wandering through Lucca, walking atop its scenic wall, or taking a short train ride to nearby Pisa. Bus: 2 hours. Our tour guides were knowledgeable, kind, and fun. "Sitting in the breakfast area at La Moscadella and viewing the hills of Tuscany - it was beautiful.". The travel agenda, accommodations, wine and food choices left very little to be desired. When travelers are not sipping vinos, they can check out Montepulciano's Piazza Grande, the highest point in town. This was our 9th Rick Steves tour, so I guess we count as groupies. He made the entire trip worth every penny.". I just love the city and each visit reminds me why!". By Lyn Mettler | March 25, 2019, at 9:49 a.m. Table of Contents. Vacation Rental in Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany's Countryside. Check out the full story in our Florence Airport Guide. We'll enjoy the labors of our culinary creations over a lovely Tuscan meal together. The Best of Tuscany tour was absolutely wonderful and amazing! and finishes on a delicious note. ", "The stay at Castello di Gargonza was fascinating. You can't visit Tuscany without heading to one of its most well-known cities: Named after former resident Pope Pius II, Pienza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a charming and romantic Tuscan village that's filled with flower boxes and stunning countryside vistas. Alternatively, take the hassle out of your itinerary and book a day trip to Chianti wine country, Siena, or Lucca! Our tour guide David is one the best. Going on the Rick Steve's Tour is just so easy. Being a native Tuscan, his passion and love of his homeland was evident throughout. Felt we got to really see things not seen by most tourists. "Visiting Lucca is always a "wow" moment for me. "The visit to the American Cemetery, while sobering, was the unexpected "wow" experience. We'll begin our day at Florence's famed National Museum of Bargello. ", Overall tour was great do in large part to our guide, Francesco, "Not so much a wow moment but enjoyed Elba and was surprised by the American WW2 cemetery". You can reach Arezzo and Siena from Florence via the E35, and if you plan to drive to Lucca and Pisa, take the A11. The vertical connection between the church on top the cave with Etruscan and medieval art work, and the spring and older church at the bottom of the cliff gave me chills. See how the light changes on the fields throughout the day. We separately booked the Uffizi and was greatly impressed with the Michelangelo Holy Family painting and it's brilliance from restoration.". I would have never driven to all these places on my own. Following some free time, it's onto a family-run Brunello winery for lunch, tasting their delicious homemade prosciutto, and sipping their fine wine. Sleep in Florence. Much much more.". There were too many "wow" moments to include them all in the next answer as I ran out of space!! It helped that he was also a sommelier! Bus: 3 hours. So weve created a list of essential sights and put Siena in a day. This Cooking class in a traditional Tuscan farm in the Chianti hills will teach you how to prepare a traditional 3 course meal. S58. In Lucca, we enjoyed Silvana and Manuele perform a selection of arias by the composer, Puccini.". I felt as though I were temporarily immersed in the Tuscan culture. Good balance of your own time and tour time. "La Moscadella - wow! 2024 Trip Dates & New Locations! At the Elba hotel, everyone should be guaranteed a sea view room on an upper floor. Each day, and every moment was more spectacular than the next thanks to the outstanding people at RS. Florence is the main rail hub for Tuscany. We rarely opened our wallets, just for an occasion cold drink. Discover local traditions, sample mouth-watering Tuscan cuisine, and sip aromatic Chianti wines. Tuscany: the glorious heart of the Italian countryside, the home of the Renaissance, and a region that's overflowing with delectable wine and delicious cuisines. "There are so many, but I loved making pici with Isabella! Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Amiata and Pitigliano in the south, Cortona and Arezzo in the east and Lucca and Pisa to the west. We got a really taste of the real Tuscany. Considering the state of "high anxiety" most of us have lived through over the past 2+ years, it was great to be back out in the world. Dive into this natural paradise on these exceptional excursions. The broad variety of tour experiences made every day rich and engaging, with just the right mix of structured activities and free time. We saw many amazing things and learned much. One wow moment came when we had an amazing pasta making class by Isabella at La Moscadella. Again the performance brought me even deeper to the Tuscany Italian experience.". (And getting to eat the efforts of our labors afterwards. My first time in Europe, my first formal tour of any kind; it was FANTASTIC. We saw, and learned so much about the culture and history and food. From start to finish, this tour was exceptional. I've been to Italy four times and this trip surpasses them all by far. If youre staying in Pistoia, the Pistoia Mountains and Montalbano regions are easily accessed via Copit buses. => When is the best time to visit Tuscany? "All the hilltop towns! And notice how at night the stars shine that much brighter when youre far enough from the city. Especially loved the smaller towns with fewer tourists and more opportunities to engage with the locals. Sleep in Lucca. Need to do the tourist shuffle? A special journey through the lavender fields in Tuscany, Medicean and more: 10 villas around Florence, Valdichiana Senese: the land of well-being, Earth, air, fire and water: summertime in Terre di Pisa, Relaxing at the Etruscan hot springs in the Valdichiana, 3 days - golf and art in the heart of Tuscany, A lovely drive: the Gaiole in Chianti castles trail, Sentiero dell'Acqua Zolfina, an itinerary among the Balze del Valdarno, Five days in Lucchesia, among villas, vineyards and spas, The Markets of San Quirico d'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni, San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting experience, Fiesole: e-bike, bread and extra virgin olive oil, Wine and cheese between Pienza and Montepulciano. Once you've gotten your fill of sightseeing, enjoy a picnic lunch on the Arringo, a large green space with sweeping views of the area's rolling hills. This was our first trip overseas and the first tour we've taken. Pienza offers a handful of hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations, such as Hotel Corsignano. "The rolling green hills of the Tuscan countryside. But that is me. The smell of the cellars, the bottles lined up on the racks, and even the ever-so-authentic dust, all contributes to the unique charm of Tuscan wine! Francesco was amazing, I loved the variety of accommodations, I loved the content learned and the food and wine were fantastic. "It has to be Gargonza. This was my first RS tour and first time to Tuscany my experience exceeded my expectations; the itinerary, all the guides, people and places we went, the food! En It on our Forum Book your Hotel Rentals by Owners Museums & Tours Tuscany Accommodation Farmhouses Farm Holidays in Tuscany letting you explore the countryside of Tuscany and its tucked away sights. Throughout Tuscany, . This was our first RS Tour and we were a little concerned about being with a large group, BUT we had a wonderful time! Each site we visited was unique and the local guides were outstanding. On a scale of 0-100, he was a 125! And SITA provides links to Siena and the Chianti wine region. We had great fellow travelers and wonderful guides. Our Tuscany Cycling Vacation has it all! It was a real treat!". ", great balance between structured tour time and leisurely sightseeing, loved the less "touristy" feel of places visited, "visiting the farm in PIenza was like reliving my childhood, brought back lots of fond memories". We'll be welcomed with an aperitivo, followed by a traditional Tuscan dinner together. She's a whirlwind of energy, cheerful and informative, lively and always up for anything! Today we'll explore scenic Tuscany wandering through timeless hill towns with pristine views. Our fellow tour members added so much to the experience with their wonderful questions and helpful suggestions. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. But where do you go first? At La Chiusa, guests can bed down in digs within a former olive mill and participate in Tuscan cooking classes at the boutique hotel's cooking school. Knowledgeable, professional, and super enthusiastic. First Rick Steves tour and wont be the last for sure! Our tour guide, Cecilia and her apprentice, Eleonora were phenomenal! Pienza, Volterra and Siena were my favorite hilltop towns. Our room was magnificent! La Moscadella was very disappointing and several people had terrible nights trying to sleep. Through the various health issues he had to deal with, especially the Covid concerns, he never wavered. First time traveling to Europe and participating on a travel tour. All were beautiful, moving and highly memorable experiences.". Our tour guides were wonderful and the sights we saw we enjoyed. ranging from 40-70 miles, to showcase a variety of areas in the Tuscan countryside, with options to go fast, slow, long, and short. The bus and driver were great. Accommodations were outstanding. In Florence, LAZZI offers regular connections to Lucca, Pistoia, Pisa, and Prato. The tour exceeded our expectations. "Staying in Gargonza and Castelmuzio and visiting Pienza and Volterra all count as "wow" moments. Our stay in Gargonza, a true Tuscan hilltop castle. Chianti Countryside Haven near Greve. Was a joyous trip!". Its easy to see why. "Two "wow" moments come to mind: firstly, the Santa Giulia winery experience, with its beautiful landscape, wine and lunch; secondly, the La Moscadella experience, where the dinner (and all the food) was as good as anywhere we've been, and the grounds were so beautiful it took my breath away.". Loved the variety of accommodations and destinations. "We had so many wow moments, it is difficult to chose one. "Hard to choose, but seeing "David" for the first time was awe-inspiring. What a delight!". And the opera singer in Lucca was amazing. Our stay on a hilltop at Castello di Gargonza was so enchanting. Amazing opportunity! I learned a lot about their rich history and culture. Browse our villas and vacation rentals in Tuscan Countryside. This was our first RS tour and we were thrilled with the quality of the itinerary and the way David unfurled it for us in his skillfull, informative and unfailingly personable way. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. "The Puccini Aria performance on the last night.". Once the fruits of the earth have been harvested, its time to learn how to cook them. True, the hills are a challenge, but many tour companies provide e-bikes for the less athletic riders, so you can concentrate on the views rather than catching your breath. The Chianti E-Bike Tour from Siena will see a local guide lead you through stunning backroads in the Tuscan countryside. Making new friends (Colleen, Chris, Bonnie, Mary, Tony, Sarah, Mario, Mara & more). Among the most popular tours of the Tuscan countryside are: Alternatively, for an entirely hassle-free and curated experience, try a Tuscany Tour package. Joining a cycling tour is a brilliant way to exercise, surrounded by the most spectacular rural landscape imaginable. "In retrospect, Nikko's tour of the medieval/Etruscan ruins discovered on his family property in Pienza literally blew us away. "One is impossible. "So many "wow" moments. There will be plenty of time to kick back and relax before a leisurely dinner. We visited many different places, saw lots of art and architecture, and experienced Italy's tuscany region. "Our favorite "Wow" moment was during our "on your own" time when we caught a bus to Fiesole. Martha Bakerjian. Also, a visit to one winery was both interesting and appealing.". It was a great mix of guided and free time. A place where museums compete for your attention at every turn. Sleeps: 45. Francesco was an outstanding guide. Fantastic. Enjoy a romantic escape with your sweetheart in the Tuscany countryside, surrounded by gardens and the gentle songs of the Era river nearby. Loved the pool, the food, and all the extras. Great! Italians take their cooking very seriously, and the quality of ingredients is always top-notch. Special trip with breathtaking scenery Ill always remember. Walking through the charming medieval villages was like a step back in time. I saw things I never would have found on my own. The Tuscany tour was fantastic, arduous at times but we knew that going in. The towns we visited were all excellent and many we had never heard of. "Having Silvana Froli perform for the group on the last night in Lucca. Our guide was phenomenal, the hotels were incredible, the group was a great mix of personalities and the places we visited all had their own special ambiance and feel. We had been to the major cities before so I was really looking forward to experiencing the interior. Not an activity per se, but an ancient Etruscan village we were thrilled to stay in. The castle was almost exclusively our playground to explore and relax. Although we had been to Tuscany a few times before, this tour gave us the opportunity to see areas that were new to us (Pitigliano, Elba, Gargonza, and Castelmuzio) as well as to re-connect with special places like Siena, Volterra and Lucca. The ranch experience in Maremma was disappointing. Our tour guide, David, really made the trip. **Groups accommodated at Villa Casa Grande Hotel will tour the Chianti Countryside and the village of Greve in Chianti in place of the choice on tour activity and San Gimignano. "The breathtaking views of Tuscany from atop the medieval hamlet of Gorgonza, of the Val d'Orcia from the town wall of Pienza, and of the Mediterranean from the Island of Elba. Our tour guide, David was perfect - witty, informative and a great coach to help us navigate Italy. Thank you very much. Its a territory that produces some of the finest wines and olive oils in the world, using centuries old techniques and knowledge. Francesco is a saint. from $3,895 per person + air. However, in Florence, the changing light on the Baptistery of St. John as the sun was setting was an unforgettable site.". Our weather was amazing which made the trip absolutely fantastic! Oenophiles who love red wine should not skip Montepulciano while vacationing in Tuscany. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany guidebook. Interesting sites, fabulous guides especially at the Academia and Bargello, and Volterra. "I have several wow moments from our trip! He arranged unforgettable experiences that fed all the senses; seeing, hearing, tasting, touching. He was always positive and enthusiastic. This tour exceeded my expectations on every level! When friends asked me to accompany them on The Best of Tuscany tour I was delighted to try traveling this way. Starting in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, you'll discover the incredible Renaissance art treasures of the Bargello and Accademia, followed by a deep dive into the Tuscan countryside. After a break for lunch, we'll meet our coach and driver and embark on a scenic journey over the hills of Chianti, ending at our family-owned countryside hotel. We loved the tour of Tuscany! Connecting countries, cultures and cuisine, one flight at a time. The group got along well and everyone cooperated. If you want to keep those pasta kilos at bay, a bicycle tour is an excellent way to explore the Tuscan countryside.
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