TOUR GUIDE FLORENCE

Siena and San Gimignano

Take a stroll in the small walled medieval hill town of San Gimignano . Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of its tower houses which along with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form an unforgettable skyline.

After the stroll you can stop at one of the many wine cellars and sip a glass of white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of Vernaccia grape which is grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area.

Then continue to Siena; the city is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions. You will be amazed by the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, full of architectural treasures and famous for hosting the Palio horse race. Dominating the square you will see the Palazzo Pubblico, decorated by some of the finest frescoes of Simone Martini,  Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

Near by, the façade of the Cathedral is one of the most fascinating in all of Italy, begun in the 12th century, it is one of the great examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

Entering the Cathedral you will have the chance to admire the amazing pulpit, the mosaic floor and the Piccolomini library completely frescoed by Pinturicchio and based on designs by Raphael.

Chianti Wine Region

The tour will start directly at your accommodation in Florence and, after driving for about 40 minutes we will reach the heart of Chianti: known for the beautiful valleys, castles and medieval villages encircled by walls located on a hilltop. There we will visit our first winery for a private wine tour of the cellar and have wine and olive oil tasting. We will continue on to some unique villages of the Chianti "off the beaten path" where you will have time to do some shopping of the local products. At this point it will be our pleasure to take you to a place for lunch where you can savor some Tuscan delicacies amidst the amazing landscape of the Chianti hills. In the afternoon we'll be visiting a second wine estate where you will start making an acquaintance with the characteristic of Chianti wines. A panoramic leisure drive will follow to return you to your accommodation.

Lucca and Pisa

Although Pisa is known worldwide for its leaning tower (the bell tower of the city's cathedral), the city contains more than 20 other historic churches, several palaces and various bridges across the River Arno financed from its history as one of the Italian maritime republics.

You will be amazed by Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles): a wide walled sacred area dominated by four great religious edifices: the Cathedral, the Baptistry, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Monumental Cemetery.

The nearby town of Lucca, enclosed in its 16th century walls, is a delightful city with surprises around every corner.

You will start the visit in front of the Renaissance-era city walls and then you will continue through the long streets lined with medieval buildings and towers that now house fashion boutiques and jewelry shops to reach the open piazza where once stood a Roman Amphitheater passing in front of the casa Puccini, where the famous opera composer lived.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a coastal grouping of five medieval fisherman's villages just north of La Spezia famous for their breath-taking views of the coast and their unique architecture and landscape. Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Our tour starts from Riomaggiore. Walking down to the ancient marina, surrounded by medieval dwellings that have survived in spite of their location on the cliffs, will take clients to the beginning of the "Via dell'Amore". This trail carved in the cliffs is an easy walk, immersed in spectacular views over the coastline, to the next village Manarola, which can be reached in 20 minutes.Vegetation, rock formation, scents, colours and sceneries are constantly changing along the walkway making your day outing an unforgettable experience. During the day you can taste the famous "Focaccia" , the Cinque Terre sweet wine "Schiacchetrà" and enjoy the great variety of seafood. From Manarola to Vernazza you will travel either by train or by boat while your driver will meet up with you at the next town to collect you and drive you back along a very spectacular road.