Italy from Florence to Tuscan Hilltowns

Depart on your overnight flight to Florence, Italy. (Meals on plane)

You can arrive at any time today at Florence Airport (FLR), take a taxi to the hotel. There will be an introductory meeting at 6PM in the hotel lobby, followed by a welcome reception. Overnight Florence

The next three days will be spent exploring Florence. Prior to breakfast, your leader may organize a sunrise walk for those that want to walk through the deserted streets to photograph the city before it awakens. After breakfast each day, the local guide will outline the daily activities.

Being in the heart of Florence, your hotel affords you a perfect location so that daily excursions can be done easily on foot. The famous Ponte Vecchio, the most popular and oldest bridge that spans the Arno River, is a fifteen-minute walk away.

Take time to photograph Florence’s Duomo, a magnificent cathedral whose massive dome was designed by Brunelleschi. The cathedral offers endless facets and details to explore. If you feel adventurous, climb to the dome’s cupola or to the top of the adjacent bell tower — the four hundred steps are truly breathtaking!

Florence’s town square, the Piazza della Signoria, has been the heart of political life since the fourteenth century. The spacious Piazza and adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi contain numerous sculptures that hold an important place in Florentine art. The Piazza is also home to the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, where many of the world’s great art treasures are housed.

Visit local markets and artisan shops and spend time photographing sunsets or the streetlights lining the bridges across the Arno. Each day you will have lunch at one of the many restaurants, trattorias, or bars in the area. In the evening, you can go to a restaurant with the group, or go out on your own. Overnights Florence (Breakfast daily)

Please note:  The art of enjoying an Italian meal can take time, if you prefer to grab a light bite and meet with the group later, feel free to request time and place from your guides.

The next five evenings will be spent at a Villa located in the heart of Chianti. The contrast between the city and the Tuscan countryside is striking. Today, more than sixty percent of Chianti remains forested, as there are strict limits on how much land can be cultivated.

The village of San Leolino has a beautiful little church that has a commanding view of the town of Panzano and surrounding countryside. The hamlet of Monterenaldi is nearby on a quiet country road that winds through vineyards and farms. Day trips allow you to visit a number of Tuscany’s most picturesque towns, such as Radda in Chianti, Volpaia, Montefioralle, Greve in Chianti, Castellina, Monteriggioni, one of the most perfectly preserved fortified villages in all of Italy.

San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque of the Italian hilltowns, known as the “city of the beautiful towers”. Fourteen of the seventy original towers remain, giving the town a striking appearance. Near Pienza, we may visit the Monastery of Sant’ Antimo, a splendid Romanesque abbey and church built around the year 1100, set in quiet, unspoiled surroundings. Overnights Tuscany (Breakfasts and dinners daily, one lunch is included at a local vineyard)

After breakfast you will depart for Florence. Those on the extension will continue onto Venice via vehicle or train with your photo leader. If you are not a part of the extension you can be taken to the Florence airport. Flight times recommended noon or after, otherwise a private taxi may need to be arranged. Please verify with Strabo Tours for more specific details prior to booking. (Breakfast)