Italy Tours

HIGHLIGHTS: Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano Chianti

Day 1 Florence
Arrival and Overnight in Florence at the Universo Hotel – An eclectic hotel with pop and 70’s Influence, located on Santa Maria Novella Piazza, within walking distance to all the main attractions. All rooms have A/C, satellite TV, and hairdryer. Hotel has Wi-Fi, valet parking and a breakfast room.

Day 2 Florence
Your day of nonstop tastings begins at 9:30 when you meet your local touristic guide in the centre of Florence. The first stop is planned in a typical Italian Bar where you will taste 2 different types of coffee and also learn about the Italian toast process. In the second stop you will taste a “panino tartufato” in a delicatessen shop founded in 1885, which has won a vast recognition amongst the citizens for its gastronomic specialties with truffles that still remain a Florentine tradition. During the tour our touristic guide will talk about the history of the most important squares in Florence were in the past the Florentine use to buy their food, and also will mention some local typical dishes, but please note that he won’t give you any receipts! Our third stop is at the San Lorenzo Central Market, where today the locals do their shopping. Here, we will taste balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils, “crostini” and two different wines. Following stop we’ll visit a local “Enoteca” where you taste two Tuscan wines, Italian cheeses and two very local cold cuts and learn about their origins. Our last stop is at one of Florence's best gelato shops, where we will taste a yummy, fresh, natural Italian ice cream!!! We guarantee the best price for Tasting Florence! Afternoon is at leisure. Make your way to the meeting point for your dinner. A real Italian-style evening dedicated to the discovery of the Tuscan cuisine and of the most celebrated Italian opera arias and famous Neapolitan songs. Our assistant will take you into an ancient and fascinating neighbourhood in the old city centre, where the Restaurant - Wine house is located. It has been built into a characteristic “hollow” (an old cellar). In this romantic atmosphere, under arches and vaults dating back to 1200, a candlelit typical Tuscan dinner is served with excellent Chianti wine. Close to the restaurant, professional tenors and/or sopranos perform (at 21:15) the most beautiful opera songs from the operas by Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and other famous Italian musicians together with Neapolitan songs renowned all over the world, in an intimate atmosphere of an historical place with an excellent acoustics. Your reservation allows you to take stalls in order to enjoy completely this fascinating show. During the intermission, tea or coffee together with a piece of cake or a goblet of very good wine will be served (they are included in the price).

Day 3 Florence To Siena, San Gimignano Chianti
Depart at 8.45 am for a full day tour to Siena, San Gimignano Chianti. In Siena, a local guide will take you into the Cathedral then to Piazza del Campo. Continue through the Chianti area to the medieval village of Castellina. Proceed to a farmhouse to taste some of the best wines of Tuscany as well as a selection of cold meats and cheese. Proceed to the medieval town of San Gimignano. Return to Florence at approx 8 pm and enjoy your evening.

Day 4 Florence
Day at leisure. At 5.30 pm make your way to the meeting point for your Pizza & Gelato Course. Make pizza in oven with our professional pizza chef, called pizzaiolo. You will learn how to make tender, flexible yeast dough that stretches to almost paper-thinness, even the trick for a flavourful yet light tomato sauce. Even if you bake pizza in your own oven, these techniques are universal and using them really makes a difference. With the pizzaiolo, you’ll make your very own pizza, you’ll stretch it, sauce it, bake it, slice it. It will be the best pizza you ever tasted, and you made it yourself! Come to make pizza in Florence! After Pizza It’s time for Gelato, chef will tell participants why gelato remains Italy's favourite dessert while giving an insight to the 'gelato culture' that continues grow, then we continue describing the principle raw ingredients used for base sand selecting the best products available according to specific principles followed by a presentation and tasting of many of the flavours used in gelato making. Participants will learn development and application of natural colours, the heating and freezing techniques and how they have different effects on ingredients. It is always a great day to discover the recipe of the world most loved dessert! This activity is strongly recommended for families that wish to have children to learn about the Italian culture, an easy and fun experience that will last forever in their memory.

Day 5 Florence
3 hour tour; The lesson is based on the explanation of different preparations of fresh pasta (tortellini, ravioli, tagliatelle or others) Our chefs will show and help you to make fresh pasta, to model it into the different shapes of traditional Italian receipts and to choose and prepare to most appropriate sauce to accompany them. Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce readied all the participants are able to try their dishes during the lunch and to taste Tuscan wine. The evening is your free time to explore more of Florence for your final night. Includes Lunch and wine tasting.

Day 6 Tuscany
Check out of hotel and make your way to the meeting point at 10.00 am. A unique opportunity to explore the Tuscan countryside. After getting acquainted with your horse, ride through vineyards and olive trees enjoying the landscape of villages and Cypress trees. Enjoy a Tuscan meal as well as oil and wine tasting. No experience is required; however children under the age of 14 years old are not permitted.

HIGHLIGHTS Venice - Cinque Terre - Florence - Rome

Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this week long highlights tour. Begin amid the canals of Venice, visit the charming towns of the Cinque Terre, soak up beauty and history in Florence and wind up in the piazzas of Rome. With plenty of free time for independent exploration, and the freedom to discover Italy's history and culture at your own pace, there's no better way to see this wonderful pocket of Europe.

Day 1 - 2 Venice
Built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges, Venice is an artistic masterpiece with charming canals, incredible architecture, an enticing cuisine and a fascinating cultural tradition.

Day 3 - 4 Cinque Terre
The breathtaking Cinque Terre showcases five charming villages, linked by ancient pathways and dramatic cliffs that drop into the rich blue waters of the Ligurian Sea.

Day 5 - 6 Florence
Awash with artistic treasures, Florence is Italy's most revered city for its Renaissance and religious masterpieces, enchanting historic centre and unsurpassed beauty.

Day 7 - 8 Rome
With timeworn ruins, extraordinary buildings and religious monuments around every corner, Rome is a true gem that seamlessly incorporates modern city life with ancient wonders.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Venice

From the delightful small towns of Umbria to Venice's splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in Italy’s delights in the winter, when the crowds are fewer and the food and drink in even greater abundance than usual.

Marvel at the Renaissance glories of Tuscany and sample the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna in Ravenna. Your CEO will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery. Experience the best of Italy in winter in this all-encompassing tour.

Tour includes orientation walk in Rome, authentic Roman meal in a local home, orientation walk in Siena, Piazzale Michelangelo visit in Florence, wine tasting in Umbria, visit to Assisi old town and Basilica of San Francesco, half-day visit to Medieval hill town of Gubbio, visit to the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna, orientation walk in Venice.