Over 12 wonderful days, you'll travel through Central Italy which has several distinctive regions, all of which have played a powerful role not only in Italian history but in world history. This region of Italy was settled very early and were the centres of the Etruscan and Roman civilisation.You'll start your trip in Siena and travel through Tuscany and Liguria with the opportunity to take part in some of the best wine tours in Italy. There are hundreds of charming small towns across the country but the towns in Tuscany are some of the most beautiful and interesting. You'll finish your trip in Santa Margherita Ligure with an optional day cruise to Cinque Terre. You'll spend your last night in the city of Genova which is well connected with the biggest towns in Italy and some European cities.
Montalcino, Pienza & Montepulciano Tour from Siena
San Miniato
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Civitavecchia & Travel to Siena
Today, you'll travel to Siena and check into Hotel Chiusarelli located in the city centre of Siena upon arrival. It is a neoclassical villa built around 1870, renovated and keeping in harmony with the original style of the palace and with its magnificent frescd rooms. In the evening, it is recommended to have dinner at Zest Restaurant & Wine Bar, in the heart of the historic centre of Siena, opposite the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina.
Day 2: Siena Sightseeing & Free Time
This morning, your two-hour guided tour starts at the San Domenico church, where the remains of Saint Catherine, protector of Italy and Europe are kept. You'll go then to the beautiful Palazzo del Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world. Then, you'll reach the famous Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena, and end the tour in Piazza Duomo, in front of the incredible Duomo di Siena (entrance not included). The rest of the afternoon will be free to enjoy as you wish.
Day 3: Free Day in Siena
Distinguished by its stunning medieval brick buildings, Siena is the jewel of central Italy. A lively city, Siena's heart still bustles with local shops and restaurants and a great atmosphere which has made Siena one of Italy's most-loved destinations. It's fan-shaped square, Piazza del Campo is at the heart of the city and is the site of Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views.
Day 4: Explore Montalcino, PIenza & Montepulciano
Today, you'll venture out of Siena to the nearby towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, three must-see places whilst in this region of Italy. You'll head out on a join-in guided excursion visiting these important historical towns in Tuscany. Your day will be filled with exploring stunning historical buildings, wandering the cities streets, tasting local wines and delicious local cheeses and taking in the atmosphere of these amazing Tuscan cities.
Day 5: San Gimignano & Chianti Wine Tour in Italy
Today, you'll join a shared excursion for an afternoon exploration of the Chianti area and tasting of its ruby wine. You will taste this refined product in one of the best wineries in the area, accompanying the wine with a selection of bruschetta (garlic bread), typical cheeses, Tuscan salami and cold cut meats. You'll then visit San Gimignano, which stands out for its famous skyline of towers, famous throughout the world, rises along the Via Francigena in the hills of the upper Val D'Elsa.
Day 6: Drive to Lucca via San Miniato
This morning you'll leave Siena behind and a private driver will take you to the charming village of San Miniato, halfway between Florence and Pisa. This evocative town is the first stage of the old Via Francigena in Tuscany, a pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome, and within its narrow and picturesque streets, you can still feel the atmosphere of the past. You'll arrive in Lucca after lunch and explore on your own.
Day 7: Free Day in Lucca
Spend the day in Lucca as you wish in Lucca. Rent a bike or take a ride on top of the walls of the city. Lucca, a charming city, is situated along the Serchio River is encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls. Lucca's historic centre boasts cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches and open squares. Whilst in Lucca, you can also visit the birthplace of a famed composer, Casa di Puccini, now a house museum and the traces of the Roman amphitheatre, as well as 12th-century churches.
Day 8: Drive to the Ligurian Riviera
With a private driver, you'll transfer from Lucca to the Ligurian Riviera. You'll then check into your hotel at Paraggi Beach. The hotel was built in the early twentieth century in the exquisite Art Nouveau style, the hotel's fortunes were tied to the history of Santa Margherita Ligure: the town, on a natural harbour near Monte di Portofino, has become a renowned, exclusive and elegant tourist destination over the years. The rest of the day will be free to spend as you wish.
Day 9: Free Day in Santa Margherita
Famous for its picture-perfect seaside promenade lined with elegant hotels overlooking yachts in the harbour, Santa Margherita was a small fishing village which has become a much-loved holiday destination. Portofino's more affordable cousin, Santa Margherita is no less beautiful despite being cheaper. Big enough to absorb the tourists but small enough to maintain the small village vibe, in Santa Margherita you can wander along the marina or enjoy the town's beach during your free time.
Day 10: Cinque Terre Boat Trip
Today, you can take a boat trip to the Cinque Terre from Santa Margherita Ligure. You'll leave in the morning and sail towards Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre, with a two-hour stop. Then, you'll continue to Monterosso to explore the little town, its cliffs, beautiful beaches and crystal clear water for three hours. In the afternoon, you'll sail back to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 11: Travel to Genoa
This morning, you'll drive to Genoa. Genoa (also known as Genova) is a port city known for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries. In the old town stands the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its black-and-white-striped facade and frescd interior. Narrow lanes open onto monumental squares like Piazza de Ferrari, site of an iconic bronze fountain and Teatro Carlo Felice opera house. You can explore all this and more when you arrive in the city.
Day 12: Departure Day
Today, your Italy trip comes to an end. Genova is well connected with the biggest town of Italy and some European cities thanks to its trains and airport. You can also take a ferry to different destinations.
