Tuscany Escape, Self-Drive

Tuscany is brimming with secluded valleys, magnificent rolling hills and majestic medieval villages boasting bustling restaurants, piazzas and ancient narrow cobble-stoned streets. Its rich landascape is complemented by towns overflowing with Reinassance art and architecture. Proud of its olive oil, there’s acclaimed gastronomy and, perhaps the best-know wine area, Chianti, is stunningly beautiful with gentle hills clocked by olive groves and vineyards and ancient castles and grand palazzi which have been magnificently restored as impressive hotels.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Florence: a living city with an eclectic cultural life that embraces opera, classical music and contemporary art. Also known as the cradle of the Renaissance, is one of Europe’s great art cities.

Pisa: one of Italy’s most visited cities, a vibrant college town, home of the world famous Leaning Tower, a unique masterpiece located in Piazza dei Miracoli, accompanied by the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Learn about its peculiar history and discover Pisa and its marvellous artistic attractions.

Siena: one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy, honouring the Gothic architecture with its one of a kind main square, Piazza del Campo.

Chianti: a unique landscape, which has always been considered the heart of Tuscany, and which is famous all over the world for its renowned wines.

Day 1: ARRIVAL FLORENCE / CAR HIRE PICK-UP (15km – 30min)

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Florence airport, you will reach the car hire office to collect your car. After that, drive to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to wander through the oldest streets of the city, including the Arno River and the famous Ponte Vecchio.

Overnight in Florence.

Day 2: FLORENCE

Breakfast at the hotel, before being picked-up to discover the city of the Italian Renaissance. You have the possibility to choose between two of the best group tours of Florence, both essential tours to learn about the city (clients can only choose one):

1st option: Walking tour & Accademia gallery (All days, except Mondays): The first part of the tour starts at My Tour Office in Via Martelli 33red where after the check-in you’ll walk to the Accademia Gallery with our guide that will introduce you the city and main sights. Inside the Accademia Gallery you will learn why the David is the most recognizable symbol of Florence and what it used to represent in his time. Get the chance to have a close encounter with timeless works of art and get the inside story of the life and times of this consummate artist. After the guided tour you will have some free time to wander around on your own and some free time to have lunch (not included). The second part of the tour starts always at My Tour Office in Via Martelli 33red with a walking tour in which you will enjoy an excellent and complete introductory tour dedicated to those who want to know all the facts and secrets of two thousand years of Florentine history, from the city’s Roman origins to a 15th century palace, from the Ponte Vecchio, through the famous Uffizi courtyard, to the wonders of the architecture of Brunelleschi’s Dome which overlooks the Baptistery golden ‘Gates of Paradise’.

2nd option: Walking tour & Uffizi (All days): The tour starts in the early afternoon when you’ll enjoy an excellent and complete introductory tour dedicated to those who want to know all the facts and secrets of two thousand years of Florentine history, from the city’s Roman origins to a 15th century palace, from the Ponte Vecchio, through the famous Uffizi courtyard, to the wonders of the architecture of Brunelleschi’s Dome which overlooks the Baptistery golden ‘Gates of Paradise’. After the walking tour you will visit one of the most famous museums in the world: the Uffizi. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the works of the greatest artists from the middle Ages to the Renaissance: Cimabue, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and many more. You will recognize original world-famous paintings you have seen in books, magazines, and on TV close-ups. You will learn about the secrets of the artists’ craft, techniques and tools. Looking at the most famous artworks of the period, you will be able to understand why Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Personalize your museum experience. There is no need to rush off at the end of the tour. You may stay inside the museum until closing time.

Overnight in Florence.

Day 3: FLORENCE – PISA – FLORENCE (170km – 2.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is reserved for exploring Pisa. Pisa is one of the most visited cities in Tuscany and it is famous for its Leaning Tower. The beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Pisa is also famous for one of the most prestigious higher learning institutions of Europe: the Scuola Normale Superiore. An authorised city guide will accompany you in the visit of the interior of the Cathedral and the exterior of the Leaning Tower and Monumental Cemetery. At the end of the tour you will also have free time to wander in the square and take plenty of pictures. (Runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; if this does not match with client’s schedule then a suitable alternative will provided on the spot).

Overnight in Florence.

Day 4: FLORENCE – CHIANTI AREA – GAIOLE IN CHIANTI (70km – 1hr)

Breakfast at the hotel, after check-out, you will departure to the Chianti area, one of the most prestigious DOCG areas where the Chianti Classico is produced. Here, along the famous wine route “Chiantigiana”, hills of vineyards and olive groves are a perfect background of your journey. You will recognize the symbol of the Gallo Nero (black rooster) among the countryside and hilltop towns you will see here and there, many of which owe their names to Chianti, such as Greve in Chianti. Stop in a typical Chianti village, where you'll have some free time to discover the town and with its lovely gourmet or souvenirs shops. You will enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch in a local winery. At the end of the day, reach the second hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Gaiole in Chianti.

Day 5: GAIOLE IN CHIANTI

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is reserved for exploring the area on your own.

Overnight in Gaiole in Chianti.

Day 6: GAIOLE IN CHIANTI – SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – GAIOLE IN CHIANTI (120km – 2.5hrs)

Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel and head out in your rental car to visit Siena, a powerful city-state that became an important cultural and art centre during the Roman and Renaissance periods. Between narrow alleys and noble palaces, over the highest hill of the three hills of Siena, we suggest a nice walk from Salimbeni square, where there’s the oldest bank of Europe (Monte dei Paschi di Siena) and shortly after the majestic Duomo of Siena, one of the most impressive examples of Italian Gothic architecture.  Moreover, do not miss Piazza del Campo, one of the most famous squares in the world for its peculiar shell-shape and artistic and architectural beauty. Piazza Del Campo is also home of the centuries-old horse race competition, named “Palio”, that takes place there twice a year. From Siena, hop back in your car and continue your drive for a quick 45 minutes to San Gimignano. This quintessential village is comprised of medieval buildings perched atop one of the iconic Tuscan hills. Located in the Elsa Valley, the area is known for producing Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine with floral and fruity notes. However, San Gimignano is most famous for the 13th-century walls that encircle it as well as its medieval plazas, churches, and stone towers dominating the skyline. It's for these reasons that the town is a UNESCO World-Heritage Site. After exploring the village and before continuing on, be sure to pop in at one of San Gimignano's famous gelaterias. They have an earned reputation for producing some of the best gelato in the world.

Overnight in Gaiole in Chianti.

Day 7: GAIOLI IN CHIANTI – CAR HIRE DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE FLORENCE (85km – 1.5hr)

Breakfast at the hotel and day at leisure. In the afternoon you will reach the car hire office at the airport to delivery your car.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.