Short vacation in Tuscany: a culinary journey

The best time to visit the Tuscany region is between May and September because of the pleasant summer temperature and little to no rainfall. The highest average temperature is 27°C in July, and the lowest is 6°C in January. Cultural trips are possible year-round, especially in October because of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

Welcome to the beautiful Italian region of Tuscany! Pure Dolce Vita awaits you in the coming days.

If you arrive by plane, a tour guide will welcome you at the meet & greet area and help you pick up your rental car (optional). Afterward, you will drive to Montecatini and check into your hotel.

Are you looking forward to the upcoming days full of culture and cuisine? Whether you choose a modern or more traditional route, Tuscany is always worth a trip for gourmets. The region offers a whole range of delicacies, such as olive oil or the world-famous Chianti wine.

Travel time from the airport to the hotel: approx. 1 hour / about 53 km

Overnight with dinner in Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, Italy

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Florence.

Spend the morning on a Florence guided tour, learning all about the main sights and their history. You can look forward to the extravagant Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, adorned with pink, green, and white marbles. The dome was designed by Brunelleschi and the bell tower by Giotto. Modern-day architects still unearth the artists’ secrets in the dome’s construction.

Your walk continues to Piazza della Signoria, the façade of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Holy Cross (or Basilica di Santa Croce).

In the afternoon, you will have free time in the old town to uncover secrets on your own. Stroll through the streets and choose one of the many traditional restaurants for lunch.

Our tip: In Via Ghilbellina, you’ll find delicious restaurants for a classic Italian lunch. Then you’ll drive to an olive and olive oil producer, one of the most famous Italian exports. To better understand the secrets of production, you’ll get to taste the “green treasure” with some tasty Tuscan bread. The tour is offered as a private experience (for a fee).

Travel time Montecatini - Florence: approx. 50 minutes / about 53 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, Italy

Grab a cappuccino and brioche for breakfast before heading out on a guided tour through Siena’s historical center. Today’s tour theme is “Food & Wine” — are your taste buds already watering?

Siena’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. The smell of the surrounding olive trees and Chianti vineyards creates a sensory journey like no other. Over the years, Siena’s Gothic architecture has blossomed all around the city into nine distinct quarters. Ancient buildings and traditional design spread out over three hills, crossed by wide avenues and narrow streets that lead to the heart of Siena: Campo Square. Today, Campo is an ideal meeting place for locals and home to the Palio di Siena horse race's historic venue.

Three various tasting stops await you today. Try local products, such as Pienza sheep cheese, Tuscan ham, finocchiona, Lardo di Collanata, and more. Then you’ll have an unforgettable wine tasting experience. And to round it off, you’ll stop at a traditional café for an espresso and traditional cakes and desserts such as Ricciarelli, Panforte, or Cavallucci.

Our insider tip: The brother of the world-famous Italian rock singer Gianna Nannini has a café in Siena called Nannini. Try their delicious espresso!

Afterward, you can plan an optional lunch or, after three tastings, decide to continue your journey.

You’ll dedicate the afternoon to discovering the Chianti region. The legendary drive over Tuscany’s rolling hills, past landscapes dominated by cypress trees and vines, and the many medieval villages is an experience in itself. We’ve also planned a tasting at a local red wine vineyard where you’ll also get to try some typical Chianti snacks.

Travel time Florence - Siena: approx. 1 hour / about 73 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, Italy

Today is your last day in Tuscany. If you’d like to extend your stay, contact us! Your travel advisor is happy to pair this travel block with another one, such as Short culinary trip through Veneto.

itravel — for that moment.

Hotel Arnolfo & Aqua Laetitia Spa & Beauty***, Montecatini Terme, Tuscany, Italy

Hotel Arnolfo nestles in a quiet area of Montecatini Terme. The air-conditioned rooms come with a TV, shower/bath, and other amenities. Enjoy Tuscan cuisine at the restaurant and unwind at the luxurious wellness area, including a Turkish bath, sauna, and hot tub.

Closest city: Florence

Closest airport: Peretola Airport

Duration of the trip: 4 days / 3 nights

Including

• Three nights at the mentioned accommodations:
  • Three nights at Hotel Arnolfo & Aqua Laetitia Spa & Beauty*** with breakfast and dinner on day three in a standard room, Montecatini Terme
• Assistance from our tour guide when you arrive at the airport (Florence or Pisa) — a maximum of two hours.

Included experiences

Florence:

• Guided city tour (2-3 hours each)

• Olive oil tasting

Siena:

• Guided city tour (2-3 hours each)

• Tasting, wine tasting, and café visit

Chianti:

• Wine tasting with a snack

Excluding

• International flights

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Excursions not mentioned (visits, admissions, etc.)

• Tips and personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Rental car

Optional experiences

• Rental car for the duration of the stay

Parma:

• Parma ham and Parmesan tasting, entry to the Ferrari Gallery, and guided city tour

Modena:

• Balsamic vinegar tasting

Bologna:

• Dozza Regional Wine Shop of Emilia near Bologna

• Visit the Lamborghini and Ducati workshops

Cremona:

• City tour and visit to a violin workshop in Cremona & tasting menu with specialties from the region

• In the footsteps of Giuseppe Verdi - guided tour, Verdi's birthplace in Roncole + the Casa Barezzi - the Teatro Verdi.

Florence & surroundings:

• Entrance to the Uffizi Gallery with a private guide

• Food Tour: Visit quaint traditional restaurants with samples and tastings

• Oltrarno District - Guided tour through traditional craft workshops of young artists

• Guided tour of Ferragamo Museum and Shoemaker

• Guided tour of the ancient Santa Maria Novella pharmacy

Lucca:

• Guided city tour

• Guided tour of an oil mill for the production of cold-pressed olive oil

Pisa:

• Guided city tour

Pistoia:

• Italy's cultural capital 2017: guided tour

Notes

• Would you prefer to stay in a four or five-star category hotel? Contact us today! We will find suitable accommodation for you.