Traditions of Tuscany Tour

After breakfast we'll meet up with our local guide for a private tour of Arezzo; stopping to visit the Piazza Grande, the Cathedral, and several other highlights.

Our private guide will fill you in on the history of this Medieval city, its Etruscan roots, and all of its fascinating traditions.

After lunch, visit the Arezzo Antiques fair (Fiera Antiquaria), which is the oldest and largest fair of its kind in Italy. This busy and colorful market has always been considered the biggest and the most beautiful among all the outdoor antique markets placed in in the extraordinary settings of Piazza San Francesco, Piazza Grande, the Vasari Loggia, and along the street of the historical center - the Corso Italia

Hundreds of exhibitors offer locals and international visitors alike,  their art objects, furniture, jewels, clocks, books and antique prints, scientific and musical instruments, toys and all kinds of collectibles. For those who are not interested in antiquities, the fair offers a vast assortment of modern and vintage products as well.

Visiting the Antiques market can be the perfect opportunity to discover the history and artistic wealth of one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon for some free time to continue to explore the fair, visit churches & museums, shop or just relax in the Piazza Grande with an aperitivo.

In the evening the group will enjoy a special dinner event. (B, D)

Today we will enjoy all the excitement and pageantry that surrounds this twice annual festival - The Giostra di Saracino!

We'll gather and join the crowds lining the main corso as we watch the the grand parade in all its colorful pageantry wind its way through the town's historic center to end at the jousting arena in the Piazza Grande. There will be drummers, fifers and flag throwers, noble families and of course, the knights.

Following the parade, we'll attend one of the most ancient traditions that Tuscans love to celebrate - the Giostra del Saracino, or Joust of the Saracen (Moor). The Giostra is a beautiful medieval festival that animates Arezzo every year with colors, sounds and flavors that dates back to a time long, long ago.

The event has its origins in the Middle Ages, and it can be considered an evolution of the military training exercises for knights. It was supposed to simulate battle: the knights practiced using their lance on a “puppet” who represented the bad guy.

In Medieval society, jousts and tournaments were the means to celebrate any special event and in Arezzo records indicate this particular one was very popular and repeated on special occasions.

And nowadays, the whole town turns up for this special festival in medieval costume to recreate the atmosphere of medieval Arezzo as each of the quarters of the city compete against each other in a joust (2 knights each) to win the coveted prize of the Golden Lance.

Night in Tuscany (B, L)

We'll spend the first half of the day visiting local artisans in their workshops, where you’ll meet the people behind century-old traditional handicraft and artisan products.  We'll have the opportunity to watch and interact with them as they craft.

Later in the day, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you will be learning to prepare a full multi-course traditional Tuscan dinner:  From appetizer, to pasta, main course (secondi or meat), and finally, dessert. At the end of the class we will sit down together to taste all the delicious food we have prepared during a nice dinner that will be enjoyed in the atmosphere of a wine-aging cellar.  (B, D)

Today will be a full day of experiencing the local countryside life.

First we will visit one of the most famous sanctuaries of St. Francis of Assisi. Enjoy a tour with an opportunity to visit the gift shop with items made by the Franciscans such as honeys, chocolates, soap, & liqueurs.

After, visit an ancient olive oil mill with a tour, tasting & lunch with the owner.

Finally we'll stop in a quaint village that hasn't changed since the medieval ages.

After this amazing day, we'll transfer to our agriturismo villa set in the Tuscan countryside, for the next 5 nights.

(B, L, D)

After breakfast at our agriturismo, we will depart for a tour of two of Tuscany’s most famous towns: Montepulciano & Pienza set in the Val d’Orcia – what many view as the “quintessential” Tuscany.

Montepuliciano – home of the famous Nobile di Montepulciano wines. Pienza – Birthplace of Pope Pius II. Pienza is also known for its many sheep farms producing the famous Pecorino cheese.

We'll have a cheese tasting at a local producer and then enjoy lunch with a view overlooking the Val d'Orcia.(B, L, D)

This morning we will transfer to Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Upon our arrival you'll enjoy a private “Introduction to Florence” walking tour. On this 3-hour tour, we’ll be hitting all of the highlights while learning about the mystery, seduction, and history of Florence, which includes the Renaissance, its important noble families, and its famous artists.

We’ll uncover the many secrets and treasures found within the historical walls as this tour lays out the foundation of what made Florence the fascinating city it is today.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this magnificent city with time to shop, visit art galleries or museums, or just soak in the vibrant life of one of the many piazze while having a caffè or spritz.

Return to our agriturismo in the evening.

(B, D)

Morning departure for Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes’ book & movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Cortona which also has its roots in Etruscan history, is a quiet and romantic town nestled in the beautiful hills of the Val di Chiana in the province of Arezzo.

It is surrounded by a countryside planted with olive trees, in which lavish villas are surrounded by large gardens, and hosts many monasteries, churches and monuments. The 13th century town hall and clock tower are in one of Cortona's main squares, Piazza della Republica, and there are cafes nearby for enjoying the piazza life.

We'll have a gentle walking tour to explore this quaint town followed by a wine-tasting experience. Then it's lunch on your own - there'll be no shortage of excellent choices.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to shop Cortona’s fun & interesting shops, visit the Etruscan(MAEC) or small Diocese museums, peruse galleries, have a caffè in a local bar, sample some gelato or just wander the alleys and streets. (B, D)

After breakfast, our private driver will meet us at our accommodations to whisk us into the Chianti region! This region of Tuscany made famous by the red wine of the same name, is a beautiful area of terra-cotta-roofed towns and winding roads leading through miles of vineyards, with cypress and olive groves stitching sun-dappled rolling hillsides – this is classic wine country.

We'll stop at a local farm that produces olive oil, and wine. After our tour, we'll enjoy a typical lunch showcasing all their products, including of course, their Chianti Classic!  (B, L, D)

Breakfast is provided depending on your time of departure. We'll say our goodbyes.

Private transfer to Rome Airport (FCO).

Bid "Arrivederci" to Italy! Or...you could do an add-on tour of Rome or Venice.