The Best of Tuscany: Private Full Day Tour From Florence

Our friendly English speaking driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in Florence to start your day going to PISA, a calm and pleasant town recalling the past of the Pisan republic.

The river system in Pisa prevented it from declining towards the end of the Roman Empire. We will focus on the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Duomo is a medieval cathedral with massive bronze doors and its golden ceiling, its medieval pulpit and its black and white marble interior are breathtaking… The nearby round-shaped building is the baptistery, with an octagonal font that contrasts and a large round interior space. The Leaning Tower was the campanile (bell tower for the cathedral) started leaning shortly after its completion in 1173.

After a stop of about 1 hour we’ll leave for SAN GIMIGNANO.The town was founded as a small village in the 3rd century BC by the Etruscan and is famous today for its wine (Vernaccia) and architecture. San Gimignano is often referred to as ‘the town of towers’, as the town has been able to preserve 14 towers from the medieval times….truly a movie set! Enjoy an informative stroll with our driver through the narrow streets of this beautiful medieval pearl.

Is time now to proceed to SIENA but on the way we want to include a quick stop to MONTERIGGIONI, one of the best known and classic walled settlement in Tuscany. This village was built on a hill by the Sienese between 1213 and 1219 to overlook the ancient Roman road, the Via Cassia

he historic centre of Siena has been declared as the World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Its soaring skyline is its pride, dominated by the Gothic cathedral (Duomo) and the taut needle of the Torre del Mangia and yet the shell shaped Piazza del Campo, probably captures the most attention and fame. It has been seen in films, photographs, and advertising campaigns. The bricks cover the sweetly sloping land underneath and are witness to many events in history, but the most intriguing is the “Palio” horserace, one of the most important things in the life of a Siena native. In the piazza on 2 July and 16 August there is a bareback horse race that was first recorded in 1283, but may have had its origins in Roman military training.Not to be missed the Palazzo Pubblico (city hall) which is a great work of architecture and houses also an important museum of Siena.

On the way back to Florence you’ll have the chance to visit part of the charming CHIANTI AREA characterized by rolling hills dotted by vineyards, cypress trees, olive trees and small towns. Visit Panzano and Greve, two of the most beautiful Chianti towns – time permitting is also possible to stop at a winery for taste excellent wines and extra-virgin olive oil.Return to Florence in the afternoon with full bellies, a happy heart and great memories…