Discovering the Ancient Towns of Tuscany

Independent Tour, 2010

11 Nights/ 12 Days

This tour is one of our most requested. It combines the Renaissance towns of Siena and Florence with the country flavors of Tuscany and the opportunity to stroll along the fabulous Cinque Terre. Immerse yourself in a cooking lesson with Maria Luisa as she teaches you the art of Italian cuisine. Marvel at the city of San Gimingnano silhouetted against the horizon. Wander through the ancient city of Volterra, enjoying the fortress, walls and gates standing mightily over green Tuscan valleys. Travel through the scenic hills of Italy's Chianti region, discovering the citadels and fortifications of this ancient area. Here wine was once a staple for both rich and poor alike. Mull over the fine wines of Montepulciano and taste the history of ancient Tuscany. Hiking the paths that link the five villages of coastal Liguria is a delight for both mountain and sea lovers. Each village has its unique own personality and each trail has views and scenery that keeps hikers guessing at what is around the next corner.

Accommodations

2 Nights Lodging in Central Florence
4 Nights Lodging in an Agritourism near San Gimignano
2 Nights in Central Lucca
3 Nights in Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre
Daily Breakfast Included at All Accommodation

Inclusions

11 Nights Authentic Italian Lodging
7 Day Car Rental with Standard Transmission
3 Hour Private Walking Tour of Florence
3 Hour Private Walking Tour of Siena
Wine Tasting , Tour & Lunch at the Verrazzano Castle
Reservation at the Uffizi Museum
5 Hour Authentic Italian Cooking Lesson with Wine
Wine/Olive Oil Tasting and Light Lunch in Siena with Ciao Tours
1st Class Train from Pisa to Monterosso and Return
Self Guided Tours
General Driving Instructions Including Maps
Includes All Taxes
Assistance from Ciao Italian Representatives

2010 Price:

1,929 € - 3 Star Accommodation Includes Economy Car
2,659 € - 4 Star Accommodation Includes Intermediate Car

Above Prices are per person and are based on double occupancy. To check exchange rates click here

Please note: Ciao Tours will Guarantee the Exchange Rate at the Time of Full Payment or 45 days Prior to Departure
Alternate Choices are permitted on an Independent Tour at a Cost of $50Cdn Per Person Per Change.

For a Customized Tour Option based on your needs and requests, please contact us with your ideas.

Daily Itinerary

day 1/night 1

LOCATION Florence, Italy
TRAVEL Arrive at "Amerigo Vespucci" Airport– Firenze (FLR)
Private Transfer to Central Florence Hotel
ACTIVITIES Dinner Reservations at Unique Italian Restaurant

day 2/Night 2

LOCATION Florence, Italy
TRAVEL Enjoy the Architecture of this Renaissance City on Foot
ACTIVITIES 3 Hour Private Walking Tour of Historical Florence,
Reservations at the Galleria degli Uffizi Museum

HIGHLIGHTS
San Lorenzo market, in piazza San Lorenzo
Duomo or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and The Cupola (dome) of the Basilica (cathedral), by Brunelleschi
Palazzo Vecchio (Town Hall) and Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)
Galleria dell’Accademia (featuring the infamous Statue of David)

day 3/night 3

LOCATION San Gimignano, Italy
TRAVEL: 7 Day Car Rental (Pick up Central Florence and Drop off Pisa Airport)
ACTIVITIES Explore the Chianti Wine Region before proceeding to the agritoursim outside
San Gimignano
Wine Tasting, Tour & Lunch at the Historical Verrazzano Castle

HIGHLIGHTS:
Chianti Classico Region
Historical Italian Castles, Renaissance Villas, Romanesque Churches
Towns of Chianti: Greve, Panzano, Castellina & Radda

day 4/night 4

LOCATION Volterra and San Gimignano, Italy
TRAVEL Driving around ancient country towns
ACTIVITIES 5 Hour Authentic Italian Cooking Lesson Including Wine Tasting HIGHLIGHTS
Volterra - Palazzo dei Priori, Town Hall, Piazza San Giovanni
San Gimignano - Palazzo del Popolo, Torre Grossa, Piazza del Duomo with the Romanesque Collegiata,
Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta

day 5/night 5

LOCATION Siena, Italy
TRAVEL Drive to Siena
ACTIVITIES Wine, Olive Oil Tasting & Lunch with a Ciao Tours, 3 Hour Private Walking Tour of Siena

HIGHLIGHTS
Home of the Palio Horse Race
Piazza del Campo, Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica
Museum of Santa Maria della Scala
Palazzo Comunale

day 6/night 6

LOCATION Tuscan Countryside, Italy
TRAVEL Drive to ancient country towns and villages
ACTIVITIES Exploring Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Pienza & Montepulciano

HIGHLIGHTS
Monks of Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Pienza (Corso Rossellino, Pecorino - sheep cheese, Ancient home of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, Pope Pius II,)
Montepulciano (Piazza Grande, Renaissance Duomo ,Vino Nobile D.O.C.G. Wine with Sangiovese
and Canaiolo grapes, 14th c Palazzo Comunale in Florentine style)

day 7/night 7

LOCATION Lucca, Italy
TRAVEL Drive to Lucca, explore on foot or rent bicycles
ACTIVITIES Exploring Lucca, Bike Rental

HIGHLIGHTS
City of Bikes – travel 4 kms on top of Ancient Walls surrounding Lucca
Cathedral of San Martino
Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto
Home to the Puccini Opera Festival

day 8/night 8

LOCATION Tuscan Mountain Towns, Italy
TRAVEL Drive to Apuane Alps Mountain Towns
ACTIVITIES Exploring Barga & Garfagnana

HIGHLIGHTS
Garfagnana (“Ponte della Maddalena” or the Devil’s Bridge on the Serchio River because of an ancient tale)
Barga (Longobardic Castle, Romanesque Duomo)
San Romano (9th c BC, charming village, Fortezza delle Verrucole)

day 9/night 9

LOCATION Monterosso, Italy
TRAVEL Drive to Pisa, 1st Class Italian Train Tickets – Trenitalia
ACTIVITIES Explore Pisa, Return Car Rental and proceed to Cinque Terre

HIGHLIGHTS
Leaning Tower of Pisa- La Torre Pendente and the Battistero
Campo dei Miracoli- Square of Miracles
Church of Santa Maria della Spina
Piazza Cavalieri and Palazzo dei Cavalieri
Palazzo dell’Orologio

day 10/dight 10

LOCATION Monterosso, Italy
TRAVEL Hiking, Boat or Train
ACTIVITIES Explore the 5 Ancient Fishing Villages – Total distance approx. 5 hours

HIGHLIGHTS
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggore
Breathtaking vistas of the sea
Cliffside walking trails connected by ancient stairs surrounded by olive groves, grapes and flowers
connecting the “five lands”
Via dell’Amore – Walk of Love

day 11/night 11

LOCATION Monterosso, Italy
TRAVEL: Hiking, Boat or Train
ACTIVITIES Explore the 5 Ancient Fishing Villages – Total distance approx. 5 hours HIGHLIGHTS
Continue to explore the hiking trails connecting the five towns
Suggested Visit to Porto Venere (Venus’ Port) by local bus or take a train to the seaside gem the city of Santa Margherita to the north

day 12

LOCATION “Galileo Galilei” Airport – Pisa (PSA)
TRAVEL 1st Class Italian Train Ticket

Conclusion of Tour