Overview
Ever since the Etruscans dropped by to party and stayed, Tuscany has seduced. The Romans stocked their grain silos here. Christians walked stages of a medieval pilgrimage route; and Napolean plundered art (and suffered terribly in exile in a beautiful neoclassical villa with fig trees and a seas view on the paradisiacal island of Elba). Tuscany has a timeless familiarity with its iconic Florentine cathedral dome, gently rolling hills dipped in soft morning mist, and sculptural cypress alleys. But then, this regione in central Italy is postcard material. Golden wheat fields, silver olive groves, and pea-green vineyards marching in sharp terraced rows on hillsides form a graceful prelude to soul-soaring medieval hilltop villages. No land is more caught up with the fruits of its fertile earth than Tuscany, a gourmet destination whose residents spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about, discussing, and consuming food and wine. Local, seasonal and sustainable is the Holy Trinity and Tuscans share enormous pride in the quality of their produce. Tuscan Travel is grassroots: to wineries, to taste a little Classico, to a family run pastificio tradizionale where artisan pasta is cut by hand; and to road trips in quest of the best bistecca all florentina (chargrilled T- bone steak). Buon appetito!
Highlights
Florence
Florence’s historic churches and monuments were a key stop for British aristocrats on 19th century Grand Tours – and remain so. At sundown, when the River Arno turns pink, whether you like things old-fashioned and simple or boutique chic, this handsome city will oblige. Then there’s the art. And, oh, what art! The Etruscans indulged their fondness for a classy send off with exquisite funerary objects. The Romans, always partial to puffing up their own importance, left their usual legacy of monumental sculptures. It was during the medieval and Renaissance periods that Tuscany really struck gold with painters, sculpture, and architects creating world class masterpieces squirreled away and safeguarded today in churches, museums, and galleries all over the region. Art in Tuscany is truly unmatched. Whilst in Florence, we have arranged for passes to The Uffizi Gallery (The world’s greatest collection of Renaissance Art), Accademia Gallery (home to the David) and the spectacular Duomo with its iconic dome, marble exterior and collection of frescos.
San Gimignano
With a nickname as grandiose as the “Manhattan of the thirteenth century”, it’s no wonder that San Gimignano ranks among the top places to visit in Tuscany. Not only does it exude an undeniable charm that transports you back to a bygone era, but it’s also been honored with the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status. This medieval hilltop town will greet you with an exceptional architectural ensemble from the 1200s, with towering stone towers, red-bricked noble palaces, and perfectly preserved walls. As you wander through the winding streets and admire the views from atop one of the many lookout points, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a magical fairy tale. Whether your desire is to climb the Torre Grossa the 13th century watch tower for its incredible 360 degree views of the village and the Tuscan countryside or admire the magnificent frescoes in Palazzo del Popolo, the seat of municipal government since 1288 or enjoy one of the finest gelatos on the steps of the magnificent Duomo of San Gimignano, your time here will stick with you for years to come.
Siena
Siena, where not a single stone has changed down through the centuries. You can see Siena from afar; resplendent, in its medieval harmony. The three hills on which it stands are the high points in an idyllic backdrop of arable fields where the edges of the ancient city melt into countryside which, in places, looks like the background to Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s painting Allegory of Good Government in the Palazzo Pubblico, which we will visit. The Siena that greets you today is largely the same as it would have appeared back in 1300; and the preservation of its unique, coherent inheritance of medieval architecture is one of the main reasons to visit this magnificent city. The town revolves around the beautiful Piazza del Campo’s unmistakable seashell shape which is lines with travertine. The piazza is known throughout the world for the fact that twice a year it becomes the hippodrome for the Palio delle Contrade horse races. We will also have the chance to visit Siena Cathedral, rising majestically in the eponymous city square. It is one of Italy’s most illustrious Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals. Entering the Cathedral means not only experiencing spiritual elevation, but also opening up to a beauty and exploring one of the city’s most valuable are treasures.
The Wine
Tuscany is home to some of the world’s most notable wine regions including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and the wonderful white Vernaccia of San Gimignano. This exquisite white wine unique to San Gimignano dates back to the 13th century. We will be staying in a beautiful winery whilst in San Gimignano that makes their wine from both Vernaccia and Sangiovese grapes and, of course, we have organized a tour and tasting. We will also call a gorgeous vineyard in Chianti home during our stay in Tuscany where you will be able to sample until your heart is content. During our time in Tuscany, we will also visit a 12th century castle winery where you may walk through the rooms where the historical Pazzi Conspiracy was hatched whilst sampling some Chianti Ruffino Reserva.
The Food
Tuscan cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients, like all Italian food. The Tuscan diet is Mediterranean in nature, focusing on fruits, vegetables, legumes, cheeses, and pasta. Pure, locally made olive oil is the foundation of all Tuscan dishes which are simple and easy to prepare. Yet, Tuscan cuisine achieves rich flavors in its simplicity, thanks to high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Cucina povera, which means poor cooking, is the basis of Tuscan cuisine. The concept began when Tuscany was an impoverished rural region. With access to limited ingredients, Tuscans got creative in the kitchen to make the most of what they had by embracing a no-waste philosophy. The magic of cucina povera lies in the frugal Italian cook’s ability to transform humble ingredients from the Tuscan countryside into simple flavor-packed dishes. Popular in Tuscan cuisine and an emblem of the region, the wild boar is also revered in Tuscany. In Florence, the “Il Porcellino,” the wild boar statue, can bring luck to those touching its bronze nose. Cinghiale in umido is a sumptuous wild boar stew and a favorite dish of many Tuscans. Cinghiale is simmered with red wine, tomatoes, garlic, and vegetables, then served over creamy polenta for a hearty taste of Tuscan cuisine. We will also visit Dario Cecchini for lunch. Dario is a famous butcher and chef who offers a unique experience of meat and cuisine in his shops and kitchens. His menu is the result of many years of work and family traditions and invites all responsible carnivores to indulge in a multi course extravaganza. Enjoy!
Hosts
Graeme and Michelle will be your hosts for this tour. We look forward to traveling with you.
Graeme & Michelle Leask
What's included
What's Included
Hotel accommodations
Breakfasts
San Gimignano Wine Experience
Castello Del Trebbio Wine Tour
Accademia Firenze
Lunch with Chef/Butcher, Dario Cecchini
Visit to Chianti
Visit Fiesole
Visit Florence (Firenze)
Visit San Gimignano
Tuscan Cooking Class
Uffizi Passes
Florence Cathedral (Firenze Duomo)
Siena Cathedral
Palazzo Publico Siena
Visit Siena
Visit Volterra
Ground Transportation
Personable Tour Guides
What's Not Included
Flights
Dinners
Most Lunches
Accommodation
Hotel Room
Spots are based on the number of rooms available on this tour. Travel with a friend or loved one and save $ when you share a room. Let us know if you would like one bed or two at checkout.
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You'll Be Staying Here
Fattoria di Maiano
We will have two nights in quiet Fiesole just outside of Florence.
Guardastelle di San Gimignano
Guardastelle di San Gimignano is a beautiful villa with working vineyard and olive oil orchards at the foot of San Gimignano and our absolute favorite place to be.
Fattoria di Rignana
Another favorite with its restored 18th century villa and working vineyard and olive groves. It's ancient history, beautiful landscape, and delicious wines make it hard to leave.
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FAQs
Where do we fly and where do we meet for this tour?
We have pre-arranged a single pick up and drop off place and time for the whole group at the Florence Airport. We will pick everyone up at 1:00pm on September 25, 2026 and drop the whole group off at the airport on October 4, 2026 at 10:00am.
We recommend our guests fly in a day or more early to adjust to the time zone and avoid any travel disruptions or issues making the pick up time.
If you are flying out on October 4th, please don't plan your departure before 12:00pm (noon), as we will drop everyone off at 10am and will have a little bit of a drive to the airport that morning. We are happy to make suggestions or recommendations on flights or places to stay should you choose to extend your vacation beyond the tour.
Once you book the tour, keep an eye on your email for more information about flights, payments, and other important information regarding the tour. You will also find more information about the tours by viewing our FAQ page: https://www.radiant-moments.com/FAQs/Policies
Feel free to contact Michelle or Graeme with any other questions at 231-866-6463 or email us at michelle@radiant-moments.com