This morning, our driver will pick us up to take us into Northern Tuscany where we will begin our day with a visit to a coffee academy, where we will start with a guided tour to learn about the art of Italian espresso, from its history to its future. This tour is followed by a five senses tasting experience, led by a master barista. In this workshop, we will taste several iterations of the same coffee varietal, from berry to roasted bean! 

After our lunch reservation at a small trattoria, we will visit a local beekeeper to meet some Italian bees! We will see the hives, spot the queen, and sample several seasonal honeys. You get to choose your favorite to take home with you! 

We will end our day with a visit with a fourth-generation winemaker, touring his vineyard and cellar, then tasting some of his small batch wines, which are only available in Tuscany. He will introduce us to his family farm, share their olive oil, and host a tasting paired with local meat, cheese, and Tuscan bread. 

Today, we will explore the city together, beginning at the Galleria dell'Accademia, home of Michelangelo's David. Next, we will visit Santa Croce, a local church that houses the tomb of Michelangelo among other famed artists and writers. 

After a stop for our lunch reservation at a Neapolitan pizzeria, we will head across the river to Piazza Santo Spirito to see the only known wooded carving by Michelangelo, which dates back to 1492. 

This afternoon, you have free time before our optional group dinner reservation. You can use your museum pass, shop, or simply wander through the streets of Florence.

We will begin our day with a stop at a hilltop overlooking Florence. Stunning views of the city, the Arno River, and the surrounding mountains are paired with an exploration of an 11th century church.

Next, we will head south to explore the towns that make up the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. We will visit a small production, family-owned vineyard for a tour of their wine cellar, followed by a tasting and a leisurely lunch overlooking the valleys. 

Afterward, we will head further south to San Gimignano, a small, medieval-era, walled town. Here, you can stroll through the city, enjoy amazing gelato, and seeing the remaining towers that made the town a medieval Manhattan!  

This evening, we head back to Florence for an optional group dinner. 

This morning we will visit the workshop of two Florentine artisans who specialize in working with marble, stone, and resin. Here, we will learn about scagliola, a renaissance-era art form incorporating shaded resin into Carrera marble, creating your own keepsake. 

After our lunch reservation at a local family-owned restaurant, you have free time to explore the city. 

You can use your pass, which gives you entry into almost every museum, garden, and historical site in the city. 

Tonight, we have a group dinner reservation at a local restaurant. 

Today, we head to the Tuscan coast in a private car to visit two unique places. 

Our first stop is Carrara for a visit to the famous marble quarries. What looks like snow on the mountains is actually the beautiful Carrara marble being hewn from the same mountains sourced by Michelangelo for his sculptures. We will ride up the mountain in a 4x4 vehicle, then enjoy a glass of Prosecco, a sample of a local dish, and a light lunch as we tour the caverns. 

Next, we head to the beach! The town of Forte dei Marmi is a favorite with Tuscans.  You have the afternoon to swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the promenade and do some shopping. After we soak up some Mediterranean sunshine, our driver will return us to Florence to get ready for our optional group dinner. 

Now that you have become familiar with this Renaissance city, today is the perfect day to explore Dante's House, the Boboli Gardens, or even the Uffizi using your museum pass! 

Your itinerary will include suggestions for shopping and dining, as well. This evening, we will visit a private apartment in Florence for a cooking experience with an Italian chef. We will participate in a hands-on cooking  experience, making several classic Italian dishes and then eating together!  

Today, you head home. You will have a car to take you to the airport or train station, depending on where you're departing from.

If you choose to stay in Italy, we are happy to assist you with planning additional days!