Discover the heart of Italy with an unforgettable 7 night stay at a beautiful villa in the Tuscan countryside.  This immersive experience blends rich history, art, food and wine- offering the perfect balance of relaxation and cultural exploration.  Our 15 room villa is nestled among olive groves and rolling vineyards.  Enjoy sweeping countryside views, spacious grounds and a private pool- the ideal setting to unwind after days filled with discovery.

Enjoy a movie and a meal on your overnight flight to Florence, Italy.  (International air is not included).

Welcome to Florence!  After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will have a group transfer to Villa Marta in Lucca.  Savor the simple pleasures of Italian life in one of the world’s most picturesque regions.  Relax by the pool, take a stroll through the olive groves or just enjoy the countryside before meeting your fellow travelers  at our included Welcome Dinner and wine.

After breakfast at the villa, we head to Lucca, a charming walled city known for its relaxed pace and elegant beauty.  Step inside the perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, now topped with shady walking and biking paths, and you’ll find a maze of cobbled streets, grand piazzas and medieval towers.  Wander into Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a circular square built on the remains of the Roman amphitheater, and soak in the lively cafe scene.  It is the perfect place to stop for lunch, perhaps a plate of fresh pasta with local olive oil.  Visit the Cathedral of San Marino, Piazza Napoleone and Piazza San Michele.  This afternoon we go to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptisery and Camposanto form one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in Italy.   You may want to climb the spiral staircase of the Leaning Tower for a once -in-a-lifetime experience.   Return to Villa Marta for an included Dinner with wine.  

Today we will be going to the Heart of Tuscany, To visit Siena,  a city that feels frozen in time- where medieval brick buildings, winding alleys and stunning piazzas tell stories of centuries past.  Start at the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, shaped like a shell.  The piazza is famous  for the Palio, the thrilling bareback horse race held twice each summer.   Sit in a cafe in the piazza and soak in the atmosphere.  Then it’s off to the rolling hills of Chianti surrounded by endless vineyards.  Delight in a wine tasting at Antonori  nel Chianti Classico estate, a stunning blend of centuries old winemaking tradition and cutting edge architecture.  The winery seems to rise organically from the earth.  After tasting their wines, take a stroll on the rooftop terrace , where panoramic views stretch over vineyards, olive groves and distant hilltop villages.  Tonight we are staying in  the Chianti region for Dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our villa.  

Learn how the Italians make traditional Tuscan cuisine including fresh pasta , sauces and regional desserts.  Enjoy the freshly prepared meal that we have made together.  The afternoon is yours to relax, go for a swim or a bike ride, or maybe even get a massage.  Dinner with wine is included at the Villa tonight.

After breakfast we head  to the colorful Cinque Terre (Five Villages). Board a scenic boat for a leisurely cruise  along the coast.  Relish in the dramatic cliffs and colorful houses clinging to the rugged coastline.  Stroll along the charming streets and stop for lunch at a seaside trattoria (not included), where you can savor freshly caught fish, pasta with pesto and crisp local white wine.  Dinner with wine included at the villa tonight.

Step into the heart of  the Renaissance with a day in Florence.  See the iconic Duomo, and Baptistery, get a photo of  the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge crossing the Arno River.  See Piazza dell Signoria with sculptures like Perseus with the head of Medusa and a replica of Michelanglo’s David.  Visit the Gold Corner to delight in the stunning 18 karat Italian Gold,  stop by a leather factory, or see the Uffizzi’s art works.  Tonight we are staying in Florence for a special Bistecca alla Florentine Dinner before returning to our villa.

Start the day with a visit to Villa Reale Di Maria, once home to Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon‘s sister.  See the lavish interiors, the Royal Apartments and frescoed rooms.  Then stroll the Baroque gardens with lemon trees and grottoes, and a Green Theatre made entirely of hedges.  Then we are off to Villa Mansi, a spectacular 17th century villa with a more aristocratic and romantic atmosphere.  Wander the extensive park with statues and a pond.  Then we are off to the beach for the afternoon.  Stroll the Passeggiata di Viareggio- a classic promenade with boutiques and gelaterias,  or reserve a sun bed and umbrella.  Take a swim and just relax.  Tonight we are having our farewell dinner at a local fish restaurant by the beach.

It’s time for that last espresso.  After breakfast transfer to Florence or Pisa airport to return home. Once in the air, the view fades into clouds and you carry home more than just photos, but the laughter shared over long lunches and new friendships made throughout the trip.   Safe Travels back to the US.  I hope you had an amazing week in Tuscany.