Why choose this tour?
Ideal for those who want to explore new places and less-travelled paths, this tour offers this and much more: a journey through medieval villages, seascapes, spectacular panoramas and corners of unspoilt nature to experience a unique journey that will remain in your heart forever
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, it is also possible to arrange a quick visit in the neighboring villages before the overnight accommodation.
DAY 2: Siena
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Rich in history and culture, Siena still retains its medieval charm. The heart of Siena is its central square, Piazza del Campo, famous throughout the world for the famous Palio: a horse race that takes place twice a year in the summer. Overlooking the famous square, Siena’s Palazzo Comunale stands imposingly. It is a testament to the political power of the city: built between 1297 and 1310 at the order of the Government of the Nine of the Republic of Siena, it was the residence of the Signoria and the Podestà. Siena also boasts a long list of churches, the most famous of which is the Duomo. It is an exceptional example of an Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, but the real work of art is its floor: a marble carpet composed of 56 panels, called inlays, designed by Renaissance masters. It is usually covered to preserve it, but is unveiled on special occasions. Not to be missed are the Musei delle Contrade, where unique treasures and trophies won by the contrada are kept. Each contrada has its own museum, and some can be visited.
At the end of the visit, free time for lunch and shopping during the afternoon.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni, visit of a Vinsantaia, Montalcino and local winery
In the morning, guided visit of San Quirico d’Orcia. In ancient times this town was an important stop, due to the fact that it sat along the Via Francigena, the route that connected northern Europe to Rome. San Quirico is one of the most charming medieval towns of the Val d’Orcia,abundant in olive groves, vineyards and oak woods.
Guided tour of Bagno Vignoni in the late morning. A lovely town where tiny houses surround a unique square made of a pool of natural spring water: Bagno Vignoni was frequented by Romans since ancient times for its thermal pools. Nowadays, thanks to its remarkable historical center, the town of Bagno Vignoni has been used as a natural setting for numerous films.
After the visit, guests will taste the famous “Vinsanto” (a wine made from grapes dried on straw mats) in a traditional “Vinsantaia”, the space in which barrels of Vin Santo are fermented.
Free time to enjoy lunch in typical Italian restaurants of the area.
In the afternoon, guided tour of the home of the famous Brunello: Montalcino. This hill town has one of the warmest and driest climates in Tuscany that allows the grapes in this area to reach the perfect ripeness. Brunello wine is said to be “the king of reds and the red of kings”. It is no coincidence that it was among the four wines awarded with the first Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation. The tour of this enchanting Tuscan village can only end after a visit of a local winery and a tasting of wines.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4: Arezzo and Cortona
Breakfast and departure to Arezzo for a guided tour during the morning.
Located in southeastern Tuscany, Arezzo has played an important role in ancient times due to its strategic position along the Via Cassia. Throughout the centuries, this town has maintained its ancient beauty and traditions. Rich in buildings, arts and churches frescoed by famous painters, Arezzo is one of the must-see of the area called “Aretino”. The beauty of Arezzo can be better appreciated from the Bell Tower where, from a panoramic terrace, it is possible to see the major buildings of the city. Arezzo is also known as the city where Piero della Francesca painted the so-called “Storie della Vera Croce” in the church of San Francesco, a wall painting considered a master-work by critics of all epochs.
Free time for lunch and to enjoy shopping during the afternoon.
Guided visit of Cortona during the afternoon. Chosen as the location for numerous Italian films including Roberto Benigni’s La vita è bella, Cortona is a charming medieval village with narrow and steep streets. The ancient walls that enclose Cortona date back to the Etruscan and Roman times and give the village a unique appearance. Apart from the historical highlights, Cortona has much more to offer: numerous local shops with handmade items, delicious Michelin restaurants and breathtaking views over the surrounding valley and Lake Trasimeno.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 5: Talamone, horse carriages, Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Talamone.
Located on a promontory overlooking Mount Argentario and the Islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, Talamone is a small medieval village surrounded by a picturesque seaside landscape. Mediterranean scrub, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are some of the characteristic elements of this enchanting place that well deserve to be photographed.
The morning continues with a carriage tour in the Maremma National Park. Here, it will be possible to admire the unspoiled nature of this paradise, while being comfortably seated on the characteristic Maremma horse-drawn carriages.
Lunch based on Tuscan dishes will be served in a typical agriturismo of the area.
In the afternoon, transfer to Porto Ercole. In 1550, the Spaniards founded the “Stato dei Presidi”, and Porto Ercole was designated as its capital. In order to defend the town, unconquerable fortresses were built. The walkways, the paths overlooking the sea and the beauty of the hidden gardens make this visit unique and breathtaking.
The tour continues with the visit of Porto Santo Stefano: a well-known tourist destination, it is a small town overlooking the sea. Here, it will be possible to enjoy a peaceful walk among the typical shops.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 6: Massa Marittima and Vetulonia
Breakfast and departure to Massa Marittima for a guided tour. A true town of the Tuscan Middle Ages, it preserves an extraordinary square surrounded by buildings of the power of the thirteenth-century. They are the famous Cathedral of S. Cerbone, built in travertine, Palazzo Comunale, Torre della Zecca and Palazzo Pretorio. This town is also surrounded by fourteenth-century walls and fortifications. Another interesting building is the marvelous Gothic Church of S. Agostino, inside which is kept the habit of St. Bernardino, who was born here in 1380.
Free time for lunch.
Guided visit of Vetulonia and its Archeological Museum in the afternoon. Vetulonia is a picturesque hamlet that once was one of the most prosperous maritime Etruscan cities. The glorious past of Vetulonia is testified by the numerous archeological finds discovered in the last century. The visit of this small village is an eye-opening experience to the life of the Etruscans and their culture.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 7: Saturnia, Scansano and Montemerano
Guided visit of Saturnia during the morning. Saturnia is one of the oldest Italian cities: the Etruscan called it Aurinia. Nowadays, this small town is worldwide known for its famous hot springs called “Cascate del Mulino”: 800 liters of silk blue water surface every second, at a temperature of 37°C. The beneficial effects of this sulphurous water were well-known by the Etruscans and they also believed that this water was a gift from the Gods.
Free time for lunch.
Transfer to Scansano during the afternoon for a guided visit of the town. Inhabited since the Etruscans, Scansano is rich in ancient buildings that allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of times gone by. The houses of Scansano are painted with pastel tones that give the village a unique appearance.
The visit continues in the village of Montemerano, situated on a beautiful hilltop from which it is possible to enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan landscape. Montemerano has maintained its medieval appearance throughout the centuries: narrow streets, houses made of stones and the picturesque Church of Saint Giorgio, which houses the works of two of the most important 15th century Sienese artists: the sculptures of Vecchietta and an altarpiece by Sano di Pietro.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
We don’t want our guests to leave without a tasty souvenir of this trip: that is why a gastronomic lottery of typical Italian cold cuts will be offered during the last dinner together, as well as a parting gift: a bottle of high quality local extra virgin olive oil.
DAY 8: Departure
Departure and return to home. Depending on the departure time, it is also possible to arrange a last visit before returning home.
