7-Night Italy's Taste Sensations

Day 2

Accommodation

Classic Palazzo Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Best of Florence Small Group Walking Tour w/ David & Duomo

Don’t miss a single one of Florence's best sights on this Florence walking tour, including the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and many more. With small groups of 15 people or less and skip-the-line access to Michelangelo’s David, we make the most of every second we have together and immerse you in the stories and facts that bring the city to life. 

Your Florence Walking Tour starts with skip-the-line access to the Florence Accademia. Once inside, your expert guide will reveal the fascinating history of Michelangelo’s David, whose beauty and size have to be seen to be believed. Another highlight is Florence’s famous cathedral, the Duomo. As you admire its monumental exterior from the Piazza del Duomo, your guide will tell you the improbable story of Filippo Brunelleschi and how this Renaissance man re-discovered knowledge lost for more than a millennium to build the Cathedral’s world-famous dome - one of the largest on earth. Before leaving the Piazza, you’ll stop at the Baptistery. During a close look at the world-renowned Baptistery doors, dubbed the 'Gates of Paradise', your guide will tell you the story of the cut-throat competition that created this glittering masterpiece. 

You'll also take a breezy stroll past the highlights of the city like the Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll admire Florence’s other world-famous sight, the towering Palazzo Vecchio. Visit the original site for Michelangelo’s David, where an exact replica stands. Hear the stories behind the statues at Orsanmichele Church, rub the Porcellino pig’s nose for good luck, and feel swept up by history at the Piazza della Repubblica - the Ancient Roman forum that later became the city’s Jewish ghetto. By the end of your Florence walking tour, you won’t just have “seen” Florence’s most famous sights; you’ll have discovered their histories, stories, and what makes them so notable.

Suggested Sightseeing

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bardini Gardens, Florence, Tuscany Region

Virtually unknown, and many times almost deserted, this 4 hectare garden was recently restored to part of its original glory and is now slowly being rediscovered by the locals and guests to the city of Florence. First time visitors to the Renaissance city just might not have time to fit it into their already full itinerary; however, those who are coming back to Florence again (and again and again) should really find time to walk the grounds. In an hour you can stroll the entire garden easily and calmly, and that is what this garden deserves: time for a short stroll that will sooth your soul.

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, is the main church of Florence. Completed in 1436, the exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade. The basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and is the largest brick dome ever constructed. Although the architecture of the cathedral is something magnificent to behold, the cathedral also holds a great significance in the Roman Catholic Diocese as it is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence.

Day 3

Accommodation

Classic Palazzo Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Private Florence Foodie Tour

The best way to understand a city is to taste it! Enjoy an private culinary tour through the traditional places, cafes, and markets of the city. Discover the traditions of extra virgin olive oil, pecorino, and salami, as well as lampredotto (a traditional Florentine dish), while walking around the city with your expert food guide. Top off your experience with refreshing gelato.

Suggested Sightseeing

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Boboli Gardens, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Boboli Gardens is a historical park of the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The stunningly beautiful terraced gardens and pavilions are known as "green architecture" and decorated with sculptures and the prototype which inspired many European Royal gardens, in particular, Versailles.

Piazza San Marco, Florence, Tuscany Region

Piazza San Marco is a city square in Florence, Italy. The classic four-sided square is located in the northern part of Florence, just a short distance from the train station, the Duomo and practically next door to Michelangelo’s marble statue of David housed at the Accademia Gallery. The piazza is a central hub for the comings and goings in the city center of Florence, connecting buses, streets and other squares, museums, monuments and people.

Overnight Location

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 4

Accommodation

Chianti Countryside Wine Resort - Chianti, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Private Florence Cooking Class & Market Tour

Italy has a vast and varied culinary heritage, and our local hosts are proud to share its hidden secrets. Share your passion for Italian gastronomy with other lovely guests, immerse yourself in the vibrant local marketplace, and enjoy an authentic hands-on cooking class. You'll visit the local market with your host, who will teach you how to select the best seasonal ingredients. Then, you'll return to their home, warm up with an Italian Aperitivo, and enjoy the class.  Learn how to make an iconic Pasta, typical of the city, and the legendary Tiramisu. After the class, you will enjoy everything you've prepared along with local wines. This experience is the perfect choice if you want to encounter regional gastronomy through genuine connections, food, and friendship.  This is food, Italian-style!

Suggested Sightseeing

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight Location

Chianti, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Chianti is a town and territory in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is located about 18 miles (30 km) south of Florence and 26 miles (42 km) north of Siena.

The Chianti region is world renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. It is dotted with small medieval castles, villas, and villages. The villages of Chianti often have Romanesque churches and the castles are fortified, a remnant of the ancient fights between the towns of Siena and Florence. Chianti is a lovely area to explore, and the winemaking region runs between these same two towns. This gorgeous area has been home to muses, explorers, and artists.

Day 5

Accommodation

Chianti Countryside Wine Resort - Chianti, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Private Chianti Wine Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour of Tuscany’s most fascinating villages and wine regions. The driver will take you to the town of San Gimignano, the Chianti wine region, and the medieval town of Siena. San Gimignano lies on top of a low hill at the center of Valdelsa. This gorgeous landscape will seduce you with its unique skyline of towers. These were built during the 14th century by families who wanted to demonstrate their growing power. During that time, after gaining autonomy from Volterra, more than seventy towers were built in San Gimignano’s center. This process transformed a rural village into a prestigious town. The tour will continue with the Chianti area and the Medieval town of Siena—both are situated in the heart of Tuscany. All these are compelling stops for those who want to see the authentic Tuscan landscape. Wine and product tasting will be included in the excursion at lunchtime, dependent upon the freshest local specialties of the season.

Suggested Sightseeing

Historic Center of Siena, Tuscany Region

According to UNESCO, “The historic center of Siena is a testimony to human creativity and expresses human artistic and aesthetic capacity in material form.” That’s a lot to live up to, but as the embodiment of a medieval city, it’s an absolute success. Over time, people and politics came and went, but the city’s Gothic appearance, created during the 12th through the 15th centuries, has endured.

Siena was built around the Piazza del Campo and conceived of as a work of art that seamlessly blends with the landscape. Siena is also the perfect base to go wine and cheese tasting, bicycling through vineyards, orchards, past country farms, and back into town. Heavenly views abound in Siena.

Siena, Tuscany Region

On the map: Siena, a city in central Italy’s Tuscany region, is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings.

Siena might be Italy’s loveliest medieval city, where the architecture soars, as do the souls of many of its visitors. Effectively a giant, open-air museum celebrating the Gothic, Siena has spiritual and secular monuments that have retained both their medieval forms and their extraordinary art collections, providing the visitor with plenty to marvel at. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city’s 17 historic contrade (districts) spread outward from the piazza and are as close-knit and colourful today as they were in the 17th century, when their world-famous horse race, the Palio, was inaugurated. Within each contrada lies vibrant streets populated with artisanal boutiques, sweet-smelling pasticcerie (pastry shops) and tempting restaurants. It's a feast for the senses and an essential stop on every Tuscan itinerary.

Siena Cathedral, Tuscany Region

Unquestionably one of Italy's finest Gothic churches, Siena's cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is equally stunning inside and out, featuring the work of Italy's finest artists of the day: Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Bernini. The cathedral in its present form was begun in 1229, and the dome was completed in 1264. Around 1317, the choir was extended over the baptistery, and only about 20 years later, the people of Siena planned a gigantic expansion, which would have made it the largest Gothic building in Italy. The existing church was to become the transept of a new church more than 100 meters long, with its new nave turned by 90 degrees. These grandiose plans came to nothing when it was discovered that the foundations couldn't handle the added weight, and because the plague struck down so much of Siena's population in 1348.

Overnight Location

Chianti, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Chianti is a town and territory in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is located about 18 miles (30 km) south of Florence and 26 miles (42 km) north of Siena.

The Chianti region is world renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. It is dotted with small medieval castles, villas, and villages. The villages of Chianti often have Romanesque churches and the castles are fortified, a remnant of the ancient fights between the towns of Siena and Florence. Chianti is a lovely area to explore, and the winemaking region runs between these same two towns. This gorgeous area has been home to muses, explorers, and artists.

Day 6

Accommodation

4-Star Boutique Heart of Bologna Hotel - Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Private Bologna Street Food Tour

Bologna is one of Europe's food capitals, and there’s a reason for that! You'll love their central markets, from the fresh fish stalls of the Pescherie Vecchie to charming fruit and vegetable stands and intriguing shop windows full of fresh pasta, cheese, hams, and a curious kitchen tool… Explore this foodie paradise, and dive into your destination like a local. This is the opportunity to discover your guide’s most trusted artisanal food shops as you meander through the market. Take it all in! 

Suggested Sightseeing

Fountain of Neptune, Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Situated in the Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, the Fountain of Neptune was completed in 1566. The fountain’s bronze figure of Neptune is extending his reach in a lordly gesture of stilling and controlling the waters, while he holds his trident in the opposite hand. The trident was used as the basis for the Maserati car company logo, making the fountain a popular destination for travelers. The four sides of the marble tank feature four inscriptions in Latin that are meant to illustrate why the fountain was built: Fori Ornamento (to decorate the square), Aere Publico (built thanks to public money), Populi Commodo (built for the people), and MDLXIIII (built in 1564; the date is wrong though, as the fountain was officially finished in 1566). 

Sanctuary of the Madonna, Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

The Blessed Virgin of San Luca is the sanctuary of Bologna that stands on the Colle Della Guardia as a garrison and decoration of the Emilian city. The Sanctuary is well visible from all over the city. It is a spiritual meeting point for all tourists and locals. Those who visit the Shrine of Our Lady of San Luca are motivated by various personal and spiritual reasons to meditate reflect and pray.

Overnight Location

Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

On the map: Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lies in the northern portion of the country. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 106 km (66 miles) north of Florence and 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Venice.

Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna is a well-preserved historical center and food destination. The city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), and has a large student population that gives it a cosmopolitan vibe. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – the home of parma ham, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese – food is a very big deal here. Cured meats, aged cheeses, cream, butter, game and truffles are abundant in the city. You’ll find artisan market stalls, enticing cafes, and lavishly stocked gourmet delis in the Quadrilatero - a compact district just east of the Piazza Maggiore.

Day 7

Accommodation

4-Star Boutique Heart of Bologna Hotel - Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Private Tasting Tour of Northern Italy

This full-day private tour will lead you on a discovery of the delicious food of the Parma and Modena region. It will start with a Prosciutto Producer with a very generous tasting (it replaces the lunch) and proceeds with a guided visit to a Parmesan Cheese Factory, with tasting. You'll also visit a Balsamic Vinegar Producer and then finish up with a guided visit to a Wine Producer and its Museum of Wine’s Traditions with a final tasting.
 

Suggested Sightseeing

Towers of Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Known as the Two Towers, the two most prominent towers in the city of Bologna are the landmark of the city. These are among the few that remain from the original towers of the 12th and 13th centuries. Originally, there were up to 180 towers in Bologna, and while the reason for their construction is unclear, it is hypothesized that they were built by rich families for offensive and defensive purposes during the period of the Investiture Controversy – a conflict between church and state in medieval Europe over the ability to appoint local church officials through investiture. The Two Towers now stand as a reminder of medieval times in Bologna and can be climbed by visitors. 

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Known as the heart of Bologna, Italy, Piazza Maggiore was built where there was once just a grassy area. The plaza has been the center of Bologna’s political and social life since the 13th century, when the buildings surrounding it started popping up. As one of the biggest and oldest squares in all of Italy, it is a stunning landmark. Many important buildings surround the plaza including Palazzo D’Accursio, Palazzo del Podesta, and Basilica of San Petronio. Sit at one of the outdoor cafes overlooking the plaza and enjoy a cappuccino or a glass or spritz while you soak in the Italian sun. 

Overnight Location

Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

On the map: Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lies in the northern portion of the country. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 106 km (66 miles) north of Florence and 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Venice.

Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna is a well-preserved historical center and food destination. The city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), and has a large student population that gives it a cosmopolitan vibe. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – the home of parma ham, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese – food is a very big deal here. Cured meats, aged cheeses, cream, butter, game and truffles are abundant in the city. You’ll find artisan market stalls, enticing cafes, and lavishly stocked gourmet delis in the Quadrilatero - a compact district just east of the Piazza Maggiore.

Day 8

Depart From

Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

On the map: Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lies in the northern portion of the country. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 106 km (66 miles) north of Florence and 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Venice.

Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna is a well-preserved historical center and food destination. The city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), and has a large student population that gives it a cosmopolitan vibe. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – the home of parma ham, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese – food is a very big deal here. Cured meats, aged cheeses, cream, butter, game and truffles are abundant in the city. You’ll find artisan market stalls, enticing cafes, and lavishly stocked gourmet delis in the Quadrilatero - a compact district just east of the Piazza Maggiore.