Tuscany & Florence

Day 1 - Arrival Florence - Limo Transfers to the city

Arrive at Florence airport where you will be met, and whisked by limo to the Grand Hotel Villa Cora, where you will be greeting with a welcome apero and your full touring pack will be waiting.  Grand Hotel Villa Cora is a 19th-century building surrounded by a park with outdoor swimming pool. The rooms at Villa Cora are decorated in classical style with antique furniture. It is conveniently located, just 2 km from the center of Florence.

Take the hotel's complementary shuttle service into the city (5mins drive) and explore the famous historic and shopping quarters.

Later you will be met at the Villa by your Elite's Concierge, who will provide you with a full briefing and walkthrough of your itinerary, and help plan any other local activities whilst you are with us. 

Overnight: 5 Star Grand Hotel Villa Cora, Florence

Day 2 - Chianti Country

In the morning, the car hand over will take place and you will be on your way.

Your first tour will take you south from Florence and into the rolling hills and vineyards of the Chianti region. Your first stop of the day is a visit to the historic Castello di Brolio, with its stunning wine cellar, gardens and shop. You then pick up the tour again through the countryside, passing by one of the best market towns in the region, Gaiole in Chianti, before heading up to the hilltop village of Radda where you can admire the views of the surrounding countryside from the towns walls. From Radda, head down then back up to the hill top, fortified town of Castellina, where we recommended you take lunch in a Tuscan farmhouse, just outside the centre of the town, you will get to sample local produce and cooking at its very best. After lunch, make a final stop at the small village of Castelnuvo Berardenga, where the remains of a 14th century castle are located, before heading along to your hotel in the Chianti hills.

Overnight: 4 Star Superior Borgo Scorpeto hotel, Castelnuovo Berardenga

Day 3 - The Crete to Val d'Orcia

For your second tour, you will head to the majestic volcanic dome of Monte Amiata, and extinct volcana.  The impermeable layer of sedimentary rocks that was covered with magma about 300,000 years ago has produced wonderful gushing hot springs in the area.  Along the tour you will stop at the town of Montalcino, where the bastions of the pentagonal rocca (stronghold) offer amazing views across the Tuscan landscapes.  You will then drive a loop of Monte Amiata, stopping for a typical Tuscan lunch in the beautiful village of Radiciofani.  After lunch, you will continue across some stunning / sweeping Tuscan landscapes and along to the spa town of San Casciano dei Bagni, where there is the chance to try out the famous thermal waters in spa baths that date back to Roman times. Finally, the drive takes you across Vicino Monticchiello - this sweeping stretch of Cyprus tress line road is possibly the most famous and photographed road in the whole of Tuscany, and presents the perfect backdrop for a photo of a lifetime.  Now continue your journey back to Pianella for a second evening.    

Overnight: 4 Star Superior Borgo Scorpeto Hotel, Castelnuovo Berardenga 

Day 4 - Tour the borderlands of Florence / Route Mille Miglia

Today you will tour through the rolling Tuscan hills west of Florence, visiting some of the most beautiful and well preserved towns in the region, including the hilltop towns of Castelfiorentino, Cetaldo and San Gimigiano. This tour is very much about a combination of sightseeing and the drives. After heading through the beautiful hilltop village of Certaldo, you then drive to the gem of the region, San Gimigiano. It’s also the only city in the region that has managed to conserve fourteen towers of varying height which have become its international symbol. After lunch, spend some time exploring by foot, shop for the best local produce and wines from the region. The final drive back takes you along the SP 222 (Strada Chiantigiana) arguably the most scenic route in central Tuscany, as it cuts its way north through Chianti Country. A final stop of the day is made in the village of Greve in Chianti, for an afternoon coffee and cakes, before completing the drive back to the villa.

Overnight: 5 Star Grand Villa Cora Hotel, Florence

Day 5 - Visit Florence, then later return to Florence Airport

On your final day, spend some more time in the city of Florence, or relax in the hotels grounds.  Later you will be met at the Villa by your driver, and transferred back to Florence airport for your onward flight.