Tuscany Renaissance Art & Wine Tours – 8 Days

Welcome to Florence

Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, where art, history, and culture blend seamlessly. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your luxury boutique hotel, centrally located near the city’s main artistic landmarks. After check-in, take some time to relax or explore the surrounding streets at your leisure. A short stroll through Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Florence’s past.

Exclusive Uffizi Gallery Tour

In the afternoon, embark on a private, skip-the-line tour of the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in the world. Your expert guide will walk you through the evolution of Renaissance art, highlighting masterpieces such as Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’, and Michelangelo’s ‘Doni Tondo’. Learn about the Medici family’s patronage and their lasting impact on art and culture.

Sunset Wine Tasting Overlooking Florence

As the sun sets over the Arno River, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience at a historic rooftop enoteca. Sample premium Tuscan wines, including Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, while admiring the stunning views of Florence’s skyline and the iconic Duomo. For dinner, indulge in a Michelin-star meal or explore Florence’s local trattorias, where traditional Tuscan flavors come to life.

The Legacy of Michelangelo

Begin the day with a private tour of the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, one of the most iconic sculptures in history. Discover the unfinished ‘Prisoners’ sculptures, which reveal Michelangelo’s artistic process and deep understanding of human anatomy.

Exploring the Medici’s Influence

The Medici family played a pivotal role in shaping the Renaissance, and today’s tour will take you to some of their most treasured sites. Visit the Medici Chapels, where grand tombs designed by Michelangelo showcase intricate Renaissance sculptures. Continue to the San Lorenzo Basilica, one of Florence’s oldest churches, where Brunelleschi’s revolutionary architecture sets the foundation for Renaissance style.

Hidden Art in Florence’s Oltrarno District

Cross the Arno River into the charming Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and hidden masterpieces. Visit the Bargello Museum, home to Donatello’s David and other important sculptures from the Renaissance period. Conclude the afternoon with a visit to San Marco Monastery, where Fra Angelico’s frescoes offer a peaceful retreat into early Renaissance spirituality.

Evening at Leisure

Spend the evening at your own pace, perhaps enjoying a private dining experience in a historic Florentine palace or an elegant dinner at one of the city’s fine-dining restaurants.

Secret Masterpieces of Florence

Begin your day by uncovering Florence’s lesser-known artistic treasures. Visit the Brancacci Chapel, where Masaccio’s frescoes mark the transition from medieval to Renaissance art. Continue to Palazzo Pitti, a grand Medici palace housing the Palatine Gallery, filled with paintings by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.

Private Wine Tasting in a Historic Cellar

In the afternoon, venture underground into one of Florence’s oldest wine cellars for an exclusive guided wine tasting. Learn about the deep connection between art, history, and enology as you sample rare vintages paired with local cheeses and truffle-infused delicacies.

Evening Stroll & Farewell to Florence

As your time in Florence comes to an end, enjoy a relaxed evening walk through the beautifully illuminated Piazza della Repubblica, stopping for an authentic gelato at a historic café before preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Journey to Siena

Leave Florence behind as you travel to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the most stunning Gothic architecture in Italy. Check into a luxurious boutique hotel in the historic center, just steps away from the city’s artistic treasures.

The Magnificent Siena Cathedral

Start with a guided tour of the Siena Cathedral (Duomo), an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate marble inlays, sculpted columns, and stunning frescoes. Inside, explore the Piccolomini Library, where Pinturicchio’s fresco cycle brings Renaissance storytelling to life.

Piazza del Campo & Medieval Frescoes

Stroll through Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most famous squares, known for the Palio di Siena horse race. Visit the Palazzo Pubblico, where Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Allegory of Good and Bad Government” frescoes provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval political philosophy.

Exclusive Wine Tasting in Chianti

In the afternoon, venture into the rolling hills of Chianti, where a private vineyard tour and tasting session await. Learn about the winemaking process, from grape harvesting to aging, while enjoying an intimate tasting of Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan blends, and rare vintages

Exploring the Medieval Towers of San Gimignano

San Gimignano, often called the ‘Medieval Manhattan,’ is famous for its towering skyline, well-preserved architecture, and rich history. As you arrive, take in the UNESCO-listed town’s 14 medieval towers, standing as symbols of its once-powerful families. A guided walking tour will lead you through the Piazza della Cisterna, a beautiful square lined with historic palaces, before reaching the Collegiata di San Gimignano.

Art and Frescoes in the Collegiata Church

Step inside the Collegiata Church, home to 14th-century frescoes that vividly depict biblical stories. These masterpieces, painted by Taddeo di Bartolo, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Lippo Memmi, provide an immersive look at medieval religious art. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind each scene, offering insight into how art shaped the spiritual and social life of the time.

Vernaccia Wine Tasting & Artisan Gelato

After your artistic exploration, enjoy a private Vernaccia wine tasting at a boutique San Gimignano vineyard. Vernaccia, the region’s signature white wine, has been praised since the Renaissance era and was even mentioned by Dante in ‘The Divine Comedy.’ Learn about the winemaking process, from vineyard cultivation to barrel aging, while sampling different vintages.

Conclude the afternoon with a stop at Gelateria Dondoli, home to the world’s most award-winning artisan gelato. Enjoy flavours made with local ingredients such as saffron, Tuscan honey, and wild berries.

Dinner at a Historic Farmhouse

As the sun sets, head to a traditional Tuscan agriturismo for a farm-to-table dining experience. Enjoy dishes infused with local truffles, handmade pici pasta, and the finest extra virgin olive oils, paired with wines from nearby estates.

The Scenic Heart of Tuscany

Chianti is synonymous with rolling vineyards, historic castles, and world-renowned wines. This day is dedicated to exploring the rich artistic and enological heritage of the region, blending Renaissance elegance with centuries-old winemaking traditions.

A Renaissance Villa Immersion

Begin your morning with a private visit to a historic Renaissance villa, where noble families once hosted artists and scholars. Walk through the opulent frescoed rooms, admire the antique furniture, and step into the immaculately landscaped gardens, which were once used as inspiration for Renaissance painters.

Exclusive Wine Estate Tour & Tasting

Head to the legendary Castello di Brolio, a medieval fortress and the birthplace of Chianti Classico wine. Here, you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience, sampling aged Chianti wines paired with local delicacies. Learn about the Sangiovese grape, the region’s signature varietal, and how the estate’s centuries-old methods have shaped modern winemaking.

Relaxing Evening at a Wine Estate

Return to your luxury countryside retreat, where you can unwind amidst vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a chef-prepared gourmet dinner featuring seasonal Tuscan specialties, perfectly paired with wines from the estate’s private collection.

Montepulciano’s Renaissance Heritage

Start the day in Montepulciano, a town known for its stunning Renaissance palaces and underground wine cellars. Your guided tour will take you to Piazza Grande, where you’ll admire the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale), inspired by Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio, and the Duomo of Montepulciano, which houses an unfinished altarpiece by Taddeo di Bartolo.

Vino Nobile Wine Tasting in an Underground Cellar

No visit to Montepulciano is complete without tasting its most famous wine—Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in an ancient Etruscan cellar, where oak barrels age some of Italy’s finest red wines. Experience the bold flavors of Sangiovese, paired with regional cheeses and locally cured meats.

Pienza – The Renaissance Ideal City

Next, journey to Pienza, a UNESCO-listed town that represents the Renaissance vision of urban perfection. Designed by Pope Pius II in the 15th century, the town’s harmonious architecture and charming streets make it one of the most picturesque places in Tuscany. Visit the Pienza Cathedral, which showcases perfect Renaissance proportions, and the Palazzo Piccolomini, a grand residence with breathtaking views over the Val d’Orcia.

Pecorino Cheese & Wine Pairing

Pienza is also famous for its Pecorino cheese, which has been produced here for centuries. Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing experience, where you’ll taste different aged variations of Pecorino di Pienza, complemented by local Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Luxury Stay in a Countryside Villa

Check into a luxury villa nestled in the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, where you can relax in the serene landscape. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring local seasonal ingredients, accompanied by live classical music, a perfect way to celebrate the journey’s final night.

Final Moments in Tuscany

Your final morning begins with a relaxing breakfast at your villa, overlooking the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Savor freshly baked pastries, local cheeses, and a selection of regional honeys, paired with Tuscan coffee or a final glass of Prosecco.

Private Transfer & Departure

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Florence or Rome airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure. Reflect on the unforgettable art, history, and flavours of Tuscany, knowing that you’ve experienced the region through the eyes of a true Renaissance connoisseur.