Tuscany and Marche

D01: FLORENCE

The journey begins on Day 1 in Florence. Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet your guide and head to the capital of Tuscany for an extensive city tour. You will visit the Uffizi Museum, Ponte Vecchio, the Accademia Gallery, and the marvelous churches of the historic center: Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery, Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce. The day concludes with dinner in a local trattoria featuring a traditional Fiorentina steak.

D02: FLORENCE

Day 2 is devoted entirely to Florence. The morning begins with a trip uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo and the San Miniato al Monte Abbey terrace for stunning panoramic views of the city across the River Arno. Afterward, you will stroll down to Piazza della Signoria and explore Palazzo Vecchio. The entire afternoon is left free for leisure, shopping, and personal exploration of the historic center.

D03: FLORENCE - PISA

Day 3 offers a free morning in Florence before heading to Pisa. The afternoon visit will include Piazza dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower, and the Baptistery, followed by a visit to the medieval San Piero a Grado Abbey. The late afternoon and evening offer free time to walk Pisa's streets and enjoy an aperitivo. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the San Rossore Natural Park resort.

D04: SIENA

On Day 4, you will leave Pisa very early and dive deep into Siena. You will explore its most important sites, including the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Duomo) and the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex (Spedale). You will have a unique opportunity to meet with members of the Contrade (historic city quarters) to learn about the Palio horse race. Dinner will be enjoyed in a Contrada club, followed by a leisurely walk to explore Siena by night.

D05: SIENA - VAL D’ORCIA 

Day 5 sees a move south into the beautiful Val d'Orcia (UNESCO Heritage). You will visit the serene monastic orders of Monte Oliveto Maggiore and the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. Next, you will head to Montalcino, the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino wine, for a wine and olive oil tasting. You will spend the night in a charming agriturismo within the Val d'Orcia.

D06: VAL D’ORCIA ROLLING HILLS LAND

Day 6 is dedicated to exploring the charming towns of the Val d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi region, renowned for its rolling hills. Stops include Montepulciano, Pienza (known for its Pecorino Toscano cheese), and San Quirico d’Orcia. The latter part of the day will offer a chance to unwind at the thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni. Dinner will feature Pici, a typical Sienese handmade spaghetti.

D7: FRASASSI CAVES - ANCONA

On Day 7, the journey heads east towards the Marche region and the Frasassi Caves, considered among the most important caves in Europe. You will explore this fascinating cave ecosystem, including the enormous Ancona abyss. Once the visit is over, you will head to Ancona for a traditional dinner based on Stockfish (stocafisso all’Anconetana) and an overnight stay.

D8: ANCONA - RIVIERA DEL CONERO

Day 8 begins with a visit to Ancona, the capital of the Marche Region, including the San Ciriaco Cathedral, the Lazzaretto, and Trajan's Arch. In the afternoon, you will explore the charming towns of Sirolo and Numana, often called "the pearls of the Adriatic Sea," nestled between Monte Conero Park and the sea. The day concludes with a typical Adriatic fish-based dinner along the seaside.

D09:  URBINO

Day 9 is a full-day visit to Urbino (UNESCO Heritage), a pivotal center of the Italian Renaissance and the birthplace of painter Raffaello Sanzio. You will see marvelous places such as the Ducal Palace, the National Gallery of Marche, and the Oratory of the Grotto, all contributing to its UNESCO status.

D10: RECANATI, HILLS OF INFINITY - LORETO - FERMO

Day 10 is dedicated to the poetic and religious essence of the Marche region. You will visit Recanati, famous for its poet Giacomo Leopardi, and the nearby town of Loreto, a significant pilgrimage site housing the Sanctuary of the Holy House. In the afternoon, you will explore the main square of the medieval city of Fermo, including the ancient Teatro dell'Aquila and the old Roman cisterns. Dinner will feature Vincisgrassi (local lasagna) or other handmade pasta.

D11: TRIP BACK HOME

The final day, Day 11, involves heading to the airport of Ancona or Bologna (basing on flight correspondence and availability) for a happy farewell and to prepare to return home.