LEARNING JOURNEYS



The Tuscan Experience​
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Immerse yourself in the flavors of Tuscany. Savor bold reds in Montalcino, crisp Vernaccia in San Gimignano, and handcrafted pastas. Expert guides will lead you through unforgettable tasting experiences in vineyards, cellars, and villages. Capture the essence of Tuscan living - unhurried, rich, and satisfying.​​​​​​​
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Transformational Moments Await
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Relax and escape to the timeless charm of the Tuscan countryside in a beautiful villa
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Savor guided tastings of bold reds and elegant whites among picturesque vineyard rows
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Step inside a traditional olive mill and taste award-winning extra virgin olive oil drizzled over freshly baked warm bread
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Follow a trained truffle dog and expert forager into ancient oak forests for an authentic truffle hunting adventure
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Wander the cobbled streets of medieval wine towns like San Gimignano, stopping for tastings in atmospheric wine cellars carved directly into the rock
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Stroll through the heart of the Renaissance with a guided tour of Florence and stand in awe before Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery
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Embark on a full-day excursion to Pisa to admire the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli, the magnificent Cathedral and Baptistery, followed by exploring the preserved ancient city walls of charming Lucca
Itinerary:
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1
Touch down at Florence Airport, where the soul of Renaissance Italy welcomes you with open arms. As you step off the plane, breathe in your first taste of Tuscan air4a subtle blend of cypress, olive groves, and centuries of artistic heritage. Our attentive team will greet you with warm Italian hospitality, ensuring a seamless transition from the bustling airport to your idyllic retreat nestled in the undulating hills of Tuscany. As evening falls, gather with fellow travelers for a sumptuous welcome dinner at your villa, where local flavors and regional wines provide the perfect introduction to the culinary delights that define this magical region.
Day 2

Embark on a journey through Tuscany's most iconic cities, where centuries of history, art, and architecture await your discovery.​
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Pisa and Lucca, including:
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​Piazza dei Miracoli: Admire Pisa's famous square featuring the iconic Leaning Tower, the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the ornate Baptistery. Learn how Pisa evolved from a medieval town to a powerful maritime republic.
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Tuscan Wine Tasting Enjoy a delightful wine tasting and light lunch at a local farm, where you'll sample Tuscany's renowned wines paired with fresh regional cuisine before continuing your journey.
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Lucca's Historic Walls Explore the walled city of Lucca, where Renaissance and medieval elements blend seamlessly. Wander cobblestone streets and discover well-preserved city walls during a guided tour that reveals the city's rich history and hidden stories.
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Day 3
Today, it's time to experience Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance!
Today you will discover:
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Florence Cathedral: Marvel at the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's iconic dome and Giotto's Bell Tower. Visit the adjacent Baptistery with its famous Gates of Paradise during your walking tour of Florence's historic center.
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Michelangelo's David Experience: the day's highlight at the Accademia Gallery; an encounter with Michelangelo's David, the masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture that continues to awe visitors with its perfect proportions and emotional power.
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Piazza della Signoria: Discover Florence's political heart at Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. After your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure - sample gelato, browse historic markets, or simply soak in the artistic atmosphere.

Day 4
Embark on a traditional truffle hunting adventure in the forests of San Miniato, renowned for its exceptional truffles. During this 3-hour experience, you'll join an expert hunter and trained dogs as they search for prized varieties including the Bianchetto, Scorzone, and coveted White Truffle. Learn about the centuries-old practice, ideal growing conditions, and the special relationship between hunter and dog. Witness firsthand how these valuable culinary treasures are discovered with precision and care in their natural habitat. After the hunt, enjoy a delightful tasting of artisanal truffle products, experiencing the distinctive earthy flavors that make these fungi so highly valued in gourmet cuisine around the world.

Day 5

Begin with breakfast at the villa before journeying to Montalcino, a medieval hilltop town surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This region produces the legendary Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's most prestigious wines. At a local fattoria, enjoy a guided tasting of this distinguished wine paired with a Tuscan lunch featuring complementary regional specialties.
In the afternoon, visit Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Renaissance architectural gem. Explore its harmonious streets and squares before participating in an artisanal cheese tasting featuring Pecorino di Pienza4a traditional sheep's milk cheese renowned for its distinctive character. Return to your villa in the evening, perhaps with a bottle of Brunello as a memento of your gastronomic adventure through Tuscany.
Day 6
Embrace a day of complete freedom at your exquisite Tuscan villa, where time seems to slow and the authentic rhythm of Italian countryside living takes center stage. Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine beside the shimmering pool, meander through fragrant gardens bursting with lavender and rosemary, or simply drink in the panoramic vistas of undulating emerald hills and meticulously manicured vineyards that extend to the distant horizon. Perhaps lose yourself in a captivating novel, savor the complex notes of a locally produced Chianti on your sun-dappled terrace, or surrender to a blissful afternoon siesta beneath the golden Tuscan sky. Today is your canvas for personal rejuvenation and la dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).

Day 7
Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel. Embark an extraordinary journey to Cinque Terre, Italy's crown jewel of coastal splendor. This breathtaking string of five ancient fishing villages, dramatically perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the azure Ligurian Sea, captivates visitors with its otherworldly beauty and timeless charm. Weather conditions will determine whether you'll visit two or three of these picturesque hamlets by boat offering spectacular sea views of the villages' iconic profiles, or by the charming regional train that winds along the dramatic coastline.
Wander through narrow cobblestone alleyways framed by pastel-hued buildings, discover hidden viewpoints offering sweeping maritime panoramas, and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of these resilient coastal communities that have clung to the cliffs for centuries. As the day draws to a close, return to your hotel with a heart full of indelible memories of Cinque Terre's incomparable landscapes, vibrant culture, and the distinct personality of each village a truly magical addition to your Tuscan adventure.
Day 8
Awaken to the golden Tuscan morning, savor a hearty breakfast, and prepare yourself for a day brimming with laughter, flavor, and unforgettable experiences! Our journey takes us to San Gimignano, a breathtaking medieval hilltop town nestled in Tuscany's verdant heart, affectionately nicknamed the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its dramatic skyline of 13 majestic stone towers. This UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its exquisitely preserved medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and sweeping panoramic vistas of the undulating Tuscan landscape.
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After allowing you time to wander and discover the town's treasures at your leisure, we'll whisk you away to an authentic Tuscan estate where the culinary adventure begins! For gastronomy enthusiasts, this is paradise! Alongside our masterful chef, you'll participate in an immersive Tuscan cooking class, uncovering the time-honored secrets behind silky homemade pasta, robust sauces, and succulent meats. Throughout this culinary journey, indulge in an illuminating olive oil tasting experience, where you'll discern the remarkable difference between commercial varieties and the exquisite, locally-produced liquid gold that defines Tuscan cuisine.


Day 9
After an enchanting sojourn through Tuscany's timeless landscapes, the moment arrives to bid a fond arrivederci. This final morning, enjoy the convenience and comfort of a private transfer from your hotel to Florence Airport in a luxurious motor-coach. Comprehensive porterage service ensures your luggage is handled with care as you prepare for your onward journey.
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Depart not merely with tangible mementos, but with your heart full of indelible impressions undulating emerald hills bathed in golden light, world-class wines savored at historic estates, medieval villages frozen in time, and meaningful connections forged along your Tuscan odyssey. Until we meet again4the eternal beauty of Tuscany awaits your return.
Inclusions
Program Includes:
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Arrival Transfer from Rome airport to the hotel
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Professional English-Speaking Tour Escort
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4 stars accommodation in Tuscany with daily breakfast
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Private motor-coach throughout the tour
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Mandatory hotel city tax
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Luggage handling at the hotel - one bag per person
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Lunch and dinners listed above (drinks included)
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Food Tastings as mentioned above
Not Included:
â–ª Air fares
â–ª Personal Expenses
â–ª Gratuities to guides and accompanying staff
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