Tuscany in Spring Tour Overview
Welcome to magical Tuscany. Together we explore the beautiful Chianti region and beyond with the gorgeous Tuscan towns of Lucca, San Miniato and Pistoia. Our week long Spring in Tuscany adventure sees us meeting locals, sampling wine and exploring the hills and valleys of this much loved area of Italy.
We’re going well off the beaten path to discover hidden villages, stunning vistas, Medici villas and local cheeses and even have time for some relaxation at a thermal baths resort town.
Appreciate that we’re taking it slow and making time to meet the locals – the makers, producers and artisans of Tuscany that make this region so very special. You’ll enjoy long tasty lunches and dinners under the Tuscan sun and go home with memories you’ll cherish forever.
Spring in Tuscany Tour Highlights
Wine tasting • Luxury farmhouse accommodation • Meet the locals • Lucca • Life-changing cheese • Under the Tuscan sun dinners • Artisan crafts • Extra Virgin Olive Oil • Traditional pasta making• Thermal baths
If you want to relax and not worry about how, where and what you should do in Tuscany this is the way to travel – read full review
The Tuscany tour far exceeded our expectations. We would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a once in a lifetime experience! – read full review
Although we originally chose this trip as a wine and foodie trip, the real surprise and gift, was the warmth and generosity of the people – read full review
Spring in Tuscany Tour Itinerary
Day One
WELCOME TO TUSCANY
Our tour begins in Florence in the morning where you’ll meet your tour leader and group before we whisk you away to the Chianti wine region. Get to know your fellow travelers over a delicious Tuscan lunch at an organic family-run winery with, of course, incredibly dreamy views.
After lunch, we head to a nearby fortified village with Etruscan roots. Explore the charming winding streets, behold the mighty fortress or pop into one of its many local shops. Together, we visit the workshop of a local ceramic artisan and learn about her crafts.
Day one continued
This afternoon, we check into our luxury country hotel, where you have time to unpack, relax and explore your beautiful surroundings. We stay in a breathtakingly beautiful Tuscan hamlet on our Spring tours with perhaps the most mesmerizing sunsets over the vineyards that we’ve ever seen.
A fun Tuscan festa to officially welcome you on tour awaits you this evening. Enjoy a fun pizza dinner in the hamlet and prepare to be wowed with a musical surprise.
Day one inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Chianti winery, Artisan ceramics visit
- MEALS: Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in Chianti
Day Two
FLOWERS, CHIANTI AND OIL
This morning begins with an exploration of Tuscany’s signature iris flowers. Set off on an easy walk to admire the blooming irises – the flower that represents the Chianti region. These flowers only bloom in Spring and the nearby fields explode with their signature purple color and scent.
Lunch today is picture perfect and a true delight for all the senses. Nibble on traditional Tuscan specialties and try the local farm’s excellent extra virgin olive oil.
In the late afternoon, we head to one of the most infamous towns in Chianti – San Gimignano. Think of it as a sort of ‘Medieval Manhattan’.
Day two continued
Encircled by 13th century walls, with towers that jut out upwards to the sun, you’re sure to be entranced by this magical town. We’ll have some free time to get lost along the winding alleys, grab a gelato, and explore.
Then it’s onwards to a local farm with an incredible view overlooking San Gimignano where we sit down to a true Tuscan feast. This special four course dinner might include Tuscan ribollita soup, homemade pasta, pappa al pomodoro, stewed beef, or even wild boar. Of course it ends with the region’s famed vin santo and cantuccini cookies, grappa, and limoncello.
Day two inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Iris farm visit, San Gimignano free time, Wine and oil farm visit
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in Chianti
Day Three
COOKING TUSCAN STYLE
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make handmade pasta, today is your day. We visit a local chef at her family house in the Sienese countryside. Here, you will roll up your sleeves and wear an apron, as we learn to make traditional recipes passed down from generations and sit for a family-style meal.
The menu is completely seasonal based on the best produce from our chef’s local market. Learn to make a full Tuscan meal from scratch, from appetizers to dessert, as our local chef recounts family stories or a local tradition behind each dish. Your wine glass will never be empty during the day either. Afterwards, we sit down to enjoy our feast in a beautiful olive garden.
Day three continued
In the afternoon, we head to a truly off-the-beaten-path Tuscan town renowned for its crystal production. Walk through the old town gates and take in stunning views of Tuscany, and its Medieval atmosphere. Together we visit some local artisans before you have some free time to wander.
We return to our farmhouse in the late afternoon where you have time to relax and unwind before we meet for a fun apericena (light dinner).
Day three inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Cooking class, Artisan visits
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Apericena (light dinner) with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in Chianti
Day Four
Cheese and Bistecca Fiorentina
Our morning begins with a visit to a wonderful family owned cheese farm. We get to the farm just in time to milk the goats and learn how to make cheese ourselves. We even encounter baby goats in the stable as they chase each other around playing hide and seek.
With tummies rumbling, we’ll soon sit down for a tasty cheese- themed lunch with other regional specialties paired of course with locally made wine.
Later we visit a lively market village, considered the heart of Chianti. Wander around town where you have time to go shopping in its many artisan stores or stock up on cured meats at a famous local butcher shop before a wonderful cocktail tasting experience featuring the liquid gold of the region – olive oil. So why not try an Olive Oil Spritz, Bloody Mary, or an Oliveto.
Day four continued
A classic Tuscan sunset that takes your breath away is on the menu tonight along with Florence’s prized Bistecca Fiorentina (Tuscan steak) and plenty of Chianti Classico to wash it down. We dine at Tuscany’s most famous butcher shop and, if you’re lucky, you may meet its charismatic owner.
Day four inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Tuscan town visit, Goat cheese farm, Olive oil cocktail experience
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in Chianti
Day Five
Thermal Baths and PRETTY PISTOIA
Arrivederci Chianti, we are off to explore the northern part of Tuscany over the coming days. Our morning starts with a visit to one of Italy’s culture capitals – Pistoia. Considered a mini Florence without the crowds, this charming town is nestled at the foot of the Apennine mountains.
We meet our local guide for a walking tour where we learn about its underground Medieval passages and incredible chocolate shops (with a tasting of course). Enjoy some free time before we meet for lunch.
In the afternoon, we head to a nearby town famed for its hot mineral waters. Enjoy a soak in the thermal baths (or an optional massage treatment) and appreciate the healing waters. Alternatively, enjoy some free time to wander around the town.
Day five continued
Later, we check-in to another beautiful farmhouse nestled between Lucca and San Miniato. Enjoy some time to relax before we meet for a delicious dinner featuring delicious local produce.
Day five inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Guided tour of Pistoia with chocolate tasting, Thermal baths visit
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse near San Miniato
Day Six
A Medici Villa and San Miniato
Today we enjoy everything we love most about Tuscany – superb hamlets, romantic villas, delicious food, new Tuscan friends and of course great wine and views.
We pay visit to the truffle obsessed town of San Miniato. It sits on the ancient pilgrimage route, Via Francigena, that went to Rome and on to Puglia. Here you have free time to wander the winding Medieval streets and enjoy a bite to eat in town. We have lots of recommendations to share.
In the afternoon, enjoy some time back at our countryside hotel to use the swimming pool, go on a walk or curl up with a good book.
Day six continued
Later, we head off to explore a gorgeous Medici villa nestled among the Tuscan hills and vineyards. We enjoy a guided tour marveling that the likes of Galileo Galilei and Leonardo da Vinci once walked these floors.
Tonight we gather round a long table at a favorite restaurant with incredible views of the northern Tuscan countryside. Pour yourself a glass of local wine, dive into your by now favourite Tuscan dishes, and reflect on our week so far with newfound friends.
Day six inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Free time in San Miniato, Medici villa tour
- MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse near San Miniato
Day Seven
LOVELY LUCCA
We start our morning with a visit to a local apiary to learn about how organic honey is made before enjoying a light lunch and sample of their delectable honey.
Then it’s onwards to charming Tuscan gem Lucca. There are thousands of stories to be told from behind her sturdy walls, and we’ll learn all about them via a guided tour of this beautiful city.
In the late afternoon, you have free time to pop into Lucca’s many gorgeous shops, bike around the city walls or explore its incredible churches. In the evening, we meet for an aperitivo and tasty dinner in town and enjoy some music the city is famous for thanks to Giacomo Puccini.
Day seven inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Honey farm visit, Guided tour of Lucca
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse near San Miniato
Day Eight
ARRIVEDERCI BELLA TOSCANA (FOR NOW)
Our time in Tuscany ends at a winery that specializes in holy dessert wine known as ‘vin santo’. We take a walk through their beautiful vineyards, and learn about their biodynamic wine making philosophy. Most special of all is our visit to the stunning drying room where the sweet vin santo wine is made.
Then it’s onwards to taste the wine for ourselves. Our winery hosts pour us some of their finest drops to enjoy during a guided tasting over lunch. Sit back and relax with your new friends and enjoy our exquisite final Tuscan lunch together.
In the afternoon we return to Florence. You leave with hearts full of love for this extraordinary part of the world, and a newfound appreciation for the everlasting traditions that make Tuscany so special.
Day eight inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Winery visit
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine
- GROUP TRANSFERS: Back to Florence
Tuscany Spring Tour Inclusions
We have strived to make our Tuscany in Spring tour as all inclusive as possible with no hidden surprises. Included in your tour are:
- 7 nights in two charming Tuscan farmhouses
- Transfers: to and from Tuscany from central Florence
- Unique experiences: 3 winery visits, Tuscan cooking class, cheese farm visit, honey farm visit, guided walking tour in Pistoia, guided tour of Lucca, thermal baths visit, visits to several Tuscan towns and villages, and artisan workshop visits
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 aperitivo and 7 dinners as specified in the itinerary, Wine and bottled water are included with most meals other than breakfast
- Luxury air-conditioned transportation
- Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
Tuscany in Spring Tour FAQ
Accommodation on Tour
Our Tuscan Farmhouses
We have two beautiful bases on our Spring in Tuscany trip. In the Chianti region we stay in a restored property with a wonderful outdoor swimming pool that is part of a charming hamlet. Just 52 people live in the village and you are within walking distance to explore the local church and the village bakery and restaurants.
Nestled between Lucca and San Miniato, our restored country house is family-run and our hosts are proud of the produce grown there. Each room has been thoughtfully decorated with locally sourced furniture. Surrounded by 10 hectares of countryside and hills, there are many trails to explore if you like hiking as well as a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
Meet Your Host
Olivia is an Australian woman living in Rome, with a passion for the land of la dolce vita, cooking and wine. Her super powers include finding the most charming villages and delectable cheeses.
Olivia is your local host that ensures your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Arrivals and Departures
The tour begins in central Florence at 10am when you are whisked away to the Tuscan countryside. Our activities conclude back in central Florence at Santa Maria Novella train station at approximately 4pm on our final day.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Booking information
- Price from $US 6,790 per person based on twin share accommodation
- A supplement applies for solo travelers wanting a private room
- 30% deposit required to reserve your spot
- Cancel for a full refund up to 120 days before departure
- Read complete terms and conditions
Discover Tuscany
Tuscany needs no introduction, but, in the “untold” way, we like to go a little deeper. Discover Tuscany’s highlights and off the beaten path treasures when you read our articles and listen to our podcast about beautiful Tuscany.
