Tours in Florence - Italy

Tours in Florence

Florence in the Morning

Florence in the Afternoon

Florence in the AM + Lunch

Florence Full Day + Lunch

Florence Panoramic

Discovering Walking Tour in the Morning

Concert and Dinner

Opera and Dinner

Cooking Course with Dinner

Cooking Course + Lunch

Handmade Pasta Course + Lunch

Guided Visit to Accademia

Guided Visit to Uffizi

Guided Visit to Accademia + Uffizi

Siena and San Gimignano

Pisa

Chianti (without dinner OR with dinner)

Other:

Renaissance Walk

Tour of the Uffizi

Hidden Florence Walking Tour

San Gimignano & Siena

Chianti Wine & Hill Towns

Cinque Terre Day Tour

NEW!

Wine and Coffee Tasting:

The Taste of Tuscany (White Wine)

The Taste of Tuscany (Red Wine)

Secrets and taste of original Italian “Caffé Espresso”

See also : Wine Tours from Florence

TOUR #1a: FLORENCE IN THE MORNING

$74.00 per person

Season: All year round - Every day
Departure: 9:30 AM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 12:30 PM

Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: a stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world. The tour will proceed by coach through the old city centre.
Outdoor guided tour of the Duomo complex: Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso, the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi.
A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia* where you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and other works by the great artist. End of the tour inside the museum.

(*) Closed on Monday. Replaced with visit to the Bargello museum or the Medici Chapels.

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TOUR #1b: FLORENCE IN THE AFTERNOON

$74.00 per person

Season: All year round - Every day
Departure: 2:30PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around h. 6:00 PM

A fine coach tour offering panoramic views of the unparalleled beauty of Florence, taking in Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin set on the hills overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley. The tour continues to the old city centre for a visit to the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce (exterior). A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi. The tour continues with a guided tour of the famous Galleria degli Uffizi* where you can admire the superb paintings of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio. End of the Tour inside the museum.

(*) The Gallery is closed on Monday; replaced with visit to the Museum of Palazzo Vecchio.

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TOUR #1a + L.L. : FLORENCE IN THE MORNING + LIGHT LUNCH

$97.00 per person

From 16 March to 15 November. Everyday.
Departure: 9:30AM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
Duration: 4hrs

Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: a stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world. The tour will proceed by coach through the old city centre.
Outdoor guided tour of the Duomo complex: Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso, the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi.
A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia* where you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and other works by the great artist. End of the tour inside the museum.

The tour includes light lunch and drinks in a historic restaurant in the centre, following the guided tour, just a brief walk away, accompanied by our assistant.

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TOUR #1a + 1b +L.L. : FULL DAY FLORENCE + LIGHT LUNCH

$164.00 per person

From 16 March to 15 November. Every day.
Departure: 9:30 AM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
Duration: 8h30

Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: a stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world. The tour will proceed by coach through the old city centre.
Outdoor guided tour of the Duomo complex: Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso, the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi.
A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia* where you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and other works by the great artist. End of the tour inside the museum.

The tour includes light lunch and drinks in a historic restaurant in the centre, following the guided tour, just a brief walk away, accompanied by our assistant.

A fine coach tour offering panoramic views of the unparalleled beauty of Florence, taking in Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin set on the hills overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley. The tour continues to the old city centre for a visit to the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce (exterior). A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi. The tour continues with a guided tour of the famous Galleria degli Uffizi* where you can admire the superb paintings of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio. End of the Tour inside the museum.

(*) The Gallery is closed on Monday; replaced with visit to the Museum of Palazzo Vecchio.

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TOUR P: FLORENCE PANORAMIC TOUR

$32.00 per person

All year round. Every day.

Schedules:

· From 12^th July 2008 to 25^th October 2008 included, there are four departures: 08.30/11:00/15:00/17:30;

· From 26 October 2008 to 05 April 2009 included, there are two departures: 10:00/13:30

· From 06 April 2009 to 31 October 2009 included, there are three departures: 11:00/15:00/17:30;

From 1 November 2009 to 29 March 2010 included, there are two departures: 10:00/13:30.

(15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)

Duration: 2 hrs

If you want to discover the city and its famous hills, what better than our Panoramic Tour!
The basic tour on our program, it allows you to admire Florence and the surrounding area
through the ample windows of our comfortable coaches. You will be given headphones to listen to
a complete introduction to the history, art and culture of this marvelous city.

Comfortable
Our deluxe coaches offer the maximum comfort, with air-conditioning, large panoramic windows
and comfortable seats.
Exciting
An exhaustive and engaging commentary, recorded in your own language in the attractive voice of
a professional speaker, for a relaxed and undisturbed listening using a disposable headset.
Comprehensive
This tour enables visitors to admire all the major artistic sites of Florence that can be reached by tourist
bus. The itinerary unwinds between the two most famous hills of Florence – Piazzale
Michelangelo and Fiesole – penetrating the ancient heart of the city on the two banks of the river
Arno.

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TOUR #2a: DISCOVERING FLORENCE WALKING IN THE MORNING

$44.00 per person

Season: All year round - Everyday
Start: 9:15AM (10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 11:45AM

The tour starts from the peculiar Central market zone, characterized by its workshops and multicolored stalls, where the Medicean Chapels, and Basilica di S. Lorenzo, the church of Medici’s Family, are located. In a short time you can reach Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the Cathedral* (inside visit) and its dome by Brunelleschi, the bell-tower by Giotto, Saint John Baptistery with its Paradise Door. The tour continues by visiting the medieval quarters where Dante Alighieri and Beatrice lived. Further on you can find Palazzo del Bargello. Not too far, there is Piazza della Signoria, a great “open-air sculpture museum”, overlooked by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Next to it the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museum all over the world. Then you proceed to the picturesque Mercato della Paglia(Straw market), where the famous Piggy Fountain is located. You walk along the street that leads to Ponte Vecchio, the “jewels bridge”. By crossing the bridge, you will reach the wonderful Pitti Palace. End of the tour.

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TOUR #2b: CONCERT AND DINNER

$88.00 per person

Season: From 1 April to 31 October* - Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Start: 7:15PM (10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 10:45PM

A real Italian-style evening dedicated to the discovery of the Tuscan cuisine and of the most celebrated Italian opera arias and famous Neapolitan songs. Our assistant will take you into an ancient and fascinating neighbourhood in the old city centre, where the Restaurant - Wine house is located. It has been built into a characteristic “hollow” (an old cellar). In this romantic atmosphere, under arches and vaults dating back to 1200, a candlelit typical Tuscan dinner is served with excellent Chianti wine. Close to the restaurant, professional tenors and/or sopranos perform (at 21:15) the most beautiful opera songs from the operas by Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and other famous Italian musicians together with Neapolitan songs renowned all over the world, in an intimate atmosphere of an historical place (Anglican church) with an excellent acoustics. Your reservation allows you to take stalls in order to enjoy completely this fascinating show. During the intermission, tea or coffee together with a piece of cake or a goblet of very good wine will be served (they are included in the price).

(*) Excluding 10, 11 April and August.

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TOUR #2c: OPERA AND DINNER

$88.00 per person

Season: from 4 April to 30 October - Saturday.
Meeting: 7:15PM (10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 11:15PM

*Except in April 11 and August.

An evening in genuine Italian style, devoted to discovering Tuscan cuisine and a famous opera. Our assistant will take you to a charming old district in the city centre. In a characteristic restaurant, you will be served a typical Tuscan dinner with excellent Chianti wine. Talented singers will be awaiting you after dinner in an intimate, old setting (the Anglican church), to perform four acts of one of the most famous Operas (of Verdi, or Puccini or Mozart), accompanied by piano music. You will be reserved front-row seats so you can enjoy this absorbing spectacle to the full.

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TOUR #C1: COOKING COURSE WITH DINNER

$110.00 per person

Season: from 2 April to 16 November - Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Meeting: 5:15PM (5 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 9:45PM

Our assistant takes you to a picturesque corner of the historical centre through a pleasant walk. You will live a different and involving experience combining food, art and culture. In an equipped kitchen of a characteristic Florentine home, guided by a skilled Chef you will be taught how to prepare a full typical Tuscan menu and to match wines in about two hour and half time. The course is followed by dinner where prepared dishes will be served accompanied by matching wines.

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TOUR #C3: COOKING COURSE w/ visit to market + lunch

$127.00 per person

Season: from 7 April to 17 November - Thu.
Meeting at 10:00AM - end around 3:00PM
(10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)

On this course you can learn to cook a typical everyday Tuscan meal, starting off by choosing the ingredients in season. Under the expert guidance of a multilingual chef, you will visit the historic San Lorenzo central market, where you will select the ingredients that you will then use to prepare a four-course meal (starter, first course, second course and dessert) in a top class cookery school. The course will be followed by lunch with the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a good Tuscan wine and a fun and friendly atmosphere.

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TOUR #C4: HANDMADE PASTA COURSE AND LUNCH

$85.00 per person

Season: from 1 April to 15 November - Saturday
Meeting at 12:00PM - end around 3:00PM
(10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)

On this course you can learn to make your own real fresh pasta following ancient Italian traditions using flour, eggs and other ingredients. Under the expert guidance of a multilingual chef, you will learn how to make pasta, both using a rolling pin and a pasta machine. You will make three different types of pasta with three different sauces and a typical Italian dessert. The course will be followed by lunch with the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a good Tuscan wine and a fun and friendly atmosphere.

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TOUR #M1: GUIDED VISIT TO THE ACCADEMIA GALLERY

$55.00 per person

Season: All year round - from Tuesday to Sunday
Start: 11:15AM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 12:30PM

Total immersion in the art of Michelangelo to get to know his most famous work, David, and other important works of art such as “I Prigioni” and “San Matteo”.

(Once the guided tour is over, it is possible to stay in the museum).

OR TOUR #M4:

May 01 to October 31 - Tuesday to Sunday

Start: 2:30PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)

End: around 3:45PM

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TOUR #M2: GUIDED VISIT TO THE UFFIZI GALLERY

$55.00 per person

Season: All year round - from Tuesday to Sunday
Start: 4:30PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
End: around 6:00PM

You can’t leave Florence without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world. Here you can admire numerous works of art by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio.

(Once the guided tour is over, it is possible to stay in the museum).

OR TOUR #M3:

May 01 to October 31 - Tuesday to Sunday

Start: 9:00AM (10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)

End: around 10:30AM

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TOUR #M1+M2: GUIDED VISIT TO THE ACCADEMIA AND UFFIZI GALLERIES

$99.00 per person

Season: All year round - from Tuesday to Sunday

The guided tour of the Accademia Gallery (morning 11:15AM) can be purchased together with that of the Uffizi Gallery (afternoon 4:45PM) at a very reasonable price.

It is not necessary to book the visits of the two museums in the same days.

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TOUR #3: EXCURSION TO SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO

$91.00 per person

Season: all year round* - every day
Departure: 9:00AM (15 m. earlier at the meeting point)
Return: around 5:45PM

A beautiful excursion through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees.
Upon arrival in Siena, a guided tour of the old city centre: walking along the small medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and ending up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior including the Libreria Piccolomini and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful in the world, where you will find the Palazzo del Comune (exterior). Free time for lunch (not included).
Departure for San Gimignano a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures; free time to discover this fascinating city. During the return journey, along the way visitors can admire the old mediaeval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls, still intact.

(*) From 16 November to 15 March, Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

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TOUR #4: EXCURSION TO PISA

$69.00 per person

High Season: From 16 March to 15 November – every day
Departure: 2:00PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
Return: around 7:30PM

Low Season: from 16 Nov. to 15 Mar. - Tue. Thu. Sat. Sun.
Departure: 1:45PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)

Return: around 7:15PM

A splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside to the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower (exterior), the Baptistery (exterior) and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your disposal. Those who are interested can take a pleasant walk with our tour escort and reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the historic Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world.

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TOUR #5a: EXCURSION TO CHIANTI AREA

$72.00 per person

Season: 16 March to 15 Nov* - Mon., Wed., Thurs., Sat.
16 Nov to 15 Mars - Wed.
Departure: 2:15PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
Return: around 7:00PM

An excursion to one of the most suggestive areas of Tuscany, known all over the world for its wine and its countryside of unrivalled charm, where woods alternate with vineyards and olive groves, in a landscape dotted with Romanesque churches, farmhouses, villas and castles of rare beauty. This tour includes a visit to a site of particular historic and artistic interest in an ancient hamlet and to one of the most famous wine-growing estates, complete with a snack and tasting of its prestigious wines.

_{The excursions are carried out in different
areas of the Chianti region.}

(*) Excluding 15 August

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TOUR #5b: EXCURSION TO THE CHIANTI AREA WITH DINNER

$119.00 per person

Season: From 3 March to 31 October - Tuesday and Friday
Departure: 2:15PM (15 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
Return: around 10:45PM

A journey through the Chianti countryside, one of the most suggestive areas of Tuscany famous the world over for its wine, to reach a magnificent Castle: a visit to the gardens and the splendid cellar with its the famous barrels of the Chianti Classico wine. Stop for snack and wine tasting, followed by a visit to one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the area. For dinner: a typical meal (with rich menu and excellent Chianti wine) in the magical atmosphere of an old village among the hills.

The excursions take place in different areas of the Chianti region.
Weather permitting, dinner will be served in the open.
Please wear suitable clothing.

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Original Renaissance Walk

Tour Highlights

TWO TOURS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! A 2-hour walking tour of Florence combined with a 1-hour guided tour of the Accademia featuring Michelangelo's David & other works by the genius of the Renaissance. IF YOU ONLY HAVE TIME TO DO ONE WALKING TOUR IN FLORENCE, THEN, THIS IS THE ONE YOU SHOULD TAKE

FLORENCE WALKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES TICKETS & RESERVATION FOR MICHELANGELO'S DAVID - TWO TOURS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

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DURATION:

3 hours

PRICE per person:

Adults
$71

Children & Students

6-25 yrs
$62

Children under 6 yrs
Free

OPERATES:

TUESDAY - SUNDAY AT 9.30 A.M.
(17th March - 5th November, 2008)

INCLUDES:

Local Expert Guide / Head-Phones

ORIGINAL RENAISSANCE WALKING TOUR, FLORENCE
We make reservations to guarantee no standing-in-line to see DAVID!
Includes head-phones in price of the tour.

As we walk through the streets and piazzas of Florence we'll discuss the ideas of the Renaissance, the lives of many famous artists, the Medici family who showered Florence with countless masterpieces, and how life changed forever during this epic period of the history of Florence.
In-between the famous landmarks, we'll take enchanting back-streets and alleys paved with the original stones from ancient times. Here, we'll discover lesser known attractions that will help weave together the complex and rich history of the city and provide our guests with a more intimate experience of Florence. We'll pause to admire the Ponte Vecchio and to discuss the history and role of the oldest surviving bridge crossing the river Arno . As we enter the piazza Signoria, after admiring Vasari's Corridor from the exterior, we'll enter Dante's old neighborhood. After enjoying a walk through the historical centre of Florence we arrive at the Accademia Gallery, home to Florence 's most treasured work of art – “MichelAngelo's David”.
After enjoying an in-depth discussion of David, we'll also have time to admire “MichelAngelo's Slaves”. A series of breath-taking sculptures of original captives of the stone who writhe, struggle and turn, forever attempting to free themselves from their rigid marble blocks.
The tour finishes inside the Accademia Gallery where you'll be able to admire other important works of art housed in the museum, and perhaps, take some time to reflect on an intense and thoroughly entertaining tour of Florence and the times of the Renaissance.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Reservation / Entrance Fees of 12.50€ per person for the Accademia not included in the price of this Florence walking tour are to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Tour of the Uffizi

Tour Highlights

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE MASTERPIECES OF THE RENAISSANCE WITH A LOCAL EXPERT GUIDE! Book this tour in advance over the internet to guarantee you get into the Uffizi. Otherwise, be prepared to stand-in-line for several hours. We include the free-use of head-phones to ensure you can clearly hear your guide on this walking tour of the often crowded Uffizi museum.

WHEN YOU RESERVE THIS TOUR, YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY GUARANTEED RESERVATIONS TO ENTER THE UFFIZI WITHOUT HAVING TO STAND-IN-LINE!

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DURATION:

2 hours

PRICE:

Adults $71	Children & Students 6-25 yrs $62
Children under 6 yrs Free

OPERATES:

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY AT 2.30 P.M.
(17th March - 5th November, 2008)

INCLUDES:

Local Expert Guide / Head-Phones

Small group tour: Average group size is 12/15 people

WALKING TOUR OF THE UFFIZI, FLORENCE
We make reservations to guarantee no queues!

This tour features the highlights of the Uffizi Museum, the Medici family & the Sculptures of Piazza Signoria. Our expert local guide will give you a thorough introduction to the Renaissance period utilizing the great works of Art on display inside the Uffizi museum. Head-phones included in the price of the tour.
The tour begins with the world-famous Uffizi painting museum. Famous for its masterpieces by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Tiziano, Caravaggio, just to name a few. The main attractions of the Uffzi museum, your guide will concentrate your time inside the Uffizi on the must-see sights of the famous museum

Through out the tour of the Uffizi we'll spend more time viewing and discussing the works that gave rise to the Florentine Renaissance so that you can enjoy a new understanding of this incredibly important period of art history. Combined with our Original Renaissance walking tour you'll enjoy a new and full understanding of Florence's role in the renaissance movement.
The Uffizi museum was originally built by the Medici to house their administrative offices that ruled the city. Hence the name "Uffizi", Offices in Italian. During your tour of the Uffizi museum we'll discuss the Medici family as we tour the top floors of the Uffizi where the grand dukes offices were located. Our tour also includes some time in the open-air sculpture garden of Piazza Signoria to admire the fine works on display.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Reservation / Entrance Fees of 12.50€ per person for the Uffizi not included in the price of this Florence walking tour are to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Original Hidden Florence Walking Tour

Tour Highlights

A RICH & STIMULATING ITINERARY, FLORENCE AT ITS BEST! A walking tour of wonder & discovery of the "Real Florence" with one of our local expert guides who will lead you on a delightful journey through the back-streets of Florence to discover hidden treasures & fascinating characters whose stories will enliven the lesser frequented and arguably more enchanting parts of the city of Florence.

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DURATION:

2.5 hours

PRICE:

Adults
$46

Children & Students

6-25 yrs
$36

Children under 6 yrs
Free

OPERATES:

MONDAYS AT 10 A.M.
(17th March - 5th November, 2008)

INCLUDES:

Local Expert Guide

THE ORIGINAL HIDDEN FLORENCE WALK

A rich and stimulating itinerary, Florence at its best! A walk of wonder & discovery of the "Real Florence".

Our Hidden Florence walk starts with the church of Santa Maria Novella. Off-the-beaten-track, its fascinating inlay marble facade is one of the landmarks of city. And, inside Santa Maria Novella we'll admire masterpieces by Giotto, Masaccio and Ghirlandaio. Around the corner is the famous old pharmacy still in use today! We'll smell and admire the potpourris and soaps made from natural ingredients, as well as seeing some of the old instruments and ceramic jars used by the Dominican monks of Santa Maria Novella.

Then, we'll explore the Rucellai neighborhood and the church of Santa Trinità whose famous Sassetti chapel has frescoes that feature detailed examples of Florentine dress fashion and cityscapes of Florence, that will help shed light on how life was during the times of the Renaissance. On these back streets we'll see wine doors and tabernacles, and other examples of everyday Florentine life.

Crossing the Arno river to the Oltrarno neighborhood, we'll explore alleyways lined with artisan workshops, as we walk through what was once the Jewish neighborhood of Florence. We end our tour in the picturesque piazza Santo Spirito another beautiful Florentine piazza often overlooked by tourists.

Please Note: Entrance Fees to the Santa Maria Novella Church are to be paid in cash on the day of the tour. Cost 2.70€ per person!

San Gimignano & Siena

ENJOY AN INTIMATE EXPERIENCE OF SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO & ENCHANTING MONTERIGGIONI ON OUR POPULAR HILL TOWNS OF TUSCANY TOUR! A very special day exploring Medieval Hill Towns and the beautiful countryside of Tuscany awaits you....

LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS - BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE!

DURATION:	8 hours
PRICE:	$210
OPERATES:	Thursday & Sunday at 9.00 a.m. (17th March - 5th November, 2008)
INCLUDES:	Includes Local Expert Driver / Guide

Hill Towns of Tuscany Tour - Siena, San Gimignano & Monteriggioni
In English Only & Limited to 8 participants - So remember to Book Early!

Your day tour of San Gimignano & Siena starts from nearby Florence. Visit Siena, built on three steep hills and unchanged since Medieval times it's a must-see attraction of Tuscany . On a guided walking tour of this compact city with your driver/guide you'll see the major sites like the "Piazza del Campo" where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year, as well as exploring quieter back-streets to appreciate Siena 's complex and rich history.

Your Day Tour of San Gimignano & Siena continues with a tour of San Gimignano. Famed for its medieval skyscrapers, high walls and narrow streets that typify most peoples image of a Tuscan hill town. Learn about the famous Guelph-Ghibelline conflict that inspired the local families to build their fortified towers and their forms of defense against their enemies, as well as the times of Black Plague when the population and power of San Gimignano was devastated.

After enjoying tours of San Gimignano & Siena, visit the less-frequented, but equally charming Monterriggioni. A walled medieval fortress that sits on a low-lying hill surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Its medieval walls and fourteen square towers are still intact, and you'll have time to explore the narrow alleyways and fortifications of this precious Tuscan hill town before returning to Florence .

Available as a private tour on other days. Contact us for further details.

Chianti Wine & Hill Towns Tour

WORLD FAMOUS WINES & ENCHANTING HILL TOWNS! Traveling along the Chianti wine road with your local expert driver/guide you'll quickly learn that this region has a lot more to offer than just its celebrated wine.

LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT PARTICIPANTS A TOUR

DURATION:	8 hours
PRICE:	$253
OPERATES:	Wednesday & Saturday at 9.00 a.m. (17th Mar - 23rd Jul & 3rd Sep - 5th Nov, 2008)
INCLUDES:	Two Full Wine Tastings at celebrated vineyards Local Expert Guide

CHIANTI WINE & HILL TOWNS TOUR TUSCANY

Our Chianti Tour provides the perfect "Taste of Tuscany" for the first-time visitor. Our itinerary involves limited time driving so that you can thoroughly enjoy the places visited on this tour while indulging in all the pleasures that make Tuscany such a popular destination; Taste fine wines, delicious local cuisine, stroll around enchanting hill towns and be intoxicated by the splendid vistas and views of the Tuscan countryside.

Visit the hill town of Impruneta to see the Terracotta furnaces and local pottery that has been made here since the 11th Century. Here we'll visit a world famous artisan who's clients include the Botanical gardens of New York. We'll tour the workshop that dates from the 17th century and where you'll learn about the production of Terracotta over the centuries.

At the Medieval castle of Montefioralle , stroll around this enchanting castle and admire the breath-taking scenery with incredible vistas of the Chianti, and appreciate the slower pace of life that hasn't changed for centuries as you stroll around the streets of this enchanting hill town.

At Greve in Chianti, the principal town of the Chianti, you'll have some free time to explore this friendly market town ( Market Day is Saturday) with the opportunity to do an optional wine tasting or olive oil tasting while in the town. Before lunch, we'll visit a local vineyard to learn more about the winemaking and to enjoy our first wine tasting of the day. An optional lunch can be taken at a delightful Trattoria known only to the locals. Located at the end of a long dirt road that terminates at a small hamlet lost in the Tuscan countryside, enjoy an undisturbed panoramic view of the hill country and delicious regional cuisine while you fall under the spell of the Tuscan countryside

In the afternoon, we'll continue our exploration of the Chianti visiting Medieval hilltowns and their fortresses that once formed the league of Chianti in the 13 th Century where you'll enjoy further incredible views of the countryside, and along the way we'll pause at a vineyard to enjoy another wine tasting of Chianti wine. Following scenic back-roads we'll make our way back to Florence to finish a very fulfilling and relaxing day in the beautiful Tuscany countryside.

Cinque Terre Day Tour

ENJOY A VACATION FROM YOUR VACATION! Breath-taking vistas, a stroll along the scenic coastal path, enchanting villages, and the famous leaning tower of Pisa. All this waits you on our tour of the Cinque Terre. THE ORIGINAL & BEST DAY TOUR OF THE CINQUE TERRE

LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS! REMEMBER TO BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE ON THE TOUR.

DURATION:	9 - 9.5 hours
PRICE:	$283
OPERATES:	Tue & Fri at 8.30 a.m. (17th March - 5th November, 2008)
INCLUDES:	Entrance fees to the Coastal Footpath along the Cinque Terre Tickets for the Boat ride along the Cinque Terre Local Expert Guide

TOUR OF THE CINQUE TERRE FROM FLORENCE
In English Only & Limited to 8 participants - So remember to Book Early!

Riomaggiore, the first of the Cinque Terre, we'll begin your tour of the Cinque Terre. Your driver/guide will escort you on an easy walk along the famous “Lovers Walk” trail that affords magnificent views of the coastline. Entrance to this guided walk is included in the price of the tour. As you enjoy a delightful and relaxing stroll the magic and beauty of the Cinque Terre will start to reveal itself to you!

At Manarola, tour the most photogenic of the five villages. Explore a myriad of narrow alleys and pretty pastel squares that epitomize the man-made beauty of the Cinque Terre. Perhaps! take a time-out from your day tour of the Cinque Terre to enjoy a wine tasting of the local renowned wines at a cozy wine-bar.

From Manarola your tour of the Cinque Terre will continue with a visit to the town of Vernazza, arguably the most beautiful of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Your journey from Manarola to Vernazza will be by boat and the cost of the boat ticket along with the entrance fees for the coastal footpath are included in the price of the tour.

The town of Vernazza faces onto the water with its large open harbor, castle and church it conjures up all the magic of the Cinque Terre. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the open-air restaurants that line the waterfront, or enjoy a stroll through the back-streets of the town above the harbor to enjoy splendid views along the coast.

For logistical reasons, your local driver guide will escort you as far as Manarola and will make sure you are on-board the boat for Vernazza before heading back to drive the mini-bus to Vernazza.

Then, he will meet you again in Vernazza after you have had time to explore the town. Before heading back to Florence, we will drive up to Corniglia, the only one of the Cinque Terre towns not located directly on the water.

The fourth village that we visit, Corniglia, is the ideal place to finish our day tour of the Cinque Terre as from the towns belvedere you can enjoy some of the best views of the Cinque Terre. The terraced hills are covered with vineyards that remind visitors of Corniglia's famous wine that has been produced here since ancient times. In fact, the wine was so famous in ancient times that vases excavated at Pompeii boasted its virtues. The less frequented of the Cinque Terre towns, in Corniglia you will have a chance to reflect on your day of the Cinque Terre before returning back to Florence.

PLEASE NOTE: For logistical reasons your driver/guide will escort you as far as Manorola, taking care of the tickets for the boat ride to Vernazza. While your having a relaxing time enjoying your tour of the Cinque Terre he'll be busy driving tour vehicle to Vernazza to collect you to return to Florence.

TOUR: THE TASTE OF TUSCANY (White Wine)

$46.00 per person

Available: From May 2009 - all year round (except Sundays, Dec. 25 and holidays)
Time: 7:30PM

2 hours long

Includes: tasting of three wines and of typical products, served with water, salad and fresh fruits. Our skilled staff will guide you through the tasting.

Enjoy and smell the genuine flavour of Tuscany, warmly welcomed in a typical Florentine familiar atmosphere. In the ancient centre of Florence, inside a building dating back to the XV century, at a small historical wine house, the best quality selection of Tuscan wines will be presented and served to you, together with handicraft seasoned salami, bruschettas with a variety of extra virgin olive oils, delicious homemade canapés and a range of the best Tuscan pecorino cheeses, served with flavoured jellies. Guided by Francesco and Sara’s competence and passion, you will taste typical products and prestigious wines coming from Tuscan exclusive productions only, which can be rarely found elsewhere:

Vernaccia di San Gimignano - Superior white wine produced in the Siena area, classic and unique, dry, flat and still, 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano grapes.

This wine is served with toasted home-made Tuscan bread (“bruschette”) and extra virgin olive oil from the Florentine hills, together with a precious selection of biologic extra virgin olive oils, flavoured with hot pepper, porcini mushrooms and truffle.

Vermentino - Superior white wine from the Maremma hills, coppery, dry, still and rather dense, 100% Vermentino grapes.

This wine is served with three Tuscan “d.o.p.” pecorino cheeses, each one of a different ripening, paired with jellies (flavoured with vin santo, vernaccia, chianti classic) and honey (flavoured with truffle).

2006 Vintage Chianti Classico – Red wine coming from the renowned hills of the unmistakable Chianti Classico area, dry and dense, 85% Sangiovese grapes and 15% Colorino black malvasia grapes.

This wine is served with the famous Tuscan salamis of the Casentino region (ripe Tuscan raw ham, classic Tuscan salami, typical finocchiona or Tuscan “sbriciolona”) and with assorted canapés (tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese, Tuscan chicken liver sauce, truffle and cheese, fresh tomatoes)

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TOUR: THE TASTE OF TUSCANY (Red Wine)

$56.00 per person

Available: From May 2009 - all year round (except Sundays, Dec. 25 and holidays)
Time: 7:30PM

2 hours long

Includes: tasting of three wines and of typical products, served with water, salad and fresh fruits. Our skilled staff will guide you through the tasting.

Enjoy and smell the genuine flavour of Tuscany, warmly welcomed in a typical Florentine familiar atmosphere. In the ancient centre of Florence, inside a building dating back to the XV century, at a small historical wine house, the best quality selection of Tuscan wines will be presented and served to you, together with handicraft seasoned salami, bruschettas with a variety of extra virgin olive oils, delicious homemade canapés and a range of the best Tuscan pecorino cheeses, served with flavoured jellies. Guided by Francesco and Sara’s competence and passion, you will taste typical products and prestigious wines coming from Tuscan exclusive productions only, which can be rarely found elsewhere:

· Vino Bolgheri – Superior red wine from the Tuscan Maremma area, dense and fruity raspberry flavour or flowers smelling, but also strongly persistent, made of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, 25% Merlot and 25% Sirah grapes.

This wine is served with toasted home-made Tuscan bread (“bruschette”) and extra virgin olive oil from the Florentine hills, together with a precious selection of biologic extra virgin olive oils, flavoured with hot pepper, porcini mushrooms and truffle.

Vino Chianti Classico Riserva - Superior red wine coming from the famous hills of the Chianti Classico, a typical 100% Sangiovese wine with special and unique features.

This wine is served with three Tuscan “d.o.p.” pecorino cheeses, each one of a different ripening, paired with jellies (flavoured with vin santo, vernaccia, chianti classic) and honey (flavoured with truffle).

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - Superior red wine from the Val di Chiana characterised by unique smell and body, 90% Prugnolo gentile grapes and 10% Colorino grapes.

This wine is served with the famous Tuscan salamis of the Casentino region (ripe Tuscan raw ham, classic Tuscan salami, typical finocchiona or Tuscan “sbriciolona”) and with assorted canapés (tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese, Tuscan chicken liver sauce, truffle and cheese, fresh tomatoes)

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TOUR: SECRETS AND TASTE OF ORIGINAL ITALIAN "CAFFE ESPRESSO"

$24.00 per person

Available: From May 2009 - all year round (except August)

Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 3:00PM

1 hour long

Let your senses indulge in an unforgettable journey through the aroma of the true Italian “espresso” coffee.

A break of pleasure to discover of the secrets of aromatic coffee blends and most irresistible and tempting preparations: Mocaccino, Nocciolino, Caramellino and other delicatessen/specialities.

An expert will welcome you in the most famous Coffee-Store in the historic centre of Florence, also specialised in biological coffee, disclosing you the features of different coffee qualities and different roasting. He/She will show you how to use the famous “espresso” and “moka” machines properly and will transform you into a passionate connoisseur of this scented drink. You will taste and appreciate the differences between two types of coffee: aromatic notes of Arabica coffee and density of Robusta coffee.

You will enjoy the true and irresistible Italian “cappuccino” and its finely whipped cream, served with delicious homemade biscuits.

An Italian lifestyle experience, whose aroma can follow you back home or at your friends’ home, thanks to a package of prestigious personalized blend, exclusively prepared for you by our Coffee-Store expert.

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See also : Wine Tours from Florence