Tours Beyond Florence

Siena and San Gimignano 

Siena is a beautiful medieval town known for its elegant artistic style and gothic architecture. A day trip to Siena includes a visit to the Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico to see the 14th century Allegory of Good and Bad Government frescos, and a visit inside the richly decorated 13th century Duomo. After lunch you have the option to remain in Siena or head over to the hilltop town of San Gimignano known for its local white wine, Vernaccia, and for the medieval towers that dominate the skyline.

Pisa and Lucca

By the end of the visit to Pisa I will have you convinced that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually the least exciting monument on the Campo dei Miracoli (Cathedral Complex). We will visit the interior of the Duomo, Baptistery, the Camposanto, and talk about why the bell tower leans so much. From Pisa we will head over to the quaint medieval town of Lucca known for the 16th century walls that still encircle the town. In Lucca we will do a walking tour to see the Duomo of Lucca, San Michele in Foro, and the Piazza dell’Amfiteatro.

Pienza and Montepulciano

Located in the South of Tuscany, a day trip to Pienza and Montepulciano combines the best of Tuscany: art, architecture, cheese, and wine. Pienza was built as a 15th century “Ideal City” by Pope Pius II. We will visit the main square and the Duomo and take in the breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia facing Monte Amiata. No trip to Pienza is complete without tasting the town’s famous Pecorino cheese. For the afternoon we will head to Montepulciano to visit this hilltop town and taste the local red wines.

Cortona and Arezzo

Located in the Val di Chiana with stunning views of Lake Trasimeno, this hilltop town does not disappoint. While walking through the town we will discuss the ancient Etruscan origins, the medieval period, and the changes brought about by the Medici during the Renaissance. We will visit the main sites of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio, the Duomo of Cortona, Piazza della Repubblica, and the Convento delle Celle, the convent where St. Francis of Assisi lived his final days. A stop over in Arezzo on the way back to Florence is a perfect end to the day in Cortona.

Rome 

Rome’s size can make a day trip seem quite daunting, but you can see quite a lot with a full day in the Eternal City. We could start the day with Ancient Rome, visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, and spend the afternoon doing a walk through the historic center to see the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. Instead of Ancient Rome we could focus on Baroque Rome and visit the Borghese Gallery, the major Jesuit churches, and follow the trail of Caravaggio. Interested in seeing other things in Rome? Let me know!

Venice

Venice is one of my favorite places in Italy because of its unique history. With a day in Venice we can see the famous Piazza San Marco, visit the Frari to see Titian’s stunning Assumption, and still save plenty of time for wandering through the alley ways along the canals away from the crowds. Interested in seeing the islands on the edge of the lagoon? We can take the Vaporetto water bus to the oldest area of Venice on Torcello, see the colorful houses on Burano, and visit a glass making workshop on Murano. Whether this is your first time to Venice or you have been there many times, there is always something new to discover.

Milan

Milan offers the perfect combination of Italian culture: history, music, and fashion. A day in Milan would include a visit to the Gothic cathedral and the Sforza castle, a walk around the famous Quadrilateral della Moda, and a look at the interior of the Teatro della Scala. If interested we could also visit the Brera Gallery and explore the surrounding neighborhood known for its funky and boutique shops. Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The itinerary will be based on your personal interests.

 Bologna

Only a 40 minute train ride from Florence, Bologna is unique in that it is not a tourist city. Explore the porticoed streets of this historic city while on a hunt for the Seven Secrets of Bologna. We’ll visit San Petronio, the Teatro Anatomico, and the Asinelli and Garisenda towers. Bologna is referred to as “la Grassa”, or fat one, because of its exquisite cuisine with rich foods like mortadella and Bolognese meat sauce. Eating is an important part of the culture and we will be sure to experience this savory side of Bologna!

Are there other towns or cities you are interested in visiting?

The country of Italy is packed with amazing towns and cities from the toe to the top of the boot. If you would like information on tours in other towns please do not hesitate to ask.

Travel Arrangements

A few of these cities and towns are easily reachable by train, while others require a car. I can arrange a car and driver for the day or you may make your own arrangements for a rental car. Transportation costs are covered by the clients. Please ask me for more details.