The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday
This tour is no longer available, here are some similar tours:
The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday
8 Days Starting and ending in Florence, Italy
Visiting: Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTITC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the timeless beauty of Tuscany on this classic touring holiday, where you'll explore the cultural heart of Italy. Enjoy guided walking tours of Florence, Lucca, and Siena, and visit iconic sites such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the medieval towers of San Gimignano, and the grand cathedral in Siena. Delight in an excursion to Chianti with wine tasting, and discover the Renaissance city of Pienza. Stay in comfortable hotels in the heart of Tuscany, with international flights from London Heathrow and seamless coach transportation. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: hotel
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Florence. Our Italy tour begins in Montecatini Terme, a spa town in the heart of Tuscany - we’ll head straight to our hotel here.
Day 2
Location: Florence
Today we’ll take the train to Tuscany’s beautiful capital city: Florence. Known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’, its streets are filled with incredible architecture, from the green and white marble façade of the Duomo (and the spectacular dome that crowns it) to the Romanesque grandeur of the Palazzo Vecchio.
A guided walking tour will lead us to some of the highlights, including the cathedral, the imposing Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Piazza della Signoria - the historical heart of Florence’s social and political scene.
The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover more of this wonderful city. Perhaps admire the vast collection of artworks in the Uffizi or Accademia galleries, or cross the Arno to visit the treasure-filled Pitti Palace, once the home of the powerful Medici family.
Day 3
Location: Lucca
Nestled in the countryside midway between Pisa and Florence is the lovely little city of Lucca. Its pretty piazzas (especially the oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro) and cobbled, café-lined streets are perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 230 stone steps to the top of Torre Guinigi, where you’ll find a shady hanging garden of holm oaks and views across the terracotta rooftops and out to the Apuan Alps and Apennines. For something flatter, walk along the Renaissance walls that wrap around the city - they stretch for four kilometres.
After a morning in Lucca, we'll head to Pisa, where we'll stop off to have a look at the famous Leaning Tower. Then, we’ll head to the lakeside town of Torre del Lago, where we’ll pay a visit to the Villa Puccini Museum. This art nouveau villa was once home to Giacomo Puccini, and its serene setting inspired some of his most famous operas, including La Bohème, Tosca and Madame Butterfly.
Day 4
Location: San Gimignano
UNESCO-listed San Gimignano is a classic Tuscan town: a jumble of honey-hued stone buildings clustered on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and groves of olive and cypress trees. But look up and you’ll see the sky punctuated by 14 medieval towers. These ancient ‘skyscrapers’ were built by wealthy families to flaunt their power - once upon a time there were more than 70 of them soaring above the town.
As we make our way towards Siena, our base for the rest of our Tuscany tour, we’ll pause for a stroll around the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni.
Day 5
Location: Siena
We’ll spend this morning uncovering Siena’s layers of history, from its Etruscan roots through its medieval ‘golden age’ to the 17th century, when the city’s world-famous horse race - il Palio - first took place. We’ll stand in the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares (and the setting for the twice-yearly Palio), and tour the grand cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
After our guided Siena tour, the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the Palazzo Pubblico and climb Torre del Mangia for views across the city, before rewarding your efforts with a scoop of gelato in one of the cafes skirting the Piazza del Campo. If you’re an art lover, you’ll want to stop by the Pinoteca Nazionale, with its fine collection of Renaissance paintings.
Day 6
Location: Siena
Today is free for you to relax or explore as you wish. Our optional excursion takes you to the Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, where you’ll visit a peaceful abbey and admire the lunar-like clay landscapes of the Crete Senesi. You’ll then continue to the Renaissance city of Pienza, where you’ll sample locally made pecorino cheese.
Day 7
Location: Chianti
Meals Included: Lunch
We’ll head into the heart of ‘wine country’ today, as we discover the delights of Chianti. We’ll slowly wind our way through the hills, stopping for a delicious Italian lunch at a lovely village restaurant. We’ll round off our tour of Chianti with a tasting at a winery, toasting to the end of a fantastic week (and perhaps planning another Italian touring holiday…). Salute!
Day 8
Location: Florence
We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
-
7 nights in hotels
Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels is included.
-
International flights
Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow.
-
Titan tour manager
A Titan tour manager will accompany the group.
-
11 meals
Includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.
-
Walking tours of Florence, Lucca and Siena
Guided walking tours in Florence, Lucca, and Siena are included.
-
Visits to Pisa, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni
Visits to the cities of Pisa, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni are included.
-
Entry to Villa Puccini Museum
Entry to the Villa Puccini Museum is included.
-
Excursion to Chianti with wine tasting
An excursion to Chianti with wine tasting is included.
-
Welcome drink
A welcome drink is provided.
-
Portable audio headset system on excursions
A portable audio headset system is provided on excursions.
What's Not Included
-
Optional excursions
Optional excursions, such as the visit to Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, are not included.
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with international flights from London Heathrow and comfortable coach transportation within the destination, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey throughout Tuscany.Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable hotels located in the heart of Tuscany, providing a perfect base for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes international flights from London Heathrow and comfortable coach transportation within Tuscany, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey throughout the region.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 7 nights in comfortable hotels located in the heart of Tuscany, providing a perfect base for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.
-
Will there be a tour manager accompanying the group?
Yes, a Titan tour manager will accompany the group throughout the tour.
-
Is there a welcome drink included in the tour?
Yes, a welcome drink is provided as part of the tour.
-
What kind of audio equipment is provided during excursions?
A portable audio headset system is provided on excursions to ensure you can hear the guide clearly.
-
Is there a door-to-door travel service included?
Yes, Titan's VIP door-to-door travel service is included in the tour package.
-
Are there any optional excursions available?
Yes, there are optional excursions such as the visit to Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, which are not included in the tour package.
-
What personal expenses are not included in the tour?
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Are gratuities included in the tour package?
No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included in the tour package.
-
What activities are planned for the free day in Siena?
On the free day in Siena, you can relax or explore as you wish. There is an optional excursion to the Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, where you can visit a peaceful abbey, admire the clay landscapes of the Crete Senesi, and sample locally made pecorino cheese in Pienza.
-
Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
Reviews of this operator
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit for future tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.




The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."