Tuscan Treats

For

7 DAYS

Departs On

TBA

Max

18 Passengers

From AU

$2565 PP

A rich tapestry of idyllic countryside and ancient towns, beautiful architecture and delectable food. On our Tuscany tour you’ll seek out world-renowned treasures and hidden gems, turn into a culinary connoisseur and fall head over heels for this exquisite Italian region.

THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE

Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites – from the Cinque Terre to Siena
Unlock the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with wine tastings and an exclusive cookery class.

INCLUSIONS

6 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
Local guide in Florence
Premium mini-coach transportation
European breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 evening meals (D)
Wine tastings
Tuscan cooking class
Olive oil tasting
Pecorino cheese & wine tasting
Entrance included to: Cinque Terre Card, Baptistery of St John in Pisa, Cathedral of Siena

DAY 1 FLORENCE – LUCCA

Your introduction to Italy involves an in-depth guided walking tour of Florence. But, before we get too comfortable in Florence, it’s off to leafy Lucca – where cobbled streets and red-roofed buildings make up the first stop on our journey. When we reach Lucca, unwrap layer upon layer of fascinating history and fine architecture as we go beyond its city walls. Tonight, we come together for the first of our delicious dinners at a local osteria. (D)

DAY 2 LUCCA – CINQUE TERRE – LUCCA

Rocky coastline. Romantic, sugared almond-coloured villages. It’s time to take the road less travelled along the more remote parts of the Italian Riviera’s sublime shoreline. Our route brings us to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tour highlight. We explore villages dotted along this secluded stretch and marvel at the breathtaking scenery surrounding us. After time spent discovering this beautiful area, we return to Lucca in time for dinner. (B)

DAY 3 LUCCA – PISA – VOLTERRA

Infamous and impossible to miss, Pisa’s Leaning Tower is a staggering sight – and our first point of call today. Afterwards, we travel on to Volterra where you have the chance to explore the town at your own leisure. Perched on a plateau, this magnificent and mysterious medieval walled town is our home for the night – but before bed beckons, there’s plenty of time for you to discover its charismatic character.

(B)

DAY 4 VOLTERRA – SAN GIMIGNANO – SIENA – PIENZA

A magnificent piazza. Meandering stepped streets. Throw in beautifully preserved architecture and a sensational location, and you have San Gimignano where we make time to visit Gelateria Dondoli, home to a master gelato maker and carry on to Fattoria San Donato for an indulgent wine tasting, complete with bruschetta and local meats. After taking in the city’s head-turning historic centre, we continue to Pienza with a stop via Siena. Tonight, the evening is all yours. (B)

DAY 5 PIENZA – CHIANTI

Its timeless charm and enchanting rural backdrop make Pienza a serene spot to spend this morning on foot with your Tour Leader, before we continue our journey to sample handcrafted pecorino cheese and world-class wine. Driving onwards through the Chianti countryside, another gem awaits – a Tuscan country house that we’ll call home for the next two nights. (B,D)

DAY 6 CHIANTI

Rise and shine as your invitation to the kitchen awaits, where we roll up our sleeves and don aprons. The villa’s chef treats us to an exclusive lesson in making Tuscan delicacies, sharing all the secrets, and then we sit down to savour the fruits of our labours for lunch. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 CHIANTI – FLORENCE

While we have to say goodbye to our villa this morning and we reach the final day of our trip, there’s one more treat in store: a stop-off at an oil mill for a guided tour, olive oil tasting and light lunch. All in all, it’s a fitting end to our tour that has celebrated the natural beauty and culinary traditions of Tuscany, and that ends back in romantic Florence. (B,L)