Your Own Italy

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Tuscan Treasures

cities: florence - san gimignano
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Florence & Tuscany – Art, Wine, and the Soul of Italy

Discover Florence and the Tuscan countryside, where Renaissance art, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisine converge. Begin in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, exploring masterpieces, grand piazzas, and the lively rhythm of the city. Admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and enjoy panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Venture into Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns, where life slows down and flavors come alive. Explore Siena, famed for its Gothic architecture and the Piazza del Campo, guided by a local expert through charming streets filled with history and tradition. Visit the Siena Cathedral, experience the Palio spirit, and sip espresso in a lively piazza.

Indulge in gourmet delights at Villa Machiavelli, once home to Niccolò Machiavelli, where Tuscan cuisine and fine wines merge with centuries of history. Conclude your journey at Castello Banfi in Montalcino, a celebrated winery offering an exclusive tasting of Brunello di Montalcino paired with a sumptuous 3-course Tuscan meal. Perched atop a sunlit hill, Montalcino enchants with its medieval fortress, winding streets, and sweeping vineyard vistas — a timeless haven of wine, history, and Tuscan beauty.

This itinerary seamlessly blends art, culture, cuisine, and countryside charm, offering an authentic taste of Tuscany’s artful living.

Day by day

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florence

Summary florence
Day 1

Arrival in Florence – Settle into the Heart of Tuscany

Arrive in the timeless city of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and the heart of Tuscany. Your private driver will meet you at the train station or airport and accompany you to your boutique hotel in the city center. After check-in, take time to settle in and unwind as you begin to absorb the charm of Florence — a city filled with art, history, and the gentle rhythm of Tuscan life.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through nearby piazzas, admire the elegant architecture, or simply relax with a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the Arno River. Your Italian journey has truly begun.

wide angle image of the Ponte Santa Trinita with buildings reflected in the Arno River
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Day 2

Introductory Tour and the Accademia Gallery

Step into the Heart of the Renaissance as you explore the timeless beauty, rich history, and artistic masterpieces of Florence on this unforgettable walking tour. From grand piazzas and architectural wonders to world-renowned museums, Florence is a city where every street, every stone, and every sculpture tells a story. With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll journey through the landmarks that shaped Western art and culture, uncovering the genius of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti.

Begin at Piazza della Repubblica, where ancient Roman roads once intersected, marking the origins of Florence. Step into the breathtaking Piazza del Duomo, home to the Florence Cathedral and Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome, a triumph of Renaissance engineering. Admire the intricate marble façade, the Baptistery of St. John, and gaze upon Ghiberti’s legendary "Gates of Paradise." Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, lined with artisan shops, before reaching the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David stands in all its marble perfection. From Florence’s ancient roots to its Renaissance splendor, this tour offers an unparalleled journey through history, beauty, and creativity.

the fountain of Neptune in Florence
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Physical level
Moderate
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Tour Duration
3 hours
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san gimignano

Summary san gimignano
Day 3

Transfer to Tuscany – Lunch and Wine at Villa Machiavelli

Depart Florence this morning and travel through the rolling hills of Tuscany, where cypress-lined roads and sun-drenched vineyards create one of Italy’s most enchanting landscapes. En route to your countryside accommodations, stop at the historic Villa Machiavelli, once home to the great philosopher and writer Niccolò Machiavelli.

Here, enjoy a guided tour of the estate and wine cellars, followed by a gourmet lunch featuring regional specialties paired with the villa’s exceptional wines. Savor the flavors of Chianti in the very heart of its production area, surrounded by olive groves and timeless Tuscan views.

After lunch, continue to your villa in the countryside, where you’ll settle in and begin your four-night stay amid the tranquil beauty of Tuscany.

a line of wine glasses partially filled with different varietals for a wine tasting
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Day 4

Afternoon in San Gimignano – The Towers of Tuscany

After enjoying the amenities at the villa in the morning, you’ll spend a leisurely afternoon in San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most picturesque medieval towns. Known as the “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano enchants visitors with its skyline of stone towers, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.

Explore the town’s charming boutiques, artisan workshops, and inviting cafés. Visit the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, admire frescoes that tell stories of faith and daily life, or climb one of the towers for a panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards. Relax with a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the region’s celebrated white wine, and savor the slow rhythm of Tuscan life.

This day of unhurried discovery invites you to soak in the history, flavors, and beauty that make San Gimignano and its surrounding countryside a true Tuscan gem.

Panoramic view of San Gimignano towers in Italy
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Day 5

Siena – Discover Tuscany’s Medieval Jewel

Depart your countryside villa this morning and journey to Siena, a city celebrated for its medieval beauty, rich traditions, and vibrant spirit. Upon arrival, meet your expert local guide for a fascinating walking tour through Siena’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stroll through narrow, winding streets lined with Gothic palaces and artisan shops before arriving at the magnificent Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most stunning squares and the heart of the city’s life. Learn about the world-famous Palio horse race, admire the ornate Siena Cathedral, and take in breathtaking views from the Torre del Mangia.

After your tour, enjoy free time to wander, shop for hand-crafted ceramics or Tuscan delicacies, and savor a cappuccino or gelato in one of the charming piazzas before returning to your accommodations.

This day in Siena offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and authentic Tuscan atmosphere — a journey into the soul of medieval Italy.

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Day 6

Montalcino & Castello Banfi – The Heart of Brunello Wine Country

Today’s journey takes you to Montalcino, a hilltop town famed for its medieval charm and world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino wines. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with artisan boutiques, wine shops, and panoramic terraces offering sweeping views of the Val d’Orcia countryside.

Continue to the magnificent Castello Banfi, an elegant estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the winery, where tradition meets innovation in the making of Tuscany’s most prestigious wines. Savor an unforgettable wine tasting and gourmet lunch, featuring seasonal ingredients perfectly paired with Banfi’s signature vintages.

This experience immerses you in the soul of Tuscan winemaking — where history, landscape, and flavor unite to create the perfect expression of la dolce vita.

bottles of Brunello di Montalcino produced by the Biondi Santi vinyard
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Day 7

Departure – Arrivederci!

As you bid farewell to Italy, you carry with you not just memories of breathtaking landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and timeless history, but also the warmth of newfound friendships. Your driver will ensure a smooth journey to the airport, giving you plenty of time to make your flight. Though your adventure may be coming to an end, Italy salutes you with a heartfelt “Arrivederci!”—until we meet again.

Now that you’ve traveled with Your Own Italy, you’ll always have friends eager to welcome you back whenever you long for the beauty, flavors, and magic of this incredible land once more.

What’s Included

Charming Accommodations

Florence– 1 nights in a boutique hotel or historic apartment.
San Gimignano – 5 nights in a boutique hotel or historic apartment.

Expert Guides and Skip-the-Line Access

Enjoy the expertise of English-speaking local guides who bring Italy’s history, art, and culture to life. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time exploring.

Immersive Tours and Exclusive Excursions

Florence:

  • Introductory Tour and the Accademia Gallery

San Gimignano:

  • Lunch and Wine at Villa Machiavelli
  • Walking Tour of Siena
  • Visit Montalcino
  • Lunch and Wine Tasting Castello Banfi
2 nights
Pricing & Dates
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Departure Date
Number of Travelers
12-3
Mar 2, 2026
$4,895
$3,495
Mar 16, 2026
$4,895
$3,495
Apr 6, 2026
$5,195
$3,795
Apr 20, 2026
$5,195
$3,795
May 4, 2026
$5,195
$3,795
**Per person does not include flights.
Vacation Airfare
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To book your international flights at preferred rates, contact an UP AND AWAY TRAVEL International Specialist:
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+1 (800) 275 8001
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kyle@upandaway.com
Vacation Insurance
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against potential fund forfeiture due to cancellation or unexpected incidents such as injury or loss. We offer travel insurance through our partner, Allianz.
Awards
Tripadvisor Award
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USA Booking Info
+1(202) 696 0193
carmen@yourownitaly.com
8409 Lynwood Place
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Italy Booking Info
+1(202) 696 0193
carmen@yourownitaly.com
Via del Plebiscito, 112
Roma, IT 00186
Schedule 30 minutes call with Carmen
Select a Day
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Best trip ever!
We would like to sincerely thank Carmen and her team for the wonderful two week itinerary planned for us in Italy as well as your dedication and constant communication in keeping us always informed with our tour guides and drivers.
Being that this was our first time traveling to Italy, Your Own Italy made our hotel (beautiful hotels) , transportation, and tour reservations for us which made our trip stress free where we could relax and enjoy our time. All the private drivers and AP Tour Guides were wonderful, gracious, very knowledgeable and informative. We really enjoyed them and learned a lot from them.
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