Florence, Pisa & the Coastal Charms of Italy 2026

Good morning, Florence. Or in the local language, Buongiorno Firenze. It might be worth learning a few phrases to help navigate the city today, because today is a full day in Florence. We start with an included guided tour around Florence’s cobbled streets, where your guide will point out some of the city’s most impressive features while telling you a bit about its history.

Florence is a masterpiece, and, as the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, it’s the home to a plethora of Renaissance art and architecture. Brimming with life and excitement. There’s far too much to choose from. So, what’s on your list? Maybe you’ll stroll across Ponte Vecchio and get an iconic shot of this famous medieval stone arch bridge crossing the Arno River. Perhaps you’ll head inside the the Uffizi Gallery, an iconic art gallery housing Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Medusa. Meander around the Piazza della Signoria with your camera… finding local markets for an afternoon treat.

Hungry yet? Exploring a new place is the best way to build up an appetite. But you’re in Florence now, a city known for more than its striking architecture. We’re talking about cibo – food. Perhaps you’ll partake in a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a T-bone steak seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil. This traditional Florentine dish pairs well with a glass of Chianti, just saying. If you’ve been snacking throughout the day (as is custom when gelato and Cannoli tempt you at every corner), perhaps you’ll go for something lighter like Ribollita, a classic Tuscan vegetable soup. Or maybe a simple (yet incredible) slice of pizza while you wander is more up your alley.

And as the sun sets on another gorgeous day in Italy, it’s time to settle down for another romantic and historic city. You’ll go to sleep tonight knowing you’re surrounded by fine Italian wine, quiet medieval streets, and the memory and influence of famous artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Your overnight accommodation will be in B&B Hotel Firenze Laurus al Duomo, Florence (or similar). (B)

It’s time to say goodbye to city life (for now) and embrace the beautiful coastline of Italy. We depart Florence and travel through the Tuscan countryside to the stunning Ligurian coast.

We arrive in La Spezia, a port city known as the gateway to Cinque Terre that offers a blend of maritime charm and vibrant culture.You will get a train ticket that will get you between as many colourful villages as you wish. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso; it’s up to you to decide which ones you want to visit.

Nested against the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera, everywhere you look you’ll spot colourful houses, winding streets, stunning panoramas, and so much more. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own and you’re spoilt with temptations the five post-card villages offer. A sandy beach in Monteroso, a photogenic harbour in Vernazza, terraced vineyards in Corniglia, delicious local wine in Manarola, and cobbled streets of Riomaggiore.

After a relaxed afternoon soaking up the coastal charm of Cinque Terre, perhaps with a final gelato by the sea or a lingering gaze at the pastel villages, you make your way to Pisa.

You’ll have a free evening to discover more of Pisa’s charm. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli at dusk, stroll along the Arno River, visit the peaceful Camposanto Monumentale, or admire the city’s many historic churches. Be sure to enjoy some local cuisine before settling in for an overnight stay in Pisa.

Your overnight accommodation will be in 3/4* hotel in Pisa (or similar). (B)

You’ll have some free time in Pisa this morning to make sure you get that iconic photo with the tower before it’s back to the bus to explore more of Tuscany’s treasures.

Our first stop of the day is the charming walled city of Lucca. Here you’ll find a delightful blend of historical, cultural, and scenic attractions. Maybe you’ll walk along the city walls. Perhaps you’ll visit the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Or find yourself in one of Lucca’s beautiful churches – perhaps the Cathedral of St Martin.

This afternoon get ready to step back in time as you visit the medieval hilltop town of Volterra – a quintessential Tuscan town with sweeping views across the rolling hills. Maybe you’ll chose to learn about the ancient Etruscan way of life and the town’s famous alabaster working at the Museo Etrusco, admire the decadent Palazzo Incontri-Viti merchant’s mansion, or just sit back and watch the world go by at the Piazza San Giovanni.

Next, we travel along the country roads, past cypress trees and olive groves to arrive in Montepulciano. This hilltop town in rural Tuscany is your home for two night.

Time slows down here and every corner invites you to discover something beautiful. You’ve got a free evening here, so make sure to wander through its medieval streets, where history whispers through Renaissance architecture, and the scent of rich, earthy wine fills the air.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Albergo San Biagio, Montepulciano (or similar). (B)

You’ve got a free morning in this charming town so stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Italian espresso paired with a pastry. And then, maybe you will feel like taking a peaceful walk up to the Piazza Grande, where you can admire the impressive Palazzo Comunale and the panoramic vistas over the Val d’Orcia? Whatever you decide to do, savour this perfect moment.

After your peaceful morning, we start to uncover the secrets of the iconic Val d’Orcia. Our first stop of today is a real beauty. An architectural beauty, that is. Pienza is celebrated for its exquisite Renaissance architecture and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre.

Your time is yours to eat lunch and to uncover the secrets of Pienza. What will you see first? Perhaps the duomo with its striking interior and impressive windows? Or the Diocesan Museum, brimming with paintings from the 12th to17th centuries. Wherever you end up, you’ll fall for the city just like we did. No trip to Tuscany is complete without a visit to a local winery, so we stop in at one for a tour followed by a tasting. We finish the day with a visit to Bagno Vignoni, a village renowned for centuries for its curative waters. Today, you can admire this ancient spa and follow the flow of the spring waters across the archaeological park.

After a day of exploring the Tuscan countryside, we return to Montepulciano for another leisurely evening. Stuck for ideas what to do? There’s no better way to embrace the magic of this place than with a glass of the local Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in hand and a sunset walk.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Albergo San Biagio, Montepulciano (or similar). (B)

You leave Tuscany in the morning and travel south to the Maremma region. This enchanting stretch of Tuscany and Lazio whispers tales of the Etruscans, a sophisticated civilization that thrived long before Rome’s dominance. Renowned for their artistry, engineering, and harmonious relationship with nature, the Etruscans left behind a legacy etched in hilltop towns, necropolises, and mysterious artifacts. Today, we’ll explore some of the most remarkable sites tied to these fascinating people, delving into their history and trying to uncover their secrets.

Our first stop of the day, Sovana, may look like a sleepy medieval hamlet today but it has deep Etruscan roots that date back over 2,500 years. If you love a bit of ancient mystery, make sure to visit the Etruscan Necropolis, where you can get up close to a hauntingly beautiful collection of tombs carved into the region’s soft tuff rock. Feel full of awe as you admire these ancient tombs with intricate carvings that reflect the Etruscans’ beliefs in the afterlife and their deep respect for nature. Alternatively, you can walk along the enigmatic Via Cava, an impressive road network carved out of tuff during the Bronze Age.

After exploring these remarkable remnants of Etruscan civilisation make sure to grab something to eat and soak in the atmosphere of this picturesque medieval town before continuing your adventure.

We continue the journey towards Capodimonte, a small town situated on the bank of Bolsena Lake, the largest volcanic lake in Italy. You’ve got free time to stroll along the charming waterfront, explore the medieval fortress of Rocca Farnese, or go on a boat tour. After your relaxing break by the lake, we start our journey through the region of Lazio towards Rome.

And as we head back to the Eternal City of Rome, now is the time to reflect on all you’ve sampled and experienced over the last few days. From the remnants of enigmatic civilisations to the icons of architecture, charming villages and local wine, this tour is bursting with stories and flavours. (B)