Florence Center
Hidden Florence
- This is a relaxing tour around Florence’s ancient cobbled streets. It takes you to see the artisan district, the Oltrarno (beyond the river Arno). During the tour you will stop into various artisans' workshops-paper workers, silversmiths and bookbinders - allowing you to discover a secret Florence. Finish up at Brunelleschi’s Santo Spirito Church noted for for its beautiful shape and for Michelangelo’s early masterpiece: the wooden crucifix.
The Power of the Medici
- An exploration of the Medici family through two-centuries that includes visits to the convent of San Marco, the Chapel of the Magi, the church of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels
Lunching with Art
- Discover
that at times the renaissance Florentine artistic culture was
closely connected with the gastronomic culture, the taste for conviviality
and good food. Visit paintings of the Uffizi Gallery or Pitti Palace.
Then, go to a Florentine home to relax while trying some typical dishes
of the
great Italian culinary tradition, prepared by the host, a real wine and
cooking connoisseur
Art Talks
- The Art Talks series in Florence includes visits to sites that are normally closed to the public. Our experts will give a short lecture/ around a certain theme, designed to allow participants a chance to ask questions and explore a variety of topics. Space is limited. Art Talks are given on Thursday evenings through April, May and June.
Michelangelo Seminar
- This tour focuses specifically on the work of Michelangelo and his impace on the city of Florence. It includes the Casa Buonarroti, the Bargello and Accademia Museums and a visit to his tomb in the church of Santa Croce
Gourmet Goodies
- Insider's Florentine Lunch: Dine in the home of a young chef. You'll not only get to know his home cooking but also spend time relaxing in his home. A real treat! Great food and a warm and wonderful experience!
- Cooking Class: Our chef
in Florence is a cookbook author, TV food show host and was trained
at Cordon Bleu. She will lead you through the San Lorenzo
food market before taking you to her home to create a wonderful feast.
Beyond Florence
Wine Tasting Day
- You will be picked up from your hotel in Florence or anyplace in Tuscany and taken into the Tuscan countryside for a day of wine tasting, visiting charming hill towns and lunch: Example: Your professional sommelier & driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a journey to the village of Greve. Here you will visit a famous butcher shop. You will continue to Panzano where you will visit and wine taste at a wonderful winery. After the tasting you will stop to a second winery for the balsamic vinegar& vin santo wine. Then you will drive to Castellina in Chianti for lunch. After lunch you will visit a third winery for a guided tour and tasting. Return to Florence hotel or Tuscany accommodation - (other locations available, i.e, Montepulciano, Montalcino)
The Hill Towns of Tuscany
- Explore a few of the less visited hill towns of Tuscany. You will tour Pienza, get a chance to test the hot spring waters in Bagno Vignoni and visit the Monastery of Sant'Antimo where you can hear the Gregorian monks chant
Cooking in the Countryside
- After being pick up in Florence, you will arrive at the estate of a breathtaking renaissance villa. After a wine tasting, start your hands-on lesson and prepare homemade ravioli and tagliatelle. Then you will enjoy the fruits of your labor. You will be taken back to Florence at the end of the day
Siena Excursion
- Enjoy a guided visit to Siena's top sites followed by a gourmet lunch in a Sienese home
Bike Day in the Countryside
- Transfer by van to Castellina in Chianti. Wind your way through the vineyards, past abandoned and renovated farmhouses on the way to one of Tuscany's most renowned castles, Brolio. This is the heart of the Ricasoli empire, family headquarters since 1067 and center of countless battles between Florence and Siena during the Middle Ages. Many people consider that the wine we now know as Chianti was born inside its hallowed cellars, which we can visit. From here we continue on to the village of Monti, then on to San Sano where you have lunch.
Walking Tour in Tuscany
- 10 Mile Guided Walking Tour: Departure
from Montepulciano, known as The Pearl of the 1600s and famous for its
nobile wine. Four-and-a-half-mile
walk sets out immediately on quiet dirt roads with sweeping views across
the soft undulating hills, all the way to the enchanting hilltown of Monticchiello.
Almost no signs of the 20th century have made their way past the walls
of this medieval village, where we will have a light lunch at a tiny restaurant
overlooking the valley. After we'll climb the ramparts for a bird's-eye
view
of the route to Pienza. This six-mile stretch crosses vineyards, farmland
and the grazing pastures of the sheep whose milk makes one of the most
famous products from this area: pecorino cheese. (other routes and mileage
available)