Day 1 - Swiss Alps
Early morning departure, scenic drive down the Rhine Valley, across the spectacular Swiss Alps and through the Lake District of northern Italy. Early evening, we will arrive in Tuscany. Check in , then out for dinner at a local trattoria restaurant near the hotel.
Day 2 - Florence & Chianti Wine Tasting
Florence is known as the fountainhead of art and the Rennaissance – city of Dante, Botticelli and Boccaccio! Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, followed by our grand city sightseeing tour through the streets and squares of Florence. We‘ll visit the Accademia, where Michelangelo’s proud David stands. At the Baptistry, marvel at Giberti’s “Gates of Paradise” doors. Follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, and then to Santa Croce Church, Michelangelo’s final resting place. Free time allows shopping for Italian leather fashion, gold jewellery, tuscan specialties and souvenirs. The evening’s agenda is dedicated to Tuscan wine, olive oil and the tuscan cuisine. At the 700 year old farm estate in Tavarnelle, we will learn about Chianti wines, tuscan olives and food specialties: enjoy a variety of appetizers (antipasti), bruschetta and delicious home made pasta.
Day 3 - Sienna + San Gimignano
After breakfast, we head to the hilltop city of Siena, one of the most beautiful towns of Tuscany. Walk to the Piazza del Campo, a beautiful shell-shaped square that is the site of the “Palio”, Siena’s famous annual horse race. Wander through the narrow streets to visit the Duomo, a cathedral that is a black and white marble masterpiece. Later, we will visit the very picturesque town of San Gimignano. It is called the ‘’Manhattan of the middle ages’’ due to its over 20 medieval towers, built by the silk merchants of San Gimignano over 600 years ago. Explore and shop around, taste some of Italy’s best ice cream. In the evening, enjoy another culinary highlight of the tour during our special Gala dinner (optional). We will have appetizers, delicious pasta and grilled meat specialties. Good local wine is included, as well as serenade music entertainment. Look forward to an unforgettable dining experience!
Day 4 - Pisa
After breakfast, departure and scenic drive to Pisa. View the famous Leaning Tower, set on the so-called “Field of Miracles”., next to the imposing cathedral and the world’s largest baptistery . Time to explore and for last minute shopping, then drive along the Marvel Coast, see the quarries of Carrara in the distance, cross the Appenins and head back north across the Swiss Alps back to Ramstein, where we arrive at midnight.
