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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarizes the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicenter of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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A Day Trip to Leonardo’s Vinci

on August 28, 2020

Leonardo da Vinci, rockstar of the Renaissance, was born in the middle of Tuscany’s rolling hills in 1452. Da Vinci literally means “from Vinci” and the town has become a tourist destination for lovers of the Renaissance genius. Luca and I have visited a number of times with his daughter Alessia but if you just have a few days to visit Tuscany – is it worth a day trip from Florence? Read on for what you can see in Vinci!

What is Leonardo’s connection to Vinci?

Leonardo was born to an unmarried couple in a house technically right outside of Vinci in Anchiano. After his birth, his father Ser Piero and his mother Caterina were quickly married off … but not to each other. Leo’s grandfather wanted a better match for his son who dutifully moved to Florence with his new wife.

Leonardo was left in the care of his grandparents and his Uncle Francesco doing a lot of… well… hanging out in the countryside. As a teenager he would move to Florence where he was apprenticed to Vercocchio’s painting studio. But his childhood in and around Vinci would have a lifelong influence.

It was exactly this simple upbringing and the fact that no-one was trying to prepare him for a great career or destiny within the family that helped shape one of the greatest thinkers and artists of the Renaissance. He came to his own conclusions while observing nature and animals and thus developed an incredible mind.

Interested in Leonardo? Check out this post about his portraits of women: Leonardo’s Ladies .

Vinci’s Museum Overview: A Step into Leonardo’s imagination

A visit to Vinci would be centred around the two museums devoted to Leonardo. The museums are open every day from 10am to 6pm making it easy to coordinate a visit. But there’s one thing that should be clear: none of Leonardo’s original work is actually present in Vinci.

The two museums in town are dedicated to reproductions of the machines which Leonardo sketched and theorized in his notebooks but most of which he never actually constructed, making them a testament to his imagination.

Just outside of Vinci, a short drive or 30 minute hike away, you can see reproductions of most of his paintings as well as the house where he was born and raised.

In short, a visit to Vinci is a visit into the mind of Leonardo.

What you can visit in Vinci in Detail

• Start at the beginning: Visit the church of Santa Croce to see the font where he was baptised after his birth on April 15, 1452.

• Leonardo Museum 1 (Castello dei Conti Guidi) First you’ll want to pick up your ticket which, contrary to logical assumption cannot be purchased in either of the two museums in Vinci, but down below on the street in Piazza Leonardo da Vinci. (Just keep this in mind before going up the hill!) Now for the museum itself: Located in an ancient tower, there are descriptions in English and Italian beside each of the carefully designed models. These include many construction machines meant to transform the land or make use of waterways such as an enormous excavator, a pile driver, and his rapid construction bridge. There are a few of his studies of wings as he tried to understand how to make man fly (something he dreamed of but never accomplished) and from the dreamy heights of the skies to the ponderous weight of war: the many weapons he hypothesized for the likes of the Duke of Milan and Cesare Borgia:  his tank, multi barrelled gun and steam cannon.
• Leonardo Museum 2 (Palazzina Uzielli) Not as many translations in English, mostly in Italian. Models of practical nature: how to wind wool, a spindle, gold leaf pounding machine and various cranes used to lift the massive blocks of marble for cathedrals. Many of these are accompanied by a video showing how the machine would work in action (which really helps if you’re like me and not a mechanically minded person). On the second floor you can see reproductions of some of his anatomical studies based on his dissections of the human body transformed into three dimensional models. His attention to detail and desire to see under the skin of a human being is remarkable.
• Click here to visit the Da Vinci Museum’s Vinci Website for more information.

What Leonardo sites can you visit just outside of Vinci?

• Leonardo Paintings (Villa il Ferrale) See all of Leonardo’s paintings in one place in accurate scale reproductions. They might not be the real paintings (now scattered around the world) but displayed next to one another this collection makes for an interesting summary of his artistic creations through time. Here is the link to the villas official site.
• The House where he was born in Anchiano. Set in an olive grove in the middle of rolling Tuscan hills, the views of what Leonardo would have seen every day of his youth are lovely.

How to get to Vinci

• By car It’s about a 50 minute drive from Florence in the direction of Pisa to reach Vinci.
• Using Public Transport Unfortunately there is no train station directly to Vinci from Florence. You can take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Empoli (about 30 minutes) and then bus 49 from Piazza Don Minzoni (about 20 minutes) which takes you to the road directly below the museums.
• On a Tour with a driver If you already have a driver taking you to Pisa for a half day tour of the leaning tower and highlights, Vinci would make a nice stop on the way back to Florence.

Where to Eat

CONVinci (Via Roma, n. 15). A cute little wine bar with excellent food. Having lunch here turned out to be such a lovely experience due to tasty dishes and delightful staff. They even brought out games for us to play with Alessia. Just call in advance to book as seating is limited. If the weather is nice, sitting outside under the little fig tree tree is lovely. They don’t have a website but you can find them on facebook by clicking here .

So … is it worth going? 

If you are a fan of Leonardo then a trip to Vinci is a step into the mind of a true Renaissance man. You’ll see exquisitely made three dimensional models of the machines he planned in his notebooks and reproductions of his paintings, making it one place where you can experience a huge cross section of the images and ideas he had in his head. The surrounding landscape is beautiful and if the weather is nice and you can take the path to his house, it’s a thirty minute stroll past olive trees with views over the rolling hills and vineyards. 

What I had hoped to see was more of an interactive element like in the now popular da Vinci museums in Florence and Rome. If you could work the machines yourself or at least see them in motion this would help make sense of them. However there are videos of how they would work and interactive screens to experience the paintings in detail which was fun for everyone.

Ultimately, if you have a very limited time in Florence and Tuscany and want a more general overview of Leonardo’s life and machines, then I’d go to the da Vinci museum in Florence on Via dei Servi and not spend time to only get out to Vinci. However, if you have a car or are on a tour and combine a stop in Vinci with a visit to a winery or a trip to Pisa then it’s worth it!

Have you been to Vinci? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

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One Comment

Vinci seems idyllic with its hills and accessible museums. I’m curious as to whar accommodations might be available to those of us who like to linger. By the way, excellent directions on getting to Vinci from Firenze. Ciao!

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Laurenissima 22: the ghost, the mad scientist and magritte.

Discover the highlights of the West side of Italy. A tour designed for travelers who want to taste different types of feelings during their vacation. Relax, fashion, art and local experiences are the key words of these 12 days in Italy.

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The Italian region of Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the 20 regions that make up Italy . It is located in the north-central part of the Italian peninsula, bathed to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea (part of the Mediterranean ) and so is a perfect summer destination along its entire coast. It is considered especially by foreign tourists as one of the the most beautiful regions of Italy . It certainly enjoys the same fame with the Italians themselves, who travel and holiday stay there thanks also to the many beautiful places (seaside but also countryside and mountain) throughout the region: Florence , the capital, but also Pisa , Siena , San Gimignano , Cortona , Arezzo , Montalcino , Montepulciano , Pienza are among its stars. Tuscany is also the homeland of the great poet Dante and famous artists of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (including Giotto , Cimabue , Brunelleschi , Donatello , Botticelli , Ghiberti , Masaccio , Beato Angelico , Michelangelo and Leonardo ) as well as being a great region of good wine and culinary tradition that attracts culinary connoisseurs. The best way to discover its traditions and its history is, of course, to visit it through our Tuscany Car Service!

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Siena & San Gimignano: A Full-Day Tuscany Immersion

These two medieval towns such as Siena and San Gimignano are unrivaled in their preservation of the Tuscan history and culture and are classic stop offs on any Tuscan Experience. Our private driver will prime you with the highlights of each town, leaving you free to explore on your own or with an optional art historical guide.

Classic Pisa & Charming Lucca: A full day exploration

Enjoy two iconic Tuscany cities with a private driver, Pisa and Lucca on this day trip from Florence. Pisa with its famous Tower and Lucca the understated walled city par-excellence.

Villages and Vino: Montepulciano & Pienza

Italian food culture in its capital -Let our English speaking driver escort you through one of Italy’s most captivating regions as you take in how fine cheese and wine became the cornerstone of Italian cuisine. While you’re here, tour a working cheese making and aging facility and enjoy Nobile wine at the source.

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We are a small but very active local Car Service , in love with Tuscany

Best Tuscany Tours was created by Leonardo Mura with the clear idea of providing transport service and tailored experiences to travelers on vacation in Italy through his reliable car service. He’s proud of his hometown and region and loves to show them off. A graphic designer in a former life means he is an expert at finding the most perfect vistas and photo opportunities. After living in London for several years his English is excellent and he is now dedicated to providing professional driving services with a dash of typical Tuscan wit. When not happily taking visitors around Italy, he can be found actively engaged in his other passion – road and mountain bike cycling around the hills of Tuscany and playing the drums.

We spent a day with Leonardo touring Tuscany. He picked us up at our hotel in Florence and took us firstly to San Gimignano and gave us ideas on what to do and where to eat. The day was impeccably organised and Leonardo is very knowledgeable about the area. All the suggestions he made for the day were excellent and we had a great day in Tuscany. Tours with Leonardo are highly recommended. (full review: here )

Madonna, (QLD, Australia)

Leonardo is truly a hidden “gem” in the world of Italian drivers. He is prompt, charming, courteous, extremely knowledgeable on all Italian historical facts, accommodating, very well versed on many American topics, and  when combined  with his  captivating personality and winning smile, what else could you possibly want from an idyllic day in Italy. I highly recommend him for whatever car service you may require while in Italy. (full review: here )

Paulette and Ken (NY, USA)

I booked a day trip with Leonardo after merely reading the Trip Advisor reviews. We wanted to see Siena, San Gimignano & have a winery/lunch tour in one day. It was a lot to fit in, but it was an awesome day. Leonardo was very responsive to my emails and questions and planned the perfect day! We were very comfortable in his new luxury car and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. (full review: here )

Lisa, (NJ, USA)

Leonardo is extremely professional and knowledgeable with the history of Italy and the Tuscan region in addition to being well versed on global current events (his English is great). He is an excellent driver with a comfortable luxury Mercedes van that was spotless inside and out. We loved this guy. I would highly recommend him and plan on using his services again. (full review: here )

Scott, (PA, USA)

Leonardo was very responsive since we first contacted him. He helped us with our itinerary. Everything was super smooth. His English is perfect. The car was clean. He was very professional and was really committed to us having a great time. Gracias Leonardo! (full review: here )

Caroline, (CA, USA)

Leonardo took us to Siena and San Gimignano. During the drive he shared some very cool things as we passed villages and monuments, like the US cemetery where WWII soldiers are buried. He also arranged transportation by car and water taxi from Florence to Venice. I highly recommend him to anyone that wants to tour around Tuscany. (full review: here )

Howard, (CA, USA)

Discover other places of italy, tuscany car service., tuscany car service , private tours, chianti wine tour, montepulciano and pienza wine tour, siena and san gimignano private tour, pisa and lucca private tour, assisi and cortona private tour, cortona and arezzo private tour, cinque terre private tour p.

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Tour of Italy: Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Tuscany & Rome

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The birthplace of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The civilization that built the Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel. The destination of fashion enthusiasts and religious pilgrims alike. Italy’s history and beauty is endlessly inspiring to every visitor. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the magnificent Renaissance in Florence and surreal decadence in Venice, this tour of Italy promises to astound you.

Customizable Itinerary

Milan - welcome to italy with your arrival in milan.

Upon arrival at Malpensa airport, your private transfer will greet you and take you to your hotel. Begin your tour in the bustling city of Milan, a center of business and fashion. Milan has been a center of prominence since the Middle Ages. You’ll witness medieval grandiosity at the Duomo, the city’s impressive cathedral. This gothic masterpiece seats 10,000 worshipers and is crowned with 140 spires and more than 2,000 statues. In this intriguing metropolis beneath the facade of post-WWII buildings, many surprises await you.

What's Included:

Milan - From Medieval Wonders to Leonardo’s Last Supper

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s highlights. See the world-famous La Scala Opera House and learn about the illustrious history of the Duomo, a marvel of medieval architecture built when Milan was considered the “new Athens.” Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the “parlor” of the city, to check out designer shops and stop for espresso at Zucca, a favorite cafe of Giuseppe Verdi. At the Church of the Santa Maria delle Grazie, you’ll have a chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper." The highly protected masterpiece is only viewable by appointment. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to visit art galleries or shop at your favorite boutiques, including Armani, Gucci and Prada.

Lake Como - Experience the Allure of the Lake Region

After breakfast at your hotel in Milan, you’ll be transferred to the train station for your train ride to Lake Como. When you arrive, your private transfer will take you from the station to your hotel. Italy’s romantic Lake District lies just north of Milan in the shadow of the Alps. The peaceful Lake District offers the allure of Italy beyond the hustle and bustle, far away from the chaotic Italian tourist experience. Dotted with pretty villages, tiny ports and aristocratic villas in lush gardens, Lake Como has an endearing Old World elegance. You can throw your itinerary to the wind and enjoy an afternoon of compete relaxation! Breathe in the fresh air and commune with nature in this gorgeous alpine setting. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a setting worthy of a Renoir painting, or visit one of the local restaurants serving authentic homemade cuisine.

Lake Como - Visit the City of Como and Bellagio Resort

After spending one night in this idyllic setting, wake up refreshed and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll take a private tour of the area, including visits to the villages of Como and Bellagio. Your tour guide will take you through Como’s delightful old town, free of traffic and everyday concerns, where your imagination can step back to another era. Stop to enjoy espresso at one of the town’s charming cafes. Admire the beauty of the lake as you stroll along the promenade and watch ferryboats traverse the serene blue waters. Next visit the resort town of Bellagio, called the “Pearl of the Lake.” This picturesque village is characterized by magnificent villas, centuries-old churches, cobblestone lanes and stairways filled with shops. Stroll around the tiny streets that wind down to the lake and visit a fancy shopping arcade to stop for gelato or espresso.

Venice - Travel from Lake Como to Venice

After breakfast, take the train to Venice. Known as “La Serenissima,” which translates to “the most serene,” Venice defies description. Her beauty can only be appreciated in person. You must experience the romance yourself as you traverse the lagoon by gondola or water taxi and while strolling the ancient maze of narrow streets, alleyways and piazzas. With its medieval layout and not a car in sight, Venice lends itself to random wandering and pedestrian discovery. Watch as gondolas glide through hidden canals lined with residential homes, where homemade Italian cooking permeates the air. Stop into a cicchetti bar for a glass of wine with the locals.

Venice - Art and Culture Tour of Venice

Your guided tour takes you to Venice’s highlights, starting at St. Mark’s Square. This grand piazza was called “the most beautiful drawing room in Europe” by Napoleon. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, built in the 11th century and covered with 43,000 square feet of intricately detailed mosaics. Next take a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, distinguished by its pink and white marble facade. Discover the history of Piombi Prison where prisoners (including Casanova) took their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. Stroll through the charming, winding streets and get lost as you discover beautiful piazzas and forgotten churches. Enjoy a gondola down the scenic Grand Canal. Take in postcard views of Rialto Bridge and impressive palaces from the days when Venice was the richest city.

Venice - Tour the Venetian Islands and Enjoy Classical Opera in Venice

Take a magical journey into the Venetian Lagoon, departing after breakfast from the Ponte della Paglia. In this calm section of the Adriatic, you’ll discover four fascinating islands. Begin at the San Giorgio Maggiore Island, where you’ll be wowed by spectacular views of Venice. Next visit Murano, renowned for its glass factories and souvenir shops. Continue onto the island of Burano, famous for lace and colorful cottages. From there, sail across to Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon. The Church of Santa Fosca is worth a visit just to see the splendid ancient mosaics. In the evening, enjoy an opera or concert at the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, a glorious 15th-century palace. We also recommend a romantic candlelit dinner served canal-side.

Florence - Travel from Venice to Florence

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Venice at your leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll take a train ride from Venice to Florence, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the late afternoon is yours to explore this well-preserved historic city, known for its art and culture. The Renaissance began in Florence, wealthy because of its cloth industry, trade and banking. Stroll past some of the highlights. You could start at the Duomo, the city’s neoclassical domed cathedral that is the third largest in Christendom. Then visit the Piazza Signoria for a gelato or espresso stop and continue along the Arno River as the sun illuminates the palaces lining the Arno, until you reach the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge lined with gold and silver shops.

Florence - Explore a Treasure Trove of Renaissance Art

Begin your guided tour with a short coach ride to Fiesole. This delightful hill town of overlooks Florence and the Arno Valley, offering the quintessential panoramic view of red-tiled Florentine rooftops and the Duomo in the distance. Then you’ll return to the center of Florence and swing past the impressive Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall. Sure to be a highlight: Michelangelo’s “David” statue at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Take in the best of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, and be sure to see Botticelli’s “Venus,” a masterpiece of intricate detail and beauty that takes your breath away.

Florence - Full-Day Excursion in Charming Tuscany (Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni)

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, winding around vineyards and olive trees. Arrive in the medieval city of Siena, an UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you’ll visit the Siena Cathedral with its ornate, gilded interior and star-studded ceilings. For lunch, you can find an osteria offering traditional cuisine, such as homemade pici pasta (thick spaghetti typical of Siena). Visit another UNESCO World Heritage site— San Gimignano, the 13th-century hill town that is filled with art treasures. Finally visit Monteriggioni, a tiny town untouched by modern influence, completely encircled by fortified high walls. Return to Florence for dinner on your own and be sure to try the local specialty, hearty ribolitta soup.

Chianti - Leisure Time in the Chianti Region

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Chianti. The entire afternoon is free to explore this beautiful part of the Tuscan countryside. In this idyllic pastoral landscape dotted with medieval hill towns and lined with cypress trees, you’ll have a chance to truly relax and enjoy la dolce far niente , an Italian expression that translates as “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Savor the cuisine, sample the wines and enjoy the peaceful setting. If you’re passionate about Italian cuisine, take a class at the acclaimed Osteria di Passignano cookery school, located in a historic vineyard abbey. Another idea is to visit Montepulciano, a charming hilltop town filled with cantinette (wine-tasting outlets). Wander the medieval streets and sample the famous super-Tuscan wines.

Chianti - Wine-Tasting in the Chianti Region

Enjoy a private tour through the Chianti countryside, the picturesque region that extends from Florence to Siena and is world-famous for its red wines. After a short drive through the green rolling hills, you’ll reach a magnificent castle. Here you’ll visit an estate winery and then visit one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the area, surrounded by greenery and known for its interesting architecture. For dinner, you’ll be treated to a typical hearty Tuscan meal along with fine wines. Enjoy the delicious cuisine and the charm of being far away in Italy.

Rome - All Roads Lead to Rome!

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the Florence train station for your train ride to Rome. When you arrive in Rome, your driver will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to your hotel. Relish the fact that you’re in one of the world’s most amazing cities. In the afternoon, explore the ancient streets just beyond your hotel to get your bearings and get into the local culture. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Soak up the sun at an outdoor café and stroll through the piazza while savoring gelato. For dinner, take a walk over to the Piazza Navona, with its hopping nightlife, illuminated fountains, street performers and sidewalk musicians. The piazza is filled with restaurant tables that sprawl out into the piazza so it’s easy to find an osteria that serves authentic Roman cuisine like the simple dish of cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino romano sheep cheese and black pepper) or the classic spaghetti carbonara.

Rome - Walking Tours of the Roman Forum and Famous Monuments

Begin your tour at the Arch of Constantine, arrive at Palatine Hill for an awe-inspiring outlook onto the Roman Forum. Then take a walk through the Roman Forum to see the ruins of a great civilization. After a delicious pizza or pasta lunch on your own, enjoy an afternoon walking tour Rome’s most famous squares, monuments, fountains and artists. Visit the Piazza Navona to take in Bernini’s famous “Fountain of the Four Rivers,” a triumphant centerpiece of this lively square. Finish the tour with a coffee stop at Caffarelli Terrace, which offers a splendid perspective of the historic center of Rome.

Rome - Guided Tour of the Vatican City and Leisure Time

In the morning, take a tour of Vatican City. Visit the museums, which include more than 2,000 rooms of the most extensive collection of art masterpieces in the world. You’ll see Michelangelo’s incredible “Creation of Adam” ceiling painting on the Sistine Chapel. Saving the best for last, the tour concludes with a visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica. The basilica’s awe-inspiring scale and ornate decorative details are sure to take your breath away. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Wander the hidden streets and discover Roman ruins next to contemporary office buildings and immerse yourself in the exciting chaos of the city’s central locations like the Spanish Steps, the perfect place for a gelato stop!

Rome - Arrivederci Italia! Depart for the U.S

After breakfast at your hotel, take a private transfer to Fiumicino airport for your return flight to the U.S. Hopefully your coin tossed into the Trevi Fountain will bring you back to Rome soon or for one of the other great tours of Italy !

Trip Highlights

• Enjoy a romantic gondola ride through Venice’s maze of quiet hidden canals.
• Classical opera/concert in Venice held at a glorious 15th-century palace.
• Tour of Milan’s cathedral, Europe’s third-largest church, a work of gothic grandeur.
• Shop at designer fashion boutiques in Milan and stop for pasta power lunches
• Get away from the hustle and bustle in the peaceful and idyllic Lake District.
• Visit the village of Bellagio, famous for its aristocratic villas and lakeside promenades. 
• Tour the Roman Forum to walk in Julius Caesar’s footsteps and imagine ancient life.
• See Michelangelo’s “David,” a breathtaking 17-foot masterpiece of marble sculpture. 
• Discover medieval walled hill towns in the charming Tuscan countryside.
• Go wine-tasting at a private vineyard estate in the famous Chianti region.

Detailed Description

Begin your adventure in Milan, where you’ll find Europe’s best-dressed people and the finest pasta power lunches. In the idyllic Lake District, you’ll visit charming Lake Como and the elegant resort town of Bellagio. Toss your itineraries aside and stroll the pleasant lakeside promenades and cobblestone streets at a leisurely pace.

In Florence, a treasure trove of Renaissance art awaits you. You’ll see the masterpieces of Botticelli, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Then enjoy an escape to the Chianti region with its green rolling hills and lush vineyards. Stop at medieval hill towns surrounded by fortified walls and far removed from modernity. Sample the finest Chianti wines, which pair perfectly with the regional country cuisine like hearty ribollita (a traditional Tuscan bean soup) and T-bone steak called bistecca alla fiorentina .

The magical city of Venice is your next stop. With its enchanting lagoon setting, exquisite architecture, winding canals, Venice never ceases to delight and amaze! This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of architecture, and its churches house some of the most precious works of art in the world. In the evenings, take a passeggiata (leisurely walk) as the Italians stroll the city while catching up on gossip and people watching!

Finally experience the timeless wonders of Rome. Imagine what life was like over 2,000 years ago as you walk through the Roman Forum. See where deadly gladiatorial combats took place at the Colosseum seating 55,000 people. You’ll be awestruck by Saint Paul’s Basilica, the most impressive church on earth that draws pilgrims from all over the world.

Strolling along the cobblestone streets with gelato in hand or listening to classical music in the piazza, and like many of the selected tours of Italy on Zicasso, this one will leave you with life long memories of la dolce vita (the sweet life) at its best!

Starting Price

$5,723  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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ITALY'S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS & WORKSHOPS

Discover our upcoming photography workshops, early summer in tuscany | photo workshop.

• 10TH-16TH JUNE 2024
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OUR PHOTO WORKSHOPS PLAYGROUNDS IN ITALY

Italy has definitely no shortage of photography locations, but these ones are where decided to do our workshops in! We offer both fixed departures as well as customized tours all-year round. Visit the page of the location you would like to visit to discover all the options!

Cinque terre

hello everyone! it's leo of TUSCANY PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS!

Who's going to lead your next italy photo tour.

I’m Leonardo Papèra, the owner of Tuscany Photography Tours and a full-time professional landscape photographer based in.. Tuscany, that’s right! What I aim to do every time I’m on the field is to exploit the knowledge I learnt along the years and the conditions that Mother Nature will grace me in order to convey emotions, narrate a story and achieve a fascinating, natural visual result in all my pictures.

If you’d like to know more about me, either visit the “About Me” page or directly visit my personal website – that’s where you’ll get to know who I am and my personal vision on photography!

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Small group only.

We decided to set a limit of 5 people on each one of our workshops and in order to give us the ability to follow every participant of the tour up close, without any rush. We want to be sure that you will always have the right attention and we want to be there if you have any doubt, at any time!

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We want to make sure that you will have a visible growth in your photographic knowledge during your stay and that’s why you will be followed by awarded photographers that will teach you everything you need to boost your vision, both on-the-field and in postproduction.

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Geologist claims mystery of where Mona Lisa was painted has been solved

A geologist and Renaissance art historian Ann Pizzorusso has claimed to have solved the mystery about the landscape behind Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The geologist has suggested that Leonardo painted several recognisable features of Lecco, on the shores of Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, according to The Guardian .

Pizzorusso has matched Leonardo’s bridge, the mountain range and the lake in the Mona Lisa to Lecco’s 14th-century Azzone Visconti bridge, the south-western Alps overlooking the area and Lake Garlate, which Leonardo is known to have visited 500 years ago.

The similarities are undeniable, she said. “I’m so excited about this. I really feel it’s a home run.”

She noted that the rocks in Lecco are limestone and that Leonardo depicted his rocks in a grey-white colour – “which is perfect, because that’s the type of rock that’s there”. She added that, unlike Lecco, neither Bobbio nor Arezzo has a lake: “So we have really perfect evidence at Lecco.”

This weekend Pizzorusso will ­present her evidence at a geology conference in Lecco, The Guardian said.

“I am actually euphoric about these findings – and there is a near-certain possibility that Leonardo painted [the landscape] from the exact spot where we are holding our conference,” she said.

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