rome to florence wine tour

5 of the Best Wine Tours from Rome to Tuscany

Ah, Tuscany! It’s beloved by people the world over and has been for generations. Discover what all the fuss is about for yourself on one of these fantastic wine tours from Rome.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Italy’s Tuscany region is one of the world’s most revered wine producing areas, with Montalcino, Chianti and Montepulciano all capitalising on the region’s gentle, vine-lined slopes. With Rome being located anywhere between two and three hours from these major wine districts of Italy by road, a day trip from the Italian capital city is a great way to experience these wines right at their source, without having to worry about the logistics of transportation, hotels or paying tasting fees. Here are five of the best wine tour options.

Tuscany Taster Tour from Rome with Lunch & Wine

Many of the great Tuscany wine tours from Rome pair a wine tasting experience with a little sightseeing. After all, the historic hill towns and stunning scenery of Tuscany are an unmissable part of the experience. Take a walking tour of Montepulciano, see ancient wine cellars and visit a farmhouse for a three-course meal overlooking the vineyards, complete with pairings of local wines. Please note this tour normally runs daily but might have a reduced schedule during the winter months. From €129 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Siena, Chianti, Wine Tasting and Lunch

One of Europe’s great medieval cities is Siena (it even made it onto our list of the 20 most charming cities ). Take an early fast train from Rome to Florence. From here you will board a minibus and head for Siena, with a short, guided tour and some free time to explore. Another highlight of this Tuscan day trip is San Gimignano, which is also a medieval town with UNESCO credentials. Between these towns and Florence lies the Chianti wine region, where you’ll stop to try a wine and olive oil tasting. Departs Sat-Mon and Thu. From €198 per person.

San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour from Rome

For a more wine-centric Tuscany tour, while still being able to enjoy Siena and San Gimignano along the way, try this popular tour. You will get to taste your first wine, a revered Vernaccia white, amid the medieval walls of the first stop San Gimignano. Next, you will be able to sample up to ten different regional wines and olive oils at a wine cellar, before touring the wine estate. This day trip includes lunch and a stop in Siena. Departs Sun, Mon, Wed and Fri. From €228 per person.

Siena & San Gimignano Full–Day Wine Tour

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Siena and San Gimignano certainly make for a popular itinerary when taking a day tour from Rome. In addition to visiting these two Tuscan highlights, you’ll stop in San Gimignano for a typical Tuscan lunch using local produce and a wine tasting, which includes La Vernaccia, a local wine with a history dating back to at least the 13 th century. In Siena you will also have an opportunity to try Italian coffee with a local type of sweet. This tour is available on Mon and Fri. From €278 per person.

Private Day-Tour of Tuscany from Rome

Have you read through all of the above and felt as though you’d enjoy the trip if it had fewer people and the freedom to move between sights only when you’re ready? This private day tour gives you the freedom to take your own, private Tuscan holiday over 12 hours, focusing on the vineyards of Montalcino and Montepulciano, sampling pecorino cheese in Pienza and tasting plenty of wines along the way. Another benefit of taking a private tour is the freedom to choose departure dates, as this tour is available on any day of the year. From €398 per person or €792 for up to 4 people.

Latest Articles

• Where to Find Sarasota Beach Rentals April 2, 2024
• 3 of the Best Wine Tours from Scottsdale April 2, 2024
• 24 Hours in Ronda April 2, 2024
• Hair Transplant in Turkey: Top 10 Clinics April 2, 2024
• 3 of the Best Tours of Northern Spain March 31, 2024

Rome to Florence en route tour of Tuscany

• Home Rome to Florence en route tour of Tuscany

Transfer from Rome to Florence scenic Tuscany and Wine tasting

8.00 am – Departure from your Rome hotel we will drive approximately 2 hours to Siena, you will have free time to walk in the main street and a stop in the Piazza del Campo square to take your pictures. The cathedral which dominates the skyline is one of the most beautiful in Italy, We then continue our drive 45 minutes to San Gimignano. San Gimignano was the Manhattan of the 13th century with its seventy two towers, today only fourteen are left. You will have free time to explore this little town, You will find yourself out of the crowds in peaceful surroundings and looking over breathtaking scenery with sunflowers and red poppies. Lunch is at your leisure or if you like I can arrange on your behalf a light lunch and wine tasting in a Local farm winery (You will personally pay the wine and lunch) after lunch we head towards your Florence Hotel. 4.00/4.30pm end of service.

San Gimignano

Wine tasting

Rate for a transfer from Rome to Florence scenic Tuscany and Wine tasting: Duration 8 hours (from 8.00am to 4.00pm), Rome to Florence en route tour of Tuscany – Rate from € 950.00* EUR, (*this rate is from 1 up to 4 people, rate will change in case of more participants), send your detailed request via email to [email protected] e.g. Your Name, Date, Hotel name, number of Participants, the price is not per person.

Reservation, confirmation and final payment, READ FURTHER INFO HERE »

• « Older
• Newer »
• Shore excursions
• Our Services
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Giovanni Musella Private Tours - Developed By Seo Web srls

Tuscany Wine Day Tours from Rome

The wine tours of tuscany that you can easily join by train "freccia rossa", best tuscany wine day tours from rome 2024.

Many travelers visiting Rome might want to take a wine tour while on vacation. SITTING ABOUT AN HOUR north of the Chianti region, Florence is an ideal starting point for terms of this wine-producing region.

Rome and Florence are located 145 miles apart. One of the best ways to travel between Rome and Florence is by train. The Freccia Rossa is the high-speed railway that joins the two cities on a trip of just 1.50 hours; the train trip is fast and affordable. Italian high-speed trains are modern and clean and offer food and beverages for purchase during the trip.

Why go from Rome to Florence by train?

Florence is an ideal starting point for tours of Tuscany wine-producing regions. These regions in Tuscany are probably the best-production wine zones in Italy. Using our long-time experience and knowledge, we can recommend the top six wine tours of ITALY AND WINE that leave from Florence every morning. Whether you arrive in the region via bus or train, you'll enjoy delectable wine and sweeping countryside views.

High-speed train from Rome to Florence Trenitalia

Rome to Florence train tickets can be purchased far in advance through the website. https://www.trenitalia.com . They are a bit like plane tickets, and fares are often lower if you buy them in advance.

We highly recommend taking the following wine experiences in Tuscany:

Chianti and Super Tuscan Wine Tour

• from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Chianti Classico
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, All year round

Chianti Classico Wine Tour

• from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Montalcino Wine Tour Private

• from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, All year round

San Gimignano Wine Tasting Experience

• From 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• San Gimignano
• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, From April to October

Wine and Cheese Tour in Tuscany

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, All year long

Wine Tour to Nobile di Montepulciano

• Montepulciano

• The Company
• The Founder
• Meet the Owners
• In the Press
• Naples & Amalfi
• Airport Vip Meet & Greet
• – Civitavecchia-Rome port
• – Shore Excursions Florence
• – Shore Excursions Tuscany
• – Naples-Pompeii & Amalfi Coast port
• Transfers with Sightseeing
• Family Activities
• Blog | Travel Tips
• My Wishlist

Rome to Florence – Chianti

This luxury Rome to Florence sightseeing transfer via Chianti in a Mercedes allows you to explore the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside or indulge in a wine tasting.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the Chianti region on a 3-hour stopover from Rome to Florence
• Spend leisure time at some of the many charming villages such as Greve, Panzano or Gaiole
• Taste the exquisite wines of the region at a wine tasting or tour of a local vineyard
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical Tuscan restaurant savoring dishes made from local, fresh and seasonal ingredients

Description

Additional information, rome to florence sightseeing transfer.

Beginning in Rome, this drive to Florence through the beautiful hillsides of the Chianti Classico region will make you want to stop for photos, food or just a lovely walk almost everywhere, so just ask your private English-speaking driver to take a break whenever you see something of interest . Your driver can also recommend a quaint medieval town  you might enjoy visiting, such as  Greve, Panzano or Gaiole,  or one of the choice  local wineries for a tasting , before you continue on your way through the stunning landscape covered in vineyards and olive groves for miles. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical Tuscan restaurant savoring dishes made from local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Your English-speaking driver will then bring you directly to your accommodations in Florence to end this Rome to Florence sightseeing transfer.

Related products

Pizza and Gelato Making in Rome

Jewish Rome and Trastevere

Bernini and Borromini: The Rivalry that Transformed Rome

Modern Rome: The Third Rome

Highlights of Rome Shore Excursion

Panorama of Rome by Night

Jewish Ghetto and Roman Jewish Cuisine

The Roman Nobility

Early Christian Rome

Underground Rome & the Appian Way

Rome Florence Transfer by Minivan

• View all Tours
• Booking & Contacts
• My Partners
• Pricing Policy
• Tuscany Wine Blog
• Tuscany Wine Tour Galleries

Rome Florence Transfer

Your Rome Florence transfer includes: • Direct transfer Rome – Florence • Availability in both directions • Pick up and drop off at your accommodation • Transfer time about three hours thirty • Recent model minivan with AC • English speaking driver • Our personal assistance throughout the day

2023 price list Transfer Rome – Florence for 2-4 people € 800 Transfer Rome – Florence for 5-8 people € 950

Meals & refreshments not included Travel times are approximate depending on traffic conditions

Check Availability

Rome – Florence transfers are carried out by my partners Myriam Buzzi and Giovanni Musella . A private minivan transfer costs more than the train, but it offers several advantages that makes it worth consideration:

Door to door transfer . We will pick you up directly from your accommodation or airport, and deliver you and your baggage safely and efficiently to your destination.

Comfort . Our recent-model, air-conditioned minivans provide a comfortable ride along the entire route. This can mean even more if the weather is bad.

Maximize precious time . By arranging a private transfer you are almost certain to save time…no waiting for changes of trains, buses and taxis, or waits at rental car agencies.

Never get lost . You’ll not get lost along the route or find your public transport not scheduled as you anticipated. This is especially important if you are planning to catch a flight. And for sure you’ll not accidentally leave a bag at a transit point.

Be understood . We speak perfect English so we’ll you company along the way with an en route commentary.

Our Ford Tourneo Minivans

The Van Interior

• Administrative offices: Via Piana, 19, 52024 Loro Ciuffena (AR) Italy,
• Tel: +39 338 6545 182
• Email: [email protected]
• Partita IVA 01850040518

Private Tuscany Wine Tours

A private Tuscany wine tour isn't just about about reaching the next winery. It's about enjoying the journey as an experience in itself. The beauty of Tuscany has much to do with nature, but man has improved what nature gave. It was during the renaissance that a new philosophy of combining farming with landscaping was conceived, and the concept still exists today. This is where you'll find some of the world's most breathtaking scenery, making each turn of the meandering roads a new and vibrant experience. Oh! The wine's pretty good too.

• City Sightseeing Tours
• Special Offer Combo Tours
• Walking Tours
• Day Tours and Excursions
• Private Tours
• Shore Excursions
• Transfers and Ground Services
• Wine and Food Tours
• Boat Tours and Cruises
• Vatican Tours
• Cinque Terre
• Veneto & Lake Garda
• Naples & Amalfi coast
• Sicily & Puglia
• Piedmont & Langhe Wine Region
• Milan & Lake Como
• Bologna & Emilia - Romagna
• Semi-Private Italy Vacation Packages
• Italy Tours & Transfers Packages
• Private Vacation Packages
• Classic Italy
• Italian Nature
• Food & Wine
• Romantic Italy
• Travel Guides
• Health & Safety
• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Latest Journal

How to travel from rome to amalfi coast.

Custom Vacations

Looking for a custom vacation in italy, tours straight to your inbox, rome to florence private transfer via montepulciano.

Website: www.tours-italy.com

Email: [email protected]

Tour url: https://www.tours-italy.com/tour/private-rome-to-florence-transfer-tour_83

From: 209.00

Duration: 6-7 hours

Select participants and date:

I will make my way to the central departure point listed on my voucher (and the Getting There section of the website) .

If you have questions or are unsure of the location, please contact us after booking to arrange pickup. We will send you full contact details for the local office once you have booked .

Once you have booked your hotel, please contact us to arrange pickup. We will send you full contact details for the local office once you have booked .

Options selected:

Start Date:

Price Breakdown

Discover the beauty of Tuscany on our exclusive private transfer from Rome to Florence, featuring luxury transfers and tailored experiences. During this private transfer from Rome to Florence, indulge in a 3-hour stopover in captivating Tuscany. Explore the charming towns of Montepulciano and Pienza, or opt to combine a visit to one of these towns with a delightful wine tasting and lunch at a selected winery in the renowned Brunello wine region

Prices from:

• Description

Meeting Point

Highlights & Includes

• Personal driver : Enjoy a convenient Rome hotel pick-up with an English-speaking driver in a premium A/C Mercedes or similar vehicle
• Scenic Transfer : Admire picturesque landscapes on your Rome-to-Tuscany journey, experiencing Italy's beauty firsthand
• Knowledgeable Guide : Our friendly, English-speaking guide will share insights about stunning regions and attractions

Tour Overview

• Montepulciano and Pienza , two of Valle D'Orcia's most enchanting hilltowns, await your exploration. Enjoy ample free time in each town to savor their charm and beauty.
• Combine Montepulciano with wine tasting and lunch at selected winery in the Brunello wine area. This option is bookable along with the transfer tour.
• Orvieto : explore this fascinating historic town, rich in culture, art, and spirituality. Discover the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral and enchanting historical city center.
• Gratuities or any additional fees for extended tour options.

Meet your Private Driver Rome to Florence at your hotel Your driver-guide will greet you in the lobby of your Rome hotel , ensuring a seamless start to your journey

Tours You May Also Like

Small Group Best of Florence Walking Tour and David by Michelangelo

Private Florence to Rome Private Transfer via Valle D'Orcia

Customer tour reviews, leave us a review on, overall tour rating.

Based on Reviews

• South Korea
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Central Asia
• African Safari
• South Africa
• Itinerary Ideas

7-Day Rome and Florence Tour

Discover italy's ancient treasures in 1 week.

Designed for people with limited time, this tour offers a classic itinerary and an unforgettable experience.

• Unwind in the timeless allure of Rome , where ancient icons, artistic marvels, and delectable bites await.
• Embrace Florence's Renaissance spirit as you take in art icons, architectural gems, and timeless charm.
• Immerse yourself in a week-long Italian symphony of guided touring , free exploration, local flair, and history brought to life.

We would happily customize this itinerary to accommodate your interests and your schedule, adding special themed activities for bucket-list experiences or celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or retirement.

from US$2,818 p/p

Time-limited Travellers

Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct.

International on request

Cancellation Policy:

100% Refund 22 Days before Arrival

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Brief itinerary for 7 days in italy.

• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

China Highlights , Asia Highlights , and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Tour Highlights

Itinerary details.

• Welcome to the Eternal City—Rome! Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
• Relax and travel in comfort as you enjoy a private transfer to your comfortable hotel in Rome.
• Step into the Eternal City's heart as your private driver whisks you to the Colosseum. An expert guide awaits, ready to begin unlocking the secrets of this ancient marvel on a stress-free 4-hour journey.
• Skip the queues and immerse yourself in the Colosseum 's captivating history. Witness the arena where epic battles unfolded and feel the echoes of the gladiators still resonating in the air.
• Journey onwards to the Arch of Constantine , a triumphal testament to Roman power. Wander across the verdant slopes of Palatine Hill and delve into the vibrant history of the Roman Forum .
• Conclude the tour with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
• Embark on a journey into the heart of Catholicism with a private transfer to Vatican City. There, your expert guide awaits, eager to unlock its treasures in 4 hours.
• Glide through the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line access and marvel at Laocoon's writhing agony and Apollo's celestial glow. Let the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra dazzle your senses with intricate frescoes and sparkling gems.
• Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel . Feel the weight of Michelangelo's genius as “The Creation of Adam” sweeps across the ceiling.
• Step inside St. Peter's Basilica and be mesmerized by its architectural blend and stunning artworks. Admire Michelangelo's famous dome and the poignant beauty of his Pietà sculpture.
• Upon completion of the tour, we provide seamless transportation back to your hotel.
• Make the most of your free time to explore Rome one last time before your driver transfers you to Roma Termini train station for a fast train to Florence.
• Upon arriving at Firenze S.M. Novella train station, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
• Embrace the rest of the day for independent exploration and have a first taste of Florence at your own pace.
• Meet your private guide and enjoy a 4-hour walking tour .
• Stroll towards Piazza della Signoria , home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, showcasing its impressive collection of statues.
• Discover the Uffizi Gallery with the skip-line tickets and uncover the awe-inspiring works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael.
• Explore the medieval district, home to the historic House of Dante. Arrive at Piazza del Duomo and marvel at the architectural wonders of the cathedral, the Baptistery, Giotto's bell tower, and Brunelleschi's Dome, each with fascinating stories.
• Be captivated by Michelangelo's iconic masterpiece, "David", as you explore the Accademia Gallery with skip-the-line access. This powerful sculpture stands tall as a symbol of unparalleled artistry.
• In the afternoon, embark on a delightful 3-hour Florence food tour (Join in). Delve into the city's rich culinary history with a visit to the renowned San Lorenzo food market, savoring traditional Tuscan delights and unveiling the secrets of local cuisine.
• Your expert driver-guide will chauffeur you away on a scenic 4-hour journey to San Gimignano and Chianti.
• Wander along the cobbled streets of San Gimignano  and gaze up at the towering skyline.
• In Chianti, unlock the secrets of wine production at a family-run winery , sampling their award-winning vintages paired with local delicacies.
• Following an enriching tour, you will be expertly escorted back to the comfort of your Florence hotel.
• Enjoy free time to explore the lovely city of Florence one last time before your driver transfers you to Florence airport for your flight home.

Hand-picked Hotel/Lodges/Camp

Price includes.

*Price from  $2,818 per adult

*The price is based on two adults in 4-star hotels during the low tourist season. We can offer an even more competitive price for groups of 4 or more people. (tour code: gh-it-1)

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

How would you travel?

Adults number

65+ yrs old

41-64 yrs old

18-40 yrs old

Children number (age of children at time of trip)

10-17 yrs old

3-9 yrs old

0-2 yrs old

When would you travel?

Select your travel date.

What's your hotel choice?

United States   +1 United Kingdom   +44 Australia   +61 Canada   +1 France   +33 Germany   +49 Italy   +39 Mexico   +52 Netherlands   +31 Singapore   +65 Afghanistan    +93 Albania    +355 Algeria   +213 American Samoa   +1684 Andorra   +376 Angola   +244 Anguilla   +1264 Australia   +61 Antigua and Barbuda   +1268 Argentina   +54 Armenia    +374 Aruba   +297 Ascension Island   +247 Austria   +43 Azerbaijan   +994 Bahamas   +1242 Bahrain   +973 Bangladesh   +880 Barbados   +1246 Belarus   +375 Belgium   +32 Belize   +501 Benin   +229 Bermuda   +1441 Bhutan   +975 Bolivia   +591 Bosnia and Herzegovina   +387 Botswana   +267 Brazil   +55 British Indian Ocean Territory   +246 British Virgin Islands   +1284 Brunei   +673 Bulgaria    +359 Burkina Faso   +226 Burundi   +257 Cambodia   +855 Cameroon   +237 Canada   +1 Cape Verde   +238 Caribbean Netherlands   +599 Cayman Islands   +1345 Central African Republic   +236 Chad   +235 Chile   +56 China   +86 Christmas Island   +6189164 Cocos Islands   +6189162 Colombia   +57 Comoros   +269 Congo (DRC)   +243 Congo (Republic)   +242 Cook Islands   +682 Costa Rica   +506 Côte d'Ivoire   +225 Croatia   +385 Cuba   +53 Curaçao   +599 Cyprus   +357 Czech Republic   +420 Denmark   +45 Djibouti   +253 Dominica   +1767 Dominican Republic   +1809 Ecuador   +593 Egypt   +20 El Salvador   +503 Equatorial Guinea   +240 Eritrea   +291 Estonia   +372 Eswatini   +268 Ethiopia   +251 Falkland Islands   +500 Faroe Islands   +298 Fiji   +679 Finland   +358 France   +33 French Guiana   +594 French Polynesia   +689 Gabon   +241 Gambia   +220 Georgia   +995 Germany   +49 Ghana   +233 Gibraltar   +350 Greece   +30 Greenland   +299 Grenada   +1473 Guadeloupe   +590 Guam   +1671 Guatemala   +502 Guernsey   +441481 Guinea   +224 Guinea-Bissau   +245 Guyana   +592 Haiti   +509 Honduras   +504 Hong Kong   +852 Hungary   +36 Iceland   +354 India   +91 Indonesia   +62 Iran   +98 Iraq   +964 Ireland   +353 Isle of Man   +44 Israel   +972 Italy   +39 Jamaica   +1876 Japan   +81 Jersey   +44 Jordan   +962 Kazakhstan    +7 Kenya   +254 Kiribati   +686 Kosovo   +383 Kuwait   +965 Kyrgyzstan    +996 Laos   +856 Latvia    +371 Lebanon   +961 Lesotho   +266 Liberia   +231 Libya   +218 Liechtenstein   +423 Lithuania   +370 Luxembourg   +352 Macau   +853 Macedonia   +389 Madagascar   +261 Malawi   +265 Malaysia   +60 Maldives   +960 Mali   +223 Malta   +356 Marshall Islands   +692 Martinique   +596 Mauritania   +222 Mauritius   +230 Mayotte   +262 Micronesia   +691 Moldova   +373 Monaco   +377 Mongolia   +976 Montenegro   +382 Montserrat   +1664 Morocco   +212 Mozambique   +258 Myanmar    +95 Namibia   +264 Nauru   +674 Nepal   +977 New Caledonia   +687 New Zealand   +64 Nicaragua   +505 Niger   +227 Nigeria   +234 Niue   +683 Norfolk Island   +6723 North Korea   +850 Northern Mariana Islands   +1670 Norway   +47 Oman   +968 Pakistan   +92 Palau   +680 Palestine    +970 Panama    +507 Papua New Guinea   +675 Paraguay   +595 Peru    +51 Philippines   +63 Poland   +48 Portugal   +351 Puerto Rico   +1787 Qatar   +974 Réunion   +262 Romania   +40 Russia   +7 Rwanda   +250 Saint Barthélemy   +590 Saint Helena   +290 Saint Kitts and Nevis   +1869 Saint Lucia   +1758 Saint Martin   +590 Saint Pierre and Miquelon   +508 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines   +1784 Samoa   +685 San Marino   +378 São Tomé and Príncipe   +239 Saudi Arabia    +966 Senegal    +221 Serbia   +381 Seychelles   +248 Sierra Leone   +232 Sint Maarten   +1721 Slovakia   +421 Slovenia   +386 Solomon Islands   +677 Somalia   +252 South Africa   +27 South Korea   +82 South Sudan   +211 Spain   +34 Sri Lanka    +94 Sudan   +249 Suriname   +597 Svalbard and Jan Mayen   +47 Sweden   +46 Switzerland   +41 Syria    +963 Taiwan   +886 Tajikistan   +992 Tanzania   +255 Thailand   +66 Timor-Leste   +670 Togo   +228 Tokelau   +690 Tonga   +676 Trinidad and Tobago   +1868 Tunisia   +216 Turkey   +90 Turkmenistan   +993 Turks and Caicos Islands   +1649 Tuvalu   +688 U.S. Virgin Islands   +1340 Uganda   +256 Ukraine   +380 United Arab Emirates    +971 United Kingdom   +44 United States   +1 Uruguay   +598 Uzbekistan   +998 Vanuatu   +678 Vatican City   +379 Venezuela   +58 Vietnam   +84 Wallis and Futuna   +681 Western Sahara    +21228 Yemen   +967 Zambia   +260 Zimbabwe   +263 Åland Islands   +35818

I prefer to be contacted via:

Why Travel with Global Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)

• Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
• Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
• Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
• African Safari 2024/2025 | Witness the Big Five Live
• Private Egypt Tours 2024/2025 | Creating Lasting Memories
• India Tours 2024/2025: Unique Personalized Experiences
• Japan Private Tours 2024/2025: Unique Personalized Experiences
• Private Morocco Tours 2024/2025: Personalized and Stress-free
• Middle East Tours 2024/2025: Personalized and Stress-free
• Thailand Tours
• Vietnam Tours 2024/2025: Unique Personalized Experiences
• Top Private Turkey Tours 2024/2025: Personalized and Stress-free
• Italy Public Holidays 2024/2025 - A Full List Is Here
• Venice Carnival 2024, 2025, and 2026 - Dates, Best Days, Events
• Italy Weather in January 2024: Places to See in Italy in January
• Italy Weather in February 2024: Crowds and Costs
• Italy Weather in March 2024: Best Places to Go
• Italy Weather in April 2024: Is It a Good Time to Visit Italy
• Italy Weather in May 2024: Places to Go & Travel Tips
• Italy Weather in June 2024: Where to Go and Travel Tips
• Italy Weather in July 2024: Travel Tips for Summer Peak
• Italy Weather in August 2024: Best Places to Go
• Italy Weather in September 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Italy Weather in October 2024: Weather Tips and Places to Go
• Italy Weather in November 2024: Weather Tips and Where to Go
• Italy Weather in December 2024: Travel Tips, Crowds, and Costs

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The Global Highlights Experience

• Your tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Your personal travel advisor will always reply within 24 hours.

• Enjoy having your own personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have as much flexibility as possible.

• Go beyond the sightseeing. Understand the destinations by practicing the local culture and interacting with local people.

• Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal transportation, visas, hotels, meals, and activities.
• Travel Agents

Where Can We Take You Today?

• Egypt Tours
• Morocco Tours
• Turkey Tours
• Japan Tours
• China Tours
• Vietnam Tours
• India Tours
• Myanmar Tours

Global Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy .

Best Rome to Florence day trip itinerary: High-speed trains + tours

Love it? Share it!

One of the best ways to see Italy’s beautiful interior is by embarking on a Rome to Florence day trip via a high-speed train. Why? Not only because you get to see stunning countryside scenery from one major Italian city to another, but you do this in just under two hours!

You may think that you have to choose between Rome or Florence when visiting Italy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Both these cities offer an extraordinary experience. 

Rome is the quintessential capital, brimming with ancient history and dotted with world-class landmarks like the Colosseum. On the other hand, Florence offers a unique Tuscan experience, complete with top-of-the-pile Renaissance art and architecture. So it’s best to see both cities.

Now, without wasting time, let’s dive into this ultimate day trip itinerary from Rome to Florence on board a high-speed train.

Best Rome to Florence Day Trip Itinerary: High-speed trains + tours

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

About our experience + using this guide

We have traveled to Florence on 2 occasions – once on a guided tour, and a high-speed train. High-speed trains in Italy are safe and perfect for a day trip with or without a guide. 

For a day trip from Rome to Florence (without a guide), we recommend getting on an early train and returning on one of the last rides (after sunset). We have listed all the possible ways to get to Florence below, with our suggested tours, as well as sharing our itinerary stops. 

Rome to Florence Day trip stops with Google Map

• Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
• Mercato Centrale
• Palazzo Medici Riccardi 
• Galleria dell’Accademia (30+ minutes, book tickets early)
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Piazza del Duomo (lunch/snack break)
• Palazzo Vecchio – Piazza del Signoria (quick stop, but guided tours are available)
• Uffizi Gallery (60+ minutes, book tickets early)
• Ponte Vecchio (quick stop)
• Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo 

For museums, you will have to account for 30 minutes to an hour for exploration (considering you are on a day trip). We have also provided extra options like a cooking class and additional stops which you can swap for. 

Getting to Florence from Rome via a high-speed train

There are several ways you can travel to Florence from Rome. Driving and flying are two common options, but taking a high-speed train is the most popular way to do this day trip.

You’ll find many train stations in Rome. Termini Station is centrally located and by far the largest depot. It offers more routes and plenty of facilities, including a tourist information office. 

High-speed train tours from Rome to Florence typically depart from Termini Station and arrive at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station. This train ride covers 260.7 km (162 miles) and takes about 90 minutes. 

If you’re not joining a guided day tour, you can expect to pay around $32 for a ticket. 

Rome to Florence Day Trip Itinerary

After arriving in Florence, you’ll either explore the city with an expert guide or alone, depending on the tour package you booked. These are both great options, but if you’d like to learn about the history and culture of Florence, taking a guided walking tour is probably your best option.

If you’re exploring Florence solo, we’ve created an easy-to-follow itinerary that ensures you get a fully immersive experience of the birthplace of the Renaissance. Have a look below.

1. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Conveniently located about a minute away from Florence’s main train station, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is ideally the first stop you should make after your arrival. 

This 13-14th century church has a stunning marble facade, and inside, you’ll find extraordinary religious artworks like Masaccio’s Trinità (Holy Trinity) and the Crucifix by Giotto. 

Walk across the piazza to the Museo Novecento, where you’ll see interactive exhibits and artworks from the 1900s onwards. Before you head to the next attraction on this itinerary, be sure to check out the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the city.

There is nothing like it, the pharmacy boasts a frescoed interior featuring ancient books and statues.

2. Mercato Centrale (The Central Market)

If you want to experience the typical day in the life of a local in Florence, there is no better place to do this than at the Central Market. Famous for its inexpensive leather goods, fresh produce, and artisanal inventory, this market is the best spot for eating and souvenir shopping.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a locally-made products and fresh foods market boasting several stalls. This part of the Central Market opens from Monday to Saturday, from 7 am until 2 pm. You’ll have limited time, so we suggest you explore this floor before heading up.

The first floor of the Central Market is where you’ll find a food court. It features several small restaurants, tasting rooms, and wine bars where you can indulge in local specialties like lampredotto, porchetta, and trippa. This part of the market opens daily, from 8 am to midnight.

Of course, you’ll also find typical Italian dishes here, like pizza, roast fish, fried vegetables, and buffalo mozzarella. We recommend you have lunch here to fuel up for the adventure ahead.

3. Palazzo Medici Riccardi

The House of Medici is one of the most influential banking families and political dynasties that existed in Italy. Famous for funding the Renaissance, this art-loving family built and expanded many buildings in Florence, including the Palazzo Medici Riccardi.

So, if you’re a history buff eager to learn more about this mighty family, visiting the Palazzo Medici Riccardi is a must. The palace is famous for its magnificent Magi Chapel, which features frescoed walls painted by Benozzo Gozzoli. Donatello and Michelangelo also worked here.

Other highlights you’ll love to see at Palazzo Medici Riccardi include the arch-filled internal courtyard, the manicured Medici garden, and the Hall of Mirrors, boasting golden walls.

4. Galleria dell’Accademia

You cannot possibly spend a day in Florence without seeing the city’s extensive collections of art, paintings, and sculptures. The Accademia Gallery is one of the best places to admire world-class artworks. 

This art museum is famous for housing Michelangelo’s David statue, and it displays the largest collection of the artist’s works in the world. But there is more to see at Accademia Gallery, including the Coronation of the Virgin by Jacopo di Cione and the Tree of Life by Pacino di Bonaguida are other masterpieces you must see.

Accademia Gallery is one of Florence’s top attractions, so book a skip-the-line guided tour to bypass the long queues. You’ll have a multilingual guide who shares insights on the museum’s outstanding Gothic and Renaissance artworks. 

Pro tip : When booking a ticket, choose a time slot that works for you – keeping in mind the travel time from Rome to Florence, and walk to the museum. 

5. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo)

Florence is well-endowed with majestic churches. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most beautiful churches in the city and a must-see if you admire Gothic architecture. It is the fourth-largest church in the world, so there’s plenty to see.

A skip-the-line tour of the Florence Duomo takes you through the church’s famous frescoes, private passages, and rooftop terraces, where you’ll get a close-up of Brunelleschi’s dome. The cherry on top will be the sweeping views of the city you’ll get from Cupola del Brunelleschi.  

Tip : Typically the guided tours are for 2.5 to 3 hours, if you are pressed for time, we recommend visiting the Douomo from the outside. Or you can skip one of the museum visits. 

6. Piazza del Duomo + Giotto’s Bell Tower

Just steps away from the cathedral, you’ll find the Piazza del Duomo. This lively square is arguably the most famous in Florence, being surrounded by many top attractions. 

Sitting in the heart of Florence, this piazza boasts must-see architecture like the Giotto Bell Tower.

Around the square, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy. From vibrant street artists to cafes, cocktails, bars, and pizzeria where you can indulge in tasty treats. You’ll want to take your time here so you don’t miss out on seeing some of Florence’s top attractions. 

This is also the perfect place to catch a breather and grab a drink and pizza before continuing. 

7. Palazzo Vecchio

Boasting a brick-faced facade and a gigantic clock tower overlooking Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio serves as Florence’s town hall. Its interesting history and great architecture are some reasons why people visit this place, but its art collection is also something to look out for.

A skip-the-line entry ticket to Palazzo Vecchio offers you a secret passage tour through the palace. You’ll see many Renaissance artworks, marvel at secret Medici rooms, and find off-the-beaten-path locations in the Palazzo Vecchio Museum, like a mysterious stairway. 

Pro tip: We recommend just going on a stroll at the piazza in the interest of time. 

8. Uffizi Gallery

One of the most prominent art museums in Florence (and arguably in Italy) is none other than the Uffizi Gallery. Located minutes away from the Piazza della Signoria, this gallery is famous for its great collection of paintings and sculptures dating back to the Middle Ages.

Get yourself a skip-the-line entrance ticket and admire masterpieces from the likes of Giotto, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” is also among the relics you’ll see here. Uffizi Gallery is unique compared to other art museums in Florence. 

Walking through the gallery is like going back in time. As you stroll through artworks chronologically arranged from the 13th to the 18th century. There are also archaeological collections in the Uffizi Gallery, such as Roman and Greek sculptures.

Pro tip : Just like the Accademia Gallery, you will have to book tickets ahead of time and have to choose a slot. Based on the ticket availability you will have to adjust this itinerary. 

9. Ponte Vecchio

Walk over to the Ponte Vecchio, and enjoy the view of the River Arno. The Old Bridge is known for the shops that are built along it, but we loved it more for the uninterrupted views of the river and its surroundings. 

(Located near the Ponte Vecchio is the Pitti Palace and can spend some time at the Boboli Gardens here – we have included that as an option below). 

10. Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

Finally, your day trip from Rome to Florence ends with one of the most magical sunsets in Italy. This square is an excellent spot for panoramic views of Florence and beyond. The 360-degree views and skyline scenery are even more stunning at sunset time .

This could be the highlight of your trip, so be sure to arrive early (at least an hour before sunset) so that you can get the best spot. The square boasts a huge replica of the David statue at the center, as well as stalls selling football shirts, crafts, and many other Italian souvenirs .

More Things to Do in Florence Italy

We have included additional activities that you can swap for any of the itinerary stops above. 

Museo Leonardo Da Vinci + Interactive Museum

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has provided the world with many artists, sculptors, scientists, and engineers, and Da Vinci is one of the most famous among them. 

The intellectual is credited with conducting many experiments and creating futuristic inventions that were groundbreaking during the Renaissance. And you can see and marvel at most of these extraordinary items at the Leonardo Da Vinci Interactive Museum.

Book a guided tour of the museum and get a sneak peek into the genius mind of Leonardo Da Vinci as you roam through his artworks.

Tuscan cooking or pasta-making class

For a classic Florentine experience, take a cooking or pasta-making class and learn how to make delicious homemade Italian dishes. There are several tour providers around Florence, and they range from three-hour classes to full-day tours. 

If you’re spending two days in Florence (or more), we suggest you take the full-day cooking class at a Tuscan farmhouse led by an expert chef. You’ll learn how to make meals like bruschetta and roast pork and desserts like tiramisù from scratch. 

This cooking experience is perfectly paired with a visit to a local market and a scrumptious 4-course lunch. If you don’t have a lot of time, then join this pasta-making class so you have enough time to complete this itinerary. 

Palazzo Pitti + Boboli Gardens

Cross over the Arno River at Ponte Vecchio and head over to Pitti Palace. This exceptional palace boasts remarkable Renaissance architecture, splendid frescoes, gilded ceilings, and elegant furniture that makes even billionaires jealous.

A guided tour of Palazzo Pitti takes you through the residence’s expansive courtyards and the immaculate Boboli Gardens. You’ll also get to marvel at the Medici Family’s extensive artwork collection at the Palatine Gallery and learn about their grand-dual residency at the palace.

Rome to Florence day tours via high-speed train

If you are unsure of doing this yourself, we highly suggest that you join a guided tour when taking a day trip from Rome to Florence. These tours offer roundtrip tickets, a local guide, and skip-the-line tickets to main attractions. 

You’ll also get some free time to wander around the picturesque medieval streets of Florence. If you prefer to have more time to yourself, then a private tour will be useful such as this one

Here are a few of the best options for a scenic high-speed train day trip from Rome to Florence.

From Rome: Day trip to Florence by high-speed train (3.5/5 – 191 reviews)

Boarding from Termini Station at 7:30 am, this high-speed train day tour sees you traversing through Italy’s gorgeous countryside. You’ll catch glimpses of charming villages and towns from the window of your standard-class carriage along the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your tour guide and begin exploring the Renaissance city. At the Piazza del Duomo, you’ll spot classic Florence attractions like the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the towering Campanile di Giotto, and the octagonal Baptistery of St. John.

From there, you’ll explore the city’s bustling squares, such as the Piazza della Repubblica. This circular piazza boasts an enormous fountain at its heart, encircled by historic cafes and quaint boutiques. Continue to the eclectic Ponte Vecchio before heading to the artistic Uffizi Gallery.

At around mid-afternoon, your tour guide will indicate that it’s time to return. You’ll head back to the Santa Maria Novella Station to board the departing train to Rome. 

✅ Book Tour

Rome to Florence: High-speed train day trip (4.7/5 – 26 reviews)

On this tour, you’ll depart from Termini Station in Rome at 7:50 am. We suggest you reserve a window seat for optimal views of the scenic Italian countryside. When you arrive at the Santa Maria Novella Station, you’ll be met and welcomed by an English and Spanish-speaking greeter.

This high-speed train tour is a bit different than the previous one, though, as you’ll get to explore Florence at your own pace. There is no set itinerary, so you can simply wander through the medieval streets, spotting Gothic and Renaissance architecture and indulging in local cuisine.

The Historic Centre of Florence is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site , packed with hundreds of years of cultural and artistic prowess. You’ll find many churches, museums, piazzas, and galleries housing artworks from the likes of Michelangelo and Sandro Botticelli.

You’ll have the entire day to experience the city’s best attractions, so make sure you catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, which is one of the best things to do in Florence at night . Your train departs from Santa Maria Novella Station at 6:38 pm, but this is subject to change.

Note: From April, trains depart from Rome at 7:30 am on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Rome to Florence day tour (4.5/5 – 28 reviews)

Our third suggestion for a Rome to Florence high-speed train day tour also departs from Termini Station at 7:30 am and arrives at the Santa Maria Novella Station. You’ll have the option to pick between a self-guided tour and a guided walking tour with a professional multilingual guide.

The guided tour includes skip-the-line access to the renowned Uffizi Gallery. You’ll spend time admiring magnificent art collections with masterpieces from artists like Giotto, Botticelli, and Cimabue. Afterward, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s rich tapestry of historical treasures from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Wander around the enchanting piazza, delight in mouthwatering Tuscan cuisine at local cafes, and marvel at the city’s breathtaking architecture. End your day with a stroll back to the Santa Maria Novella Station. Your train will arrive back in Rome at around 7:30 pm. 

Note: This tour requires you to arrive at the meet-up spot in Rome, in front of Caffè Trombetta, at least 30 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure time.

Staying longer? Consider taking these day trips from Florence

Florence can be considered a gateway to charming towns and other major cities in Northern Italy. If you’ll be in Florence for a few days, we suggest you take some of these day trips.

Florence to San Marino day trip

Surrounded by Italy, San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world. But don’t let that fool you. This microstate boasts a lot of history and culture comparable with any other nation. Take a day trip from Florence to San Marino and discover its hilltop, medieval old town.

Day trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and lunch at a winery

If you love history, art, and decadent Tuscan food and wines, this day trip is perfect for you. On this Tuscany day tour, you’ll enjoy wandering around the medieval city of Siena , marveling at the towers of San Gimignano and admiring the dramatic architecture of Pisa .

Cinque Terre day trip from Florence with optional hiking

The seaside paradise of Cinque Terre is about two to three hours away from Florence. This string of UNESCO-listed hillside towns boasts colorful houses, pristine white-sand beaches, and a rugged coastline perfect for hiking.

On this day trip , you’ll spend most of your time walking the narrow street, sunbathing, and soaking up the unspoiled views of the Italian Riviera .

Chianti wine tour from Florence

Wine lovers will love exploring Tuscany’s lush vineyards and tasting exceptional wine. This amazing wine-tasting day trip takes you to the Chianti Wine Regions, where you’ll indulge in award-winning wines and traditional food while overlooking rolling hills of grape-filled vineyards and villas.

Rome to Florence high-speed train day trip: FAQs

Day trips often require a lot of planning. From arranging transportation to creating a well-thought-out itinerary, it can all be quite overwhelming. But don’t stress, we’ve put together a few frequently asked questions about day trips from Rome to Florence to help you out.

Is it worth it to do a day trip from Rome to Florence?

Absolutely! As we mentioned before, Rome and Florence offer different experiences in Italy. Although you’ll find that both cities have ancient landmarks, museums, and galleries, each of these highlights displays the city’s unique culture, history, and heritage.

What is the best route from Rome to Florence?

The best way to travel from Rome to Florence is via a high-speed train from Termini Station to Santa Maria Novella Station. This takes about 90 minutes, one-way.

How many trains a day from Rome to Florence?

This is a very popular day trip from Rome, so you can expect more than 60 trains per day traveling between the Italian capital and Florence. More than one train leaves Rome each hour, but this is less frequent on weekends and during the holiday season. 

Do I need to book a train from Rome to Florence in advance?

Yes. Booking your train ticket beforehand will save you lots of time at the station. During the peak season in Italy, these train tickets are very sought-after, and that can cause some delays.

Wrapping up the best high speed train day trip from Rome to Florence

Taking a day trip from Rome to Florence is one of the best ways to see the nation’s lush countryside and spend time in one of the most beautiful cities in Italy . And there is no better way of doing this than by taking a high-speed train from the capital.

Florence is the undisputed cradle of the Italian Renaissance. It’s known for being home to world-class art, historical landmarks, and medieval architecture that will blow you away. And if you’ll be spending two or three days in Florence , there are more epic day trips awaiting you.

Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll around Florence while admiring its Renaissance architecture or you’d like to indulge in Tuscan cuisine, nothing beats a day trip from Rome.

More Italy Travel Guides

• Italy travel guide
• Italy itinerary 7 days
• Italy itinerary 2 weeks
• Tuscany itinerary 7 days

Pin: Day trip from Rome to Florence 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

Similar Posts

Perfect One Day in Lucerne Itinerary (+ Tips)

Lucerne is known for its remarkable beauty and vibrant culture. It’s stunning setting, nestled between snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and rolling hillsides provides an unforgettable atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world. Here is the perfect one day in Lucerne itinerary to see it all!  Lucerne is a great destination for those wishing…

2 to 14 day Northern California road trip itinerary routes

Northern California or NorCal is home to iconic coastal cities, redwood forests, perfect outdoorsy landscapes, dynamic weather, and the Pacific coastline. In this guide, we are sharing 6 Northern California road trip itinerary ideas with planning tips for an epic adventure.  So whether you have a weekend, 5 days, or a week, we got you…

Perfect 3 days in Rome itinerary (free map + tips)

Looking for an easy to follow 3 days in Rome itinerary? We’ve got the perfect plan for your trip to Italy. You’ll see all of the best sights, eat delicious food, and have an unforgettable experience in the capital city of Rome.  We created this travel guide – so that you don’t have to do…

The Best 2 week Italy Itinerary with Amalfi Coast (+ Map)

Italy is an absolute must-visit for any world traveler. From the Colosseum in Rome and the sprawling Duomo di Milano in Milan to the ruins of Pompeii, there are endless sights and activities to take in. Whether you choose to spend your days exploring cities or basking on beach fronts, visiting iconic destinations such as…

16 Best Piazzas in Rome | Roman Piazzas you must visit

Visiting the Italian capital city? Then you must add one of these best piazzas in Rome to your sightseeing itinerary. They are free to visit, easy to access within the city centre, and are surrounded by stunning architecture! Italy is a unique country with natural beauty that’s hard to beat, no matter where you are….

The Best One Day in San Marino Itinerary

San Marino is a tiny, landlocked country surrounded by Italy. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Titano with views of the Adriatic and is sandwiched between the Emilia Romagna and Marche regions of Italy. In this guide, we will share the best one day in San Marino to make the most of your…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Europe Chevron

Italy Chevron

Tuscany Chevron

Florence Chevron

12 Best Wine Tours and Tastings in Florence

By Erica Firpo

A nearly 9,000-square-mile region of rolling verdant hills, salty coastline, and picturesque hilltop hamlets, Tuscany is an incredible play land for the eno-curious. The region's heavy-hitters are many, from Chianti Classico, to Brunello, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano—and, of course, the famous Super Tuscans. It's filled with landmark wineries and epic winemakers who know it, so they've created incredible experiences and tasting rooms to attract visitors, from fairytale to futuristic, combing natural landscapes with award-winning architects. Whether you've only got time for a light tasting or want to make a day out of a full regional experience, we've got you covered. Exploring this countryside is the tastiest way to truly understand Tuscany, which is why we've picked our favorite wine tours and wine tastings in Florence.

Badia a Coltibuono Arrow

Badia a Coltibuono is set in a beautiful landscape of rich greens near Siena. Its charming medieval building, a historic abbey with a romantic atmosphere, looks like the backdrop to a Raffaello painting. Guests reserve their Chianti tasting in advance, so you can be sure that everyone here has done their research—you'll be in good company. The entry-level wine tasting, though well planned, doesn't include snacks. If you're looking for a bite, go for the more advanced tasting, which includes charcuterie and bruschetta.

Cantina Salcheto Arrow

Cantina Salcheto enjoys an enviable and jaw-dropping location—in the beautiful hills of Montepulciano—and manages to toe the line between rustic and futuristic, if that's possible. The 40-acre main vineyard is Tuscany at its best: rolling hills, rich colors, and a state-of-the-art cellar that's impressive in looks and, of course, in inventory—here, you're drinking Rosso di Toscana IGT and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. There's no food in the basic tasting, but you can upgrade to the paired tasting or enjoy lunch at Salcheto's onsite enoteca.

Rocca di Frassinello Arrow

Rocca di Frassinello is a beautiful and modernist winery designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. The feat of geometry—whose rich ambers and reds seem to fold into the greens of Grosseto along Tuscany's coastline—is a must-stop for architecture buffs and oenophiles alike. Rocca di Frassinello isn't the kind of place you just happen upon—Maremma, in the south of Tuscany, is rugged cowboy country, so there are no crowds; rather, you'll be tasting cult favorite wines alongside well-researched and well-traveled culture vultures.

Ornellaia Arrow

Ornellaia, which produces superb Super Tuscans that most can only dream of tasting, is one of the most exclusive wineries in Tuscany, and it's the perfect place to come with wine-loving friends. The landscape itself is worth the trip, with verdant and beautifully landscaped hills dotted with castle and towers here and there along the coastline between Livorno and Grosseto. Visitors will gain a fully immersive lesson in the world of winemaker Axel Heinz's Super Tuscans and innovative wines, which are favorites among collectors sommeliers the world over.

Stacey Lastoe

Kimberly Wilson

Matt Kirouac

Castello di Ama Arrow

Located in a beautiful medieval hilltop town just north of Siena in Chianti, Castello di Ama feels like an old-fashioned fairytale—one that also happens to be a destination for contemporary art. Lush vineyards produce award-winning wine; gardens are a backdrop to 14 site-specific works and installations by 13 international artists, a combination that attracts wine connoisseurs and art lovers alike. The tour and tasting of Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG also includes bruschetta, though if you're looking for something heartier, the surrounding picturesque village has an enoteca.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Arrow

One of the most popular wineries in the world, Biondi Santi's tours and tastings are superbly rated—for good reason. This is the seat of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most popular reds coming out of Tuscany around the world. When you book, you're asked a series of questions relating to your knowledge of and interest in wine; from there, you'll be matched with a guide and tour type. Even those with little (or no) knowledge can enjoy the sweeping views and the history of the vineyard, as well as the universally edifying experience of learning about a trade and practice.

Antinori Nel Chianti Classico Arrow

Antinori nel Chianti Classico is nothing if not monumental: a striking contemporary sculptural edifice that epitomizes the winery's impact on Italy's history and culture. Antinori is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) producers of wine, and one of the most historic: the label defined, and then redefined, Chianti Classico, upgrading it from a table wine to a prestige one. The architecture, designed by Marco Casamonti, best exemplifies this grandeur. Antinori plays the classics; expect plenty of silky Chianti Classico.

Altesino Arrow

Altesino is a postcard-perfect Italian country villa off a charming dirt road in the Montalcino hills. The late-14th-century Palazzo Altesino sets the stage for an elegant wine. Visits are private; often it's only you, your group, and the winemaker. The focus is Altesino's award-winning wines, from Brunello di Montalcino DOCG to Rosso di Montalcino, and you can also a enjoy a decent snacks pairing. The beautiful location promises to win everyone over, no matter how much they know about wine.

DiVine Tours Arrow

DiVine Tours offers a series of bespoke wine tours around Tuscany and other select parts of Italy—Umbria, Sicily, Puglia, and Piedmont, among others—all of which are highly personalized and professional. Miriam, DiVine's owner and founder, is a consummate professional who hires top-notch guides and experts. Her tours are very organized and very easy to understand, and you can customize pretty much everything. These tours are excellent for those interested in attaining robust knowledge of area wineries and their history, but they're not for people who don't like wine.

Volpaia Arrow

A walled hamlet on a Chianti hill, Volpaia is the quintessential Tuscan wine fantasy visit. The town itself is charming and the castle drips with Florentine history, having served as a key defensive outpost for the Florentine Republic during its heyday. Volpaia wines are exceptional Chianti Classicos, and that's what you'll learn about on a private tour. The staff is very personable and friendly—but most importantly, they know and love Volpaia, and that enthusiasm is infectious.

Podere Le Ripi Arrow

A beautiful Tuscan drive through winding rustic roads ends at Podere le Ripi, a photogenic winery with a modern reception and tasting area. Winemaker Francesco Illy (of the Illy coffee family) is known industry-wide as an innovator; his wines are biodynamic—and he himself is dynamic, too. After a tasting and snack, you'll leave with one key takeaway: that you can at once embrace and buck tradition while still creating great wine.

Fèlsina Arrow

Felsina's picture-perfect stone entrance comes into view after you've slowly meandered around the hills and valleys of Chianti—and what a sight it is. Here, the mentality is purist; everything you eat comes from the surrounding land. The olive oil is from single cultivars, and the oil-making process strictly adheres to Veronelli's rules of pressing. You can have a simple Chianti wine tasting, a wine tasting with a light lunch, or a wine and olive oil tasting with lunch alongside other wine lovers, culinary travelers, and anyone interested in the hows and whys of wine- and olive-making.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

12 Best Tuscany Wine tours from: Florence, Siena, Rome, …

Searching for the best Tuscany wine tours ? You came to the right page.

Tuscany is the most famous of all Italian wine regions , thanks to its endless rolling hills, cypress-lined roads and picturesque villages.

Find out which are the best places to go for wine tours in Tuscany, whether they depart from Florence, Siena or Rome… Keep reading to find out more about these amazing wine tours, we have listed the 12 best ones so you can get enjoy Tuscany at its most.

• Tuscany wine tours from Florence

The renaissance city of Florence is not only full of history, but also famous for its wine and is considered one of the top cities in Italy for wine lovers. It’s in the centre of the Tuscany region, for that it’s the most common place to go on the best wineries in Tuscany and its surroundings.

1. Tuscany wine tours from Florence to San Gimignano

Just an hour away from Florence. San Gimignano boasts of a beautiful medieval town with 14 towers. Famous for its wine, you’ll be able to enjoy a wine tasting in an authentic Tuscan winery. Normally they include local snacks that go perfectly together with the wine, which can be some local cheese, salami or bruschetta. On this tour, you’ll especially learn how to pair food with wine.

• Compare Wine Tours to San Gimignano from Florence

2. Try the most famous wines in the enchanting Chianti

Highly renowned for its wine and scenery covered in rows of vineyards. Get to know more about Chianti on a walking tour through its vineyards as you have a guided explanation of the wine-making process.

Many of the vineyards in Chianti have set up places for people to come and try wine tasting of the famous Chianti classico. Chianti isn’t just about wine; there are other delicious foods you can try like meats, cheeses, honey and local dishes.

• Compare Wine Tours to Chianti from Florence

3. Try the wines near Pisa from Florence

But also enjoy its local produce! There are thousands of wine tastings all around Italy and you’re bound to find plenty of them in Pisa.

After discovering the important attractions in Pisa, you can finish your day with a wine tasting to savour Tuscany’s most delicious wine.

• Compare Wine Tours to Pisa from Florence

4. Discover the local wine producers in the charming town of Lucca

Another favourite city most loved in the Tuscany region. The city can be visited in a day as it’s easy to reach from Florence or even Pisa. Most of the main attractions in Lucca show its ancient history and its magnificent walls which once became a pedestrian promenade.

Delve into its local life, by learning how to drink and eat as locals do in Lucca on a wine tour which is easily found.

5. Dedicate a day discovering Cinque Terre and its wine-making

Considered to be one of the most popular day trips in the Tuscany region. As you may know, Cinque Terre is formed by five small towns from south to north and its location and history play a very active role in promoting its traditional products and culture. You are bound to find thousands of day trips and tours that take you to Cinque Terre, especially organised for you to learn as much as possible about its lifestyle, history, culture, cuisine and wine-making. As you explore the area, maximise your experience by including a wine tour and food tour on your itinerary!

• Compare Wine Tours to Cinque Terre from Florence

6. Discover food and wine in Siena and visit prestigious wineries

Indulge in Tuscany’s cuisine on a gourmet food and wine tour to Siena! You can go on a walking tour around this picturesque city, where you can have a local guide with you share information about Tuscan cuisine and what makes it so special. You have to try samples of regional specialities from some of the top food markets in the city. Make sure you try truffle panini, Tuscan olive oil, handmade chocolate, focaccia, and gelato, washed down with prosecco and Chianti wine.

• Wine tours from Florence to Siena

Tuscany wine tours from Siena

While Siena boasts of listed heritage sites by UNESCO, it also boasts of fantastic surroundings of the Tuscan landscape. Discover on day trips from Siena to all these little towns listed below to visit the vineyards and learn about wine-making.

• Compare Wine Tours from Siena

7. Vespa and chianti tour from Siena with wine and food tasting

See the hills of Tuscany in true Italian style on a Vespa scooter from Siena. Set off on your scooter through the Tuscan countryside, with your friends or family and make your way to a Chianti winery. Tour the vineyards and cellars, sample some wine and indulge in an antipasto lunch before heading back to Siena.

• Book a Wine Vespa Tour from Siena

8. Try one of the most famous wines in Montalcino

Though a village, rather than a city, Montalcino is the perfect base for exploring the vineyards of Tuscany. Lying at the heart of one of Italy’s most famous wine producing regions, this picturesque Tuscan village is the place for wine lovers.

Montalcino is famous for having one the most appreciated wines, highly-recognized as Brunello. If you chose to come here, don’t miss out on these renowned are of wine producers: Biondi-Santi, Schidione and Banfi.

• Compare Wine Tours to Montalcino from Siena

9. Try Pienza’s high-quality wine

This picturesque town is in the valley of Val d’Orcia and it’s the perfect destination to slow down and explore its green valley and its vineyards that are renowned for producing the famous wine of Brunello. After visiting its main attractions such as its ancient abbeys and castles, you can experience many of the thermal baths they have (Bagno Vignoni or Bagni di San Filippo).

End the day with a tour of its high-quality local products, its wine, cheese, truffles and much more.

• Compare Wine Tours to Pienza from Siena

10. Learn deeply about wine-making in Montepulciano

Also in Val d’Orcia, Montepulciano boasts of Renaissance buildings and ancient tradition winemaking. Being nearby to Montalcino and Pienza, you can easily find a wine tour which offers an itinerary embracing these three traditional towns which are highly-recognized for its astonishing landscapes and wine-making. If you’re ready for a full day of travelling and learning deeply about wine-making and local produce, consider this day trip through Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano.

• Compare Wine Tours to Montepulciano from Siena

11. Experience an even more local wine in Arezzo

This town is usually not included in the main itineraries of the Tuscany region. But if you’re looking for fewer visitors and more locals, as well as many treasures in the towns and castles, Arezzo can be a potential destination for you.

It is nearby Cortona so maybe you can consider combining these two beautiful towns on the same day trip, where you can enjoy its stunning architecture, atmosphere and delicious wine accompanied by local cuisine.

Tuscany wine tours from Rome

If you’ve had enough of exploring Rome’s beauty and its stunning art and you think you have plenty of time to spare, consider discovering more of Italy. The Tuscany region is just a few hours away by transport from Rome, which makes it a perfect day trip. There are many day trips from Rome due to its high demand and you can find thousands of them offering tours around the most beautiful quaint villages, to get to know its rich culture and delicious local cuisine.

12. Enjoy a wine country day trip from Rome to Tuscany

The most renowned villages are all mentioned in this article and you’re bound to find many day trips where you travel to more than one village in a day and you finish the day with a delicious wine tasting and visit the wine cellars to learn more profoundly about how they do it and much more!

There are many providers offering these Tuscany wine tours from Rome so check out on TourScanner so you can decide which one is more suitable for you and compare prices most importantly.

• Compare Tuscany Wine Tours from Rome

We hope you find this comprehensive guide useful if you’re planning on getting to know Italy’s wine culture! If you have any question don’t hesitate in leaving a comment below.

Tuscany Wine Tours

SD › Italy › Florence › Wine Tours in Tuscany Updated: June 10, 2022 By Santorini Dave

• My Favorite to Stay in Florence
• My Favorite Hotels in Florence
• My Favorite Family Hotels in Florence

Scenery on the wonderful Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip from Florence. One of our favorites.

Wine Tours & Day Trips in Florence & Tuscany – My Recommendations • Best Tour from Florence: Tuscany Wine Tasting • Best Tour from Siena: Chianti and San Gimignano • Best Tour from Rome: Tuscany Taster Tour • Best Wine & Food Tour: Tuscany Wine & Food • Best Private Tour: Chianti Wine Tour Best Private Wine Tour in Tuscany: The Chianti Wine Tour: Full-Day from Florence with Tastings Tip: Book early! Wine tours from Florence are very popular and sell out months in advance. I’ve listed more good ones below in case other recommendations are fully booked. Florence tours are typically very high quality and great value for what you get. Good Alternatives if Fully Booked Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany (4.5 hours) From Florence: Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide (8 hours) Full-Day Countryside Tour with Lunch (9 hours) – Siena, Wine Estate, San Gimignano The Best Wine Tours from Florence 1. Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip This budget-priced wine tour is designed for younger travelers, aged 18 to 35. (They aren’t strict about the max age and will often say 41, 45, or 51 when asked about an upper limit – if you have a fun attitude you’ll be fine.) Leaving from Florence, the tour travels to San Gimignano, home of Vernaccia, Tuscany’s best white wine variety. The tour covers a little bit of the winemaking process but focuses more on tasting (read: drinking). Expect lots of laughs, gorgeous scenery, and big pours of several varieties of Vernaccia, rosés, Chiantis, and Super Tuscans, but remember you don’t have to finish every glass. After visiting two vineyards, the tour stops inside medieval San Gimignano for some free time to explore. An excellent all-ages alternative is the Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany . 2. Grape Tours: Super Chianti This full-day, small-group excursion covers all the best in Tuscany, including informative guided tours of two vineyards and wineries, lunch at Dario Cecchini’s famous butcher shop in Panzano, and a visit to the quaint village Greve. Guided by an expert sommelier, guests will get an in-depth look into the full process of winemaking from grape to glass. Special attention is given during the tastings to show what gives Tuscan wines their distinctive characteristics. Learn how to identify specific features of wine, especially Chianti, Chianti Classico, and Super Tuscan, how to choose a great bottle, and how to pair wine and foods—all while surrounded by miles of luscious grapevines and olive groves. Also recommended: Chianti Private Wine Tour: Full-Day from Florence with Tastings 3. Tuscany Vespa Tour Flat out fun and exhilarating, this scooter tour visits a 12th-century castle for a tour of their vineyard and winery, followed by a wine and olive oil tasting, and tower climb for panoramic views of the Chianti wine country. Guests drive their scooters through winding hills, past villas, vineyards, and ancient olive groves. The drive is broken into two portions with an authentic Tuscan lunch (wine included) served in a rustic bistro overlooking a valley. Guides are very helpful and especially accommodating for those who haven’t driven a scooter before. All tours begin with a lesson in a quiet parking, and the drive itself is along low-traffic roads with slow speed limits. Also recommended: From Florence: Tuscan Countryside Tour on a Vintage Vespa 4. Walkabout Florence: Chianti Wine & Food Safari This full-day, four-wheel-drive tour explores some of the less accessible portions of the Chianti Classico region and focuses especially on Tuscan food traditions, olive oils, and wine pairings. Visit two wineries, one at an aristocratic villa and the other an award-winning vineyard, for an exclusive look at their winemaking process and olive oil mills. Enjoy a hearty, rustic lunch with jaw-dropping views at a popular, local restaurant. The tour finishes in Greve with a visit to the historic butcher shop (since 1729, one of the best-known in Italy for its salumi and its strange selection of gelatos topped with meats) and free time to wander the village, check out its church, wine museum, or cozy up to an espresso bar. 5. Under the Tuscan Sun: Chianti Shared Wine Tour Half Day The best half-day wine tour out of Florence. This small-group tour travels to two vineyards in the Chianti Classico region, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the full winemaking process from harvesting to fermenting to bottling. Both wineries offer tastings of three or so varieties from different vintages, mostly Chiantis with one or two Super Tuscans mixed in. Rates for morning or afternoon tours include a meal, as well as a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence. This half-day tour is ideal for travelers who have a limited amount of time in the city. Book the afternoon tour (start times are flexible), so that you have all morning to take in the city sights, before heading to the countryside for rich wines and a glorious Tuscan sunset. 6. Angie’s Personal Tour: Chianti & Super Tuscan Tour A full-day tour of boutique vineyards between Florence and Siena, highlighting the unique flavors of Chianti and Super Tuscan wines, alongside other local varieties of white and rosé. Tours can be scheduled for three wineries plus lunch or four wineries without lunch (don’t worry; there will be plenty of snacks) The first two wineries visited include tasting and tours of their vineyards and cellars, where the winemaking process is explained. The third stop focuses less on making wine and more on tasting and pairing. For tours with four stops, the final winery boasts a 12th-century cellar and a 14th-century olive grove.

• Florence Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Florence
• Best Hotels for Families in Florence
• Best Boutique Hotels in Florence
• Best Romantic Hotels in Florence
• Best Cheap Hotels in Florence
• Best Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Florence
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Florence
• Best Hotels with Private Pools and Jacuzzis in Florence
• Where to Stay in Florence
• Florence Hotel Map
• Best Time to Visit Florence
• Best Restaurants in Florence
• Best Bars in Florence
• Best Gelato in Florence
• Best Shops and Markets in Florence
• Best Things to Do in Florence
• Florence Airport Transportation
• Renting a Car in Florence
• Rome to Florence
• Venice to Florence
• Pisa to Florence
• Livorno to Florence
• Day Trip to San Gimignano from Florence
• Day Trip to Siena from Florence
• Best Agriturismo in Tuscany

About Santorini Dave

• Destinations
• Winery Directory

Best Florence Wine Tours, Wine Tastings & Day Trips 2024

Learn About and Book the Best Wine Tours & Wine Tasting Experiences near Florence, Italy

Florence is not just famous for its Renaissance art, historic architecture like the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery, but also stands as a portal to the illustrious world of Italian wine. The city’s prime location offers #Winetravelers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into local enotecas and wine bars, as well as venture into the surrounding vineyards that have put regions like Chianti on the global wine map.

Why Florence Serves as an Excellent Base for Wine Tasting in Chianti and Beyond

Within the city itself, Florence is home to a plethora of both classic and new school wine bars and enotecas, offering a highly curated selection of local wines. A brief journey from Florence will take you to some of Italy’s most renowned wine regions, such as Chianti, Montalcino, Carmignano, Bolgheri and Montepulciano. Each of these regions offers stunning and unique scenery, diverse terroir, local cuisine and winemaking styles.

RELATED: Best Wine Tours to Book in Tuscany in 2024 and Beyond

Florence’s accessibility to these iconic wine regions is second to none. With a range of well-connected transportation options, including trains and organized tours , day trips to these vineyards are not just possible but highly encouraged. Exploring Florence and the surrounding countryside through the lens of wine offers an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism. It’s a multi-sensory journey that connects you to the very essence of the region.

Imagine sipping a glass of Chianti Classico while overlooking the vineyard-scapes and Tuscan Hills from the Piazzale Michelangelo. Secure your ideal experience here .

Quick Tips for Wine Tasting in Florence

Getting to florence, where to stay in florence.

• Best Florence Wine Tasting Experiences

Fly into the Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) . For the most current flight prices, check here . Upon landing, you’ll find that the city center is conveniently accessible, making it easy to start your Florentine wine adventure right away.

If you’re someone who values the freedom to explore at your own pace and wishes to soak in stunning landscapes, we recommend renting a car in advance through Kayak . This gives you the flexibility to venture beyond Florence and into the surrounding wine regions like Chianti and Montalcino.

For travelers seeking a more personalized and stress-free arrival, especially if it’s your first time in Florence or you simply prefer the ease of pre-arranged transport, booking a private transfer through a reputable service like Ciao Florence is an excellent option.

Once you’re in Florence, you’ll discover that taxis and public transportation options like buses are readily available. These provide a convenient way to navigate the city and reach local wine bars and other attractions if you opt not to rent a car. Additionally, some of the wine tours mentioned in this guide offer transportation as part of their packages, ensuring pick-up and drop-off services from your accommodation in Florence for a seamless wine-tasting experience.

Grand Hotel Minerva

• Location : Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, Florence
• Star Rating : 4 stars
• Lowest Rate : $640 per night
• Booking : Grand Hotel Minerva

Grand Hotel Minerva is a sanctuary of luxury and sophistication, located in the historic Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The hotel offers an extensive wine list featuring local wines, perfect for the discerning Winetraveler to use as a base for exploration.

• Fun Fact : The hotel’s rooftop pool offers panoramic views of Florence, providing a unique setting to enjoy a glass of wine.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

• Location : Borgo Pinti, 99, Florence
• Star Rating : 5 stars
• Booking : Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a masterpiece of Renaissance splendor, offering an unparalleled luxury experience. The hotel’s wine cellar is a treasure trove of fine wines, including rare Italian vintages.

• Fun Fact : The hotel is set within a centuries-old private park, offering a serene backdrop for wine tasting sessions.

COMO Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa

• Location : Strada Spicciano, 7, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Tuscany
• Booking: Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa

For a countryside experience, we recommend looking into Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Tuscany. This 5-star hotel is set in a restored castle and offers wine-tasting experiences, including vineyard tours.

• Fun Fact : The hotel has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, La Torre, where you can pair your wine with some of the best cuisine in the region.

Best Wine Tasting Experiences from Florence

Voted best tour in Florence in 2023 (also very affordable), learn about Florentine history, culture, and the legendary Medici dynasty behind the city’s rise to power with this introductory walking tou r. Stroll by highlights like the cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria for an overview of the city’s wonders in just a couple of hours

Go on a day trip from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa , plus have lunch at a Winery

Visit “Italy’s Riviera” in Cinque Terre on a guided day trip from Florence

Go horseback riding or rent a Vespa to explore the countryside

Best Florence Wine Tasting Experiences & Food and Wine Tours, Day Trips

Day trip from florence: siena, san gimignano, pisa and lunch at a winery.

Winetraveler Rating (over 12,675 reviews):

For Winetravelers pressed for time but eager to experience the essence of Tuscany, this one-day tour from Florence offers a meticulously planned itinerary that covers the region’s must-see attractions. Priced at $93.27 per adult, this tour is an all-encompassing journey through the countryside, medieval towns, and world-renowned landmarks.

RELATED: Best 25 Things To Do in Florence Italy: Visitor’s City Guide

Images courtesy Walkabout Florence

Highlights:

• Spectacular Countryside Views: Explore the rolling hills of Tuscany, capturing the essence of the region’s natural beauty.
• Guided Tour of Siena: Begin your day with an expert-led walking tour of Siena, including exclusive entry to its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral.
• Chianti Wine and Culinary Experience: Elevate your day with a traditional local lunch paired with a wine tasting session, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Chianti hills. This experience is available as an upgrade and takes place at an organic wine estate, offering a genuine taste of the region.
• Explore at Your Own Pace: Enjoy free time to wander through the cobblestone streets of Siena, the medieval skyscrapers of San Gimignano, and the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.
• Up-Close with the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Witness the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa in all its glory. Skip-the-line admission tickets are available as an upgrade, allowing you more time to marvel at this architectural wonder.
• English-Only Tour: To ensure the highest quality of customer service and a cohesive tour experience, this excursion is conducted exclusively in English.

Price: from $93.27 per adult

Lowest price guarantee, Reserve now & pay later, Free cancellation

Chianti Safari: Villas with Vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

Winetraveler Rating (over 2,550 reviews):

This full-day tour from Florence, also offered by Walkabout Tours, provides a meticulously planned itinerary in a 4×4 vehicle, safari style. The tour includes visits to three distinct wineries, one of which is a historic villa’s private Chianti cellar, typically off-limits to the general public. The 3-course lunch is not a generic meal but a curated dining experience at a winery restaurant renowned for its local cuisine and setting.

Images courtesy Walkabout Tours

• Expert Commentary: Gain in-depth insights into Tuscan cuisine, winemaking, and history from your knowledgeable guide.
• Exclusive Access to Wineries: The tour’s 4×4 off-road vehicle allows you to visit three unique wineries, including a private Chianti cellar at a historic villa, for tastings of premium wines, extra-virgin olive oil, and artisanal cheeses.
• Authentic Tuscan Lunch: The 3-course lunch is served at a handpicked winery restaurant, known for its traditional Tuscan recipes and locally-sourced ingredients.
• Safe and Convenient Transportation: The tour includes a designated driver, allowing you to fully engage in the wine tasting experience.
• Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2023

Price: Currently on sale for Winetravelers at $182.71 per adult, down from $203.01

RELATED: Best Wineries in Tuscany to Visit This Year

Scent of the Sea: Full-Day Cinque Terre Exploration from Florence – A Comprehensive Trip to the Italian Riviera

Winetraveler Rating (over 1,924 reviews):

Suitable for solo travelers, couples or families, and those interested in experiencing the Italian Riviera’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, this full-day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence offers a well-organized and hassle-free experience.

Led by Ciao Florence, this excursion provides seamless transportation between each of the small, picturesque fishing villages, through a combination of pre-arranged car, train, and boat transport. The tour covers most of the region’s key destinations including Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza, each offering its own distinct character and scenic views.

Images courtesy Ciao Florence

• Multi-Modal Transportation: The tour efficiently uses coach, rail, and boats to transport you between the villages, maximizing your time and experience in each location.
• UNESCO-Listed Cinque Terre: Explore the unique character and scenic beauty of each fishing village, all of which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Traditional Italian Lunch: An optional upgrade allows you to enjoy a traditional Italian lunch in Monterosso, known for its quaint atmosphere and local cuisine.
• Swimming Opportunity: The tour includes a stop for a swim in the turquoise waters of one of the area’s pristine beaches, offering a refreshing break.
• Why Travelers Choose This Tour: The tour takes the guesswork out of transportation and dining, providing an affordable and efficient way to experience the Italian Riviera’s diverse offerings.

Price: from $64.74 per adult

Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine

Winetraveler Rating (over 2,479 reviews):

This special Vespa tour from Florence offers a unique way to explore the region’s scenic hills and lesser-known landmarks. Led by a local guide, you’ll ride your own iconic Italian scooter through winding roads, passing notable sites like the Piazzale Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al Monte. The tour culminates in a traditional Italian meal at a country estate, providing a fitting end to an unforgettable journey. To ensure a personalized experience, this tour is limited to just 15 travelers.

• Drive Your Own Vespa: Experience the thrill of navigating the Tuscan hills on your own iconic Italian scooter, guided by a local expert.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Sights: Visit lesser-known landmarks like the Church of San Miniato al Monte, offering a unique perspective on the region.
• Traditional Tuscan Meal: The tour concludes with a meal at a country estate, featuring a menu of bruschetta, pasta, and a cheese and salami board.
• Small-Group Experience: With a maximum of 15 people, this tour ensures you receive personalized attention from your guide.

Price: from $246.90 per adult

Horseback Ride: Visit San Gimignano, Countryside Lunch, Chianti Wine Tasting

Winetraveler Rating (over 230 reviews):

This full-day tour from Florence combines the adventure of horseback riding with wine tasting and lunch at a beautiful location. Your guide from Chianti Wine Tours provides a gentle horse and all necessary riding gear for a journey through the vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills of Chianti. The tour also includes a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano and concludes with a 3-course Tuscan lunch accompanied by a wine tasting session. With an option to substitute a farm tour for the horseback ride and limited to just eight people, this tour offers both flexibility and intimacy.

Images courtesy Chianti Wine Tours

• Horseback Riding Experience: Witness the scenic landscapes of the Chianti region on horseback, guided by an experienced local.
• San Gimignano Exploration: Visit the picturesque medieval town known for its historic towers and charming streets.
• 3-Course Tuscan Lunch and Wine Tasting: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal and learn the nuances of local wines through a guided tasting session.
• Small-Group Limit: With a maximum of eight people, this tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience.

Price: from $208.50 per adult

Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine

Winetraveler Rating (over 532 reviews):

Offered by Walkabout Florence, this half-day tour offers the unique opportunity to drive a retro Fiat 500 through the region’s scenic landscapes. Led by an expert guide, you’ll venture into the Tuscan hills, making a stop at the Church of San Miniato al Monte and enjoying panoramic views of Florence. The tour includes a visit to a private terrace where you’ll enjoy in a traditional Tuscan lunch before returning to your original departure point in Florence.

• Drive a Retro Fiat 500: Take the wheel of an iconic Italian car and explore the Tuscan countryside, guided by an expert.
• Visit to San Miniato al Monte: Stop at this historic church, known for its stunning views over Florence.
• Photo Opportunities: The tour includes stops for photo opportunities, and the option to change drivers if you wish, ensuring everyone gets a turn behind the wheel.
• Tuscan Lunch on a Private Terrace: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal in an exclusive setting, adding a touch of luxury to your adventure.

Top 5 Wine Bars in Florence for Wine Tasting

Le volpi e l’uva.

Piazza dei Rossi, 1R, Florence

Le Volpi e l’Uva is a charming wine bar located near the Ponte Vecchio. It offers a curated selection of Italian wines, focusing on small producers. The intimate setting and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Piazza de’ Pitti, 16, Florence

Situated across from the Pitti Palace, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is renowned for its extensive wine list, including rare Tuscan vintages. The elegant ambiance and exceptional service make it a standout choice for wine lovers.

EnotecaBar Fuori Porta

Via del Monte alle Croci, 10R, Florence

EnotecaBar Fuori Porta is a vibrant wine bar located in the Oltrarno district near Piazza Michelangelo. Known for its extensive wine list and casual atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The bar also offers a variety of small plates, making it ideal for a wine and food pairing experience.

La Divina Enoteca

Via Panicale, 19R, Florence

La Divina Enoteca is a modern wine bar that offers a diverse selection of wines from around the world. The bar also features wine-tasting events and masterclasses, making it a hub for wine education in Florence.

Enoteca Alessi

Via delle Oche, 27R-31R, Florence

Enoteca Alessi is located near the Duomo and offers a wide range of Italian and international wines. The bar also has a deli section, where you can find gourmet products to pair with your wine.

*All Florence day trip and wine tour pricing is accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change based on operator availability.

Pin This Travel Guide to the Best Wine Tours Near Florence on Pinterest for Later

Trending Articles & Travel Guides to Italy

16 Best Wineries to Visit Near Rome in 2024

15 Best Amalfi Coast Wine Tours & Luxury Hotels 2024

How to Go Wine Tasting Near Palermo, Marsala & Beyond

You are reading “Best Florence Wine Tastings, Wine Tours and Day Trips 2024” Back To Top

Florence day trips, wine tasting near me, wine bars near me, wine tours near Florence, vineyards near Florence: trending destinations in Italy

If you enjoyed this guide, make sure you register to become a Winetraveler for free! You’ll get access to all of our content and interact with other Winetravelers and for travel inspiration around the world. Be sure to follow along with us on Twitter and Instagram as we continue to feature more exciting destinations.

Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!

Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published. It's free!

Email Address

Sign Me Up!

Login to view more Articles

You might also like, ultimate guide to visiting châteauneuf-du-pape’s best wineries in 2024, 15 best mclaren vale wineries & wine tours to try 2024, exploring paso robles at night: best things to do after wineries close in 2024, sardinian wine: red & white wines of sardinia, 10 best piedmont wine tours & wine tastings for 2024, 15 best luxury wine hotels & vineyard resorts around the world, wineries nearby, tunnel creek vineyards, j.r. dill winery, atwater vineyards, daou vineyards & winery, cheers to free membership.

Explore new paths. Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts.

Get free access to all the goods:

• Exclusive articles
• In-depth itineraries
• …and more

• We tour in:
• +39 06 4550 3948
• +39 392 9283376
• [email protected]

Florence & Tuscany

• Naples, Pompeii & Amalfi Coast

Rome & Vatican

• Our Destinations
• Search Wizard

Florence Wine Tour

• Tour highlights
• Tour itinerary
• Tour Details

What makes this tour Special

Discover the history behind 180 Renaissance wine doors with expert guides

Engage in a captivating narrative blending art history and sommelier expertise

Immerse yourself in the sensory delight of curated wine tastings along Florence's charming streets

What to Expect

PRIVATE TOUR

Enjoy your tour with your own private tour expert at your party's disposal only

• Private Tour with a Licensed Guide
• Meeting point with the Guide at the Hotel lobby in Florence city center
• Wine tasting
• Additional food and beverages beyond provided snacks

Sites you’ll visit

• Florence City Center
• Florence City Center Discover the heart of Florence, a captivating world of Renaissance marvels. Immerse yourself in the charming streets, where local wood and leather craftsmen showcase their artistry. Indulge in delectable local meat at renowned eateries. Uncover the essence of Florence's rich heritage in every corner of the city center

Tour description

Discover a fascinating Wine Door Tour through Florence, a city adorned with over 180 Renaissance-era wine doors, each a portal to the rich history of Tuscan winemaking . Led by expert guides with backgrounds in art history and sommelier expertise, this journey unveils the intricate blend of architecture and wine culture.

As you stroll through charming streets, discover how these small, artfully carved windows on noble palazzi emerged in the 1500s, facilitating the exchange of quality Italian wines between the Tuscan countryside and Florence.

Our guides will share captivating storie s, connecting the architectural marvels with centuries-old traditions and innovations.

Immerse yourself in the unique fusion of history, art, and wine, culminating in tastings of exceptional Italian wines that exemplify the diverse flavors of the Tuscan region. At selected stops, indulge in delightful wine tastings , savoring the nuances of each carefully selected vintage. Toast to the enduring spirit of Florentine ingenuity on this unforgettable tour, where every sip and every architectural gem tell a tale of the timeless allure of Florence's wine culture.

Useful information

Kindly notify us of any food intolerances or allergies within your group

Full Refund Cancellation Policy

• Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at [email protected] .
• Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here . To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.

Enhance your Experience

Grand Canal

Tower of Pisa

The Vatican

Trevi Fountain

Duomo di Milano

The Pantheon

The Spanish Steps

Circus Maximus

Amalfi Coast

Pompeii & Amalfi

The Roman Forum

The Original & Best Tours and Events

Luxury Gourmet Transfer: Rome – Florence – Artisanal Cheese Maker & Winery visits

Enjoy the journey with our luxury Rome – Florence gourmet transfer with lunch and cooking experiences in the heart of Tuscany.

• Description
• Additional information
• Reviews (1)

Luxury Gourmet Transfer in Italy -Rome to/from Florence with Artisanal Cheese Maker & Winery visits 

Experience a unique and delicious gourmet food and wine experience stopping in one of the world’s most beautiful locations – the UNESCO Tuscan valley – the Val d’Orcia.

This is the most unique gourmet luxury transfer experience from Rome to Florence- taking you through the best of  Tuscany. Enjoy tasting gourmet boutique cheeses and wines on your transfer between Florence and Rome. Enjoy a delicious lunch and taste Tuscan treats at a boutique cheese makers Tuscan farm and vsiit a fine family run winery making wonderful wines . (Cost of lunch not included to leave you free to order what you like from the menu.) You’ll see one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO heritage area.

Rare Olive Oil and Local Specialties

You’ll enjoy his home grown rare extra virgin olive oil, fabulous local wines, local hams and cheeses and the best fresh vegetables you’ll get a taste of authentic seasonal Italian food straight from the restaurant kitchen gardens.

Top Tuscan Michelin Star Chef

Experience foodie paradise with a garden visit and an enjoyable relaxed cooking experience with one of Italy’s top Michelin star chefs.  After a stroll in his organic restaurant garden, enjoy learning how to cook his favorite dishes. Then enjoy a delicious lunch you’ve prepared together.

You will be invited to relax and enjoy, glass of wine in hand the cooking demonstration on how to make and cook very special pasta.

Food and Wine Transfer

Traveling’s not just about the destination, but enjoying the journey too: Make the most of your travels with our exclusive combined food and wine tour and city transfer!

Delicious Food and Wine

Whether you’re traveling from Rome to Florence, or Florence to Rome, let us arrange it for you. We’ll take you to our favorite foodie places  for delicious food and wine along the way.

Rome & Florence – 2 Italies

Florence and Rome are 2 of the most famous and popular cities to visit in Italy. They are both must-see cities, containing masterpieces and UNESCO heritage sites, and yet vastly different.

From the Eternal City…

Rome boasts the Colosseum along with much of the most intact Ancient Roman architecture and art found anywhere. It also has fountains, sculptures and buildings from some of history’s most famous and talented Genius’ including the Vatican’s  Sistine Chapel with its ceiling by Michelangelo.

It is a crazy and exciting sprawling city, a visual amalgam of its multi-millennial past. It’s the city of pizza and carbonara, the seven hills and grand park gardens. It has a vibrant nightlife, and circling seagulls serve as a reminder to its proximity to the sea and port of Ostia.

To the Heart of Art

Florence, on the other hand, is a Renaissance gem. Small and elegant, it is tucked in a valley of the Arno river with the rolling Tuscan hills flowing out on each side. With wealthy ruling aristocratic families such as the Medici’s and Strozzi’s investing in the arts in the 15th and 16th centuries, the city is blessed with one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world (the Duomo) and an almost coordinated facade architecture throughout the city and its basilicas and churches.

Florentine’s treasures

Florence is famed for its meat ( Bistecca Fiorentina ) and consequently its leather goods. The city of the artisan testifies the highest-quality craftsmanship from its history of the arts.

Gourmet Transfer:

Cook & dine.

Relax and see how the best pasta is made with unique ingredients. Take it easy and learn with this delightful cooking experience. A guided tour of the kitchen garden with our Michelin chef then enjoying the fruits of your labour in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany.

Tuscany’s Splendid Val D’Orcia

Enjoy the  beautiful Tuscan countryside of the Val d’Orcia valley and its delicious gourmet Italian cuisine on this Tuscany food transfer tour.

The World’s Best Food

Italy is famous for  its World Heritage food.  The government closely controls quality. All this work leads to outstanding food, taste and health benefits.

Tuscan Cuisine at Its Best

You’ll discover  Tuscan and Italian cuisine on this gourmet food transfer tour. You’ll also taste the best quality wine and food with this food tour day trip transfer experience.

Italian Guarantees of Quality Ingredients

Italian food is regulated closely and labels of assurance are awarded to the best products.

Brunello Wine and Super Tuscans

You will visit two of the most unique and best boutique production Brunello wineries in Tuscany, taste cheeses from local award-winning cheese makers, try the rarest finest quality premium olive oil – all while enjoying the spectacular Tuscan countryside.

Moreover, only particular grapes, limited yields, and no contaminants may be used assuring the highest quality wine, in flavor and in substance.

“Extra Virgin Olive Oil D.O.P”  – is another guarantee that the olives are from protected rural areas of Italy and the oil is made and pressed under certain guidelines ensuring purity, taste, and healthiness.

Highlights of the Luxury Gourmet Food and Wine Transfer:

A cooking experience with one of Tuscany’s top Michelin chefs A dinner in an exquisitely beautiful Tuscan setting Taste the best food the region has to offer A top Brunello Tuscan wine estate tasting A visit to one of the most beautiful and historic abbeys in the world Travel in comfort and style with a chauffeur Experience the stunning countryside as well as delicious tastings and wine

1 review for Luxury Gourmet Transfer: Rome – Florence – Artisanal Cheese Maker & Winery visits

Angela Pickren – 06/08/2022

Amazing tour and transfer service. Don’t hesitate to use ArtViva. Rose helped us plan our transfer service from Rome to Florence based on what we would enjoy. Jonathan was an excellent and attentive host and driver. The private tour of the farm was very informative and just lovely. This is the place you visualize when you think of Tuscany. The cheese, wine and food was superb. The view was incredible. It met every expectation. I definitely plan to go back and look forward to planning more tours with ArtViva.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your review  *

Name  *

Email  *

• Group Price Starting From:

1.500,00 €

Exceptional Service!

• Great Guides
• Secure Payment, Easy, Fast Booking
• Outstanding Customer Care
• Fastest Entry to Museums
• Eco Sustainable Tourism
• Licensed & Insured Tour Company

Recommended & Loved By:

• Help for Packages
• Help for Rick Steves readers
• Private tours only 2022

Private Experience

You may also like….

Best of the Bargello Experience – Florence Private Tour

Enjoy the best Bargello tour with our great guides. See the highlights and experience the top 20 Bargello must sees.

A Perfect Morning in Tuscany – Hiking Tour with Lunch and Wine

Enjoy relaxed morning hike in Tuscany.  Stunning views, villa visit, wine tasting & a delicious Tuscan lunch!

Get In Touch

• +39 329 6132730
• [email protected]

Best 5 Italy Destination/Tours

Florence tours Rome tours Venice tours Tuscany tours Milan tours

Best 5 Italy Experiences

Cities & History Museum & Galleries Day Trips Food & Wine Luxury Tours

Leave a Review for your Experience!

New virtual live experiences, leave a tip here.

Copyright © 2023 The Original & Best Walking Tours P.I. 05073910480 · VAT N° IT05073910480 · Chamber of Commerce of Florence Reg. N° 516411 · RC Insurance UNIPOL N° 1/2387/65/60702440 · Insolvency and Bankruptcy guarantee fund TUA Assicurazioni N° 40329512000171

Privacy Policy

Information about the european general data protection regulation (gdpr), a virtual trip to tuscany, sign up here to receive your free link to the online event, december 6th at 7pm cet.

Is it possible to do a day trip from Rome to Tuscany?

Mar 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Here's how to visit Tuscany from Rome in a day © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Want to travel from Rome to Tuscany on a day trip? Lonely Planet writer, Paula Hardy, tells you how to make that happen.

Lonely Planet writer Paula Hardy has been traveling, researching and commissioning guides to Italy for 25 years, and she has contributed to guidebooks covering every Italian region. Last year she was back in Rome and Florence researching for new pocket guidebooks. Here, she answers a reader's question about how to take a day trip from Rome to Tuscany.

Question:  On my upcoming trip I'll be visiting Rome for the first time, but would love to see a bit more of Italy as well. Is it possible to take a day trip to Tuscany from Rome? 

Answer: Yes, you can do a day trip from Rome to Tuscany , but be warned it will be a whistle-stop tour. After all, Tuscany is one of Italy’s blockbuster regions, stuffed with medieval towns, Renaissances art cities, historic country castles, world-class vineyards, gorgeous walking trails and unforgettable restaurants . It’s hard to experience all that in day. But if you’ve only got a day and want a little taste of Tuscany’s bella vita (good life), it can be done.

First things first, it’s good to get an understanding of what’s where and consider exactly what kind of experience you’d like. Is seeing Florence non-negotiable or do you want to get out into the countryside and sample some Tuscan wines? Or, would you rather visit unique medieval towns like San Gimignano and then linger over a long lunch instead? Or, do you want to see as many sights as possible and are happy with a picnic lunch en route? These preferences all dictate quite different trips.

Rome to Tuscany by car

You can easily hire a car for a day in Rome and work out a self-drive tour, but bear in mind as a first-time visitor navigating will take you more time and as a driver you won’t get to enjoy the views out the window in the same way. Then there’s the eternal problem of parking in Tuscany’s tiny (and often pedestrianized) historic centers. Alternatively, you can book one of  RomeCabs varied itineraries. It offers a car and driver, but you’ll need to sort out and book your own lunch and you won’t have a tour guide – although an LP guidebook can help you there!  

If you book onto a tour, you’ll be in a small group and will be riding in a minibus. When assessing itineraries bear in mind distances and traveling time. Pisa , with its famous Leaning Tower , and medieval Lucca with its historic walled center, are 4 hours and 370km (230 miles) away from Rome; Volterra , Italy’s oldest city, and lovely Renaissance Florence are 3.5 hours (280km/174 miles) away, as is San Gimignano with its sky-scraping towers. Terracotta-colored Siena is a smidge closer at 2 hours and 45 minutes (235km/146 miles), while the closest place of interest is the vineyard-clad hills of the Val d’Orcia with its famous wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino . They are 2.5 hours from Rome as is UNESCO-heritage site, Pienza, a perfectly preserved 15th-century Tuscan town that features heavily on most day trip tours.

If you’re envisioning lunch in a picturesque setting as a key part of your Tuscan dream, then opt for an itinerary around Pienza and the Val d’Orcia as this will give you enough time for a little cultural exploration in the morning, a leisurely lunch and then some afternoon wine tasting before returning to Rome.  Walks of Italy has a great itinerary that includes lunch at a family-run winery in Montepulciano.

Rome to Florence by train

If Florence is a must-see on your Tuscan tour, then look out for a mixed train-and-car trip. The high-speed  frecciarossa service from Rome to Florence takes just 1.5 hours, meaning you can be in the city by 9am, in time for coffee and croissant in art nouveau  Caffè Gilli . You’ll then head out into the countryside by car to visit either Siena, San Gimignano or the wine country of Chianti .  Italy on a Budget has a very well-priced tour that manages to cover all of them and includes lunch and a wine tasting.

If you can possibly spare another day for Tuscany, Florence with reward you amply. You’ll then have time to visit the spectacular Duomo , Michelangelo’s David and the Medici’s marble tombs . There’s also nothing better than toasting the sunset over the Arno River in rooftop bars like  SE.STO on Arno . While the evening can be spent sampling wine at the  Antinori palazzo or dining at exciting contemporary restaurants like  Gurdulù . Then you can head into the countryside the next day with Ariana at  KM Zero Tours . A Chianti native, she creates fantastic small group tours to local farms, cheesemakers and vineyards. If the years I’ve spent researching in Italy for Lonely Planet have taught me anything, it’s that taking more time always pays off.

An alternative day trip from Rome

Finally, I’d like to consider whether the main motivation behind your question is that you’d just like to venture outside Rome and see some of the fabled Italian countryside and perhaps you’re not wedded to Tuscany as the destination? If that’s the case, then perhaps you should consider a day tour to the borderlands between Umbria and Lazio (Rome’s wider region). The area has many of the same lovely features – rolling hills, ancient hilltop towns, and miles and miles of vineyards. It’s also much closer to Rome and within an easy 1.5-hour drive. Here you’ll find gorgeous Renaissance Orvieto , medieval Todi and Viterbo , stunning Civita Bagnoregio perched on its volcanic outcrop, and even the sunny shores of Lake Bolsena. Happy planning!

Explore related stories

Mar 20, 2024 • 9 min read

Bella Italia has some of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the planet. Work your way around the coastline with 17 of our favorite beaches in Italy.

Mar 6, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 29, 2024 • 13 min read

Feb 29, 2024 • 12 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 21, 2024 • 4 min read

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 3, 2024 • 4 min read

Oct 27, 2023 • 6 min read

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Best of Italy

About this tour.

Be whisked away into the beauty and history of Italy when you journey to Venice, Florence, and Rome. Journey to the wine-producing Romagna countryside for a relaxing 3-night stay in a wine resort, and visit the Republic of San Marino, an enclave state of Italy. See how gondola oars are crafted before cruising the canals of Venice on one yourself. Witness a performance of Vivaldi’s famous Four Seasons in the city he lived in. Explore the ancient underground tunnels of Chiusi’s Labyrinth of Porsenna. Try your hand at making Italian culinary classics before sitting down to dinner. Come along with us and embrace the history, culture, art and romance of this incredible country.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Gondola Ride
• Classical Music Concert
• Po River Delta Wetlands Sailing

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Explorations

Best Time for travel

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $99.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel best of italy.

While just about any month is great to visit Italy, there are a few prime times of the year for the Best of Italy tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Throughout Italy, the most popular times to visit are April, May, June, September, and October. Along the coast, July and August are busy with locals and Europeans on summer holiday, while cities are usually less crowded.

Winter: To experience Venice without the crowds, December, January, and February are best. Take a walk beside the canals on a quiet evening, where you can hear your footsteps echoing off the water.

Spring: Enjoy Italy in the spring season, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures. March is the sweet spot, when the weather is warm, but not too hot. This quieter time of year is ideal for comfortably exploring the cities and towns.

Fall: With fewer crowds, cooler days, and a bit of foliage to enjoy, November is a fantastic time to travel in the Romagna and Tuscany regions.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Glide under bridges and along canals during a gondola ride in Venice.

• Embark on a walking tour featuring Florence's artistic and architectural gems.

Discover the long-lost Etruscan civilization during a visit to Chiusi’s Labyrinth of Porsenna.

Cultural Experiences:

Let classical music transport you back in time during a concert of Vivaldi’s famous Four Seasons.

Explore the Po River Delta during a pontoon boat sailing of this UNESCO wetland region.

• Discover the craftsmanship behind the Venetian gondolas during a visit to a local Remèr oar-making workshop.

Culinary Inclusions:

Participate in a hands-on cooking class dedicated to Romagna’s garganelli and strozzapreti pastas.

Taste traditionally made Parmigiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar at a Culinary Arts vocational school.

Experience the flavors of Trastevere – Rome’s medieval district – during a food tour dinner.

• Choice on Tour
• Republic of San Marino
• Impact Moment: Culinary Arts & Agriculture Vocational School Visit
• Chiusi Etruscan Museum
• Labyrinth of Porsenna
• Trastevere Food Tour Dinner

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

During you stay in the Romagna countryside, you have a choice between two activities. Your first choice is to enjoy a relaxing day, basking in the bucolic landscape of your wine resort and pamper yourself with an organic wine-infused mud treatment. Your second choice is to spend the day in Ravenna (UNESCO). During the darkness that enveloped the last days of the Roman Empire, Ravenna emerged as a center of power thanks to its strategic position. The city’s rulers – the Byzantines, the Goths – adorned its churches with dazzling mosaics. During a guided walking tour, discover the city’s most illustrious monuments including the mosaics that inspired Cole Porter’s Night and Day.

Hotel-Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze

On a compelling tour of its most famous antiquities, discover why Rome has been known through the ages as the “Eternal City.” The city’s ancient remnants serve as an undisputed testimony to its former glory as the seat of an empire. Hear the distant echoes of 45,000 cheering spectators when you visit the Colosseum, the site of legendary gladiator contests. Walk up the steps like millions have before you, marveling at the ingenuity and scale of this world-famous structure. Your tour continues with a guided visit to the Campidoglio – Rome’s Capitol Hill. Once a temple dedicated to Jupiter, the area was redesigned by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. From the Campidoglio, admire expansive views of the Roman Forum, the social space that once was the beating heart of the Empire.

The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces, galleries, halls and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries and, of course, a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently, the largest in the world.

Embark on a walking tour featuring Florence's artistic and architectural gems.

Discover the craftsmanship behind the Venetian gondolas during a visit to a local Remèr oar-making workshop.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze From $175 per night

Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze

Borgo conde wine resort, grand hotel cavour florence, ponte sisto hotel.

Nights 8-10

Trip Reviews

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Filter Reviews: All

Related Blog Content

An alpine adventure with collette, my first guided tour with collette (i’m coming back for more), savor the slow food movement in sicily, top 10 phrases to know for your next trip to sicily, get a taste of sicilian street food, the wines of sicily, similar tours.

Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy

Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia

Sicily and Its Isles

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

Italy's Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

• Foodies Tours for Catholic Pilgrims
• Holy Land Pilgrimages & Israel Tours 2024
• Italy & Rome Pilgrimage 2024 or 2025
• Europe Pilgrimage
• Marian Pilgrimages to Marian Shrines 2024
• Fatima Pilgrimage 2024
• Greece Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Paul
• France Pilgrimages 2024
• Medjugorje Pilgrimages 2024
• Mexico Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Pilgrimages to Spain
• Pilgrimage to Poland – Divine Mercy Pilgrimage 2024
• Asia Pilgrimage Tours
• Holy Land Pilgrimage 2024 with Bethlehem Stay
• Holy Land Pilgrimage with Jordan and Petra Tour – 12 day
• Holy Land & Jerusalem Pilgrimage Tour
• Holy Land Pilgrimages to Israel featuring Foodies Tours
• Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico City Food Tour
• Peru Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tour – Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
• Fatima Portugal Pilgrimage – Food, Faith & Wine Tour of Spain and Portugal
• Spain Food & Faith Pilgrimage Tour – Madrid, Pamplona, Barcelona, Avila

Italy Food and Wine Tour – Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence

• Greece Food Faith & Wine Pilgrimage Tour with 3 Day Greek Isle Cruise

New Orleans Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tour – Spirits, Saints, and Shrines

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage Tour
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2024
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2024 & Rome Pilgrimage Tour
• Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024
• Fatima Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024
• Fatima Lourdes Rome Pilgrimage 2024
• Divine Mercy Pilgrimage to Poland
• Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy 2024
• Pilgrimage to Greece in the Footsteps of Paul Tour 2024
• France Pilgrimage – Best Shrines of France
• St Ignatius Pilgrimage visiting Ignatian Pilgrimage Sites 2024
• Holy Name Pilgrimage to Italy 2024
• Vietnam Pilgrimage to Our Lady of LaVang
• Catholic Cruises
• Pasta & Prayer Pilgrimage – Fr. Conover April 2024
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage with optional extension to Lourdes May 2024
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage for Sacred Heart with Fr. Joseph June 2024
• Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Dubrovnik, and Cologne Germany July 2024
• Pilgrimage to Rome, San Giovanni, Assisi and Bagnoregio with Fr. Leon Oct 2024
• Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fr. Brutus October 2024
• Pilgrimage to Medjugorje with Fr. Paul Yi & Terry Bellon 2024
• Holy Land and Jordan with Petra Fr. David Ducote November 2024
• Italy Pilgrimage Fr. Palermo November 2024 St. Francis Xavier Church
• Holy Land and Petra Pilgrimage with Fr. Leon January 2025
• Holy Land, Petra Pilgrimage Fr. Binoy April 2025
• Divine Mercy Poland Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
• Holy Land & Jerusalem Pilgrimage Tour Hotel Accommodations
• Holy Land with Bethlehem Stay Pilgrimage Hotels
• Holy Land and Jordan with Petra Pilgrimage Hotels
• Fatima Lourdes Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
• Footsteps of St. Paul Hotel and Accomodations in Greece
• Guadalupe Pilgrimage Hotels
• Great Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage Hotels
• Medjugorje Pilgrimage Tour Hotels and Accommodations with Marija
• Mexico Food and Faith Pilgrimage Hotels
• Very Best Shrines of France Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
• Hotels for Food and Faith Pilgrimage Tours in Spain and Portugal
• Peru Food and Faith Pilgrimage Hotels
• Vietnam Pilgrimage Hotels
• Holy Land Food and Faith Pilgrimage Hotels
• Fatima Lourdes Rome Pilgrimage Hotels
• Holy Name Pilgrimage to Italy Hotels
• Travel Checklist for Pilgrimage Tours
• Plan Your Own Pilgrimage Group & Travel Free!
• Hot Deals for Pilgrimage Tours – on Sale
• Airports we serve — add on fares for a few airports
• Travel Insurance Information
• Walking – Easy
• Walking – Moderate
• Walking – Moderate+ to Considerable
• Walking – Strenuous
• Our Lady of Lourdes Story, Apparitions, Pilgrimage Facts
• Divine Mercy Shrine Poland – St Faustina & JP II
• Medjugorje story – 5 Stones, Fr. Jozo, Apparitions
• Why Are Pilgrimages Important?
• Gift Certificates for Tours and Pilgrimages
• Terms and Conditions for Participation
• The Importance of a Holy Land Pilgrimage

Faith Food and Wine Tour in Italy with Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena and Florence

Visit a vineyard and taste the wines of Tuscany, discover local cheeses, and enjoy a cooking class in Florence.  This new Catholic Foodie Pilgrimage Tour visits Rome, Assisi, Siena , and Florence while sampling the best food and wines of Chianti and Tuscany. Perfect for Catholic Foodies!  Feed your body and soul on the premium food and faith pilgrimage tour to Rome, Assisi, Siena, and Florence.  Why don’t you book today’s Tour of Italy Food and Faith pilgrimage for 2024 or the Jubilee Year in 2025?

Food and Wine Tours in Italy – combined with a pilgrimage to Rome and Italy

Tour Details Italy Food and Wine Tours - Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena and Florence

Departure & return location.

Your local airport of choice —  Or you can choose land only and make your own flight arrangements.

Departure Time

Arrive for Check-in 3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

• Air fares - Round trip airfare listed below Airfare is included for most major airports
• 1 checked bag with the airlines
• Hotel Accommodations - First Class Hotels with Porterage
• Meals - Breakfast and Dinner Daily; 3 lunches Wine & mineral water with dinners & 3 lunches
• All transportation in destination location Air conditioned Deluxe Motor Coach with Bottled Water and WiFi available onboard
• Tour Guide - Professional Catholic English Speaking Guides
• Entrance Fees - Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary Whisper Headsets where needed
• Priest with Daily Mass and Spiritual Activities Coordinated
• Cooking class in Florence
• Wine & Food tastings as indicated in the itinerary
• Tour Escort Throughout Pilgrimage
• 3 nights in Rome ~ 2 nights in Assisi  ~ 1 night in Siena ~ 3 nights in Florence

Price Excludes

• Optional Travel Insurance
• Gratuities for Guides and Drivers
• Baggage Fees, if applicable
• Fees for Seat Assignments or upgrades, if applicable
• Private airport transfers when selecting Land Only and arranging your own flights
• Any Personal Expenses

Complementaries

• Name and Luggage tags
• Neck Wallet

Itinerary Italy Food and Wine Tours - Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena and Florence

Day 1 depart for rome.

Day 2 Arrive Rome

After dinner, you will have the opportunity to walk to St. Peter’s Square as a group, for the Rosary.

Day 3 Rome: Papal Audience - Basilica of St. John the Lateran - Holy Stairs - Basilica of St. Mary Major

Day 4 Rome: St. Peter's basilica- Vatican Museum - Appian Way - Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls - Catacombs

Day 5 Rome: Orvieto - Assisi

Lunch with Umbrian fare and Orvieto Classico wines,

Day 6 Umbria Touring - Bevagna - Trevi - Montefalco Olive Oil Tasting and Lunch in Trevi at an Oil Mill, Afternoon Wine tasting of the local Sagrantino grapes

Day 7 Assisi - Siena and San Gimignano

After an early breakfast, celebrate Mass and depart Assisi for Siena , stopping at the walled medieval city of San Gimignano. Resting on the top of a hill, explore the area’s impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture, frescoes, towers, and more. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will show you first to the medieval city of Siena. Siena is also the city of Saint Catherine of Siena: she is one of the two patron saints of Italy, together with St. Francis of Assisi. Begin with a private tour of the Siena Cathedral, admiring the unique marble stripes of its interior as well as the Piccolomini Library, which hosts illuminated choir books and frescoes. Your tour will continue to the Piazza del Campo, the famed site of the Palio di Siena, the horse races held twice a year. Afterward, soak up some free time to continue exploring independently or to purchase lunch. Continue to Siena for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.

Day 8 Montalcino - Orcia Valley - Pienza & Montepulciano Wine Tastings (2) - Food Tasting - Wine Tour - Cheese Tasting

Day 9 Florence & Cooking class with dinner

Day 10 Chianti Region and the Tuscan Countryside - Greve – Castellina - Wine tasting and lunch in Tuscany

Day 11 Return to the USA

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Florence for our return flights home! 

Map Italy Food and Wine Tours - Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena and Florence

Dates, pricing, booking italy food and wine tours - pilgrimage to rome, assisi, siena, florence.

Available in 2024 or 2025 for the Jubilee Year!

At this time, we are only accepting group bookings.  If you are interested and have about 10 interested persons, don’t hesitate to contact Jimmy  or  Fr. Paul .

Photos Italy Food and Wine Tours - Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena and Florence

Travel Insurance Italy Food and Wine Tours - Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence

Travel Insurance is available for Italy and – is recommended!

Click here for information on insurance plans!

FAQ for Italy Food and Wine Tours - Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Siena and Florence

Do you have hotel information?  Coming soon.

Do I need an electrical adapter in Italy?    Yes, you will need an adapter in Italy.

Are your guides Catholic?   All of our guides are Roman Catholic!  Absolutely!  We are the only pilgrimage tour agency with a  Roman Catholic priest on staff!

Do you have other tours to Italy?  Yes. See our other pilgrimage tours to Italy.

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this Italy Food and Wine Tour and Pilgrimage to Rome?   Click Here to get started.

Related Tours

France Food Faith & Wine Pilgrimage River Cruise in Provence

More From Forbes

After visiting florence, head to this medieval village to experience the tuscan countryside.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

The countryside of Tuscany is littered with small, gorgeous medieval villages, such as Castelfalfi ... [+] (pictured here) and San Gimignano.

Italy has long been the darling of American travelers, ranking at or near the top of the most popular European destinations for folks traveling from the States.

It makes sense, given that nearly 18 million Americans identify as having Italian heritage, with a majority living in and around the cities of the northeast, where direct flights across the Atlantic are easy to come by.

Rome has traditionally been the go-to city in Italy, but Florence has been climbing the list of late, not only for its Renaissance history and arts, but for its easy-to-access (and gorgeous) countryside.

The Tuscan countryside is home to rolling hills, vineyards, castles, and medieval villages, and it’s just an hour or two’s drive from Florence, depending on your exact destination.

While the city has much to offer in the way of arts and culture, it has grown crowded and busy . The optimal combination, in my view, is to spend a couple days in Florence to check it out, then jet off to the countryside for a more relaxed pace.

Couples and families alike will appreciate the space, as well as the myriad activities and lodging that incorporate food, wine, art, history, and relaxation.

How to Structure Your Trip

Whenever you’re planning a trip that contains both city and countryside visits, always hit the city first. Do it the other way, and the crowds, noise, and density of the city can be a big shock when returning from the countryside.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Land in Florence, check it out for a few days, then head out to the countryside of Tuscany. Rent a car on the day you plan to leave Florence - you’ll definitely want a car to explore the countryside, but you won’t need it your first few days in the city.

The village of Castelfalfi, set atop a hill and surrounded by agricultural land in the countryside ... [+] of Tuscany.

Overview of Tuscany

Tuscany refers to an entire region in western central Italy. Overall, it is a prosperous agricultural area, famous for its wine, olives, and local food products.

Its capital city, Florence, is known as a hub of Renaissance art and culture, including the Statue of David and the Uffizi Gallery. There are about a million people living in the greater Florence metropolitan area.

Once you get outside of Florence, the region is comprised of smaller cities and villages, some dating well back to the Middle Ages. You may recognize some other infamous areas of Tuscany, such as Pisa and its leaning tower. But you will also discover many other gems that are relatively unknown to American travelers.

Things to Do/Places to Visit in Tuscany

Tuscany as a region is very large - about 9,000 square miles in total. So, you can’t expect to visit all of it in one trip. However, by using Florence as a hub, you have the chance to make a pretty good dent and see what makes the region so special.

Florence : Capital city of Tuscany with endless arts, history, and culture surrounding the Italian Renaissance period. Great place to sample a wide variety of Tuscan food and wine from some of the region’s best chefs.

Pisa : Known to Americans for its famous leaning tower, the city of Pisa is less than 90 minutes from Florence. Built around the Arno River, it is located just six miles from the coast (Ligurian Sea). While inland you may focus on pasta and meat, here you can experience many Italian seafood dishes.

San Gimignano : This medieval village is surrounded by a 13th-century wall and is a wonderful introduction to the “hill towns” of Tuscany. That is, small villages built and positioned on the top of hills for their sense of security and defensive positioning. Today, that translates into peaceful and restorative views in every direction. Hill towns are found all throughout this area of Tuscany, but the services found in them vary greatly. San Gimignano is great for first-time visitors due to its abundance of historic buildings, museums, restaurants, shops, and tours.

Wine Tours and Tastings : If you make it out of Tuscany without touring a wine castle or doing a tasting from atop a hillside, then you’ve probably tried pretty hard to avoid it. Serious wine drinkers will map out a route to visit all their favorites; more casual tasters just looking for the local experience can throw a dart and end up happy.

Farm Tours : There are a wide variety of farms to visit, many offering unique and special experiences that go well beyond a simple farm tour. From hiking with alpacas to “pasta farms,” olive orchards, and cheese manufacturers, visiting a farm not only gives you the chance to see the process, but to taste it fresh from the source as well. Check out these farm tours as examples and inspiration.

After the truffle hunting experience, Castelfalfi can prepare the truffles you find and incorporate ... [+] them into your evening dishes.

Truffle Hunting : Last but definitely not least, make sure to experience a truffle hunt while in Tuscany. The hunts take place all year round for the most part; however, the type of truffle you find will vary throughout the year. The infamous black truffle, for example, is found between June and November, while the prized white truffle is September to December. All hunts are conducted with dogs and are extremely family friendly, offering a glimpse of this highly-competitive industry and the chance to meet local characters who have mastered the art of the hunt.

What to Eat in Tuscany

Don’t overthink this question - you’re in Italy, after all. Eat everything you come across, and you’ll end up happy in the end. Tuscany is a region bursting with farms and local producers, and you can taste the heart and soul that goes into the local products, whether it’s fresh pasta, cheese, bread, vegetables, olive oil, truffles, or gelato.

That said, there are some regional dishes to try. Check out these specialties in Florence , and these staples out in the countryside . Game meats are also very popular throughout Tuscany, so keep an eye out.

What to Drink in Tuscany

The countryside outside of Florence is the home of Chianti, one of the most notable wines of Italy. Here you will find a few different growing regions centered around Chianti, especially to the west and south of the city.

Chianti is a very traditional wine, and its appeal in this region continues today. It is not a grape itself; rather, Chianti refers to a unique blend, made mostly of the Sangiovese grape, which grows abundantly in this part of Tuscany.

The Sangiovese grape is also used to create other local favorites, such as Brunello di Montalcino (red) and Vin Santo (dessert wine). You can read the full list of grapes and wines produced in this region here .

Where to Stay in Tuscany

There are many, many options when it comes to where to stay, from inns in small villages to wine resorts and everything in between. If you’re looking for something with a good mix of it all - location, amenities, nearby activities, and scenic beauty - consider basing yourself in the village of Castelfalfi .

Located a little more than an hour from both Florence and Pisa, Castelfalfi offers a great location in the heart of Chianti country. Day trips to Pisa, San Gimignano, and nearby local wineries and farms are easy, with scenic drives up and over beautiful vistas.

Perhaps the best attribute of Castelfalfi is that you can experience many of the discussed Tuscan offerings without getting in your car.

View of the terrace and sunset from the rooms in the main building of Castelfalfi.

Castelfalfi is itself a medieval village, with cobblestone streets, stone buildings, gardens, vistas, a castle, and a church. Also in the village are small shops and apartments. While it does not have the buzz of a larger village like San Gimignano, many consider this ideal for its relaxed, peaceful setting. In total, the property sprawls more than 2,700 acres across several hillsides.

Wine tasters will like Castelfalfi’s 25-hectare vineyard and barrel room, accessible via a hotel shuttle, where you can taste a lineup of local estate wines (as well as house-made olive oils). Also on property are multiple pools (including a brand-new infinity pool), spa, golf course, hiking trails, and adventure park for kids.

Amongst the myriad activities arranged by the hotel with local partners are truffle hunting and pizza making. Both are a must-do for everyone, but especially families. After you gather truffles, the kitchen at Castelfalfi can then prepare and incorporate them into your dinner that night.

The rooms and common areas of Castelfalfi are incredibly scenic, a well-earned respite for those who spend time in the busy streets of Florence prior to visiting the countryside.

The back terrace of the hotel features plenty of green space and gardens, along with panoramic views and many areas to sit and enjoy a drink or meal. Windows are a plenty, which pay homage to the village’s roots as an old tobacco factory in the years after World War II (lots of windows were needed to dry the tobacco leaves).

The pool at Castelfalfi.

The on-site restaurants make trying local Tuscan favorites easy; many dishes are prepared using ingredients grown on property, including pasta, wood-fired pizza, fresh Tuscan bread, Florentine steak, and of course, organic wine and olive oil.

Castelfalfi, like many places, was closed during the pandemic, and soon after it went through a series of renovations, including new and refreshed rooms, a spa partnership with Thailand-based Rakxa, and a small, 22-seat restaurant inside the village’s castle. The property just fully reopened at the end of March.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Food Tour in Florence or Rome: Which is Better?

O ne of the first things most people think about when considering a trip to Italy is the food they’ll indulge in. Pasta, pizza, and prosciutto could be its own holy trinity of “P” foods that people look forward to in this well-visited European country. But should you take a food tour in Rome or Florence? 

What are the nuisances of cuisine in each city and region? Do you need to choose between the two options, or simply take a food tour in one city or the other to understand Italy and its “Italian” food?

We share details of our experience in both cities, including if you need to do a tour in both locations or just one and what you will taste during each food tour. We’re also sharing our preferred tour operator (spoil alert: it’s Devour Tours ) and a review of the Rome food tour and Florence food tour.

Disclosure: This post has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase at no cost to you. We were hosted by Devour and truly only recommend experiences, hotels, products, and services we use and support. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Already know you want to book? Reserve your preferred food tour date now…

Food tour in rome or florence: the verdict.

We signed up for a food tour in both cities during a trip to Italy, where we traveled from Rome to Florence, then ended our week-long trip in Milan before heading to Madrid, Spain.

We like to understand the food culture as early as possible during our vacation so we know what to order for the rest of the trip (and where to order it because food tour guides always recommend great food spots). 

As such, we took a food tour in Rome on our second night there, which was the earliest available time to book during our trip. When we arrived in Florence a couple of days later, we immediately took a Florence food tour on our first night there.

Our verdict is that doing a tour in both cities was the right decision. We were so glad we did a food tour in Rome and a food tour in Florence because we learned wildly different information and experienced how different the food is in both cities through the tours, even though they are not geographically far from each other. 

Also, it’s important to know that pizza, which originated in Naples, isn’t a focus of either food tour. So don’t expect to have an array of pizza varieties whatsoever during a Florence or Rome food tour! The tours dig deeper into Rome and Florence’s food culture and food experiences. 

We also want to note that no matter the city we visit, if there is a Devour food tour option, we book it. It is our preferred food tour operator because they’re always amazing, including stellar guides, information, and locations. They’re reliable as the “best of the best,” and they support local businesses, which is a cause we can get behind. 

Food Tour in Rome vs. Florence: Foods You Will Try

Both tours left us feeling very full! We had plenty to eat and drink on both the Rome Food Tour and the Florence food tour. 

An overview of what to expect during a food tour in Rome includes: 

• Local red and white wine, Prosecco, and a cocktail Spritz 
• Cheeses and meats
• A special Rome street food item called Suppli

During our Rome food tour, two guests included a vegetarian and a non-alcohol drinker. The vegetarian guest was easily accommodated with a veggie option instead of meat. The man who didn’t drink alcohol was always offered an alternative, like a Coke or Fanta, wherever we went when we had wine or a cocktail instead.

Our Florence food tour included: 

• Wine (including local red wine and dessert wine) 
• Bruschettas, including one with a tomato spread and one with a truffle spread
• Various meats
• Florentine steak and potatoes
• Gelato 

While some of the foods seem to overlap at a glance, we learned that the regional flavors and selections of the particular wines and cheeses, for example, were different from one tour to another. 

As another example, we had meat during both tours. But we only learned about salami made with peppercorns versus salami made with fennel on our Florence tour. Our guide shared the historical importance of the spices for each meat. 

Of course, the city and locations were different for our Rome food tour vs. the Florence food tour. In each city, our food guide shared information about the city, overall, and the neighborhood we were in. Naturally, we learned different information about the area in Rome versus Florence.

Devour Food Tours in Italy 

As we previously mentioned, Devour is our preferred tour operator for food tours. We are so lucky they have tours in Italy in various cities. They also host tours in places like Paris, France , the United States (including California, Massachusetts, and NYC), and all over Spain . 

They believe in supporting locally owned businesses during their food tours, keeping the group size small and intimate. 

While the tours can accommodate a variety of allergies and dietary preferences (including for vegetarians), we do not recommend either Italy food tour for vegans. Italy, as a country, has a long way to go for veganism.

Rome Food Tour Review with Devour 

We met our guide in the Treverstere neighborhood of Rome. It’s on the side of the Tiber River opposite the Colosseum and Vatican City, where we did the wonderful “ Pristine Sistine ” Walks tour earlier in the day. Walking there or taking a bus to that side of town is very easy if you’re not at a hotel in the neighborhood. 

Locals flock to Treverstere to find great food. It is well known for its enotecas (wine bars), cocktail bars, and restaurants. 

Our group was small, with just five people. The passion that our guide, Manuela, had for Rome and tourism shined through. She had been a flight attendant for years before pursuing a career as a tour guide in her home city, which she has been doing for about eight years.

Though it was raining, the tour was joyful and upbeat as we bounced around five or so destinations. 

Rome Food Tour Food and Drink Locations

Out of respect for the tour, we will not spill the beans on the exact locations we visited. However, we will say that it was very clear that the businesses were all owned by locals who were making an honest living with their quality food and warm hospitality. 

A favorite stop was a bar that has been owned by the same man since the 1960s. Marcello was at the register when we stopped by, sitting beneath an old menu sign above him.

The prices were still marked in Italian lira from before Italy joined the European Union. This stop was also a great time to try Campari or Aperol spritzes, an incredibly popular drink amongst Europeans. 

Food-wise, it was so interesting to get some “suppli” at one of the most popular places in Rome. We learned that it’s a grab-and-go kind of food similar to arancini in Sicily, but with distinct Roman differences.

During our Devour food tour, eating it on the go was fun, as the Romans do. Dan and I would never have known about this food without the tour, including its history or where to order it.

We happily ate our share as we walked to the next food tour location, an enoteca where we learned about white and red wines and had delicious apertivos.

Book the Same Food Tour in Rome

We loved another food stop where we sat down to try three kinds of pasta local to Rome. They were all amazing! It was fun to sit at a family-owned restaurant and eat the dishes, which were served family-style.

Though we ate one of the two kinds of pasta in Rome the day before, we didn’t understand how it was made until our Rome food tour. 

Manuela shared the simple “ingredient rules” that Romans follow when creating pasta dishes at home. She also shared a bit about proteins in the country and what locals consider food for at home and food to order at restaurants.

She explained some of the cultural aspects of eating meals out, including the times Roman Italians dine. It was all very educational. 

We discovered that the same restaurant offers Devour cooking classes when a colleague of Manuela’s stopped by to say a quick hello as she walked through the restaurant to the kitchen. She was wearing her Devour cooking apron and was incredibly friendly and smiley! 

Florence Food Tour Review with Devour 

Our food tour was on the same side of the Arno River where we were staying. It was a 15-minute walk from our Airbnb to our food tour meeting point, on the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens side of town.

It’s a short walk across the river over the Ponte Vecchio to get to the meeting point if you’re staying near the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio/Piazza della Signoria area.

That is also the side of Florence where the Accademia Gallery (where the David sculpture is) and the Uffizi Gallery are located. (We explored that area the day after our food tour during the fantastic “ Florence in a Day with David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour .”)  

We met in front of the state of Cosimo Ridolfi in Piazza Santo Spirito, as our email confirmation instructed. Our guide, Antonio, was awaiting our arrival. Our group of ten people was eager to explore the Oltrarno area and try new foods. 

Antonio shared a bit about the area we were standing in and Italy’s history before we started walking to our first food destination. He shared things about Italy’s formation as a nation and the Italian language we had never thought of before. It all tied into the Florence food tour we were about to take. 

Florence Food Tour Food and Drink Locations

Again, we won’t get into the specifics of where we stopped out of respect for the tour and you, so you’ll have great surprises when you sign up for it.

But a favorite stop was a small apertivo bar, where Antonio remembers shopping for herbs with his parents as a child. The building has been in the owner’s family for multiple generations and had a former life as an herbal shop years ago. 

Another hit of the tour was a famous “wine window” of Florence. It was even an item for one of the women on our tour to check off her Italy bucket list.

Because we were with a tour that had a reservation at the popular wine window, we were able to bypass the long line of people waiting for their turn. Such a perk to be on a well-organized food tour! 

Book the Same Food Tour in Florence

These wine windows were recently resurrected and regained popularity during the pandemic. Antonio shared the history of the wine windows in Florence, which was not at all the reason we suspected they were invented!  

We also loved stopping at a BBQ place. But it’s not at all like American BBQ. It’s just a place where they grill items inside on a special grill. Famously, the restaurant serves “Florentine Steak.” Trying this famous Florentine dish with other excited tourists anxious to dig in was thrilling.

Tasting the steak is part of what made it one of the top things to do in Florence .

Our dessert stop was for gelato on this tour, like it was during our food tour in Rome. But truthfully, you cannot escape gelato in Italy. It’s EVERYWHERE . And it was great to try different flavors in Florence and learn about one, in particular, that was a local favorite. 

Rome and Florence Food Tours Conclusion 

We recommend both food tours in both cities. We truly learned and ate different things on each tour. The breadth of knowledge we gained about Italy’s local cuisine, culture, and history through exploring Florence and Rome with experienced local guides was invaluable. 

We advise signing up for both tours in advance (they often sell out weeks ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons) and booking for a date as close to when you arrive in the city as possible.

That way, you will be able to eat subsequent meals with more knowledge of how the locals eat and order, and you can benefit from the restaurant recommendations from the Devour food tour guides.

The post Food Tour in Florence or Rome: Which is Better?  appeared first on Sometimes Home: Couples Travel .