7-Day Tuscany Self-Drive Wine and Food Tour

Explore Tuscany, a region of sprawling vineyards, charming old cities, masterpieces of art and mouth-watering gastronomy with this 7-day self-drive wine tour. Visit the magnificent cities of Florence and Siena. Discover the prestigious wines of Chianti area, Montepulciano and Montalcino and San Gimignano with its tall towers.

Day 1: Arrival

Arriving to the hotel, near Florence, settle in and get ready for a delicious welcome dinner there.  

Day 2: Florence

In the morning depart for Florence for a private guided sightseeing tour. Walk through the historical centre of this amazing city and visit the Santa Croce church, where many illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli are buried. The visit also takes you to other religious buildings (the Baptistry, the Duomo and Giotto’s bell tower) and the houses of power in the old city (the Piazza della Signoria). Enjoy a nice lunch at a typical restaurant. The afternoon is free to stroll along Florence's elegant streets. You can take a break at one of Florence’s oldest ice cream parlours, “Perché no!”. 

Day 3: Siena and San Gimignano

In the morning you can visit Siena, famous for its stunning architecture and the Palio horse race. Sample some delicious traditional desserts like the Panforte in one of the most famous pastry shops in town, followed by some free time for shopping. On the way to San Gimignano along the ancient Via Francigena, stop for lunch consisting of traditional local produce at Il Castagnolino, a little family-run farmhouse where you'll also learn about the techniques used in producing the San Gimignano organic olive oil. In the afternoon you can visit the famous towers and the San Gimignano 1300 Museum: storyboards, multi-media exhibits, street scenes and a ceramic recreation of the city as it was back in 1300.

Day 4: Radda in Chianti and Greve in Chianti

This entire day is dedicated to discovering the Chianti hills along the Via Chiantigena, an ancient road connecting Siena with Florence crossing over the Chianti hills. Visit a winery in Radda in Chianti where you will meet the wine producer and visit to the cellars, at the end enjoy a wine tasting. Proceed to Greve in Chianti where you can visit the little historical town centre. Stop at the historical butchers "Faloni" where, since 1729 they have produced the specialties of the local norcineria, including Prosciutto Saporito di Greve, cured pork products from the surrounding Senese hills, and wild boar from the well known Finocchiona. Enjoy a tasting of salami. In the afternoon visit a winery in Greve in Chianti for a wine and oil tasting.

Day 5: Montepulciano and Pienza

Travel to Montepulciano, one of the most characteristic and intact medieval cities in Italy which from a height of 605 metres above sea level offers amazing views over the surrounding hillsides. Visit the Enoteca Contucci winery for a free tasting, then explore the wonderful town centre of Montepulciano. For lunch, you can choose the old Osteria dell’Acquacheta, with its rustic and familial atmosphere. Here, you may sample some of Tuscany’s best recipes (such as the Pici all’Aglione). In the afternoon, head for Pienza, the perfect example of a Renaissance city, famous for its Pecorino cheese. Visit Pianporcino Farm, learn about the cheese-making process and sample the produce.

Day 6: Montalcino

In the morning depart for Montalcino, famous for its Brunello, one of the best red wines in the world. Montalcino is a beautiful art city which dominates 3,000 hectares of vineyards (1,500 for Brunello alone). Enjoy a visit to the Mastio della Rocca which is home to the Enoteca La Fortezza where it will be possible to buy some local products and the exceptional honey, a local specialty, and sample some wine. Enjoy some free time before returning to Florence area for a cooking class dedicated to the Tuscany tradition, followed by dinner.

Day 7: Departure

Check out at the hotel after breakfast.