A Taste of Florence, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna
A small group trip with Cultural Italy
Arrival Thursday November 13th Depart Thursday November 20th
This is an opportunity to experience Italy and the region of Tuscany and beyond at a slower pace, with options to add your desired experiences. Early November dates will allow us to travel in the ‘slow season’ with less crowds and beautiful fall weather. Making our ‘home base’ in Florence we will have private tours and experiences that enable us to enjoy the sites without the lines and truly embrace what it is to live the Italian lifestyle. Private Day trips with a private tour vehicle are organized to explore Tuscany and nearby Emilia-Romagna, the Food Valley of Italy. Experience Italy as it’s intended: savor the tastes, be entranced with its beauty, and leave enriched and inspired.
Thursday Day One: Arrival in Florence
We arrive in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Check-in to your boutique hotel near the famous Duomo and explore your neighborhood. We will meet as a group and have dinner at a local eatery. This will be a great opportunity to meet others on the trip, eat some delicious local food, and then rest after a long day of travel.
Friday Day Two: Day of Leisure
Breakfast at the hotel begins at 7am. This is a day of leisure. For those that wish, Jennie will take us to Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo food market for some incredible food shopping (and eating). Afternoon and Evening at leisure.
Saturday Day Three: The Accademia and Michelangelo’s The David and Uffizi
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning private tour of the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, one of the most celebrated sculptures in history. Continue to the city center for a stroll which you will walk by the famous Duomo di Firenze, the astounding Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, from where Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome dominates the skyline of Florence. Lunch on your own. The afternoon brings us to the Uffizi Palace, one of the most important museums in Italy, perhaps the world. You will admire priceless masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael and many others. This tour is led by an art historian and includes the skip-the-line tickets. Afternoon and Evening at leisure.
Sunday Day Four: Tuscany Escapade- Siena and San Gimingnano
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, join a full-day private excursion to Siena, San Gimingnano and Monteriggioni through the Chianti countryside. Siena, famous for its Palio that takes place every year on Piazza del Campo, is an incredible medieval city full of history and beauty. Stroll around the historical center and admire the Townhall and the Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral. Siena is also for its Patron Saint Catherine, who was a very outspoken woman for her time and social standing. San Gimingnano is a UNESCO World Heritage site also known as the “Manhattan of Tuscany.” This charming town is about 20 minutes to walk across so you will have plenty of time to discover its beauty on your own. Return to Florence and on the way, catch a glimpse of the old medieval fortress of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its perfectly preserved famous walls.
Drivers will provide general information about the sites which you will then visit on your own. Cathedrals and museums have entrance fees sometimes only payable in cash so bring some Euros. Evening at leisure.
Monday Day Five: Florence Cuisine
Optional Early morning walk with Jennie to Michelangelo’s Square for a spectacular view of the city and get great pictures (starts around 6am). Return to hotel for leisurely breakfast.
A special cooking experience for those who are passionate about cooking and wish to learn the secrets of the Italian kitchen. You will learn, under the guidance of a professional chef, to prepare some typical Italian or regional dishes like fresh pasta or tiramisu. You will choose what you want to experiment on. You can prepare a complete menu (starter, first course, second dish and dessert). Alternatively, you can ask to learn how to prepare a specific dish such as fresh pasta, pastries, vegetarian dishes, only first courses, or only second courses. At the end, you will enjoy eating all the food you’ve helped prepare! 3.5 Hours.
Tuesday Day Six: Bologna and Modena and the Emilia-Romagna Region
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transport to Bologna, home to the oldest Western university and incredible food. Join a food walking tour to taste your way through this incredible city, seeing the sites and enjoying the views along the way. Next stop is Modena, known for its production of Balsamic Vinegar, where you’ll visit a local farm and enjoy a tasting.
Wednesday Day Seven: Last day in Florence.
A day to choose your own adventure in Florence. Perhaps it’s sitting in a café and people watching. Or visiting a museum or place on your own. You have the freedom to explore and enjoy Florence.
For those that wish, Jennie will guide us to another ‘locals’ food market, stop at Insta-famous Vivoli Gelato afterwards. There is plenty of shopping at some great leather and clothing stores here and it is near Piazza Santa Croce for further exploration.
Optional Tour: Chianti Wine Excursion – 5 hours
Embark on a journey south of Florence to the Chianti area, renowned for its production of Chianti Classico wines. Driving along the Via Chiantigiana, you’ll witness the region’s stunning countryside—rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, villas, and medieval castles. Pause for picturesque photos before arriving at the Castle of Montefioralle, originally built for defense in the 11th century and now transformed into a charming village. Explore Greve in Chianti, a delightful town with a beautiful square and inviting shops. Optionally, indulge in a wine tasting at the local Enoteca. Finally, visit a celebrated winery for a private cellar tour and tastings of Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan wines. Return to Florence. Tastings are paid on site. Chianti Wine Excursion add $110 per person, minimum 8 participants needed.
Thursday Day 8 Depart with a heart full of Italy
If you are interested in extending your trip I am here to help you with those arrangements. While we are there, I am also there to help you have the experience of a lifetime. I can help you obtain tickets to other museums, concerts, and provide suggestions on where to eat and things you might enjoy experiencing. Space is limited to 14 people.
Price per Person: US$3,060.00 (Single Supplement add $630)
Included in this Package:
Accommodations F I R E N Z E November 13 – 20, 2025
• 7 Nights at Hotel Spadai – 4 *All hotels will include breakfast
Private Services, Entrance Tickets and Tickets
•Accademia Gallery Skip the Line Tickets
•Private Florence Walking Tour & Accademia
•Uffizi Gallery Skip the Line Tickets
•Uffizi in the Afternoon
•Private Excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
•Private Cooking Class
•Private Excursion to Bologna and Modena
•Chianti Wine Excursion (not included in total, optional add on starts at $110 with min 8 participants)
Transfers
•Private Transfer from Florence Airport to Florence Hotel
•Private Transfer from Florence Hotel to Florence Airport
This itinerary does NOT include the following:
•International flights and domestic flights
•All meals not mentioned above
•All activities not mentioned above
•Travel insurance
•Gratuities
•Items of a personal nature
•Hotel city tax
Interested? Fill out this Form and we will start this process!
Questions? Please ask me and I am happy to answer them!
Jennie Olson Six 