Enjoyed walking the varied (but similar) small hill villages. We started in Florence and went to many walled hill towns in Tuscany. It was my honeymoon. The guides, the scenery, the food and the cities we visited were wonderful. "His local knowledge of these areas and his fluency in Italian brought out the local peoples views and insights. The Museo di Borghello was really nice.". To help you plan your sightseeing, I've listed my ideal itineraries for Florence, whether you're going for one day, two days, or more. I found the monastery experience lacking; too much time on frescos and not enough on the life of monks. Our tour experience was exceptional in every way! I loved the smaller group of seasoned travelers. She's a whirlwind of energy, cheerful and informative, lively and always up for anything! To help you get started, we've listed our top picks for where to go in Tuscany, and our plan for your best two-week trip. The whole experience was one wow after another. Francesco made our time together so special. "Id say walking from our hotel on day 1 in Florence and seeing the Duomo, baptistery and piazza. "Wowed" by how congenial our tour mates were.". The beauty of the grounds was remarkable and a testament to the strong respect the Italians have for the service men and women who risked their lives to save others.". Tuscany is beautiful, but there's just not enough there for us to recommend this tour to other people. Every day, something was exceptional. Our Villa at La Moscadella Hotel was 5 star. The travel agenda, accommodations, wine and food choices left very little to be desired. The pillows were wanting in several hotels, especially Florence. The warm stone colors at every turn. David, our tour guide, was a superb leader ensuring everyone's needs and concerns were met. Rick Steves View Comments 0:00 0:49 Wedged between Florence and Rome, rural Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian experience: sun-soaked hill towns, green and rolling screen-saver hills,. Meals were very good. It was fascinating. His overviews of each area given to us on the bus rides and while we were at each venue gave us a more in-depth look at the places we visited. Delightful. I would have never driven to all these places on my own. "La Moscadella Hotel in Castelmuzio. Pienza Pint-sized Renaissance-planned architectural gem of a town nestled in a scenic hilly landscape. I felt like we were in safe hands w Mario & Francesco at the helm. Swimming in a pool at a castle in Tuscany is a wow moment.". "I didnt have a wow moment but I did have a lot of memorable moments". Most of the hotels were wonderful (more on that later). We'll end our morning with a visit to an impressive mosaic workshop, where we'll learn how local artisans keep this Renaissance art form alive. Florence Guidebook + Tuscany for 2023 - Rick Steves How to choose? Elba was extremely disappointing. However, in Florence, the changing light on the Baptistery of St. John as the sun was setting was an unforgettable site.". We immediately knew we were going to have a blast. Our guide, David was fantastic. From start to finish, this tour was exceptional. I cannot imagine having has a better experience. (And getting to eat the efforts of our labors afterwards. Francesco was amazing, I loved the variety of accommodations, I loved the content learned and the food and wine were fantastic. Overall, I enjoyed the tour. We loved the tour and the wonderful itinerary. The walking over Tuscany was a little difficult for me, and I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in. Tasting the food and walking in the small walled towns dating back centuries.". Several wow's included David, the sculpture and David, our guide! Getting to know all the people on your tour and all the little "surprises" was great. David was tremendous! That place was magical in every way! There was less time on the bus on this tour than on previous tours which was by design and why I chose this tour. Any time between April and October is a good time to visit Tuscany. This long awaited and dreamed of tour was everything we had hoped it would be and so much more. "La Moscadella - wow! This was harder for my husband (had open heart surgery in Oct) than we expected. Discovering the fizzy joy of Prosecco. The tour far exceeded all our expectations. Rick Steves Italy (2023 Travel Guide) Paperback - Folded Map, November 15, 2022. Much credit goes to the operator, guide, transportation, hotels, restaurants - everyone working on our behalf to keep us informed, safe and well-cared for. Most days are moderately paced with 28 miles of walking, including some hills and stairs. Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements are completely up to you. "Arriving at Gorgonza was my wow moment. The tour was well paced, the meals and entertainment (especially the opera singer ) were excellent. My first time in Europe, my first formal tour of any kind; it was FANTASTIC. Francesco, our guide, provided a view of Tuscany as only a native son could. The tour was well organized and well guided by our tour guide, David. We went from big city Florence to wonderful Val d'Orcia where the views of the hill towns was amazing. I just closed my eyes and listened, taking in the Puccini music with joy. Yogi Berra said you can observe a lot by looking, and sometimes looking without analysis is what your soul needs.". Our tour guide, Cecilia and her apprentice, Eleonora were phenomenal! She also completely managed all of the unknowns of the trip. Thought the Best of Tuscany tour was well organized and our primary tour guide, Francesco, superlative with his infectious enthusiasm and good humor. The hermitize (discovered by Isabella's father-in-law) in Pienza would be next - awe inspiring. This was my first RS tour and first time to Tuscany my experience exceeded my expectations; the itinerary, all the guides, people and places we went, the food! Being Toscano on both sides, this tour had special meaning and it did not disappoint. Also, a visit to one winery was both interesting and appealing.". The lodging choices were anywhere from good to exceptional. David's cultural and historical knowledge gave such depth to our Tour of Tuscany and his sense of humor it priceless. Salute! Top of my list are the outstanding guided tour of Michelangelo's David, the amazing view from the road of the ancient town of Pitigliano perched on a cliff, and the private recital of Puccini arias at our hotel. Free time to visit the city. Each of our local guides was passionate about their town and all of the history, art, culture and oh yes, the food and wine. I will do it again. One month prior to your tour's departure, you'll find directions on how to get from the airport to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying in the Documents section of your tour account. We have been to Rome, Florence and Venice already and now want to concentrate on Tuscany (minus Florence) and the Cinque Terre. The hotels were charming. David never disappoints. We got to know whose house we occupied, how the village operated, and how the current owners are stone-by-stone returning it back to a working village. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own. "I'm unable to come up with a specific "wow" moment. Rick Steves: Tuscany for beginners - USA TODAY Tuscany is a unique place filled with important history, great food, friendly people and beautiful scenery. Travel Talk Video: Hill Towns of Tuscany | Rick Steves' Europe "Staying in Gargonza and Castelmuzio and visiting Pienza and Volterra all count as "wow" moments. Then we'll head on to the final stop of our Tuscan adventure: the impressive walled city of Lucca. The delight of figs, lemons, rosemary, wild fennel, capers growing in and on stone walls.". Listening to her hit those high notes in the restaurant made my soul shiver. "Two of the hotels in Tuscany were off the charts. 06/06/23 09:12 AM 5114 posts I'd pick 2 locations One in Val D'Orcia region -Pienza or Montepulciano And one near Siena/Chianti region Lucca is nice but too far west for exploring much of Tuscany Nice pace and a perfect mix - Florence and then beautiful historic towns in the Tuscan countryside and the island of Elba. He arranged unforgettable experiences that fed all the senses; seeing, hearing, tasting, touching. The meals; traveling companions; and tour sites were wonderful. It was the first guided tour we have ever been on and it was so fun. Arrive at 13:10. We have been on multiple Rick Steves tours and as usual another excellent experience. Cecelia was an excellent tour guide, and she went the extra mile to help anyone's special requirements. "My favorite "wow" moment happened the evening we were treated to a mini- Puccini concert in Lucca with the lovely soprano, Silvana. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | It was not over run by tourists and it had a charm that is reminiscent of how we imagine Italy used to be, before all of the undiscovered, back doors were found. We all sang along and had the best time!". "The first glimpse of the Tuscan town of Pitigliano, a walled city built on toufa rock. Best of Tuscany in 11 Days Tour - Rick Steves Europe Francesco is a wonderful guide, providing valuable insights about the places we visited, Tuscany, and Italy. Perfect about of scheduled activities and on your own time. The 12 Days in Tuscany tour was very educational and entertaining. "Visiting the Duomo in Siena, particularly seeing the mosaics on the floor, the pulpit and the Piccolomini Library.". That fact explaining why the bankers were Jewish and also were able to concentrate wealth. The small group tour worked very well for the sites we visited. Lisa was a great guide. Great! Francesco was absolutely fantastic. Sleep in Maremma. The available time there will be 02:00 hours. Otherwise, it was a wonderful trip, "Visiting the Castello di Gargonza and Santa Guilia family winery were absolutely wonderful. Good accommodations, especially Castell di Garganza and La Moscadella. Wow, it was delicious!) Also having a lovely meal with a dear friend in the Piazza dellAnfiteatrosipping wine, eating excellent pasta, and listening to the nearby musicians. Loved that we had plenty of time to explore and Francesco's wife, Annie, was such an interesting perspective.". "The Puccini Aria performance on the last night.". It's the perfect introduction to the rest of your day, which is free to explore more of Florence (including the Uffizi Gallery if you've booked ahead) and enjoy dinner on your own. "The opera concert at our hotel in Lucca.". One thought is that we might have benefited more from visiting an Etruscan museum rather than the empty burial grounds. He was very knowledgeable, looked after our welfare, shared his story with us, and serenaded us. No bus. We visited many different places, saw lots of art and architecture, and experienced Italy's tuscany region. I saw things I never would have found on my own. "The places we wentt, the things we did and the experiences we had, the accommodations, tour guide, fellow tour memberswhere do I stop?". "Visiting the Hermitage archaeological site in Pienza that was owned and cared for by a local family, then visiting their family farm where the young guide and his grandfather showed us their animals, and how they produce wine and olive oil.". Listening to The Bartenders. Our stay on a hilltop at Castello di Gargonza was so enchanting. We could get our laundry done for 25E for a large bag full! The included dinners were outstanding and every dish was explained. "My tour guide, Francesco was my wow moment. This was a tour with a fantastic guide, very skilled bus driver, and a very nice group of fellow tour members. Outstanding primary guide (Francesco), and excellent 'local' guides. His leadership was competent, helpful, informative, and cheerful throughout our journey. "Our tour was a series of WOW moments! With a local guide, we'll introduce you to the city's treasure-filled Duomo and learn the story of Siena's medieval city-state rivalry with Florence. This feeling remained throughout the entire tour. Along the way, we'll be introduced to the divinely domed Duomo and its storytelling Baptistery doors. Today we'll make our way to lovely Lucca, but first we'll stop at the charming hill town of Volterra. The group got along well and everyone cooperated. And he constantly reminded people of the importance of mask wearing. My husband passed away 5 years ago this December and then Covid hit so I have missed traveling. I thoroughly visiting Santa Giulia for our wine tasting and lunch as well as Isabellas family farm and winery and learning about the process of making olive oil. Pam's and my Tuscan tour was one of the best we've been on (4 RS tours to date)! Our weather was amazing which made the trip absolutely fantastic! The extended stay at the Moscadella villa was incredible. Would have loved more time to explore places like Siena, Pienza, and Pitigliano, but as our tour guide said we got a taste & have to come back for more! Let me say that the whole Tuscan experience was great with a few unexpected extras thrown in.". This morning your guide will treat you to their favorite "locals-only" part of Tuscany. Francesco, our tour guide, was a multi-faceted and well-rounded individual, and uniquely suited to offer an exceptional experience. The Etruscan archeological site and Etruscan Museum were unexpected and fascinating. I truly enjoyed all of the extra tours and activities that we got to do and all the local guides were amazing. I even met Grandpa! San Gimignano Epitome of a hill town, spiked with 14 medieval towers offering superb views; popular with tourists who crowd the narrow alleys by day and an evocative delight by night. So much more than I ever expected. David is an excellent tour guide! Seeing the David in person was great and the landscape was picturesque.". Francesco was a perfect fit for this Itinerary and our group of people. You'll have some free time to wander around Siena's charming streets or relax with a drink and a view along the famous Campo. Truly unique place and so good to unwind there with the solitude and views after a busy day of tours.". The family run Santa Giulia Brunello winery visit, wine tasting, lunch and product purchases was a WOW afternoon.". How nice not to have to worry about driving or arranging hotels etc! David David David at the Accademia; Pienza and the tour of the private underground caves; deciding which town had the best cherry gelato; gardens at Val d'Orcia; the beautiful fresco's; tombs; Elbayou get the message. It was such a joy having the entire "village" to ourselves and the rooms were wonderful. (Okay, that's three.)". Today we'll explore scenic Tuscany wandering through timeless hill towns with pristine views. This evening we'll enjoy an opera demonstration before our final dinner together, sharing memories and toasting our new friends. This was our first RS Tour and we were a little concerned about being with a large group, BUT we had a wonderful time! It was a real treat!". This by far was the best experience ever. As first-time Rick Steves tourers, we had few expectations. Be on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. The bus and driver were great. "Staying at La Moscadella, visiting the Hermitage near Pienza, and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Making new friends with our travel group and creating new memories equals a successful tour! His love of Italy and its food, music, art, history was so contagious. This was our 9th Rick Steves tour, so I guess we count as groupies. Sorry, two "wow" moments.". On a scale of 0-100, he was a 125! We had opportunities to meet locals and be welcomed into their homes. No bus. Siena, Volterra, Pienza, Lucca and Pitigliano are all WOW Tuscany towns to explore. "Visiting the Hermitage that had been found recently on a farmer's property was incredible. Neri was such an interesting, charming person. We followed Ireland with a Tuscany tour. Overall, the tour was nice. Also seeing the David in person, it was huge and just emanated the work of a genius.". Our other guides throughout were great, & we very much liked all other 18 people on tour. My stay at the La Moscadella was phenomenal! Through the various health issues he had to deal with, especially the Covid concerns, he never wavered. All European Tours 2023 | Rick Steves Europe "Having our tour guide play my favorite opera song riding through Tuscany brought tears to my eyes. When friends asked me to accompany them on The Best of Tuscany tour I was delighted to try traveling this way. Even the weather was cooperative. Everything was perfect from the time we arrived until the time we left. We rarely opened our wallets, just for an occasion cold drink. We loved the alabaster carving and the Opera singer. The Tuscan countryside is beautiful and visiting the hill towns was fun. Although we had been to Tuscany a few times before, this tour gave us the opportunity to see areas that were new to us (Pitigliano, Elba, Gargonza, and Castelmuzio) as well as to re-connect with special places like Siena, Volterra and Lucca. Tuscany was beautiful and tasty with many good meals, amazing art and architecture. We loved the stop at the WWII memorial site". Cora in Florence and Annie in Volterra; also Roberto in Sienna). The other members of the group were seasoned travelers and it went so smoothly. Thoroughly enjoyable. Tuscany is physically challenging with many stairs, rocky and cobbled roads, and some long inclines. The Tuscany tour was fantastic, arduous at times but we knew that going in. We'll enjoy the labors of our culinary creations over a lovely Tuscan meal together. Tour Questions? The food, the drink. The rooms blew us away. He was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. The view was breathtaking, the old monastery hauntingly beautiful and our dinner overlooking Florence was relaxing and delicious.". "The food was my "wow" this trip. Montalcino Wine-lovers' paradise boasting a dramatic 14th-century castle, encircled by olive groves and famous vineyards (and a manageable home base for nondrivers). Rick Steves Italy (2023 Travel Guide) - amazon.com The weather was great. Nice mix of activities. Bus: 1 hour. The guide was excellent, Vanessa (Princess Peachy). This tour was no different. It did not disappoint. It was a perfect combination of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, art, history, food and wine. The second (Castell Di Gorgonza) and the third (La Moscadella) hotels were phenomenal and unlike anywhere I've stayed on my previous RS tours.". It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. For me, there was no one favorite 'wow' moment. So, slowdownand savor the delights that this region offers. Then we'll get to know each other over an aperitivo of Tuscan drinks and appetizers before setting you free to enjoy the city's evening ambiance and a light meal on your own. "Two stand out in my mind. See our FAQ | Email tour@ricksteves.com. "An interesting question and one I've asked myself a number of times since returning home. WOW. We visited fascinating places that were back door experiences. Lastly it would be the Etruscan burial area outside Pitigliano.". After free time for lunch, we'll head to a working family farm and our hotel for the night. Start planning your trip to Italy! "I loved visiting the working family farm, a sensory experience - seeing, smelling goats, pigs, sheep - and the olive oil.". "There were so many wow moments, I cant pick just one. Do it, "I had many great moments. Its hard to find fault with anything. ", As usual, great guides, well placed hotels, countless treasures for the eye. We got our first hint that we were in for something special during the intro session. "One is impossible. "The view from Volterra, and every expansive panorama from the higher points of Tuscany. Guide David Tordi excellent. "Every day was a "wow" moment! 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Everything flowed with no wasted time. First time traveling to Europe and participating on a travel tour. "We had so many wow moments, it is difficult to chose one. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind, and caring. Perhaps staying an extra day or two in Volterra or Lucca to explore, "I would have to say the scenery: the tower, castello, fortress, villa or walled town on seemingly every hilltop, with the lines of cypress,vines, olive trees, the scattered umbrella pines. "Staying at Isabellas and seeing the Tuscan countryside. Sleep in Florence. Accommodations were outstanding. In the afternoon we'll mosey back to our hotel and working cattle ranch to see how modern-day cowboys and their horses keep Maremma's "Old West" traditions alive. From the organization of the tour to the outstanding communication to the variety of experiences, WOW! It was fun to get to know the other travelers and we had plenty of time on our own. Seeing Michelangelo's David is always stunning and our local guide Lucia was incredible at bringing out all the details in the exquisite sculpture. I can't choose one above the others.". Sampling my first taste of Florentine steak. "The "hills of Tuscany," photos, videos, written descriptions didn't prepare me for the striking visual impact of the land. Next, our bus driver, Mario, was super! He was personable & very responsible - not drinking wine at meal stops and sometimes not eating lunch for fear of becoming sleepy at the wheel. Vanessa is a party with trainers. We learned so much about Tuscany and really enjoyed every minute of our educational experience. After an orientation to the city, you'll be free to discover a tasty trattoria for dinner on your own. The scheduled itinerary stops were interesting, beautiful and oftentimes, places we would have never discovered had we traveled independently. AND WE DID! This was my first RS tour and Im glad I did it! Our guide was amazing with deep knowledge of the area and the differences between living in the USA and Italy. The whole group bonded, in part due to David, but we watched out for each other and had alot of fun. "Wowed by the pristine water on the beaches of Elba. We stayed at a couple of wonderful hotels including a 1000 year old castle. We saw some terrific things, but some areas were more difficult to navigate than I expected. Our tour Guide Cecilia made the trip unforgettable. Meet local family farmers and taste their fresh products. Very well organized. ", "Sienna- Square Del Campo, Duomo Such a progressive people lived in this city !!". ", Great venues, great group, fabulous tour guide, "La Moscadella venue. This is a moderately active tour! It was a WOW night". Overall, a fantastic experience and the RS company seems to be doing about as good as could be done to deal with Covid and helping us to travel as safely as possible. Montepulciano Rugged town crowning a ridge, with dreamy vistas of the countryside and wine-tasting in inviting cantinas; makes a good home base for drivers. But what really took this tour over the top was our tour guide, David. We could not have wished for a better tour guide than Francesco. Rewarding to learn history and culture of each village. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. First, our guide, Francesco, was wonderful. Excellent tour. We also had a wow moment when after a sensational meal at La Moscadella, our guide David performed beautiful music for us along with his band mate. It was like touring with a knowledgeable and helpful friend. We learned so much about the Italian culture and especially appreciated his knowledge about wine as a sommelier. The tour was fantastic! The Opera singer entertaining just our small group with Puccini was an amazing WOW moment. The towns we visited were all excellent and many we had never heard of. We fell in love with Volterra! Everything about this trip exceeded my expectation. Interacting with Italian local families and experiencing their lifestyle was an authentic way to learn the regional culture. Wonderful tour of Tuscany. The local guides were fabulous and of course the food and wine was outstanding. Food and lodgings were excellent. Organization was spot on. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Our guide was incredible - knowledgeable, fun, kind, organized and went above and beyond in all aspects. Eleonora her apprentice was just as warm and Knowledgeable. No following of sing-song tour guides here, its about the lives of our fellow earthlings and the beauty of their world. "Wowed" by the landscapes we travelled through. We traveled with a very amiable group on the bus; very nice folk, "Seeing the cathedral ( Duomo) and bell tower in Florence, and of course, The David.The Arno river and open air markets of Florence were quite impressive. "An opera singer singing happy birthday to my husband on his 84th birthday". The Duomo in Florence and the main Piazza in Sienna were amazing to see in person. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany guidebook. The countryside was magnificent, green, rolling hills. Now more than ever, you can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Italy. From the David in Florence, to the castles, the green rolling hills, the wine, the olive oil, the gardens, the food, this trip could not be improved upon! I possibly would have liked a few more activities added in the days, but if you came to relax, see gorgeous sights, spend time with happy vacationers, eat delicious food and sip the best wine Ive ever had, then this is your trip. Lisa's personal stories brought Italian culture and society to life. Bus: 1 hours. his knowledge of the region and the wines gave us an even greater depth of understanding about the culture of Tuscany. The diversity of amazing Renaissance art, picturesque towns and countryside, and of course the lovely Tuscan wines, made for a wonderful feast for the soul, eyes, and palate. "There were so many "wow" moments it would be difficult to pick one. Francesco and the local guides did a wonderful job showing it all to us. The trip was well-organized and Lisa, our tour guide, was excellent. How about a private opera performance on our last night together in Lucca.". Fellow travelers, local guides, accommodations, variety of sights and guide, David were exceptional. His stories of discovery, cleaning/excavation, challenges with bureaucracy, etc. Exceeded our expectations..which were high. I had at least one a day! "Pitigliano was such a wonderful mix of all that makes Tuscany great.". Turns out, the two guides are good friends, so we knew we were going to have a great time! Our guide, Francesco was top notch - knowledgeable and accommodating. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above. We'll return to our countryside hotel for some down time before enjoying a tasting of the world-famous Chianti wines. We'll stroll the elegant, pedestrian-friendly streets while learning about the history, music, and artistry that still thrive within this Renaissance walled city. The vertical connection between the church on top the cave with Etruscan and medieval art work, and the spring and older church at the bottom of the cliff gave me chills. The hotels were wonderful. The tour was too long and the buttero show was staged and touristy. I felt like I got off the bus and stepped into a fairytale!". Francesco is a saint. The tour guide David Tordi was exceptional. It was beautiful!". A local scholar will join us this morning as we tour the Accademia Gallery and study Michelangelo's majestic David. We especially loved the selection of cities and events. Terms of Service | Privacy. One couple, who had toured with our guide, David, celebrated upon learning that David would be our guide for this tour. "We stayed at some beautiful locations. I wanted to see parts of Italy I had not seen before, though I've been many times (3 other RS tours). "I have many WOW moments but one that stands out was being at Ponte Vecchio during sunset. Tuscany itinerary advice - Rick Steves Travel Forum By Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw So much to see, so little time. Overall the tour was very interesting and informative. Sleep in the Chianti countryside. The tour guide was really knowledgeable and helped to make it a fantastic trip! It was a great mix of guided and free time. Housed in a 13th-century palace (and 18th-century prison! Good food, hotels (La Moscadella was spectacular). Definitely my favorites.". Attempting to make Pici Pasta and enjoying the hilarity that ensued. "Experiencing the beauty of the Val dOrcia and staying at La Moscadella.". And every time we wandered down to the incredible aperitivos and dinners in La Moscadella dining room with that beautiful view, it was like wow, we are really getting spoiled.".