Grand Tour of Tuscany
The Ultimate Small-Group Tour to Tuscany
Embark on our 8-day Grand Tour of Tuscany set to unravel the must-sees and offbeat gems of Italy’s most fabled region. With a small group of up to 12 guests, we ensure an intimate and slow-paced journey across Tuscany, with the right balance of sightseeing and free time.
After meeting in central Rome, we drive to the rolling hills of Val D’Orcia where we spend the first three nights in a luxurious villa surrounded by olive trees and the vineyards of Montalcino.
Wine tasting in a medieval castle, al-fresco lunch in an organic cheese farm in Pienza, the scenic village of Bagno a Vignoni, and the evocative Abbey of St. Antimo, are just some highlights of Southern Tuscany.
After diving into the behind-the-scene of Siena‘s famous Palio, we continue to the heart of Lucca*** where an elegant palazzo is our home for the following two nights. Experiencing Lucca as a local, especially in the evening when day-trip tourists are gone, will leave you in awe.
Enjoy a fun ride to the top of Carrara’s marble quarries, step inside the leaning tower of Pisa, and indulge in a private cooking class in Lucca’s tempting foodie scene**.
The last two nights of the tour are set in central Florence in a quiet hotel, overlooking a private garden and the rooftops. Skip the line at the Accademia Museum for a closer look at the original David by Michelangelo and explore the city in a way that large groups simply can’t.
From fine-dining experiences to refined accommodations, and engaging local guides, we fulfill this comprehensive, fun, and relaxed Grand Tour of Tuscany with lifelong memories.
***In 2025 the tour will stay two nights in Viareggio. The hotel in Lucca is part of the 2026 itinerary.
** In 2025 the cooking class in Lucca is replaced by the food tour. The cooking class is part of the 2026 itinerary.
If we could give our Grand Tour of Tuscany more than five stars, we would. Marco was an amazing tour manager for our eight day trip. We stayed in lovely hotels and villas, indulged in amazing food/wine, and saw the beautiful region of Tuscany. Although there were many highlights, our trip to the Carrara marble quarry and to one of the contrada’s Palio museum really stand out. I cannot say enough about Meet Piemonte’s service. This was our first “guided” multi-day tour, and we will be back for another with Meet Piemonte. Thank you Marco for an unforgettable trip.
Karen V. – May 2023
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor and on Google
Trip Highlights
Skip the line and visit Michelangelo’s David with an experienced guide
Cheese tasting and lunch in an organic farm in Pienza
Behind the scenes of Siena’s Palio and climb Pisa’s Leaning Tower
Private Carrara’s marble quarry tour with off-road vehicles
Lunch in a castle and Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting
Cooking Class in Lucca (2026 itinerary)
Michelin-Guide restaurant in Montalcino
Go to the full list of What’s Included in the tour package
Trip BASICs
8 days | 7 nights
From Rome / To Florence (see below flight information)
Group size: 6-12 guests
Learn more about our Small Group Tours To Italy
Learn more about Meet Piemonte’s team
3 nights
in Montalcino
An ancient Villa, caressed by the Tuscan sea breezes where to be welcomed as friends. Surrounded by Brunello vineyards, and centuries-old chestnut trees, here time stops.
2 nights
in LUCCA (2026)
In the heart of Lucca, a historic palace carefully refurbished, frames spacious elegant rooms with wooden floors and design amenities. In 2025 we stay in Viareggio at Hotel Plaza Et De Russie
2 nights
in Florence
An oasis of peace in the buzzing center of Florence. Newly-refurbished deluxe rooms facing a quiet garden where a young Michelangelo used to practice his art.
2025
June 8 — 15 : OPEN
- 4480€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
September 21 — 28 : waiting list
- 4480€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
2026
May 17 — 24 : OPEN
- 5095€ per person in double occupancy
- 6610€ in single occupancy
October 7 — 14 : OPEN
- 5095€ per person in double occupancy
- 6610€ in single occupancy
The rate includes:
- 3 nights in the Tuscan countryside (Villa Le Prata or similar), breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights in Lucca (in 2026), or in Viareggio (in 2025), breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights in central Florence (Orto De Medici or similar), breakfast and porterage included
- Private van or minibus (as per itinerary), with permits and parking included
- Tour manager for 8 days
- Tickets and reservation to the Accademia Museum
- 3-hour tour guide service in Florence with headsets
- Lunch in an organic farm with cheese tasting
- 2-hour tour guide service in Siena with headsets
- Access to a Contrada Museum
- Lunch paired with wine tasting in a medieval castle
- Private excursion to a Carrara’s quarry
- Private Cooking Class and Lunch in Lucca (in 2026)
- Tickets to climb the leaning tower of Pisa
- 2-hour tour guide service in Lucca and food tastings, and lunch (in 2025)
- 4 traditional dinners, wine included
- VAT 22%
- Tour Operator Limited Liability Insurance and Bankruptcy/Extraordinary Circumstances Insurance (Fondo di Garanzia)
- Credit card fees
- Assistance throughout the planning process and travel tips
The rate does not include:
- Hotel City Tax (between 3 to 5€ per person per night)
- Personal travel insurance
- Airfare to/from Italy
- Airport transfers
- Any other meal, tasting, entrance fee, transfer, personal expense, tips and anything else not mentioned above in the field “The rate includes”. The wine included is the one presented during the meal or wine tasting and it is never unlimited. Any extra is at each guest’s discretion.
Day 1 – The Grand Tour Of Tuscany Begins In Rome
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation: Montalcino
Meet our experienced tour manager in central Rome at 2 pm and drive to Tuscany.
This afternoon enjoy a smooth ride through Italy’s valleys and hills as you reach the iconic Val d’Orcia, one of the most picturesque wine regions in the world, in southern Tuscany.
Late afternoon, check-in at the stunning Villa Le Prata, originally a hunting lodge built in 1860 by a local Count and, in more recent decades, the home residence of the Losappio family of Montalcino.
Staying at the villa is a highlight as guests feel at home rather than in a hotel. Antiques, wooden ceilings, Persian rugs, an outdoor infinity pool, and postcard-like grounds make guests fall in love with Tuscany.
Tonight we celebrate the beginning of our Grand Tour of Tuscany with a traditional dinner at the restaurant of Villa Le Prata and we toast with the full-bodied Brunello di Montalcino wine.
Day 2 – Val D’Orcia: Montalcino And Pienza
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Montalcino
Enjoy breakfast at Villa Le Prata as you wake up surrounded by the fabled countryside of Val d’Orcia.
A short drive takes us to the center of Montalcino, for a walk among wine shops, up to the medieval fortress.
Then, our Grand Tour of Tuscany stops at an organic farm founded over three centuries ago, located on a hill crest with breathtaking views over southern Tuscany.
We tour the estate among olive orchards, goats, and a bucolic atmosphere. Step inside the aging premises where the farm’s award-winning Pecorino di Pienza cheese is stored, then sit at the table and partake in a generous tasting of the farm’s products including fresh vegetables, homemade pasta, and more.
After lunch, we take a stroll in the elegant town of Pienza, located a few miles or so from our villa. From the central piazza, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, enjoy people-watching and maybe a gelato along the pedestrian narrow streets overlooking Val d’Orcia.
After some free time at the villa to freshen up, in the evening we take our guests to the charming village of Bagno a Vignoni, known for its hot springs and the large central steamy fountain. We allow enough time to enjoy a dinner on your own among the many cozy restaurants featuring traditional Tuscan specialties.
Day 3 – Tuscan Wine Tasting In A Medieval Castle
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Montalcino
The last day at Villa Le Prata deserves a leisurely late morning so you can enjoy it at your own pace: maybe a walk on a gravel countryside path among olive trees and vineyards. Maybe you prefer to relax by the outdoor infinity pool or read a book in the shade of the main living room of the villa.
Around noon, we step inside the aging premises of a medieval castle where wine has been produced for centuries. Perched on a hill crest, il castello is surrounded by bountiful vineyards originally tended by Etruscans, which today lay within the limits of Brunello di Montalcino‘s DOCG appellation.
A tasteful lunch is paired with a wine tasting as we learn stories of the family who owned the castle in the past as well as the present life of this charming gem of the Tuscan countryside.
This afternoon the choice is yours to go back to the villa or explore with the tour manager the abbey of St. Antimo. Its early-medieval sculptures, evocative architecture, and quiet surroundings provide an evocative journey back in time.
Tonight dinner takes place in a well-known restaurant mentioned on the Michelin Guide, with stunning views. Partake on a traditional Tuscan menu presented with a modern twist.
Day 4 – Behind The Scene Of Siena’s Horse Race
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Lucca (2026) or Viareggio (2025)
After breakfast, we say farewell to Val d’Orcia and drive toward northern Tuscany. Halfway through, we arrive in Siena, an absolute must-see in Italy.
With the help of a knowledgeable local guide, we bring to life the intricate combination of history and local traditions that makes this city unique.
From banking to ancient pilgrim routes, Siena’s highlight is the sea-shell-shaped square of Il Campo, where, twice a year, the most famous horse race of Italy known as Palio, takes place.
There is no better way to understand the locals’ passion for this competition between city districts, than visiting the secret rooms where the supporters of one of these Contrada gather in preparation for the horse race.
This exclusive tour, usually not available to the public, takes us inside the church where horses get the blessing, the hall with the banners won in the previous years, and the museum with the ornate costumes of the parade.
2025 Itinerary – Viareggio
Relax onboard our comfortable van or minibus as we drive to Viareggio. Check-in at five-star Plaza et de Russie Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux property, located on the famous sea-front promenade flanked by fashion shops.
Take off your shoes and enjoy a walk on the sandy beach of Viareggio, steps away from our hotel, or enjoy an Italian aperitivo inspired by the movie La Dolce Vita.
Tonight we reserved a table for our small group in a historic trattoria known for seafood and fish, prepared with the freshest catch of the day.
2026 Itinerary – Lucca
In the afternoon we arrive in the heart of Lucca and check in at a luxury boutique hotel framed in a historic aristocratic palace, with spacious and elegant rooms.
On the way to dinner, a local expert takes us on a leisurely walk among Lucca’s main piazzas and provides an engaging introduction to the intricate past of the city. Partake on a flavourful dinner in one of Lucca’s historic trattoria.
Day 5 – Pisa And Carrara’s Marble Tour
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Lucca (2026) or Viareggio (2025)
Pisa, once a powerful Maritime Republic, boasts a square with one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. As we strive to turn the visit to this popular site into an easy and safe experience, we skip the crowds and take you in the middle of the action.
Perhaps, you want to take the classic, not-to-be-missed picture at the foot of the leaning tower.
Then, a surprise awaits you in Pisa.
Next, we drive to the mountains, known as Alpi Apuane, in northern Tuscany where the finest marble on Earth has been quarried since Roman times.
Board a 4X4 vehicle and discover, with a local expert, the fascinating stories and hardships of Carrara’s marble quarries.
The bumpy but fun ride takes us higher in elevation, surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the bright “white gold” with, in the distance, the Mediterranean coastline.
On the way back, we can grab a gelato in Pietrasanta, a gem of Tuscany full of art galleries, cafés and shopping.
Dinner is on your own in Lucca (2026) or Viareggio (2025).
Day 6 – The Grand Tour of Tuscany And Lucca’s Food Scene
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Florence
2025 Itinerary
After breakfast, we collect the luggage and drive 30 minutes to the city of Lucca.
Meet our passionate and knowledgeable local expert who will show us some highlights and hidden treasures of this wealthy community. Silk trade, pilgrims, and solid city walls made Lucca’s fortune which today is also a foodie destination.
We visit some bakeries and food stores for a tasting of local breads, the tasty Bucellato, cheese, and other specialties specific to northern Tuscany, and to the nearby Garfagnana Valley. We end in a traditional trattoria for the final course like stuffed Tordelli or, depending on the season, a Farro soup.
In the afternoon we arrive in central Florence. Check in at a 4-star hotel located steps away fromall major attractions.
Tonight let our tour manager suggest dining options for on-your-own dinner in Firenze.
2026 Itinerary
After breakfast, we check out and leave our luggage at the hotel. We then walk a few minutes to meet a local chef who welcomes us in his kitchen.
Lucca is definitely a foodie town, though it’s often overshadowed by bigger cities like Florence and Bologna. It has a rich culinary tradition, with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients and Tuscan flavors.
This comprehensive full hands-on cooking class includes several recipes like down-to-earth Italian classics and more sophisticated local ones. During the course of this friendly and engaging morning, each guest is welcome to try all recipes or take breaks, like in a private home. Printed recipes are available to take home.
Lunch with the results of our hard work is the chance to gather at the table with our chef.
In the afternoon, we drive to Florence and check in at a 4-star hotel located steps away from all major attractions.
Our home for the final two nights of our Grand Tour of Tuscany is a historic palace where Michelangelo is said to have practiced his art when he was very young. The inner private garden is a retreat of peace, perfect to escape the noisy and bustling streets of Florence. We secure rooms only on the higher floors, overlooking either the city’s rooftops or the courtyard.
Tonight let our tour manager suggest dining options for on-your-own dinner in Firenze.
Day 7 – Michelangelo’s David and Florence
Meals included: breakfast, and dinner
Accommodation: Florence
After breakfast, meet an experienced local tour guide and skip the line to access the Accademia Museum. We behold striking masterworks such as Michelangelo’s David and we walk through the lively streets of Florence, among stately palazzi, the open-air museum of Piazza della Signoria, and much else.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own the cradle of the Renaissance or shop among leather, gold, and fashion stores for which Florence is known.
Tonight we celebrate the end of our Grand Tour of Tuscany with a traditional dinner in one of the historic trattoria near the Mercato Centrale.
Day 8 – Arrivederci
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
Enjoy one more breakfast before checking out and say arrivederci until we meet next time!
Flight Information
- Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the tour cost.
- Suggested arrival airport: Rome (FCO).
- Suggested departure airport: Florence (FLR) or Rome (FCO)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
- Day 1: meet in central Rome at 2pm. Specific directions will be provided. Please contact us if you’d like to add a private transfer to your tour package or a pre-tour hotel room.
- Departure day: no airport transfer is included from the city center of Florence. If you fly out of Florence, consider that the airport is located within a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the city center (about 25€ per car). If you fly out of Rome, we recommend booking your flights not before 1 pm or the following day. Convenient high-speed trains frequently connect Florence to Rome (the ride takes approximately 1h30′). Please contact us if you’d like to add a private transfer or a post-tour hotel room.
On-Tour Luggage Restrictions
In addition to airline luggage restrictions, please consider that:
- Due to our van/bus space limitations during the tour, we ask you to limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person, weighing around 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).
- Each guest can also bring one carry-on and a small, soft-sided bag or backpack for day-to-day travel. The space onboard our vans and minibusses, as well as the overhead rack and the space under the seat, is typically very limited, just enough for small bags and purses.
- The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants
- A 30% down payment is required in order to confirm the reservation (refundable up to 90 days).
- The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour.
Cancellation policy:
- There shall be a 250€ non-refundable processing fee (per person) on any cancellation request, regardless of the time frame within which the cancellation is submitted;
- From 90 days to 46 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 30% of the price;
- From 45 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 100% of the price
Read here the full terms and conditions.
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.
- To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances. This is not a physically demanding tour, however, there will be a lot of walking, often on uneven steps, cobblestones, uphill and downhill. One of the charming aspects of Italy is its historical and architectural conformation. Many towns and attractions can only be visited on foot, as vans and buses cannot access the pedestrian areas where most places of interest are located.
- Unfortunately we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Our tour managers and tour guides are unable to provide ongoing individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other physical needs.
- While the driving time on our tours is limited, getting to remote farmhouses and villages may require driving on windy roads that may cause motion sickness.
- Due to the historic nature of many of the luxury boutique hotels where we stay, some rooms may include stairs and differ in size and layout.
Before departure, guests will receive via email a complete list of things to know about Italy, such as what to pack, money, electricity, health, tipping, VAT refund, and more.
Why a Tuscan Tour with Meet Piemonte?
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator has designed an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tuscany where breathtaking natural beauty blends with a rich cultural heritage.
On the Grand Tour of Tuscany, one gets to experience the iconic sights that have made this region famous, in an intimate way, avoiding lines and crowds. In addition, we bring to life the hidden gems and less-visited towns that few tourists ever get to see.
From the medieval city of Siena to the foodie town of Lucca, each stop along the way will leave you mesmerized by its unique charm and timeless elegance.
With the perfect balance of free time and guided tours, this Tuscan tour features fun outdoor activities like the Carrara’s marble quarry tour.
Join our Tuscan tour to unlock the secrets of this enchanting region and create memories to last a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Italian life, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor.
A Comprehensive Tour to Tuscany
Our Grand Tour of Tuscany covers all the highlights of this fabled Italian region. We pride ourselves on taking our guests for three nights to Val D’Orcia, in southern Tuscany, often dismissed due to its distance from Florence. The iconic rolling hills of Val d’Orcia have been the backdrop of many movies for the beauty of the landscape. Listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, Val D’Orcia boasts quaint towns like Pienza, Montalcino and secluded hidden gems like the medieval Abbey of Sant’Antimo.
We start our tour with this serene and picturesque respite from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist hubs, before moving to the Mediterranean Coast. The beach of northern Tuscany is the perfect departing point to explore the marble quarries and to live the early-1900s vibe of vacationing on this golden coastline, not to mention the famous leaning tower of Pisa!
The tour ends with a two-night stay in the heart of Florence, steps away from all major attractions, in a quiet hotel where to retreat after a day of shopping and sightseeing.
Meet Piemonte Expert Leaders
With our experienced tour manager and knowledgeable local guides leading the way, you’ll unravel the secrets of Tuscany.
Guides play such a game-changing role in our small group tours. Native of Tuscany and with an excellent command of English, our local experts go beyond dates and history. Immersive tours are set to bring to light the local culture and to outline details that would be discharged as insignificant by the inexperienced eye.
With centuries of history and being home to some of the greatest personalities of Italy, our Tuscan Tour covers all aspects of the region from art to architecture, from geology to traditions, and from the old to the contemporary.
Tuscany Luxurious Accommodations
On this Grand Tour of Tuscany guests enjoy luxury hotels in Florence and Viareggio, as well as three nights in a century-old Tuscan villa surrounded by cherry, olive, and chestnut trees. Be amazed by spectacular sunsets over the hills of Val D’Orcia, the quintessential Tuscan countryside, where the Mediterranean breeze blends with the fresh air coming from the peaks of extinguished volcanoes. The villa is an oasis of silence with luxurious rooms featuring original furniture mixed with modern and comfortable amenities.
Seamless Logistics
Our small group tours open to just twelve travelers offer a personalized and intimate experience, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Tuscany. Skip the crowds and explore the busy must-sees in style, walk the streets of charming villages tucked away in picturesque valleys, meet friendly locals, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We will handle all the logistics of your Tuscan tour, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Unparalleled Tuscan Cuisine
Indulge in the finest wines, and savor the delicious local cuisine, through a selection of handpicked restaurants for a complete overview of local rustic recipes alternated with modern, urban re-interpretations.
The exquisite Tuscan cuisine has it all, from cereal and bean soups to elevated dining experiences, from the fresh seafood of Viareggio to the famous Florentine steak. Meet Piemonte Tour Operator invests budget and time to select unforgettable culinary activities like the cheese tasting in a Pecorino di Pienza dairy farm to have lunch paired with Brunello di Montalcino in a medieval castle. Dine in a historic trattoria of Florence and step into family-owned food stores in Lucca sampling traditional produce and local delights.
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator’s Flexibility
Traveling is an ever-changing adventure, and unexpected situations may arise. On our luxury tour to Tuscany, we will be flexible and adaptable, ready to handle alterations or adjustments for even the most discerning travelers. With our flexible cancellation policy and partnership with Global Rescue, you can book ahead of time and enjoy your time in Italy, knowing that you’re covered. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or simply seeking relaxation in stunning surroundings, Meet Piemonte’s small-group tour to Tuscany will leave you with cherished memories.
