Private educational and guided custom tours by walk and by confortable M/B van

Discover the Best of Florence and Tuscany with a Private Guide

Aiming to explore Florence and Tuscany without the constraints of large group tours? This private, customized experience offers two days of intimate sightseeing for around $162.60 per person, with the flexibility to tailor your itinerary. The tour starts with a 3-hour walking tour inside Florence’s historic city center, focusing on the Duomo square, Signoria square, and Ponte Vecchio, showcasing the city’s stunning Romanesque and Gothic churches alongside Renaissance palaces. The following day takes you into the Tuscan countryside, where a driver and guide lead you through renowned locations like the Chianti wine region, San Gimignano, and Siena.

This tour suits those who prefer a personalized sightseeing pace—free from the restrictions of big groups. A pickup service is offered, making logistics smoother. The experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides and flexible itinerary, though travelers should be prepared for a full day of travel with some walking and driving. Overall, it provides a comprehensive and relaxed way to enjoy Florence and Tuscany at your own pace.

Key Points

• Private and customizable two-day tour of Florence and Tuscany
• Includes expert local guides for personalized insights
• Day 1 features a 3-hour walking tour of Florence’s historic center
• Day 2 covers key Tuscany highlights: Chianti wine region, San Gimignano, and Siena
• Pickup offered for added convenience
• Priced at $162.60 per person, suitable for most travelers

Exploring Florence’s Historic Center on Foot

The first day of this tour focuses on Florence’s timeless city center. The 3-hour walking tour takes you through the Duomo square, famous for its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, along with Signoria square and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Expect to see Romanesque and Gothic churches and Renaissance palaces, with the guide offering in-depth explanations of their history and architecture.

This walking experience is designed to skip the crowds and rush often found in busy tours, allowing for a more relaxed exploration. Since the tour is private, the pace can be adjusted to suit your interests. The admission tickets are free, so you can spend more time appreciating the architecture and atmosphere without worrying about extra costs.

Day Two: From the Chianti Countryside to Siena and San Gimignano

The second day offers a full-day journey into Tuscany’s scenic countryside. Starting at the Chiantigiana road, you indulge in wine and olive oil tastings while exploring one of Italy’s most picturesque routes. This 7-hour stop allows ample time for sampling local products and enjoying the countryside scenery.

Next, the trip takes you to San Gimignano, a medieval town famous for its tower-filled skyline. A combination of car and walking tours helps uncover its medieval charm, with time for shopping and strolling.

The final stop is Siena, another medieval gem. Here, a private guided tour reveals its historic streets, the famous Palio horse race, and its striking cathedral. Four hours are allocated to each town, balancing sightseeing with enough time to explore independently.

Logistics and Transportation Details

The tour begins at 9:00 am from a meeting point in Florence, with pickup offered to streamline your day. The use of a comfortable M/B van ensures smooth travel between locations, with most travelers able to participate comfortably. The tour ends back at the initial meeting point, making it easy to plan the rest of your day in Florence or Tuscany.

Participants should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and driving, with walking involved during city visits. The tour is suitable for most travelers, as no specific physical requirements are mentioned.

The Guide’s Role in Enhancing Your Experience

Led by Maurizio Bellini, the guide is recognized for providing private, educational insights into both Florence and Tuscany. While specific personal qualities aren’t detailed, the overall positive review mentions a knowledgeable and engaging guide, which helps make the experience more meaningful. The customizable itinerary means the guide can adapt to your preferences, emphasizing your interests in art, history, or local cuisine.

Sampling Tuscany’s Flavors: Wine and Olive Oil Tastings

A standout feature of this tour is the 7-hour visit to the Chianti region, where you sample local wines and olive oils. This part of the day offers an authentic taste of Tuscany’s culinary traditions, set against the beautiful landscape. Since the tasting locations are admission free, the focus remains on enjoying high-quality products in a relaxed setting.

San Gimignano and Siena: Medieval Treasures

Both towns are explored through private tours by car and on foot, providing a personalized experience. San Gimignano’s towers and medieval streets make for a captivating visit, while Siena’s historic center offers architectural marvels, including its cathedral and Palio history. The 4-hour visits in each town allow sufficient time for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing peace of mind if plans change. Weather conditions are considered, and in the event of cancellation due to poor weather, travelers are offered a different date or full refund. The private nature of the tour ensures exclusive participation, making it a flexible and stress-free option.

Pricing and Overall Value

At $162.60 per person, this private tour delivers a highly personalized experience with expert guidance and a flexible itinerary. Since it includes transport, guiding, and tastings, the overall value makes it appealing for those seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration of Florence and Tuscany.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who prefer a private, tailored experience over large group tours. It’s ideal for those interested in art, history, and local cuisine, with enough flexibility to emphasize their personal interests. The full-day visits to San Gimignano and Siena** are perfect for anyone wanting a deeper dive into Tuscany’s medieval towns without the hassle of planning logistics.

Final Thoughts on the Private Florence and Tuscany Tour

This private, customizable experience stands out for its intimate approach, expert guiding, and focus on local highlights. The combination of a relaxed Florence walking tour and immersive countryside visits offers a balanced view of Tuscany’s culture and landscape. While the full day of travel requires some stamina, the personalized touch and flexible schedule make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a more tailored Tuscany adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The price covers private guiding, transportation in a comfortable M/B van, walking tours in Florence and towns, and tastings in Chianti. Admission tickets are free at the stops.

Does the tour include entrance fees for museums or churches?
No, the tour does not include entrance fees, as the walking tour inside Florence is admission free. The focus is on outdoor sights and guided explanations.

Is this tour suitable for children or multi-generational groups?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable with walking and some driving. It’s a private tour, so it can be tailored to suit family needs.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture the scenic countryside and historic towns.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included; however, the wine and olive oil tastings are part of the day in Tuscany.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it is a private, custom experience, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your interests and pace, within the available stops.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations later than that are not eligible for refunds.

Is transportation provided for the entire trip?
Yes, transport in a comfortable M/B van is included from Florence to Tuscany and between all stops during the second day.

How long is the tour overall?
The entire experience spans approximately 2 days, with each day offering distinct sightseeing and activities.

Who leads the tour and what is their background?
The tour is led by Maurizio Bellini, known for providing personalized guiding and educational insights in Florence and Tuscany.

This detailed private tour offers a personalized and relaxed way to experience some of Tuscany’s most iconic sights, combining art, history, wine, and medieval charm in a format that suits curious and independent travelers alike.