Tuscany Highlights Guided Small-Group Tour from Florence

Discover Tuscany’s Scenic Countryside and Historic Towns in a Day

The Tuscany Highlights Guided Small-Group Tour from Florence offers a comprehensive journey through one of Italy’s most beloved regions. Priced at $164.91 per person and lasting around 11.5 hours, this tour is perfect for those eager to explore Tuscany’s iconic towns without the hassle of planning. The group size is limited to 12 people, ensuring a more personal experience, complemented by an English-speaking professional guide and comfortable transportation.

While the tour covers a packed itinerary, allowing ample guided tours and free time, a notable consideration is the tight pacing, which some may find rushed. This tour is ideal for travelers who value seeing multiple highlights in one day and enjoy a blend of guided insights, scenic drives, and delicious local tastings.

Key Points

• Small group size of no more than 12 travelers for a more intimate experience
• Visit Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and enjoy a Tuscan winery lunch with wine tastings
• Includes guided walking tours and free time at key stops
• Transport provided by air-conditioned minibus with Wi-Fi
• Tour departs from Florence at 7:45 am and returns in the late afternoon
• Admission to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is not included, costing about €20

Starting the Day in Florence and the Chianti Hills

The tour begins in Piazzale Montelungo, Florence, where a comfortable bus awaits. As the vehicle departs, travelers enjoy views of the Chianti region’s vineyards and olive groves, with the guide sharing anecdotes about Tuscany’s landscape and culture. The passage through rolling hills sets a scenic tone for the day, and the guide’s storytelling style is praised for being both passionate and knowledgeable.

This initial drive lasts just 15 minutes, giving a quick taste of the region’s beauty before diving into the day’s towns. The guided commentary helps set context for what lies ahead.

Exploring Siena’s Medieval Charm and UNESCO Status

The first major stop is Siena, a city built on hills and characterized by its well-preserved medieval architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Siena’s historic centre is a highlight. The local guide leads a 2-hour tour through narrow cobbled streets, pointing out impressive 13th-century buildings.

The tour emphasizes Piazza del Campo, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. Its shell shape, the Mangia Tower standing at 87 meters, and the Gothic Siena Cathedral are key sights. Piazza del Campo is also where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice yearly, adding a lively atmosphere to this historic space.

Climbing the Mangia Tower and Visiting Siena Cathedral

The guided walk continues with a focus on Siena’s civic pride, culminating with a view of the Mangi Tower and a visit to the Siena Cathedral. The cathedral’s Gothic Romanesque architecture captivates visitors with its beautiful façade and interior, offering a photo-worthy moment and insights into Siena’s religious and artistic heritage.

The guided tour here lasts about 1 hour, leaving some free time to enjoy the surroundings or take photos of Siena’s iconic skyline.

Tuscan Winery Lunch and Wine Tasting in Family-Run Estate

After exploring Siena, the group takes a break for a 3-course lunch at a family-run estate along the Strada Statale 222 Chiantigiana. The lunch includes local Tuscan products paired with wines produced on-site, giving a taste of authentic regional flavors.

This 2-hour stop offers a chance to relax, enjoy the scenic estate, and indulge in wine tasting, which is highly appreciated by visitors. The wine and food are praised for their quality, making this meal a memorable part of the tour.

San Gimignano’s Medieval Skyline and Tower Views

Post-lunch, the journey continues to San Gimignano, often called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because of its skyscraper-like towers that create an unforgettable skyline. The medieval towers offer panoramic views of the surrounding valley and are a major visual highlight.

The group spends about 1 hour here, with plenty of opportunities for photos and wandering through the historic streets. The town’s unique architecture makes it a favorite for many visitors.

Tasting Gelato at Piazza Della Cisterna

Next, at Piazza della Cisterna, the group has an optional 20-minute stop to sample the famous gelato from Gelateria Dondoli. This gelato is award-winning and renowned for its rich flavors and quality, making it a sweet highlight of the trip.

This stop is short but highly praised for the delicious gelato and the chance to enjoy a relaxed moment in the heart of San Gimignano’s old town.

Exploring Pisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Piazza dei Miracoli

The final major stop is Pisa, home to the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO site since 1987. The 1-hour guided visit introduces the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistry, and the Campanile, with a focus on their stunning architecture. The square’s original beauty draws many visitors, with free time to take photos or admire the surroundings.

Climbing or Photographing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Before heading back to Florence, travelers can take a 30-minute photo break at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The admission fee (~€20) is not included, and children under 8 are not permitted to climb. Visitors love to pose as if they are holding up the tower, making this a fun and lighthearted finale to the day.

Returning to Florence in the Late Afternoon

The journey concludes with a return to Florence, with the bus arriving back at Piazzale Montelungo in the late afternoon. This convenient end point makes it easy to plan the rest of your evening in Florence.

Practical Details: Transportation and Group Size

The tour features round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minibus equipped with Wi-Fi. The small group size of no more than 12 travelers enhances comfort and allows for more personalized attention from the professional English-speaking guide.

The meeting point is at Piazzale Montelungo in Florence, with the tour starting promptly at 7:45 am. This early start maximizes sightseeing time and ensures a full day of exploration.

Value and Booking Considerations

Priced at $164.91, the tour includes guided tours, lunch with wine tastings, transport, and free time at key stops. The guided walks in Siena are especially praised, with guides bringing history to life.

A clear advantage is the flexibility to book online for the preferred date, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Limitations and Tips for Participants

Some reviews mention the pace feeling rushed, with limited time at each stop. The walk from parking areas to the main sights in Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa can be lengthy, which is worth considering for those with mobility challenges.

Although the Leaning Tower climb costs extra, taking photos outside is free and fun. Travelers should bring cash or card if they plan to go up the tower.

The Perfect Tour for Tuscany Enthusiasts

This Tuscany Highlights Tour offers a well-rounded experience of some of the region’s most famous towns, with guided insights, scenic drives, and local tastings. Its small group format and professional guide make it a comfortable way to cover a lot of ground in a single day.

While some may find the schedule busy, those eager to see Siena’s medieval charm, San Gimignano’s towers, and Pisa’s iconic square will find this trip rewarding. The lunch at a Tuscan winery adds a memorable culinary touch, rounding out the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 years old are not allowed to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but the tour can still be enjoyable for families with older children.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes guided tours, round-trip transportation, lunch and wine tastings, and free time at Pisa and San Gimignano. The admission to the Leaning Tower costs about €20 and is not included.

How long is the ride from Florence to Tuscany?
The drive starts with a 15-minute transfer from Florence to the Chianti hills, then continues through the day to each town.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour follows a fixed schedule, but the small group size allows for some flexibility, especially in free time segments.

Are meals included?
Yes, a 3-course lunch with wine at a family-run estate is included.

Is this tour accessible for mobility-impaired travelers?
The tour involves walking through historic towns with cobbled streets and some distance from parking areas; mobility access may be limited.

What is the guide’s language?
The guide speaks English exclusively, providing commentary throughout the day.

How do I book this tour?
You can book online, ensuring your preferred date, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, and cash or card for optional tower climbing are recommended. Weather-appropriate clothing is advisable.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of guided historical insights, scenic drives, authentic Tuscan lunch, and small-group intimacy makes it a comprehensive and enjoyable way to experience Tuscany in a single day.