Italy Travel Expert
Florence and Tuscany
Pienza and a Local Cheesemaker Tour (3 hours)
Take a pleasant journey through the Val d’Orcia with your local guide and enjoy a walking tour
of the quaint town of Pienza, an architectural masterpiece of Renaissance design, where you
will see the Palazzo Piccolomini and Duomo along with the many shops selling every type of
pecorino cheese imaginable. Then head into the countryside to a local cheese producer and
tour his workshop, learning about the various types of pecorino he produces. End the tour with a
tasting of the various cheeses accompanied by cold cuts and bruschetta toasted bread with
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and toppings.
San Quirico, Artisanal Brewery and Olive Oil Mill Tour (3 hours)
Enjoy a walking tour with guide of the quaint town of San Quirico and stop in the medieval
building in the historic center that is home to an organic micro brewery using only locally
grown hops and ingredients to produce one of Tuscany’s finest beers. Have a taste of two
different types of beers, and continue on your walking tour to an ancient olive oil mill, run by
the same family for many generations, where you will learn about their extra virgin olive oil and
enjoy a tasting on locally-made breads with tastings of regional cheeses and honey.
Florence - Venice (Piazzale Roma*) With a Stop in Verona (8-10 hours)
Why take the train to Venice when you can be accompanied by private car and driver that will
take you through romantic Verona on the way? The first stop (optional) is a Veronese winery for
a taste of the regional Valpollicella wines. Then proceed to Verona in time for lunch (paid
directly) in the famous restaurant, 12 Apostoli**, where the owner will take you downstairs for
an aperitivo in his wine cellar to see the restaurant's recently discovered Roman ruins. After
lunch you have the choice of exploring Verona on your own, or meeting an expert guide for a
tour of Verona's most famous monuments such as Piazza Erbe, Juliette's Balcony and the
Arena before heading for your final destination, Venice.
Florence Walking Tour (3 hours)
Meet your guide in your hotel lobby for a tour of the intriguing city of Florence that boasts some
of the best preserved Renaissance architectural monuments in Italy. Walk its winding
cobblestone streets with your expert guide and visit Brunelleschi’s Duomo, Piazza Della
Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce with its tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo
and the Ponte Vecchio lined with centuries-old jewelry shops that is topped by the Medici
families’ secret passageway.
Gelato Tasting Experience to be added to any of our walking tours (1 hour)
There is nothing better than a creamy, cool Italian gelato on a summer day, and this new tour
takes you behind-the-scenes of one of Florence’s best artisan gelateria to learn the secrets from
the master creator himself! Add this hourlong experience onto an existing tour and your expert
guide will accompany you on a journey to learn about the history of this famous dessert in Italian
culture, and it’s road to becoming one of the most-loved treats in the world. Go behind the
counter and into the laboratory where the gelato is blended to see how it is made, and how the
flavor combinations are decided, then try a sample of two of the freshly-made flavors for
yourself at the end of the visit!
Masterpieces of the Uffizi (3 hours)
The Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important galleries in the world, offers a collection of worldfamous artistic masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Bacchus
along with other works by Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. You will
enter with reservations and tour the gallery’s treasures with an expert, English-speaking private
guide. Tour will also include an overview of the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
The Florence Small Group Running Tour (1 ½ hours)
This morning jog at 7:30 a.m. will be enriched by a guided tour to the most beautiful sights
of Florence, accompanied by a sport-tour guide. During the jog, the guide will lead you outside
the center of Florence, avoiding the crowded and busy streets and allowing you to enjoy your
morning run with scenic views over the city. End the 4 mile run with an included caffè or
cappuccino and pastry at a genuine Italian coffee bar.
The Accademia and Medicis (3 hours)
Enter the Accademia Gallery with a reservation and visit the famous ‘David’, the statue that
established Michelangelo as the greatest sculptor of his time. Learn about the making and
history of this glorious sculpture, and tour Michelangelo’s other works in residence. Also on
display at the Accademia are paintings from other notable Renaissance artists, such as Uccello,
Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, and Sarto. Proceed to the splendid Medici Chapels decorated with
frescoes and inlaid stones, or visit the first residence of Cosimo di Medici, known as the
Palazzo Medici Riccardi.
Florence for Kids (3 hours)
Kids have their own tour to enjoy with their parents when they are met in the lobby of their hotel
by our kid-friendly guide for a morning or afternoon tour of the highlights of this great city with
special emphasis on sites that are enjoyable for our younger guests. Stroll the streets of
Florence and learn about the history during a chat about Medieval Florence with "Merchants,
Monsters and Saints", or Renaissance Florence with "Lords and Heroes". Tour the Palazzo
Davanzati, a medieval Florentine home that has been reconstructed and full of interesting tales,
and also the Interactive Exhibit of Leonardo da Vinci’s machines.
The Palazzi of Florence (3 hours)
For those with a specific interest in historic palaces or noble families, this half-day walking tour
visits the most famous and distinguished ancient homes in Florence. Start with the Palazzo
Davanzati, home of a noble family from the 14th century. Filled with an impressive array of
furnishing and paintings, it greatly reflects the tastes and lifestyles of such families during of this
era. Next, stroll medieval streets to the Palazzo Vecchio. The building itself was completed in
the 1300’s and contains masterpieces by Vasari and Michelangelo, along with beautiful
frescoed walls and ceilings throughout. The tour finishes at Palazzo Corsi, once home to a
wealthy Florentine silk merchant turned great art collector, is still filled with fine objects,
paintings, and rare furniture.
Be a Florentine Pizzaiolo for a Day (2 hours)
Discover the secrets of Italian pizza! Clients are greeted with a bubbling glass of spumante to
help loosen up their hands, and then will enjoy the sheer fun of working alongside some of
Florence’s best pizza makers in front of their wood-burning ovens. With a friendly Englishspeaking staff, learn the theoretical side of choosing the correct flour and coordinating the array
of delectable, fresh toppings. Then, clients will knead the dough to make their delicious Italian
specialty, baking them under the supervision of a master pizza maker. Pizzas will be enjoyed
during an early lunch or dinner at the restaurant, accompanied by a favorite drink. This is a
great outing for clients with children ages three and older. Please indicate your preference for
11:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m.
Pitti Palace and the Oltrarno Artisan Quarter (3 hours)
Visit the Pitti Palace which was originally built by the wealthy and powerful Pitti banking family
and later became the residence of the Medici Family, With an expert guide, clients will tour this
great palazzo’s architectural splendor, learning about its rich history. Today, the palace holds
more than eight museums. Clients will visit masterpieces such as Canova’s Venus Italica and
Titan’s Portrait of a Gentleman. Take a walk through time in the Costume Gallery, seeing
sumptuous Renaissance wardrobe that once graced the noblest of Florentines. Finally, clients
will stroll along the narrow streets of the Oltrarno’s artisan quarter to peek in the master
craftsmen’s workshops . Please notify us at the time of booking if you would like to substitute
the Boboli Gardens for the Oltrarno walking tour.
The Gucci Experience (1 hour)
The Gucci name is synonymous with Florence, and the luxury brand started here in 1921 with
small leather goods made by artisans, soon expending into elegant luggage, shoes, purses and
clothing enjoyed by an elite international clientele. Now the recently opened Gucci Museo
houses the collections and archives under one roof, with an exclusive boutique of designs not
available elsewhere. Start with a welcome drink in the Gucci caffè, and then enjoy a tour with a
private Gucci guide of the exhibits selected from the historical archives that feature the iconic
brand’s best-known designs. See the exquisite 1930’s travel trunks, the custom-made Gucci
Cadillac sedan from the 1970’s, and the collections of loafers and iconic handbags that
skyrocketed the brand to fame. Not to be missed is the more recent collection of elegant
evening gowns worn by Hollywood’s famous over the last years. Receive a special Gucci gift
from Absolute Italy at the end of the tour.
The Jewish Heritage Walking Tour (3 hours)
Visit the city’s splendid Moorish style synagogue and its museum in what was the city’s Jewish
quarter. Admire this structure’s rich interior of inlaid marble floors, mosaics, and stained glass
windows throughout. Hear about the history of Florence’s Jewish community, especially during
WWII, and tour the museum’s unique works. Next, walk the city’s streets with an expert guide to
learns the importance of several historical Jewish sites located around city center, such as
where the Ghetto once stood, Santa Croce, and Piazzas della Signoria and Repubblica.
Full-Day Walking Tour of Florence (6 hours)
For a fantastic day in one of the world’s most amazing cities, combine any of the two following
tours for a spectacular overview of this cultural and artistic jewel. Florence Walking Tour,
Uffizi Gallery’s Works of Art, Accademia Gallery and the Medici Family, Pitti Palace
Museums and the Oltrarno Artisan Quarter, Florence for Kids and Jewish Heritage
Walking Tour. Departure is at 9 a.m. from the client's hotel. Please see above for more indepth descriptions of each tour.
Artisans of Florence Shopping Tour (4 hours)
There are a multitude of beautiful shops in Florence, and with a personal shopper clients will
discover where to acquire the best Italian-made goods to suit their style and budget! Clients
can choose from expertly crafted items from local Florentine artisans, including leather goods,
gold jewellery, ceramics, silver, shoes, Florentine paper and handmade, and embroidered
linens. The personal shopper can arrange a private visit to a leather designer's showroom, any
clothing designer’s shop, or to Florentine merchants offering extensive selections of exquisite
jewellery, mosaics, and cameos. Tour will be customized to client’s interests.
Florence Cooking Lessons (3 hours)
This lesson is truly an experience to remember! Clients will learn how to cook authentic,
delicious Italian food during this hands-on cooking lesson with notable Florentine chefs from top
local restaurants. The “Classic Italian Menu” class gives you the opportunity to choose a
personalized menu (clients will be sent a list of menu selections at the time of booking)
consisting of Appetizer, Pasta, Main Course and Dessert. Students will enjoy eating the meal
they have prepared with their chef, accompanied by local wine. Classes begin at 10 a.m. for
lunch, or 5 p.m. for dinner. Class time preference must be indicated during booking.
Florence Cooking Combination Course (5 hours)
This special multi-purpose class was created for those interested in learning some Italian
language, cooking, and wine appreciation too. The lesson begins with an introduction to the
Italian language needed to travel and better identify food and wine. Next, a sommelier will
introduce some of the country’s best wines, teaching about their delicate makings while
conducting a tasting of notable vintages. Lastly, commence cooking the Classic Italian Menu
(see above description). Classes begin at 10 a.m. for lunch, or 3 p.m. for dinner.
A Day in Siena and San Gimignano (8 hours)
Meet your private driver in the hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. to begin your tour through the scenic hills
of Tuscany. The first stop is the picturesque city of Siena, where you will meet your expert guide
for a three-hour tour that will encompass the major monuments of this historical city. Visit the
historic Piazza del Campo where the famous horserace "Il Palio" takes place every summer
and brightens the city’s streets with colourful flags and lively festivities organized by each of the
city’s competing neighborhoods. Next visit the Palazzo Pubblico and the stunning cathedral
that boasts a collection of works of art by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini. Say
“arrivederci” to your guide and make your way to San Gimignano with its impressive medieval
towers. Have lunch in a local trattoria (to be paid directly) and stroll the cobblestone streets of
this charming town enjoying the afternoon on your own. Make sure to see the Piazza della
Cisterna and the Piazza del Duomo. Take a peek at the local wares and wines in the shops
that line the town’s characteristic streets before returning to your hotel by 5:00 p.m.
A Day in Lucca and Pisa Driver Service (8 hours)
Depart with driver at 9:00 am through the Tuscan countryside and head towards the coast for a
day of exploring Lucca and Pisa on your own. Enjoy the walled medieval town of Lucca and
walk along its cobblestone streets to visit its important piazzas and churches, then enjoy time on
your own for lunch. Proceed to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, where you can
admire it from the Piazza dei Miracoli or we can reserve a visit with the resident staff of the
tower for a short tour climbing to the top for € 18 per person extra (children under 8 are not
allowed in the tower). Please indicate this preference at the time of booking.
A Day in Southern Tuscany with Brunello Wines (9 hours)
Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. for an excursion to explore the
Brunello wine region. The Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the first Denominazione di
Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation and today is one of Italy's best-known and
most expensive wines. Start first at a boutique Brunello producer for a guided visit with expert
of the cellars, followed by a wine tasting of the various blends. Explore the town of Montalcino
in the heart of the countryside for lunch on your own and afterwards a stop can be made at one
of the areas famous abbeys such as the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, known for the Gregorian
Chants at Mass. Continue to your last stop of the day at a last Brunello winery for a tasting at
their wine bar, and return to Florence at the end of the afternoon.
Be a Tuscan Winemaker for the Day
For our true wine enthusiasts, Absolute Italy offers an exclusive opportunity to blend your own
Tuscany wine alongside an oenologist in his winery, surrounded by barriques of Sangiovese,
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Syrah. Enjoy a full day at the winery immersed in
the Chianti countryside that will include blending your personalized wine to your specifications,
and once you are satisfied with the final result, you will prepare and seal 60 bottles to includ e a
personalized label of your own design. At midday, take a break from your efforts and enjoy a full
Tuscan wine tasting lunch. Bid goodbye to your new friends at the end of the day and then just
wait for your bottles to arrive to you in the US approximately 2 months later.
Tuscany Cooking Lessons; Antinori Tuscan Cooking and Wines
Enjoy a special morning or afternon experience with a small group Tuscan cooking lesson. Roll
up your sleeves and work along with the chef to prepare a multicourse Tuscan meal and learn
his secrets of years of experience, while enjoying tastings of Antinori wines, Balsamic Vinegar,
pecorino cheeses and Amedei chocolates, then transfer on your own to the home of the Antinori
winery at the Badia a Passignano for a wine tour of the famous cellars with the wineries
sommelier to learn all about the Antinori wine production before enjoying the fruits of your labors
relaxing in the restaurant to enjoy the gourmet lunch or dinner you prepared, matched to the
proper Antinori vintages.
Made in Italy Tour (8 hours)
Depart with your private driver in the morning and enjoy a day of experiencing the best of Italy’s
finest products starting with a visit to the hilltop town of Lari for a visit to the pastificio artisanal
pasta makers of the Martelli family who have been making traditional pasta since 1926, and still
employ the slow-dry process that results in outstanding flavor. Tour their workshop and learn
about the process to produce the spaghetti, fusilli and maccheroni they are known for all over
Italy. Next proceed to the Vespa Museum, home of the famous scooters known worldwide for
a guided tour of the hip and elegant models that starred in some of the best known films over
the years, and see unusual examples only available here. The Vespas on display are the most
beautiful and the rarest of their kind, such as the prestigious Vespa Dali' or the speed recordbreaking
Vespas.
Besides Vespa and Piaggio products, the Museum displays the most beautiful and most
famous motorcycles from the two-ring Gilera brand, including 1950s models like the Saturno
and the Gilera 500 that kindled the dreams of an entire generation of sports enthusiasts.
Italy is famous for its Tuscan wines, and your next stop is in a medieval borgo for a winetasting
visit at the San Gervasio winery to include a Rosè Spumante, followed by two different red
wines accompanied by local cheeses and crackers. Finally, the last stop of the day is a dream
for chocolate lovers; a private tasting visit to the Amadei chocolate factory! These Italian
chocolate makers are multi-award winners and have been producing luxury chocolates for over
25 years and will open the doors of their headquarters to you for a full-immersion chocolate
experience guided by their resident expert in a private tasting room. You will be greeted with a
hand-mixed chocolate drink to welcome you, and then proceed to guided tastings to include raw
chocolate beans through chocolate creams; white, milk and dark chocolates for a total of ten
different tastings, with the commentary of the resident chocolate expert. Enjoy a nap in the car
afterwards on the way back to your Florence hotel!
Ferrari Gallery, Balsamic Vinegar and Parmesan Cheese Tour
Depart with private driver in the morning and head to the region of Italy’s rich resource of luxury
cars and foods, Emilia Romagna where you will stop first at our favorite balsamic vinegar
producer for a lesson on the making of artisanal vinegars, and a tasting of flavors as varied as
apple, fig, orange, and saffron, accompanied by the areas’ Lambrusco wine and locally-made
fresh parmesan cheese. Then proceed to the Ferrari Gallery with the option of a Test Drive
afterwards. Tour the interactive Gallery with the resident expert or on your own, then proceed
nearby where your pre-selected model awaits you for a Test Drive accompanied by an expert
professional driver to give you all the insider tips!
Siena Walking Tour (3 hours)
Meet your expert guide in the hotel lobby or designated meeting place for a three-hour tour that
will encompass the major monuments of this historical city. Visit the historic Piazza del Campo
where the famous horserace "Il Palio" takes place every summer and brightens the city’s
streets with colourful flags and lively festivities organised by each of the city’s competing
neighborhoods. Next visit the Palazzo Pubblico and the stunning Duomo* that boasts a
collection of works of art by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.
Now Voyager Travel, 18700 Beach Blvd., Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648