ITALY | Tuscany Signature
2024 Tour Dates
4550 USD per person
2025 Tour Dates
4790 USD per person
Siena in Springtime
Near our hometown hub in Chianti
We just harvested these olives!
Oct. 12 - 19, 2024
***Weather and crop readiness permitting, we hope to be able to participate in the olive harvest in Chianti during this week of our tour!***
~There are places still available!~
April 28 - May 3, 2025
Springtime in Tuscany!
~OPEN for Registration~
Sept. 13 - 20, 2025
***Weather and crop readiness permitting, we hope to be able to participate in the grape harvest in Chianti during this week of our tour!***
~OPEN for Registration~
Oct. 18 - 25, 2025
***Weather and crop readiness permitting, we hope to be able to participate in the olive harvest in Chianti during this week of our tour!***
~OPEN for Registration~
Sangiovese grapes ready to harvest for Chianti!
Tour Overview
ITALY | Tuscany Signature
What to Expect
We invite you to join us as we immerse ourselves in the heart of the Chianti wine region and explore cities and towns of all sizes as well as the picturesque countryside throughout Tuscany.
Our accommodations include seven nights in an idyllic Tuscan setting between Siena and Florence. With commanding views of Chianti and nestled into olive groves and vineyards, our home for the week is a farmhouse villa and adjacent outbuildings that have been restored into a retreat that preserves the beautiful characteristics of the original structure with open beam ceilings, brick arches, and terracotta floors.
A few highlights include expert-led VIP private tours of well-known cities Florence and Siena, private wine tastings from diverse wineries, and an unforgettable hands-on cooking class where you'll create authentic Italian masterpieces from scratch. You will also get the opportunity to eat at some of our favorite restaurants in Tuscany. It’s safe to say that you will not go hungry!
We will provide plenty of free time for you to explore independently and also encourage you to take advantage of our downtime to relax with a glass of wine and a view of the lush surroundings.
We have designed an unforgettable 7-Night Tuscan adventure and we look forward to hosting you on this journey.
ITALY | Tuscany Signature
Day-to-Day
Golden hour at our Tuscan farmhouse abode
DAY 1
Buongiorno! We will welcome you to our Tuscany tour around midday at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station.
A short drive away is our home base for the week, a lovely renovated farmhouse villa with surrounding outbuildings situated just outside the town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. The property is in the heart of an olive grove and in view of a picturesque church and bell tower built in the 11th century. You will revel in the calm of countryside living while being centrally located to experience all that Tuscany has to offer. So settle in for a wonderful weeklong stay, tour your surroundings, and acquaint yourself with other guests, while you savor the unforgettable fragrance of the abundant wild herbs and olive trees.
Lunch and wine tasting on this small Chianti farm
DAY 2
We will begin our day at the weekly market in Panzano, a quaint hillside Chianti town. You might find a handbag, belt, scarf, or jacket here as this is where the locals shop for their own closets. You might also like to make a quick stop at the famous butcher shop of Dario Cecchini which is located right on the main street.
We will continue on our way to a twenty-acre family farm just outside Panzano which sits on the Conca d’Oro (The Golden Bowl), a fertile area with excellent exposure and its own micro-climate. The owner and winemaker will provide a brief tour through his vineyards and cellar, sharing the truly unique processes and varieties produced onsite by this hardworking family operation. We will cap off our visit with a tasting of several different wines of their production and an authentic cucina chiantigiana lunch homemade by our host’s octogenarian mother, Anna.
San Gimignano
DAY 3
Today we are headed to the Manhattan of Tuscany! San Gimignano is a jewel box of history and it's a fun visit for shopping as well. San Gimingnano is certainly unique because of it's skyline (we will make sure you get a good view of it). Back in the middle ages families built towers to display their power and wealth. This little hilltop town had as many as 72 of them! Today there are 14, which is many more that most and you'll get to see them up close and personal.
Your host will point out the shops that they always frequent along the walk to the top of the town which is highlighted by a triangular piazza with a cistern in the middle. Once in the piazza, you might like to try a bite of the world famous gelato that is produced there! You will have some time to shop and enjoy the incredible views. Photos are a must!!
We will enjoy a multicourse lunch together at a farm that produces everything from the meat and vegetables that we will eat, to the wines that we will drink! This is true Tuscan farm to table dining. YUM!!
The Ponte Vecchio, Florence
DAY 4
We’ll get an early start this morning and head to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. We will take a tram ride into the city center where we will meet our friend & Florence expert who will lead us on a deep dive walking tour into the history, art, and architecture of Florence. This includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, a close-up exterior view of Brunelleschi’s iconic cathedral dome, a visit to the Piazza della Signoria, and we will even stop to learn about the tiny hidden medieval wine windows that have become relevant once again.
You will have time to shop everything from high-end designer brands, to artisan handicrafts, leather goods, and other Tuscan specialties. Or, if you prefer, simply sip a spritz on the banks of the Arno while enjoying a view of the Ponte Vecchio and the superb people watching.
Ready to make pasta!
DAY 5
Slow down, escape to the countryside, and live a day as a local preparing homemade Tuscan food with an unforgettable hands-on cooking class.
We will meet our chef at his hillside home where you’ll learn honest traditional recipes, all reproducible at home for family and friends. Beginners and experts alike will learn Tuscan secrets and techniques while preparing a meal completely from scratch. Then we’ll sit together and enjoy our masterpiece family-style.
View from atop the city wall of Lucca
DAY 6
Today we are headed to Pisa! It’s time to mark this world-famous site off your bucket list and have a little fun along the way. Be sure to take that quintessential photograph of you supporting the Torre Pendente (Leaning Tower).
Then we press on to visit lovely Lucca. After a brief introductory tour of this unique city, you are free to discover why this is one of our favorite towns. Take time to experience the top of the 3+ mile medieval city walls with an optional bicycle rental, or just enjoy strolling, shopping, and eating gelato.
Siena’s Cathedral
DAY 7
You’ve never entered a city quite the way you will enter Siena! We will travel up 5 escalators to the top of the hill where the lovely town of Siena is perched. After a quick stop for a spot of refreshment in a famous century-old bar and pasticceria, we'll meet our local guide where we will be introduced to the city of the famed Palio horse race and visit the unique shell-shaped piazza where it is run twice yearly. Our visit to Siena is not complete until we visit the 13th-century cathedral known for its beautiful facade adorned with striking and symbolic black and white marble stripes. Inside you will have the opportunity to add a Michelangelo to your sightseeing repertoire as the cathedral is home to one of his works.
Santa Maria Novella train station, Florence
DAY 8
Wake up sleepy head, it’s sadly time to head home. We will deliver you back to the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station at a set time mid-morning. From here you can continue your European adventures or make your way back home. We are happy to advise with planning your onward journey.
**Please note that this schedule is just a framework because spontaneity is always a possibility. If there are special events, festivals or other fun activities that present themselves we will make every effort to go! That is the beauty of traveling with a small group and with tour hosts that know the locals and area well. You get to go places and do things that other, larger tour groups would never be able accomplish.**
ITALY | Tuscany Signature
The Details
What's Included
Seven (7) nights accommodation {double occupancy} on a Tuscan estate. All bedrooms include your own private ensuite bathroom.
Depending upon the make-up of your particular tour, you may be accommodated in a beautifully appointed private room with an ensuite bath in the main farmhouse villa or in a private apartment in a nearby outbuilding on the estate.
Please note that single occupancy carries an additional fee. Please contact us for more details.
Transportation, parking, and tolls to/from daily destinations
Seven (7) breakfasts
Breakfast staples will be delivered to your apartment. Examples of breakfast items include eggs, meats and cheeses, yogurts, granola/cereals, fresh fruits, bread, pastries, juice, coffee/espresso, and tea. If you want to get out and explore on your own in the morning, our accommodations are located within a quick walk to a coffee bar and bakery where you can experience authentic Italian morning specialties.
Four (4) lunches
Seven (7) dinners
Expert-guided VIP tours of Florence and Siena
Museum tickets and admission fees on guided tours
All gratuities
Personalized support from Melissa and Hub & Spoke team members
Detailed itinerary, pre-trip notes & relevant reading material, and travel guidelines
Travel planning advice for pre/post-trip stays
Your Financial Responsibilities
You are responsible for airfare and transportation to and from the initial designated tour meeting location, passport fees, meals other than those described above, personal items, single-occupancy supplement, and any additional lodging nights. Unscheduled (and often spontaneous) optional activities may also be offered at an additional cost, such as tour extensions in lieu of leisure time, bike rentals, stops at specialty shops, and additional wine and liquor purchases.
If so desired, you are responsible for choosing and purchasing a travel insurance policy that best suits your particular coverage needs. Hub & Spoke highly recommends travel insurance.
Itinerary
The order of days listed and specific activities in the itinerary may change for any given tour, based on the availability of our preferred guides, the weather, and exclusive experiences.
Payment
A deposit of $750 USD per person is due upon booking. The final balance is due no later than 120 days prior to tour commencement. Payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Installments may be arranged directly with Hub & Spoke.
Registration deposit and final balance are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, and Accident and Medical Insurance. There are also insurance options that allow you to "Cancel for any Reason". Travel insurance options can be found at insuremytrip.com.
Pricing Adjustments
Pricing may be adjusted in the future due to inflation and currency fluctuations. Your price is only guaranteed at the time of your deposit.
Cancellation Policy
You will receive a full refund of your deposit if Hub & Spoke must cancel your tour.
Should you need to cancel up to 120 days prior to your tour commencement date, your full deposit may be applied to a future tour commencing within 12 months of your canceled tour.
If you cancel your tour between 119 and zero days prior to tour commencement, there will be no credits or refunds by Hub & Spoke, LLC. You will need to follow the conditions set forth in your travel insurance policy.
Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer
Hub & Spoke LLC and its owners and team members do not own or operate any entity which provides, or is to provide, goods or services to any Hub & Spoke tour, including accommodations, vehicles, meals, activities, or other services. Because Hub & Spoke does not exercise any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, Hub & Spoke is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such third person, or of any other third party.
Hub & Spoke is not responsible for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to illness, pandemics, endemics, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws, or other such causes.
Hub & Spoke is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in any Hub & Spoke tour.
If in the unlikely event that Hub & Spoke must cancel a tour, the entire amount paid by the traveler will be refundable or carried as a credit toward another Hub & Spoke tour within 12 months of the canceled tour. Hub & Spoke will have no additional obligations, including costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. This includes delays, cancellations, and any non-refundable expenses.
Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy that will cover certain trip cancellations and interruptions, emergency medical evacuation, loss of luggage or personal effects, and other such coverage. Hub & Spoke strongly encourages our guests to purchase travel insurance.