BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Italy: Tuscan Treasures

Where artistic legacy meets culinary mastery

Step into a realm where Renaissance masterpieces whisper from every piazza, and rolling hills draped in vineyards tell tales of centuries-old winemaking traditions. Tuscany beckons with an artful blend of sophisticated cultural heritage and contemporary Italian dolce vita. Here, in a region that has long celebrated creative expression and joie de vivre, your journey unfolds through cypress-lined roads leading to medieval hill towns, Michelin-starred establishments showcasing innovative interpretations of traditional cuisine, and exclusive wine estates where ancient cellars house liquid treasures.

Tuscany at a Glance

In Tuscany, acceptance flows as naturally as the region’s celebrated wines—this is a land where diversity has historically found expression through art, culture, and gastronomy. Florence’s progressive spirit radiates through its contemporary art galleries and design-forward boutique hotels, while historic hill towns welcome visitors with the warm embrace that has characterised Italian hospitality for centuries. The region’s LGBTQ+ scene flourishes particularly in Florence and Pisa, where sophisticated wine bars and artistic venues create spaces for connection and celebration.

Life here moves to the rhythm of seasons, each bringing its own cultural riches. Summer bathes the landscape in golden light, perfect for alfresco dining in medieval piazzas and rooftop aperitivi with panoramic views. Autumn paints the countryside in rich amber and russet, heralding the truffle hunting season and new wine celebrations. Spring blankets the hills in wildflowers, whilst winter brings intimate evenings in centuries-old wine cellars and thermal spa retreats.

Tuscany, Italy | Photo: Patrick Schneider

The Cliffs of Cinque Terre | Photo: Jack Ward

9-day Travel Itinerary

Embark on an artfully curated journey through Tuscany's most compelling landscapes, where each day unveils new layers of Italy's cultural and culinary mastery. This thoughtfully crafted nine-day exploration weaves together extraordinary experiences: from walking the marble-laden streets of Florence, where Renaissance masterpieces grace every piazza, to discovering hidden wine cellars beneath medieval hill towns. Journey from the sophisticated bustle of Florence's contemporary art scene to the timeless tranquility of Chianti's rolling vineyards, each destination offering its own interpretation of Tuscan elegance. Your adventure encompasses exclusive access to historic estates, private tastings with renowned vintners, and intimate cooking classes in noble villas. Witness the drama of the Cinque Terre's colourful coastline, savour truffle-hunting expeditions with local experts, and unwind in thermal spas that have soothed travellers since Roman times. Throughout your journey, experience carefully selected accommodations that marry historic grandeur with contemporary comfort—from boutique hotels in converted palazzi to sophisticated countryside retreats where infinity pools mirror the Tuscan sky.

DAY 1

Florence | First Whispers of Renaissance Grandeur

Your Tuscan sojourn begins in Florence, where the majestic Duomo rises above terracotta rooftops like a marble dream made manifest. Settle into your designer hotel—perhaps the Portrait Firenze, where each suite offers privileged views of the Ponte Vecchio—before an evening that unfolds at your pace. As golden hour approaches, join Florence's creative community for aperitivi at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, where craft cocktails complement spectacular views of the Arno River. Tonight's welcome dinner at La Giostra, set in a former carousel workshop, introduces you to contemporary Tuscan cuisine beneath hundreds of twinkling candles.

DAY 2

Chianti | Where Vine Meets Vision

Venture into the heart of Chianti, where centuries of winemaking expertise meet contemporary innovation. Your private sommelier guides you through exclusive tastings at historic estates, including the boundary-pushing Antinori nel Chianti Classico, where architectural brilliance meets oenological mastery. In the afternoon, discover the art of olive oil production at an organic estate, learning to discern the subtle notes that mark superior extra virgin oils. As evening descends, dine at the Michelin-starred Osteria di Passignano, nestled within a thousand-year-old abbey, where each course tells a story of Tuscan tradition reimagined.

DAY 3

Siena | Medieval Majesty Meets Culinary Adventure

Dawn breaks over Siena's Gothic splendour, where your private guide reveals hidden stories within the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the striped marvel of the Duomo. Lunch unfolds at the historic Enoteca I Terzi, where locally-sourced ingredients shine in innovative presentations. As afternoon mellows into evening, join an expert truffle hunter and their trained dogs in the forests near San Miniato. Your day culminates in an intimate dinner where these 'diamonds of the kitchen' feature in dishes that honour both tradition and innovation.

DAY 4

Montepulciano & Pienza | Renaissance Perfect and Pastoral Poetry

Journey to Montepulciano, where noble palazzos rise proudly above Italy's finest cellars. After exploring the town's architectural treasures, descend into historic wine caves for a private tasting of Vino Nobile. In UNESCO-listed Pienza, Pope Pius II's vision of the ideal Renaissance city awaits, before you venture to an artisanal cheese farm where the legendary Pecorino di Pienza is crafted. Tonight's dinner at La Grotta celebrates the region's gastronomic heritage with contemporary flair.

DAY 5

San Gimignano & Pisa | Towers and Treasures

The morning light reveals San Gimignano's medieval towers standing sentinel over the Tuscan landscape. Explore the town's artistic heritage, including Ghirlandaio's vibrant frescoes, before savouring the world's best gelato at Gelateria Dondoli. In Pisa, your expert guide unveils the mathematical mysteries of the Leaning Tower and the acoustic perfection of the Baptistery. As evening falls, dine at the sophisticated Osteria di Porta a Mare, where seafood meets Tuscan tradition.

DAY 6

Lucca | Refined Living Within Renaissance Walls

Begin with a rejuvenating morning at your hotel's thermal spa before journeying to Lucca, where Renaissance walls embrace a lifestyle of elegant preservation. Cycle atop the ancient ramparts for unprecedented views of bell towers and botanical gardens. Stop for lunch at the celebrated Buca di Sant'Antonio, serving refined local cuisine since 1782. In the afternoon, an exclusive tour reveals the city's hidden musical heritage, including Puccini's birthplace. Evening brings an intimate concert in a historic palazzo, followed by dinner at the innovative L'Imbuto.

DAY 7

Cinque Terre | Coastal Poetry

Today unveils the dramatic beauty of the Cinque Terre, where pastel-hued villages cling to rugged cliffs above the azure Mediterranean. Your private boat tour offers exclusive access to hidden coves and secluded beaches unreachable by land. Pause in Vernazza for lunch at Belforte, perched dramatically above the waves, before exploring the ancient vineyards of Manarola. Return to your hotel for a sunset aperitivo on a private terrace overlooking the coastline.

DAY 8

Tuscan Culinary Arts | From Market to Masterpiece

Immerse yourself in Tuscany's culinary soul with a celebrated local chef. Begin at a historic market, selecting pristine seasonal ingredients, before retiring to a noble villa for your private cooking masterclass. Learn the secrets of hand-rolled pasta, traditional meat preparations, and classic desserts, all updated with contemporary techniques. Your creation becomes tonight's dinner, accompanied by wines chosen by your personal sommelier.

DAY 9

Arrivederci | Final Moments of Tuscan Grace

Your final morning unfolds at a leisurely pace. Perhaps take a last passeggiata through your favourite piazza, or savour a farewell cappuccino at a historic café. As you prepare for departure, carry with you memories of a Tuscany both timeless and contemporary, where every moment celebrated the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation.

Additional Curated Experiences

Elevate your Tuscan journey with bespoke experiences that reveal the region's multifaceted character. Consider a private after-hours tour of the Uffizi Gallery, where Renaissance masterpieces can be appreciated in serene solitude. Arrange exclusive cooking workshops in centuries-old villas, or time your visit to coincide with Florence's cultural festivals. For those seeking deeper immersion, private truffle hunting expeditions followed by chef-led cooking experiences offer intimate connections to Tuscan traditions.

Transform Your Italy Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Italy journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.