Christmas in Tuscany 2023

1. 1 Arrival + Departure Airport in Florence
2. USA Departure on December 19 for the overnight flight. 
3. You will be picked up at Florence airport.
4. The hotel stay for our complete tour will be in Florence.

Day 1, December 20, 2023

Arrival in Florence, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Cocktail, Dinner.

Florence will be our home base for the duration of the tour.

(Inclusions welcome cocktail, dinner with wines)

Day 2, December 21, 2023 

Florence - Pisa - Empoli 

Morning breakfast. Departure for Pisa. Get a comprehensive tour of Miracle Square on this walking excursion in Pisa, with Sheila leading the way. You'll follow a carefully curated itinerary that ensures you hit all the landmarks, such as the Cathedral and the Baptistery.

Lunch in Pisa, a well-selected local restaurant, and afternoon departure toward Empoli. The center of Empoli is full of culture and history, starting from Piazza della Vittoria, where you can admire the Victory statue and Ferruccio Busoni's house museum. Walking through the piazza and checking out the numerous Christmas stands will give you a sense of belonging in a foreign place. Also, in Piazza della Vittoria and Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, the buildings will light up with colorful drawings representing Christmas scenes embellished by the presence of the Magical Christmas Tree.

Dinner with wine in Empoli. Finally, we take on the road as we drive toward home-base Florence.

(Inclusions breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 3, December 22, 2023

Florence - Poppi - Bibbiena

Morning breakfast. We are departing and going east toward the Casentino region, with a first stop in the beautiful Borgo of Poppi.  

Visit the natural beauty of the Park of the Casentinese, established in 1993, and the Castle of Count Guidi—lunch break in Poppi and afternoon journey to the nearby Pontassieve. Pontassieve, located at the spot where the river Sieve flows into the river Arno, is surrounded by typical Tuscan countryside villages. The territory offers hills with vineyards, olive groves, and the occasional church, castle, and farm.

As can be seen from numerous archaeological relics, the Etruscans and Romans once inhabited the town. However, the place acquired importance and prestige in medieval times, primarily due to its strategic position. In 1357, the Florentines built a fortress called Castel Sant'Angelo, the village's original name. We will visit a local winery and dine in the area. Back home in Florence. 

(Inclusions breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4, December 23, 2023 

Florence - San Gimignano - Siena

Morning Breakfast. We will depart toward the city of Siena. The romantic city is one of the most popular and visited places in Tuscany, a place extremely rich in history and art and with strong local traditions tied to its 17 districts (called "contrade" ") and to the famous Palio di Siena, the biggest annual event that takes place twice each summer in the city—guided and personalized walking tour, visiting the most emblematic points of the city-Piazza del Campo, Piazza del Duomo, and much more. Finally, we will enjoy lunch in a chef-selected location and continue our day toward San Gimignano.

With its forest of towers spiking the horizon, San Gimignano is one of Tuscany's most recognizable and iconic destinations. In every part of the world, someone dreams about this ancient Tuscan hilltown, for to be there is to dive into an image of medieval times. A World Heritage Site since 1990, San Gimignano (also known as the "Medieval Manhattan" owes its name to the incredible number of towers looming over the town rooftops: 65 of them, no less when the city was at its height. 

Gelato presentation at world-renowned Gelateria Dondoli followed by dinner on typical local cuisine paired with the local Vernaccia wine at La Rocca. Evening return to Florence. 

(Inclusions breakfast, lunch, dinner, gelato class)

Day 5, December 24, 2023 

Florence - Cortona - Arezzo

Morning Breakfast. We will travel toward the lovely borgo of Cortona. A very long history, dating back to the Etruscan times, and the ability to develop supremely talented artists: Cortona has always been rich in attractions. 

The heritage of Cortona's past relies on the hospitality that characterizes the Valdichiana Aretina, which you can feel walking through the streets and in the shops scattered around the hamlet. In Cortona, the architectural heritage blends with the food and wine in a perfect combination of taste and history. Our guide will accompany you among the beauties of Cortona, narrating to you the history of hamlet and the personalities who have inhabited it. 

You will journey into the past, in the eternally fascinating atmospheres of Cortona, the birthplace of great artists, from Pietro di Cortona to Sassetta, Luca Signorelli to Gino Severini. The movie "Under the Tuscan sun" was filmed here. Finally, we will stop to taste typical Cortona products and wine in the borgo center. In addition, you will have free time to shop for great pottery and locally-made souvenirs back on the road toward the city of Arezzo. This relatively obscure town is beloved by those who have already been. The air of elegance and intellectualism pervades Arezzo and the chance to truly feel part of local life, even if solely for a day. It invites the curious sort who appreciate rich art heritage to consider giving eastern Tuscany more chance. After all, you might recognize the magnificent Piazza Grande in Roberto Benigni's epic film "Life is Beautiful."

You will have free time to admire the notable architectural attractions and the Christmas villages. Then, get together for dinner in a local osterie on locally selected ingredients. Evening return to Florence.

(Inclusions breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 6, December 25, 2023 

Christmas Day  

Morning breakfast.

We will dedicate the holiday to roaming through the streets of Florence. 

Florence is the seat of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a celebrated church in the Christian diocese. Florence is a delight during Christmas. The holiday lights adorn every corner of the city, and the people bring in the festival with a festive cheer. Here's why you should celebrate Christmas in Florence and all you can expect on your trip. You are free until the afternoon dinner. 

Below are some of the things to do in the morning.

• Attend a Christmas mass at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore that you must witness with your own eyes.
• Check out Piazza del Repubblica, decorated with beautiful, colorful carousels.
• Go to the Magi Chapel and see paintings showcasing important events from Christianity, like the Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ. 
• Many public squares, like the Piazza di Santa Croce or San Lorenzo Market, have kiosks selling the best Christmas-inspired goods you can take home as souvenirs.
• Eat your heart out at Florentine bakeries that serve the best Christmas treats and food items made from the freshest ingredients from the Tuscan region. 

The group will reconvene for a Christmas Dinner in one of Chef Walter's favorite locations in the afternoon. 

The participants will determine evening activities in the city. 

(Inclusions breakfast, Christmas Dinner, and Evening tasting)

Day 7, December 26, 2023

Greve ..the road to the Chianti 

Morning Breakfast. Today, we are going to Greve in Chianti. Located about 30 KM from Florence, the medieval town is famous for its triangular-shaped square, the center for outdoor markets for centuries. But there is much more: just a few minutes from the center, you will find a countryside full of vineyards and olive groves, dotted with small medieval villages, castles, and villas – all of which have been home to muses, explorers, and artists. The territory has a unique name, the "Chianti Roads," featuring wines and olive oils. We will spend most of the morning tasting wines, oil, and other local specialties. We will return to Florence in the afternoon, pack, and have a farewell dinner. Our journey for Christmas in Tuscany ends, but the memories will forever linger. 

(Inclusion breakfast, lunch, wine tasting, Farewell dinner)

Day 8 / December 27, 2023 

Morning Breakfast / Departure from Florence Airport to final destinations. 

Guided Tour with Chef Walter and Travel Consultant Sheila Filipponi

Note: Flavors + Knowledge Tours may alter the program and itinerary according to logistics, but always for the better. 

Guided Tour with Chef Walter and Travel Consultant Sheila Filipponi

Note: Flavors + Knowledge Tours may alter the program and itinerary according to logistics, but always for a more exciting experience.