Name: Via Francigena Tour: Pilgrims Route of Tuscany
Brand: Zicasso
Price: 448 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (2321 reviews)

Monteriggioni, medieval town on a hill in Tuscany, Italy

What to expect on this itinerary

The road to Rome remains unchanged in parts of Tuscany, leading across the unspoiled landscape. Vineyards decorate hillsides. Cypress trees shade unpaved country lanes. Medieval towns that were built around historic churches maintain strong connections to their roots. Your custom tailored Tuscany tour takes you on the route of pilgrims known as Via Francigena. Stroll alongside historic walls; meander around ancient burial grounds; discover the antique abbeys that once connected the Western World. Slow down, take a look around, and know that each step brings you closer to another inspiring moment, whether in the countryside or an ancient Tuscan village.

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Pontremoli, Aulla, Filetto, Villafranca Lunigiana, Pietrasanta, Montignoso, Malaspina, Lucca, Camaiore, Montemagno, Valpromaro, Piazzano, Altopascio, Viareggio, Porcari, San Miniato, Ponte a Cappiano, Fucecchio, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Val d’Elsa, Monteriggioni, Siena

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Day 1

Florence – The Route of Pilgrims

Via Francigena once led pilgrims from France to Rome during the Middle Ages. The route connected abbeys throughout the countryside, linking sacred places across Europe’s Christian world, followed by merchants and travelers alike. A large portion of the road, 250 miles worth, winds along the Tuscan landscape and connects small villages that once settled around the historic churches. When you arrive at Florence International Airport, your private transfer greets you.

Your first introduction to the province is the lush greenery draping over the undulating hills. Cypress trees line unpaved roads, and oak trees flourish in the distance. You make your way to the Pontremoli, a stunningly preserved medieval town set against the lushness of Tuscany’s northern region of Lunigiana. The castle was erected in the 11th-century and continues to watch over the streets. The marketplace still brims with energy along the cobblestone streets on Wednesdays and Sundays. The 17th-century cathedral stands in the center of town with a rich Baroque interior. You easily settle in town with the aroma of pesto drifting out of the local restaurants.

Transfer

Accommodation

Day 2

Florence – On the Winding Road

In the morning, you can hear the waters of the Magra River rushing against the banks of town. The crisp air brushes against your skin. After breakfast, your guide meets you in the hotel lobby and brings you your mountain bike for the length of your time on Via Francigena. Your guide helps adjust the seat and bars to your preferred position, giving you the necessary comfort to begin the journey. Your guide hands you a Pilgrim’s Passport; a personal document meant to record your journey on the road. Locals are excited to stamp your passport as testimony to your travels.

You follow your guide across the multi-arched bridge, one of many medieval bridges around the city. You found the narrow lanes of the antique town enchanting, but that was only the beginning. Outside of Pontremoli, you find a sea of greenery set over the landscape. Red wildflowers blossom alongside country roads en route to Aulla. At the church of Sorano, you find a Romanesque structure erected in the 12th-century. The church was constructed over remains of a Roman farm. Small, hanging arches make up the apses. The interior holds a feminine Stele Statue, which helped bridge the gap between ancient beliefs and modern religion.

Accommodation

Tour

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

Avenza – Rediscovering Tuscany

During the Second World War, the town of Aulla was almost destroyed due to German occupation and Allied bombings. Today, the historic core of the city reveals a deeper connection to the region’s past and present. In the heart of the city, you can see the 9th-century Saint Caprasio Abbey. Cypress and oak trees grow along the hills edging Aulla. After breakfast, you leave the city behind and venture towards Avenza. On the edge of town, you pass the Brunella Fortress that offers insight into Renaissance military architecture. The brown volcanic rock creates an imposing impression and today holds the region’s Natural History Museum.

When you look to the west, you have a view of the sea. The vistas provide glimpses of the sweeping Mediterranean. Age-old villages rise out of the hilltops. In the 10th-century town of Sarzana, you find the church of San Francesco, which legend dictates was founded by Saint Francis himself. The church encompasses the tranquil atmosphere of the village. A first story of the façade is decorated in marble. A unique relief depicts Saint Bernard of Siena’s Christogram, which is the sun and the letters IHS, framed by a rope. The charm of the historic town is matched by the serenity of its surroundings.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

Pietrasanta – Along the Castle Walls

In the morning, you leave behind Avenza for the beautiful streets of Pietrasanta. Vineyards cover the hillsides. Above the cluster of treetops, you notice the towering peaks of the Apuan Alps. Today, you can feel the toughness of the path crawling upwards to the historic center of Mass and higher to the town of Montignoso. The town stands beneath the looming gaze of the Aghinolfi Castle. You surpass an ascent of 1,341 feet. The castle enjoys an unparalleled strategic position, historically able to monitor the coast from the port of La Spezia and the crisscrossing roads of the Via Francigena.

The castle was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 8th-century. Today, the castle is an archeological park filled with the aroma of the encircling fertile soil and wisps of seaside air from the Mediterranean Sea. A glass floor set inside the castle shows the original floor plan, including numerous ancient objects found inside the castle grounds. The walls remain sturdy, and encompassing towers create two large upper, octagonal walkways along the ramparts. The time you spend in the enchanting medieval town rejuvenates you for the remainder of the day.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Lucca – Finding A Little Italian Athens

Pietrasanta is a town of art and artistry, sometimes referred to as Small Athens due to the marble studios. The town holds proud to its Roman origins. Pietrasanta is situated near the Carrara quarry, which has made the area renowned for its marble, including having quarried the stone of Michelangelo’s unforgettable David statue. The aroma of fresh espresso fills the main square of Piazza del Duomo, spilling out of jovial cafes. The 14th-century Palazzo Pretorio has housed the town offices and theater for centuries. After breakfast, you climb aboard your trusted bicycle and once again set out for your next destination, the celebrated city of Lucca.

History emanates all around you, whether in the villages or inside the secluded realm of the countryside. The vibrant trees give way to the rushing waters of Contesola Stream. In the town of Camaiore, you arrive at the steps of the Museum of Sacred Art, housed inside the Confraternity of the Santissimo Sacramento. The 17th-century building maintains countless artwork, some dating back to the 14th-century, including a Flemish tapestry by Peter de Pannemaker, which is considered priceless in its artistry and uniqueness. The town itself sits in the foothills of the Tuscan landscape, separating the antique streets from the village on the opposite side of the hilltops.

Accommodation

Tour

Lunch, Breakfast

Day 6

Altopascio – Outside of the Seasoned Walls

Lucca is known for its treasured antique walls that continue to surround the historic city center. The Romans built the first walls in the city in the 2nd-century BC. The monumental walls seen today were constructed in the 16th-century, supported by Renaissance ingenuity. The Guinigi Tower stands in the heart of the city with bright red colors emanating from the brickwork. Two oak trees blossom on the rooftop commemorating a time of peace and prosperity for the city, which was once an easy and desired stop along the pilgrimage route. The walls now hold a vibrant park where locals stroll around the ramparts.

The aroma of fresh leaves and verdant grass blends with the drifting scent of fresh espresso. After breakfast, you embark on the pilgrimage road once more, this time following the route to Altopascio. The path is easier today, never ascending to an altitude higher than 78 feet above sea level. When you reach the town of Montecarlo, you pass more well-preserved fortifications. The hillsides are flush with vineyards. The walls add to the symbolic power of the Rocca del Cerruglio, the 14th-century fortress. Olive groves add a succulent scent to the narrow medieval lanes of town. You are finding that no matter how much time you spend in the villages and countryside around Tuscany, the images continue to marvel.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7

Castelfranco di Sotto – Following the Medici

The breeze brushes through the oak and chestnut trees around Altopascio. In the 12th-century, the town was once known simply as “The Hospice.” The old hospital was built in the Middle Ages by the Knights of Tau to support pilgrims on their path to Rome. Writers have mentioned the hospital since its popularity blossomed, from Boccaccio to Shakespeare. You set out on the road when the crisp air of the morning settles over the path.

The pastoral scenery has a calming effect. Slick dew carpets the grassland. The town of Castelfranco di Sotto is situated in the Cerbaie Hills. The moat of Galleno Castle has demarcated the border between Castelfranco di Sotto and the town of Fucecchio since the 15th-century. A medieval tower stands as the gateway to the historic city center with a large clock adorning the central stonework. The Medici Bridge crosses the Arno River with grace and magnificence leading to Fucecchio.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

Elsa Valley – The Hills of Val d’Elsa

Tuscany continues to fascinate you, from the hills to the rivers, the sea to the mountains. Today, you leave the town of San Miniato, known for the sensational 11th-century fortress of San Miniato. The pathway once more becomes a welcomed challenge, coursing through the mountains leading into Vall d’Elsa. Fortresses, castles, hospitals, and abbeys have supported the region for nearly half a millennium.

The small, medieval village of Montaione is a quintessential Tuscan village standing on a hilltop. The streets open to unobstructed views of the Elsa Valley. Strong walls have protected the city since the Middle Ages, and an imposing tower rises over the city center. Chestnut and oak trees climb the hillside. The city’s roots date back to an Etruscan settlement in the 6th-century BC. The ancient feeling of the city is palpable, emanating from the Stele Statue depicting an Etruscan warrior with a helmet, spear, and shield, decorating a tombstone.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9

San Gimignano – Towers in the Distance

In the morning, you can look out over Elsa Valley and see a sheet of mist spread across the low grassland. The mist dissipates with the far-reaching sunlight, helping to create the treasured lushness of Tuscany. The town of Gambassi Terme houses a permanent exhibition containing approximately 3,000 archeological findings from the 13th and 16th-centuries. The pre-industrial glasswork illuminates the region’s largest and most famous industry during the Middle Ages, including showcasing a model of the activity in the Archeological Park of Germagnana. The oak trees cast shade over the path outside of town. In the distance, rising over the top of the hills, you can see the towers of San Gimignano.

San Gimignano is known for its 72 historic towers, of which 13 remain. Each tower helped symbolize the wealth of affluent families in the region. The tallest tower, Torre Grossa, stands at 164 feet tall, offering a view of the medieval city streets and remarkable landscape beyond the city. Vineyards rush along the hills and valleys, some producing the favored local white wine of Vernaccia. Sunflowers rise out of the verdant fields. Frescoes cover the 13th-century cathedral. The frescoes have never been restored but have maintained their lustrous hues. It is impossible to deny the inspiring colors bathed in the natural light pouring through the high circular windows.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10

Monteriggioni – Roots of the Road

The easy ride of the previous day has you feeling energetic and ready to continue Via Francigena. The moderate undulating valley leads you to the banks of the Foci River. The water spritzes around the rugged shoreline adding a light mist to the air. You climb to an altitude of 1,049 feet above sea level. In the city of Volle Val d’Elsa, you can trace the village roots back to the Etruscans, most notably at the Necropolis of Dometaia. The archeological park was used between the 6th-century BC and the 1st-century AD. Beehive mounds texture the valley beneath the creamy stone walls of the nearby medieval city.

Forty tombs highlight the variety of people and ceremonies that once took place in the ancient traditions. Tombs containing notable families were placed on fertile soil close to the major network of roads. At the heart of Colle Val d’Elsa, stands the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses an archeological museum for the surrounding area. The museum is dedicated to a Sienese scholar who first performed systematic studies of the valley. In the quiet of the afternoon, you continue the ride south to Monteriggioni.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11

Siena – Traveling to Traditions

Monteriggioni is a fortified hilltop town with ancient origins. Fourteen towers watch over the 13th-century streets and powerful exterior walls. Two main archways, the Franca, and San Giovanni Doors, lead to the heart of the village, known as the Piazza Roma. The Romanesque and Gothic Church of Santa Maria Assunta borders the cobbled plaza. Local jewelry decorates shop windows. The scent of local cheese and wine drifts from boutique shops. Unpaved roads wind along the Sienese hills. Woods undulate with the landscape, hiding castle bases until the towers peek over the treetops. The moderate ride through the countryside eventually brings you to the medieval city of Siena, known for its 17 distinct districts spread across the hills, and its medieval character that has defined Tuscany’s southern countryside.

The Siena Cathedral has a white and black marble façade. Cobblestone streets lead to narrow alleys, which open up to the slanted, angular Piazza del Campo. Cypress and oak trees rise along the landscape outside of the city walls. The cathedral has a splendid façade with towering spires reaching a height of 252 feet. The vaulted ceilings imitate the starlight, and the marbled floor contains etchings depicting stories from the Old Testament. The city is one of the largest you have seen since beginning your exploration of the pilgrimage route. It takes a moment to settle in, however, the tranquil splendor of Tuscany continues to emanate from the landscape and historic buildings provide a familiar setting for you to enjoy.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12

Siena – End of the Road

In the morning, the sunlight spreads over the hills and valleys outside of the medieval walls of the city. The scent of fresh espresso is comforting in the new light. Locals stroll through the city streets. The bells of the cathedral add a soft call to the early hours of the day.

After breakfast, your private transfer meets you at your hotel and escorts you to Florence International Airport for your flight home. You have followed the route of pilgrims and merchants, witnessing gorgeous churches and captivating castles along the way. Although your tour has ended, you could always extend your journey, following Via Francigena to Rome.

Transfer

Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Visit a number of medieval and Renaissance villages off the beaten path of visitors, taking you into the heart of Tuscany
Travel along an ancient road that has guided pilgrims from France to Rome for a millennium
Discover remarkable churches, abbeys, and monasteries overlooking lush valleys and stunning hills
Stroll along antique city walls that have protected art and culture for centuries
Witness the marvels of Roman and Etruscan ruins, along with the remains of their culture in archeological parks
Wander through fortresses, castles, and towers that offer unparalleled views of Tuscany and the magnificent coastline
Revel in physical activity while simultaneously slowing down to experience the beauty of Tuscany’s culture, traditions, and natural wonder

Detailed Description

The pilgrim’s route in Tuscany through Via Francigena, shows you the unique charms of the Italian province, from olive groves to medieval alleys, leading you into the enchantment of lesser-known villages and often overlooked artwork. On your 12-day journey along via Francigena, you can walk, mountain bike, or horseback ride along the historic pathway, leading you from the province’s northern edge to its southern borders. Part of the beauty of the modern pilgrimage route is that you can begin and end your travels at any town along the way.

When you arrive at Florence International Airport, your private transfer welcomes you to the region. Soon you can settle in the small northern Tuscan town of Pontremoli. The following day, your guide meets you at your hotel with a bicycle and hands you a Pilgrim’s Passport, where locals in each city can stamp your document as a testament to your unique journey. You leave Pontremoli en route to Aulla, visiting the towns of Ponticello, Filattiera, Filetta, and Villafranca in Lunigiana. Each town brims with Romanesque churches and sensational castles that lend a storybook ambiance to the countryside.

On your way to Avenza, you have views of the seaside while biking alongside abbeys and fortresses. Your view of the Apuan Coast leads to Sarzana and Luni before you continue to Avenza. After breakfast, your guide leads you into the countryside to the Ducal Palace of Massa and the Aghinofli Castle of Montignoso. You settle in for the night at Pietrasanta. After exploring Pietrasanta in the morning, you set out for Valdicastello and Camaiore, both invoking an ethereal charm emanating from the historic churches. Montemagno has remnants of a historic hospital dating back to the 11th-century. Once in Lucca, you can relax inside the celebrated antique city ramparts.

The route continues, lined with cathedrals and churches in the towns of Segromigno, Capannori, Lunata, and Rughi. In Montecarlo, you find a quiet, preserved 12th-century town before reaching Altopascio. The path to San Miniato has you visiting the Hospice of Tau. En route to Gambassi Terme, you witness castles and decadent religious artwork, including the wonders of an Etruscan Tomb in Elsa Valley at Montaione. You have a short journey to the medieval hillside town of San Gimignano, known for its tremendous towers.

The road winds across the hilltops where you can take in the Roman Ruins and Etruscan tombs at Poggibonsi and Colle Val d’Elsa on your way to Monteriggioni. The final leg of your tour takes you from the fortified town of Monteriggioni to Siena, a medieval city that once rivaled the beauty and power of the provincial capital of Florence. After breakfast on your final morning, your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you back to Florence International Airport. However, you can always stay in Siena and continue the path of the pilgrim, making your way all the way to Rome. For trip extension ideas, browse the reviews for Italy tour operators on Zicasso.

Starting Price

$5,400 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

Accommodations
In-country transportation
Some or all activities and tours
Expert trip planning
24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 2321 reviews

Luxury Italy Group Tour Review: Rome, Tuscany, Chianti, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano

THE BEST VACATION EVER!!!!

I must admit that I was somewhat uncomfortable arranging a group tour to Italy with someone I communicated with only via the Internet and telephone. However, after my first communication with our agent -- I knew that she “had it.” She understood exactly what we wanted to do. She was right-on in both concept and execution.

Our ten-day adventure in Italy began with a private transfer with an English speaking local driver from the Rome airport to our fantastic 3 star boutique hotel located right in the historical center of Rome. During our three days in Rome, we had fantastic private tours of Ancient Rome, the Coliseum, and the Vatican Museums. Extremely knowledgeable, English-speaking guides led all of our tours. Sense of Italy had arranged for VIP, skip the line, priority entrance for all tours -- saving us from long waits in long lines.

After our busy 3 days in Rome, we departed via private van transfer from our hotel in Rome to the Chianti Region of Tuscany. The transfer included stops on the Val D’ Orcia to visit the amazing Villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano. The “light lunch” and wine tasting we enjoyed in Montalcino was one of the highlights of our trip. In Tuscany we stayed 7 Nights in a beautiful, historic villa located on one of the best wine estates of Chianti (Villa Le Corti near San Casciano) where we were met with a fantastic welcome dinner. During our time in Tuscany we were transported by private van from our villa to private tours of Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa and Lucca. On each of our stops we were met by knowledgeable English speaking guides that clearly were proud of the history of their country, and were anxious to share it. Interspersed in all of this activity were numerous exceptional meals with opportunities to taste (and drink) very fine Italian wines.

When we finally were forced to leave Italy, our agent arranged for private transport accommodating our varying departure times from the Florence airport and train station.

Thanks to this travel company and our agent for designing the perfect vacation for our group. The only complaint that I heard was that we ate too much — wow was all the food delicious. I really don’t know how she did it. All of the tours were great — the van drivers friendly and helpful, the guides knowledgeable, and the sites spectacular. Our stay in the villa was a great experience. We were treated royally everywhere. We all marveled at our agent's ability to get us, the vans, the guides, the food and wine, etc. all at the right place at the right time. She is a genius!!!!

Jeff E

Travel Review: Luxury Family Vacation in Italy, Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Lucca, Pisa, Orvieto, Lucca, Siena

My family just returned from a ten night trip to Rome and Tuscany planned by this agent and his company. Every aspect of the trip was simply perfect.

I've travelled a fair amount for both work and pleasure over the past forty years, so my requirements are fairly specific. Our agent exceeded all of my expectations in planning this 60th birthday trip for my wife and entire family. Planning started over a year ago with a number of e-mails with our agent describing what we were looking for - punctual drivers, passionate and professional guides, all tickets purchased in advance, coordinating multiple travel schedules. Our travel agent delivered on all fronts.

Our agent suggested an itinerary almost a year ago - an itinerary that we continued to fine tune over time. Throughout that process, he was responsive - never taking more than a day to respond to detailed questions and requests for modifications. He was also the consummate professional, always patient and thoughtful, with suggestions that always improved the final product. Restaurant reservations for lunches and dinners for the entire trip were added to the final detailed itinerary.

We agreed upon four nights in Rome and six in Tuscany. Not one driver was late for a pick-up and the guides ranged from very good to exceptional. All of the drivers and guides coordinated with each other, and all had the necessary tickets to the various sites, providing easy access without standing on lengthy lines. In Rome, special kudos go to our guide for his passionate tours of Vatican City and Ancient Rome.

On the trip to Florence, our driver stopped in Orvieto and our guide provided a fascinating tour of the city. In the afternoon, we stopped at Barbi vineyards for a wonderful tour, lunch and wine tasting. Very intimate, educational and delicious. Probably the best vineyard experience we've ever had. Our wine educator, was wonderful.

The wonders of Florence speak for themselves - and we had a first rate guide in Ulrich. Our driver for the entire stay was personable, professional and punctual - and always in contact with the various guides. Our guide also provided a memorable tour of Pisa and Lucca, offering information about both cities that might not be found in a guidebook. An unexpected mini-concert at Pisa's Baptistry was a real treat. As a newly minted sommelier, our guide joined us for a fabulous lunch in Lucca at Borgo Antico where she continued with her discussion of Lucca and wine.

We had a charming archaeologist and cyclist guide through San Gimignano, Siena and a 10KM hike in the gorgeous Val d' Orcia from from Montalcino to Fattoria La Maggia, where we had a wonderful tour, lunch and wine tasting. It's worth noting that our guide rode the trail the morning before our hike to ensure that it was clear.

One of the highlights of the trip was an evening with a personal chef, caterer and sommelier. We met her at her home where, over a three hour period, she brought her love for food to life. We learned how to cook (and eat) pasta, a delicious chicken and vegetable dish and tiramusu. She is charming.

Bottom line, this was a trip of a lifetime. This travel agent is a patient and good listener and the guides he engaged were passionate professionals who made this such a memorable trip. This travel agent and his company have my families unconditional recommendation - and our gratitude. Grazie mille!

Richard W

October 13, 2017

Italy Trip Review: Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Chianti, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Lake Como, Cooking Class

My husband and I just returned from a two-week vacation in Italy. With the help of Zicasso and our travel company, we were able to fit every wish into this short time.

We started out in Rome, then went on to Florence for some amazing history. We then traveled to the Tuscany and Chianti countryside for private cooking and wine experiences. We loved the small villages we explored and the little family-owned wineries and olive farms.

A highlight was staying in a bed and breakfast in Ponzano that overlooked the beautiful olive gardens and countryside. We explored the small villages of San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, and felt like we had discovered authentic local life.

The tail of our trip was spent in the beautiful Lake Como area, with a day trip to Lugano, Switzerland.

Review: Luxury Italy Vacation, Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Greve, Vatican, Trastevere Food Tour

Wonderful 10 day trip to central Italy planned by this Italy travel company. We spent the first part of the trip at Castello di Casole in the Tuscan countryside, then Florence and the final part of the trip in Rome. While in Tuscany, we took day trips to Montalcino, Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, San Gimignano and Greve. We had walking tours in Florence and Rome. our agent at this travel company planned all the details, transfer drivers, tour guides and hotel arrangements. Everything went according to plan and was of outstanding quality. The agency gave us a very detailed package of information with all the relevant details for each day.

Great Vacation

Travel Review: Italy Vacation, Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Puglia, Orvieto, San Gimignano, Siena, Bologna, Food Tour, Ferrari Museum

Trip was very good. Everything was well coordinated and only a couple of hiccups.

Overall comments:Rome: 4 days in room was perfect, wouldn't want to do more. Can't trust taxis so happy we had drivers and guides. The private guides are the only way to go. We saved hours in lines, had personal feedback and was very cordial and polite. Rome itself is great but it is disappointing to see how much better it could be if the city invested in a few things (toilets!). Again - I'll mention that taxis were there to steal your money. No issues at all with the travel plans and the plans made by zicasso were very good. The boutique hotel was a great choice. Location was excellent, rooms very clean and new. Breakfast was excellent there. In general, all of the hotels we stayed at had a very good breakfast, this is the only way to go as it just takes that meal out of your schedule and starts the day out right. Our biggest snafu was the car rental, we were supposed to have an Audi A3 or equivalent and all the car rental could offer was a ford fiesta... it really took away from our experience in Tuscany to have such a poor automobile on those roads. Again - not zicasso's fault - car rentals are terrible everywhere and in Rome it was very poor service. Our drive and trip to Tuscany was great, we stopped in Orvieto as zicasso recommended and had lunch there - one of the best restaurants during our whole trip. We stayed at the hotel and it was excellent, the food and wine there was excellent - worth staying just for that. It was a little difficult to get to - and a bit of a drive to anywhere from there - but no real complaints and it was worth it to stay there. In all of Tuscany we enjoyed San Gimignano and Pienza the best. We found Siena great but overcrowded, Pienza and San Gimagnano were just as (more) scenic and less hectic. The day trip and guide in Florence was very good but we were glad we only spent 1 day in Florence. This is a personal thing as I understand most people prefer more time in Florence. We really enjoyed Bologna - the food tour was probably the highlight of our trip (the downside is we can no longer eat Parmigiano, Balsamic Vinegar or Prosciutto from any other place, it was THAT much better than anywhere else). We took a day to go to Modena, see the Duomo there (best in all of Italy in our opinion), and we enjoyed the Ferrari museum. I would highly recommend adding Bologna, the food tour and Modena to everyone's trip suggestions.. It is less crowded than the main touristy cities - and just as enjoyable... Loved this part of the trip. The hotel in Bologna was perfectly placed and very very nice, excellent choice.The train to Venice was perfect. The pickup and ride to the hotel was good also. The hotel was ok - but probably the least nice of all the places we stayed. It was very good, just not as nice, more cramped and the breakfast was by far the worst. I equate this to Venice as everything was more expensive and more cramped in Venice. We loved Venice - more than I thought we would. I could see 1 more day in Venice and 1 day less in Rome. Just walking the streets - wonderful!Getting from hotel to airport was good - though it was much further than we'd thought. The airline we used sucks... no way around that - not Zicasso's problem - but flight was 1.5 hours delayed and well - as an airline it isn't very good. I'm still not so sure that taking a full day train ride to get to Puglia wouldn't have been better? (Venice to Naples to Puglia?) Pick up at airport in Puglia was good. The driving service was good - same driver for all our trips in Puglia - but he didn't speak a word of English so that was a challenge. Thank goodness for Google Translate! We had a mix up where we interpreted the itinerary as us having a guide in Alberobello (see itinerary - says private tour - so we were confused). The driver had a friend who gave us a personal private tour of the Trullo homes and some history - that was very nice he arranged that. But it was a little embarrassing and confusing. It could have all been avoided if the driver spoke English as well as the itinerary being more clear.Ostuni and the guide were great. We loved Ostuni as well as Alberobello and the caves. We probably enjoyed those areas more than the renaissance areas of Florence, but that is just us. Note: once we got to Ostuni we told our guide no more going inside churches... at some point - its just another beautiful church - but there is one on every corner in Italy! The Hotel in Puglia is awesome. Seriously this place is amazing. The food was amazing the spa was amazing the service was over the top. What a beautiful part of Italy... We changed our schedule to spend the morning in Bari before catching the train to Rome - we could have easily spent more time there. I probably liked the food in Puglia the best. The focaccia is amazing (just like Grandma made!). In general we loved Puglia though we'd probably have been better served to have a rental car as we were a long way from anything and it would likely have been less expensive than a dedicated driver. We would have had much more flexibility in our schedule and planning if we had our own car. Train back to the Rome train station and pickup was very good - though the Rome train station and driving out of Rome - is never a good experience. The hotel we stayed at our last night was very nice but probably overkill since all we needed was a bed before we caught a flight out. All in all - highly recommend zicasso, they did a great job for this trip. Having guides and drivers on our first trip to Italy - priceless!

Travel Review: Anniversary Trip to Italy, Rome, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Positano, Truffle Hunt, Cooking Class, Food Tour

Locations Visited: Venice, Verona, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Pienze, Rome, Pompeii, Positano

My husband and I planned this trip for our 10-year anniversary. I’m a person with high expectation and this travel agency exceeded all my expectations. The entire trip was dream.

We opted for personalized tours and transport for 95% of our trip. All of our drivers were wonderful. They arrived on time and made sure we made it to all of our destinations without issue. They had the contact information for the tour guides we were meeting. Upon arrival to our first hotel, a local cell phone and gift were given to us. Having the iPhone during our trip made any needed communication with our agent and his team a breeze. In addition, we used the phone apps for navigation throughout the cities we visited. We made a last-minute request for an additional private transport, and our agent was able to make it happen. We greatly appreciated their customer service.

We participated in a several unique experiences while in Italy. We went truffle hunting in Pienza, which was amazing. After, we were served a meal that highlighted truffles and the cheeses made locally. In addition, we did a cooking day in Rome. This was a private cooking class where we made pasta, several sauces, and appetizers. The one disappointment is that we never received the recipes from the chef (we were told by the chef that they would be emailed to us). However, this is a knock on the chef and not our travel agent. Once the class was done, we were served a meal in a private garden area. Lastly, we did a food walking tour in Rome. This was an amazing way to find local cuisine that we wouldn’t have known about otherwise. A wonderful experience.

All of our tour guides were excellent. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and familiar with the cities. We had one guide that really went into the details and reasons for expressions in the art. We didn’t care for that, but we didn’t specify that ahead of time or to the guide. It was wonderful seeing her excitement and passion for all of the amazing working works of art and sculpture that we saw.

Overall, I would highly recommend this travel agent and his team if you are traveling to Italy!! You will not be disappointed. We gave him our wish list of activities, accommodation preferences, etc. ahead of time and he made sure we got them all! Thank you for such a wonderful and memorable trip. If we are able to return to Italy, you will be hearing from us.

Zicasso in the News

Via Francigena Tour: Pilgrims Route of Tuscany

What to expect on this itinerary

Countries Visited

Places Visited

Suggested Duration

Customizable Itinerary

Florence – The Route of Pilgrims

Florence – On the Winding Road

Avenza – Rediscovering Tuscany

Pietrasanta – Along the Castle Walls

Lucca – Finding A Little Italian Athens

Altopascio – Outside of the Seasoned Walls

Castelfranco di Sotto – Following the Medici

Elsa Valley – The Hills of Val d’Elsa

San Gimignano – Towers in the Distance

Monteriggioni – Roots of the Road

Siena – Traveling to Traditions

Siena – End of the Road

Trip Highlights

Detailed Description

Starting Price

What's Included

Verified Traveler Reviews

Customizable Itinerary

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