Milano Trip Overview
Scientific advancements, artistic geniuses, and architectural wonders all sprang out of Northern Italy during the Renaissance.
Da Vinci, Raphael and the artists of Florence created the standard by which all art is judged. In Pienza, Pope Pius II invented modern urban design with his ‘ideal town’ that was both liveable and lovable. And buildings adorned with grand columns and naked heroes became fashionable across the country.
On this trip, we’re unable to tell you how it all started, but we’ll certainly help you fall in love with Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and the wonders of this defining period of history.
But that’s not all you experience on this trip.
You also savour the rustic wines made amongst the green hills of Tuscany, taste seafood in the colourful villages of Cinque Terre, and refresh your senses at the curative hot springs of Bagno Vignoni.
Join this tour and begin your love affair with the riches and Renaissance of Northern Italy.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 days
Starts: Milano, Italy
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Milano Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Milano, Lombardia, Italy
Scientific advancements, artistic geniuses, and architectural wonders all sprang out of Northern Italy during the Renaissance.
Da Vinci, Raphael and the artists of Florence created the standard by which all art is judged. In Pienza, Pope Pius II invented modern urban design with his ‘ideal town’ that was both liveable and lovable. And buildings adorned with grand columns and naked heroes became fashionable across the country.
On this trip, we’re unable to tell you how it all started, but we’ll certainly help you fall in love with Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and the wonders of this defining period of history.
But that’s not all you experience on this trip.
You also savour the rustic wines made amongst the green hills of Tuscany, taste seafood in the colourful villages of Cinque Terre, and refresh your senses at the curative hot springs of Bagno Vignoni.
Join this tour and begin your love affair with the riches and Renaissance of Northern Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1: Milan – Parma – La Spezia – Cinque Terre
Stop At: Parma, Parma, Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna
We leave Milan and head for Parma in the Po Valley. You have time here to delve into the town’s prosperous past and plentiful palazzo’s dating back to the Middle Ages. It’s also a perfect opportunity to try Parma ham and Parmesan cheese in their place of origin.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera, Liguria
We leave around midday and head for La Spezia, port town and gateway to the beautiful Cinque Terre. After checking in to your hotel for the night, your guide accompanies you on the short train journey to the first of the seaside towns. From there, you can roam free for the remainder of the afternoon and evening.
Each town has a unique character, so you decide what you’re in a mood for. If you want to see beaches and a seafront promenade, head to Monterosso. Wine lovers should explore Manarola and savour its local wine. And if you want to visit a hamlet with great views, choose one of this fantastic trio: Riomaggiore, Vernazza or Corniglia.
After exploring the Cinque Terre villages, you get on the train back to La Spezia, your base for the night.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel CDH La Spezia or similar, La Spezia
Day 2: La Spezia – Pietrasanta – Pisa – Lucca – Florence
Stop At: Pietrasanta, Pietrasanta, Province of Lucca, Tuscany
Buongiorno! Today is all about discovering the architectural wonders of Northern Italy.
You leave La Spezia in the morning and stop in Pietrasanta where Michelangelo picked out the best marble for his sculptures.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pisa, Pisa, Province of Pisa, Tuscany
We then travel to Pisa where you can explore the city for a couple of hours. Once a maritime power competing with Genoa and Venice, this city is now famous worldwide for an architectural project which went horribly wrong. Tilting or not, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has beautiful, elaborate Romanesque architecture and fascinating history. Grab your lunch and take in the views of other architectural highlights at Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Lucca, Lucca, Province of Lucca, Tuscany
Next on the list of our Italian delights is Lucca, famous for its completely preserved city walls. Originally founded by the Etruscans, then a Roman colony, the city has gained its wealth through the silk trade. You can see this prosperity in the abundance of graceful buildings and pretty piazzas. With a couple of hours of free time, you can wander along the city walls before you continue your journey further.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel Monna Lisa or similar, Florence
Day 3: Free day in Florence
Stop At: Florence, Florence, Tuscany
You have a free day in the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’ and can decide how you want to spend it.
You can start by following the paths of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo – stare in awe at the Duomo, the city’s majestic Cathedral that dominates the skyline; see The Birth of Venus and some of the most celebrated treasures at the Uffizi Gallery; and visit Galleria del’Accademia, to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David.
Man does not live by art alone, so don’t forget to try some of the local specialities. The culinary delights like handmade pasta, pizza, pastries, wine and gelato will help you to regain your strength.
In the afternoon, you could ponder over the Medici’s power and secrets and explore Palazzo Pitti. The grand palace of this influential family is home to some of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance.
* As this is a free day, we would recommend that you book any attractions in advance.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel Monna Lisa or similar, Florence
Day 4: Florence – San Gimignano – Siena – Montepulciano
Stop At: San Gimignano, San Gimignano, Tuscany
As you travel over the green Tuscan hills, you notice the 14 towers of San Gimignano soaring like a medieval Manhattan. Originally set up by the Etruscans, the settlement was named after San Gimignano, the bishop of Modena, who is said to have rescued it from Attila the Hun. You have a chance to explore this unique town, walk around the well-preserved fortified old centre, and ponder over the noble families who got caught up in a race for building the highest tower house.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Siena, Siena, Tuscany
You continue south to Siena, the highlight of the day. This gorgeous red-brick city celebrates Gothic architecture like no one else. The place’s essence centres around the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. It’s here where the bi-annual horse Palio is hosted. And it’s also where James Bond madly chases his enemy in ‘Quantum of Solace’. Savour your lunch on the Piazza, watch as the world go by, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Castellina In Chianti, Castellina In Chianti, Tuscany
As you travel over the green hills of the famous Chianti wine region, you notice the 14 towers of San Gimignano soaring like a medieval Manhattan. Listen to the story of the noble families who got caught up in a race to build the highest tower house. Then enjoy a walk around the well-preserved fortified old centre and sample some of the local delicacies for lunch.
Duration: 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Albergo San Biagio or similar, Montepulciano
Day 5: Montepulciano – Pienza – Solaria Winery – Bagno Vignoni
Stop At: Bagno Vignoni, Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
We finish today’s exploration of the Val d’Orcia with a visit to Bagno Vignoni, a village renowned for its curative waters. The Etruscans, Romans, pilgrims of the Via Francigena, and the Medici appreciated the hot sulphurous waters here in the past. Today, you can admire this ancient spa and follow the flow of the spring waters across the archaeological park.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pienza, Pienza, Tuscany
Start the day exploring Montepulciano on your own before travelling to Pienza. This jewel of urban planning is known as the ‘Ideal City’ and is the fruit of Pope Pius II‘s Renaissance vision. Call it vain or forward-thinking, but in the 15th century the Pope set about transforming his birthplace. And the results are so stunning that UNESCO designated Pienza as a world heritage site.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Winery Solaria Patrizia Cencioni, Podere la Capanna 102, 53024, Montalcino Italy
Then it’s time to try some of the best wines in the world on an included visit to Solaria Winery in Montalcino. This is the home of Brunello, the famous red wine made of a special grape variety with protected status.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Albergo San Biagio or similar, Montepulciano
Day 6: Montepulciano – Sorano – Pitigliano – Capodimonte – Rome
Stop At: Sorano, Sorano, Province of Grosseto, Tuscany
You leave Tuscany in the morning and travel south to the Maremma region. The adventure takes you to Sorano, where you can grab an espresso and take in the dramatic views across the valley.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Pitigliano, Pitigliano, Province of Grosseto, Tuscany
You continue to another dramatic hilltop city, Pitigliano, where you can enjoy your lunch. The city rises from the outcrop of the volcanic tufa rocks and is surrounded by gorges on three sides. With its rows of jumbled houses and cobblestone streets, it looks like something out of an old fairy-tale. Pitigliano became known as ‘Little Jerusalem’ because it turned to be a safe haven for persecuted Jews. You can still discover their rich heritage in the local cuisine and enchanting synagogues.
Stop At: Capodimonte, Capodimonte, Province of Viterbo, Lazio
In the afternoon, you continue your journey towards Rome with a photo stop to admire another dramatic hilltop city, Pitigliano, and then on to Capodimonte. This small town is situated on the bank of Bolsena Lake, the largest volcanic lake in Italy. It’s your final comfort stop, so enjoy the charms of this little hamlet before your final journey to Rome.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sovana, Sovana, Sorano, Province of Grosseto, Tuscany
Later on, you can choose to get up close with the Etruscan civilisation at the Sovana Necropolis and the Vie Cave. These form an impressive road network carved out of tuff during the Bronze Age. Then, you visit Sovana, where you can grab something to eat and absorb the atmosphere of this medieval town before you continue your adventure.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
