Tuscany: la dolce vita in Florence, Siena & the Chianti Hills

Siena is Tuscany's medieval jewel, its grand Piazza del Campo flanked by soaring towers and arcaded cafes and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre filled with narrow, cobblestone streets and ancient churches. A must-see is the magnificent Cathedral, its interior decorated with ornate frescoes and mosaic flooring, and Siena is also a hotspot for local Tuscan cuisine and wine due to its proximity to the countryside. Twice per year you’ll catch Siena's unique tradition, the Palio horse race, which takes place in the heart of the city.

Montepulciano sits majestically on a hilltop in southern Tuscany and enchants with its Renaissance architecture and world-renowned wines. This charming town is known for producing Vino Nobile, one of Italy's most esteemed red wines. Climb the steep streets to Piazza Grande, the town's highest point, surrounded by imposing palaces and the cathedral. Visit the historic wine cellars carved deep into the hillsides and taste the local wines. The town breathes Renaissance atmosphere with its elegant buildings and artistic treasures. From various viewpoints, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas over the rolling landscape of the Val d'Orcia. Montepulciano combines culture, history, and culinary excellence in an unforgettable setting.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a cultural, artistic and architectural jewel filled with Renaissance masterpieces and steeped in history. The iconic domed Cathedral overlooks the UNESCO-listed city centre, where charming streets are lined with elegant boutiques, bustling piazzas and terraced cafes. The Uffizi Gallery houses some of the world's most revered Renaissance paintings and sculptures from artists like Botticcelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci, and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge covers the Arno river with arcaded speciality shops.

Lucca is one of Italy's best-preserved walled cities and enchants with its authentic character and rich history. The imposing Renaissance city walls are completely intact and form a green walking promenade around the historic centre. Explore the narrow streets filled with boutiques, cosy cafés, and artisan shops. Climb the famous Torre Guinigi with its unique rooftop garden of holm oaks for a beautiful view over the city. Lucca is the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini and breathes musical history. Visit the magnificent churches such as San Michele in Foro with its impressive façade. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect to explore by bicycle. Lucca combines culture, history, and Tuscan lifestyle without the crowds of mass tourism.