Depart your home for your overnight flight to Italy. Arrive in Firenze, the capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance.

Upon arrival in Florence, transfer to your luxury small hotel where you will meet other women travelers. After settling in, we have afternoon tickets to tour the Uffizi, one of the finest art museums of the world, which hosts, perhaps, the best collection of art in all of Italy. Our local expert will guide us on a learning tour of the museum’s masterpieces. Founded by the Medici family in the 16th century, The Uffizi is home to many artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and others. You will be immersed in history, fine art and architecture amidst the squares and piazzas that are the heart of the city.  We will gather for a light meal to savour the first sampling of the flavors of Italian cuisine at one of the local favorite trattorias. La Dolce Vita is easy here. Gelato after dinner tonight!   D

This morning, our charming and knowledgeable Italian guide will take us on a historical guided walking tour of the heart of renaissance Florence.  In the afternoon and evening, we will further explore the treasures that comprise this exquisite city.   Perhaps you will stroll over the Ponte Vecchio or visit the Boboli gardens built by the Medici family in the 16th century or climb the San Miniato or Giottos tower for enchanting views over the city at night. There is so much to see. You will walk and walk and walk some more amidst the tapestry that is old Florence.

This afternoon, we will visit the stunning Villa Gamberaia perched on the hillside of Settignano with extraordinary views of Florence and the surrounding Arno valley. The Villa Gamberaia is renowned for its splendid gardens which are celebrated throughout the world by leading landscape architects and garden historians. B

Today we will board the Trentalia for the short ride to Lucca, thought to be, perhaps, one of the prettiest Tuscan towns in all of Italy. Lucca is a gem that offers us some of the finest medieval and renaissance architecture in Italy. Ancient ramparts built in the l6th century line the old city and within the walls lies a treasure well preserved. Upon arrival, our native Lucca guide will join us and lead us on a walking tour of medieval Lucca. Immerse all your senses here as you experience a full day in exquisite Lucca. We return to Florence this evening in time for strolling as the sun sets over the rooftops. B/L

We bid Florence goodbye this morning and wind our way through the idyllic Chianti Classico wine country noted for vineyards, olive groves, quintessential Tuscan landscapes and stone villages. We will be stopping along the way to taste local wines, sample olive oils, and enjoy lunch in the stunning Tuscan countryside.   Late in the afternoon we will arrive at our enchanting  countryside accommodations in Pienza , a small architectural jewel,and a UNESCO World Heritage site, leaving the bustling city life of Florence to our memories. B/L

“Each morning, as the sun rises behind these hills, slowly, like an unrestrained tidal wave, it floods the ancient stones of this abbey with its golden rays.” From writings on Saint Antimo Abbey.

We will spend a leisurely morning to enjoy the tranquility here and, perhaps, the healing waters in the spa. The hot spring water in our SPA flows at a temperature of 50°C and can be classed as “hyper-thermal”. It is rich in mineral salts, contains bicarbonate, sulphate, calcium and magnesium, and its chemical composition is indicated for therapeutic use. This afternoon, we will wander further off the beaten path where ancient routes traverse the landscape and visit the intriguing medieval hill town of Montepulciano. It is known as the “Pearl of the 16th century” because of the many works left here by famous Renaissance artists such as Vignola, Sangallo and Peruzzi. The museum, reopened a few years ago, holds a valuable collection of works by Sienese painters. We will stop in the Etruscan walled village Montalcino, home to Italy’s beloved Brunello wines, on our way back to our converted castle. Walking the hill towns cobbled lanes, you can glimpse the authentic village life of Tuscany. We can walk to Saint Antimo Abbey, a sacred site, and, perhaps, hear Gregorian Chants before dining this evening.   B

We will depart Florence via high speed Eurostar for Venice this morning. Venice is a collection of islands that stretch across the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The saltwater lagoon stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po (south) and the Piave (north) Rivers. The canal network helps us to travel amidst the islands. Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and St. Mark’s Square is its heart. We will perch amidst St. Mark’s neighborhood here and walk and walk and walk some more. Gondolas, serenades, pink marble, water and light all lend to the magic of Venice. B/L

This morning begins with a walking tour. Then the day will unfold exploring artisan shops famous for Murano glass. Perhaps we will visit the Peggy Guggenheim museum, take a gondola ride and gather the essence of life in Venice. This evening, we will dine at one of the notable Venetian trattorias. B/D

You will leave Venice today for the airport and your flights home, inspired by the timeless art, landscapes, culture, and people of these colorful regions in Italy. B