12-Day Culture and Wine Tour in Central Italy

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This morning, your two-hour guided tour starts at the San Domenico church, where the remains of Saint Catherine, protector of Italy and Europe are kept. You'll go then to the beautiful Palazzo del Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank in the world. Then, you'll reach the famous Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena, and end the tour in Piazza Duomo, in front of the incredible Duomo di Siena (entrance not included). The rest of the afternoon will be free to enjoy as you wish.

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Distinguished by its stunning medieval brick buildings, Siena is the jewel of central Italy. A lively city, Siena's heart still bustles with local shops and restaurants and a great atmosphere which has made Siena one of Italy's most-loved destinations. It's fan-shaped square, Piazza del Campo is at the heart of the city and is the site of Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views.

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Today, you'll venture out of Siena to the nearby towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, three must-see places whilst in this region of Italy. You'll head out on a join-in guided excursion visiting these important historical towns in Tuscany. Your day will be filled with exploring stunning historical buildings, wandering the cities streets, tasting local wines and delicious local cheeses and taking in the atmosphere of these amazing Tuscan cities.

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Today, you'll join a shared excursion for an afternoon exploration of the Chianti area and tasting of its ruby wine. You will taste this refined product in one of the best wineries in the area, accompanying the wine with a selection of bruschetta (garlic bread), typical cheeses, Tuscan salami and cold cut meats. You'll then visit San Gimignano, which stands out for its famous skyline of towers, famous throughout the world, rises along the Via Francigena in the hills of the upper Val D'Elsa.

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This morning you'll leave Siena behind and a private driver will take you to the charming village of San Miniato, halfway between Florence and Pisa. This evocative town is the first stage of the old Via Francigena in Tuscany, a pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome, and within its narrow and picturesque streets, you can still feel the atmosphere of the past. You'll arrive in Lucca after lunch and explore on your own.

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Spend the day in Lucca as you wish in Lucca. Rent a bike or take a ride on top of the walls of the city. Lucca, a charming city, is situated along the Serchio River is encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls. Lucca's historic centre boasts cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches and open squares. Whilst in Lucca, you can also visit the birthplace of a famed composer, Casa di Puccini, now a house museum and the traces of the Roman amphitheatre, as well as 12th-century churches.

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With a private driver, you'll transfer from Lucca to the Ligurian Riviera. You'll then check into your hotel at Paraggi Beach. The hotel was built in the early twentieth century in the exquisite Art Nouveau style, the hotel's fortunes were tied to the history of Santa Margherita Ligure: the town, on a natural harbour near Monte di Portofino, has become a renowned, exclusive and elegant tourist destination over the years. The rest of the day will be free to spend as you wish.

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Famous for its picture-perfect seaside promenade lined with elegant hotels overlooking yachts in the harbour, Santa Margherita was a small fishing village which has become a much-loved holiday destination. Portofino's more affordable cousin, Santa Margherita is no less beautiful despite being cheaper. Big enough to absorb the tourists but small enough to maintain the small village vibe, in Santa Margherita you can wander along the marina or enjoy the town's beach during your free time.

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Today, you can take a boat trip to the Cinque Terre from Santa Margherita Ligure. You'll leave in the morning and sail towards Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre, with a two-hour stop. Then, you'll continue to Monterosso to explore the little town, its cliffs, beautiful beaches and crystal clear water for three hours. In the afternoon, you'll sail back to Santa Margherita Ligure.

This morning, you'll drive to Genoa. Genoa (also known as Genova) is a port city known for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries. In the old town stands the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its black-and-white-striped facade and frescoed interior. Narrow lanes open onto monumental squares like Piazza de Ferrari, site of an iconic bronze fountain and Teatro Carlo Felice opera house. You can explore all this and more when you arrive in the city.