At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Brand new for 2024, the Luxury Tuscan Summer tour is an opportunity to be immersed in the flavours of Tuscany, exploring epic sights and dining on culinary delights. Known for its landscapes, storied history, legacy of artistic innovation, and place at the forefront of the Renaissance, Tuscany is regarded as one of the most important places in Italy.
Your Tuscan adventure will begin in the iconic city of Pisa, where besides viewing the eponymous Leaning Tower, you’ll also get the chance to venture into the surrounding countryside; visiting a host of smaller towns and discovering a bucolic lifestyle rooted in truffles and artisanal delicacies. Whilst in Pisa you’ll visit the walled city of Lucca, a hidden gem of the Tuscan region and home to a landscape of well-preserved Ancient Roman infrastructure. After soaking up the sights of Pisa, the group trip will head to, the no-less beautiful, Florence. Here, long lunches, nights on the town, and cultural discovery await. Prepare to step into a slower-paced life as the vino flows and enriching experiences such as authentic Tuscan cooking classes take precedence. The Luxury Tuscan Summer trip concludes where all good Italian adventures should; in beautiful Venice. Known for it’s canals and abundance of Italian-heritage treasures, Venice is the epitome of the cultural wealth and casual elegance that draws so many to this fascinating country, and is the perfect place to conclude your dreamy summer tour of Italy.
More Information
The legal picture in Italy is more mixed than elsewhere in Western Europe. Civil unions have been legal since 2016 and provide most of the practical rights associated with marriage, including inheritance and hospital visitation, though Italy is one of the few Western European countries that hasn’t yet legalized full same-sex marriage. Anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education and services.
In practice, LGBTQ+ travelers will find the destinations on most luxury itineraries entirely comfortable. The cities, the lake regions, the coastlines and the major islands all welcome same-sex couples as standard. Italian luxury hospitality is unbothered, and the staff at the kind of hotels we book have been welcoming same-sex couples for decades.
Italy also has one of the most interesting LGBTQ+ cultural histories in the world. Michelangelo’s love poetry, Leonardo da Vinci’s biography, the writing of Pier Paolo Pasolini and the films of Luchino Visconti are part of how the country has thought about sexuality for centuries. The legal framework may lag behind the rest of Western Europe, but the cultural ease that comes from that history is real, and it’s what travelers notice on the ground.
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In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1-4: Pisa
Begin your first day in Pisa with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a morning tour of the city. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, explore the world-famous Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Field of Miracles, and marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower. Admire the stunning architecture of the Baptistry, the Campo Santo, and the Duomo, and learn about the history of these magnificent buildings. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower before heading to Pisa’s second most famous square, the Knights’ Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri), which served as the city’s political center during medieval times. After a delicious three-course Italian lunch, return to the Bagni di Pisa to relax by the pool. The following day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a full-day tour of Lucca, a beautifully preserved medieval city. Stroll along shady promenades and atop the well-preserved defensive walls, which offer enchanting views of the palazzo gardens, historic center, and Apuan Alps. After a traditional lunch, head to the village of Forcoli, famous for truffle hunting. Visit the Savini Museum to learn about the history of truffles and the Savini Family’s connection to them. Then, join a master truffle dog on a hunt through the woods.
Day 5-8: Florence
Experience the beauty of Florence on a guided walking tour that takes you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Cathedral Square. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Accademia Gallery (subject to availability) and see Michelangelo’s famous statue, David, with skip-the-line tickets. After a delicious Tuscan lunch, you’ll travel to your luxury hotel by private coach and enjoy dinner with your hosts. The next day, you’ll visit Siena and take in highlights such as the famous Piazza del Campo, where the horse race “Palio” takes place twice a year. Lunch will be provided overlooking the stunning Piazza del Campo, where you can sample the typical handmade pasta “pici” with local meat sauce, wild boar sauce, mushrooms, or simply with butter and sage (vegetarian/vegan options available). In the afternoon, your tour continues to San Gimignano, a picturesque medieval town known for its 14 surviving towers. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and indulge in some of the best gelato you’ve ever tasted at one of the famous shops facing the main square.
Day 9: Venice
Mark the end of your Tuscan trip with a private boat tour of Venice. You’ll visit the Floating City’s most iconic landmarks, after enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the rich history of this former political powerhouse, starting with the magnificent Doge’s Palace. This Gothic masterpiece features stunning frescoes, intricate stuccowork, and graceful staircases that showcase the opulence and grandeur of the era. Next, visit the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica, a Byzantine-style wonder with a history dating back to the 9th century AD. Many of the basilica’s treasures, including the stunning bronze horses, were acquired during the Crusades and from Constantinople. After your tour of Venice, the group will travel to the airport for return flights.
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