Tuscan landscapes

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An unforgettable journey in Tuscany

Day 1: Welcome to Rimini 

Departure from Sofia Airport with a direct flight to Rimini. Arrival and transfer to the heart of Tuscany – the picturesque city of Arezzo, combining a rich historical heritage, exquisite architecture and an atmosphere typical of the most beautiful Tuscan cities.

During the walk through the city, we will get acquainted with its most significant monuments. We will visit the magnificent cathedral, located on the highest part of the city, from where beautiful panoramic views are revealed. We will see the church of San Domenico, the Medici fortress and Piazza Grande - an emblematic place around which some of the most valuable architectural treasures of Arezzo are concentrated, including the medieval court, the Vasari loggia and the Pieve di Santa Maria complex.

Our route continues past the Roman amphitheater, the house-museum of Giorgio Vasari, the Petrarca Theater and the Church of San Francesco. We will also have the opportunity to learn more about the city's famous goldsmithing traditions, presented in the unique goldsmithing museum. Free time follows for independent walks and enjoyment of the atmosphere of Arezzo.

In the afternoon, departure for Cortona – one of the most charming Tuscan towns, nestled among hills, vineyards and olive groves. The town is known both for its artistic heritage and for its role in the film „Under the Tuscan Sun“.

Our walking tour begins in Piazza della Repubblica, the lively center of Cortona, where the impressive 12th-century town hall with its characteristic bell tower is located. We will visit the Palazzo Capitano del Popolo, the MAEC Museum of Etruscan Civilization, which preserves valuable evidence of the region's ancient past, and the Monastery of St. Francis, famous for its works of art and relics. The visit ends at the cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

Departure for the Siena area. Check-in at a hotel. Overnight.

Day 2: Monteriggioni – San Gimignano – Volterra

Today's program is dedicated to some of the most picturesque medieval villages in the Val d'Elsa region - a land of stone fortresses, vineyards and impressive Tuscan landscapes.

Our first stop is Monteriggioni – a small fortified village that seems to have frozen in time. Surrounded by impressive fortress walls and fully preserving its medieval appearance, it offers an authentic atmosphere and a feeling of traveling back in time. During the walk, we will walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and get acquainted with the history of the fortress, immortalized by Dante Alighieri in „The Divine Comedy“. We will see the characteristic 14 defensive towers, which still dominate the surrounding landscape today. For those who wish, a panoramic walk along the fortress walls is offered, from where beautiful views of the Tuscan hills and Siena are revealed.

We continue to San Gimignano – one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy, famous for its majestic towers and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to its architectural wealth, the city is famous for its local products – fragrant saffron, Pecorino cheese, golden ham and the white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

During the walking tour we will visit the Cathedral Square, the Cistern Square, the medieval town hall, the art gallery and the famous towers that have become the symbol of the city. The walk ends at the Rocca Montestafolie fortress, from where impressive panoramas of the surrounding Tuscan valleys open. If desired, you can visit the Cathedral of San Gimignano with a local guide, where exceptional frescoes are kept, designated by UNESCO as works of outstanding artistic value.

Free time for lunch, walks or exploring the city on your own.

Optional: tasting of a selection of quality Tuscan wines at a local winery (for an additional fee).

In the afternoon, departure for Volterra - an ancient city with an impressive Etruscan heritage and a rich medieval history. Situated on a high hill, it impresses with its stone streets, historical monuments and unique atmosphere.

The walking tour includes Piazza dei Priori, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Mario Guarnachi Etruscan Museum, and the Alabaster Ecomuseum, presenting the traditional craft of the region. We will also visit the Roman Theater, the Medici Fortress, and the Etruscan archaeological zone, which tell the story of the different eras of the city's development.

Free time for independent walks and photos.

Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 3: Montepulciano – Pienza – San Quirico D'Orcia – Montalcino

Breakfast.

Today is dedicated to some of the most impressive towns of Val d'Orcia - an area included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and a symbol of the classic Tuscan landscape with hills, vineyards, cypresses and picturesque medieval villages.

Departure for Montepulciano - an elegant town located on a high hill between the Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana valleys. Thanks to its strategic location, it offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area and is among the most preferred destinations in southern Tuscany.

During the walking tour we will reach Piazza Grande - the historic center of the city, where the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin and the impressive Palazzo Comune are located. We will continue along Via Ricci, known for its Renaissance palaces and historic buildings, including the Palazzo Nelli Orselli, the Gallery Crociani and the Palazzo Ricci. We will also see the Pulcinella Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks of Montepulciano, associated with many local legends. For those who wish, a tasting of the famous Nobile di Montepulciano wine is offered in traditional underground cellars (for an additional fee).

Next is a visit to Pienza - a small architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, known as the "ideal city". Its historic center is included in the UNESCO list and impresses with its harmonious urban planning concept. During the walk we will see Piazza Pio II, the Piccolomini Palace, the Assumption Cathedral and the Borghese Palace. In addition to its architecture, Pienza is also known as the birthplace of the famous Pecorino cheese. Free time for walks and photos among the beautiful panoramas of Val d'Orcia.

We continue to San Quirico d'Orcia - a charming medieval village located in the very heart of Tuscany. The town has preserved its authentic atmosphere and impresses with its fortress walls, narrow streets and characteristic Tuscan architecture.

Our walk will take you along the main street "Dante", connecting the most important landmarks in the city. We will visit the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the medieval hospital for pilgrims, Svoboda Square and the Leonini Gardens - a fine example of classical Italian garden art.

In the afternoon, departure for Montalcino - a town famous all over the world for its wines and its magnificent location among the hills of Val d'Orcia. Surrounded by walls and dominated by an impressive medieval fortress, the town has preserved its historical appearance almost unchanged over the centuries.

During the walk we will enjoy the beautiful views of the vineyards, olive groves and the characteristic Tuscan landscapes. We will see the castle of Montalcino, the main square "Popolo" and the cathedral - the Duomo of Montalcino, located in the high part of the city. From the panoramic platforms we will discover some of the most beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia valley and the surrounding wine regions, where the famous wines "Rosso di Montalcino" and "Brunello di Montalcino" are produced.

After the program ends, departure to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 4: Pitigliano – Saturnia

 
 
 

Breakfast. Departure for Pitigliano – a picturesque medieval town in Tuscany, known as the „city on the rock“, built on volcanic tuff. The stone houses, narrow streets and panoramic views create a feeling of traveling back in time. A walking tour in Pies lianas -aqueduct Medici, offering a stunning view of the Pitigliano facade. We will pass through the gate and head towards Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of the city, where the cathedral and the Orsini Palace are located. We will also consider the Jewish quarter (little Jerusalem), famous for its two synagogues and the underground labyrinth of tunnels carved into the tufa - ancient wineries and warehouses.

Departure for Saturnia – thermal waterfalls and natural hot springs. Saturnia is a series of limestone terraces and natural pools formed by warm, mineral thermal waters with a constant temperature of around 37–37.5 °C. These beautiful, misty-evaporating waters offer a unique feeling of relaxation amidst green nature, and the place itself is popular all over the world for its charm and healing properties of the water. Free time in the thermal springs.

Departure for the area of Siwoman. Overnight stay.

Day 5: Siena

Breakfast.

Today's program takes us to Siena - one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval cities in Italy, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city impresses with its authentic atmosphere, rich history and unique traditions preserved over the centuries.

Our walking tour begins at Porta San Marco, one of the historic entrances to the old city. From here we will enter the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets that run through the famous contradas – the traditional neighborhoods of Siena, each with its own history, symbolism and spirit.

Our walk will take us to Piazza del Campo – the emblematic square of Siena and one of the most impressive medieval squares in Europe. This is the place where the legendary Palio horse race is held every year, which has become a symbol of the city. Surrounded by elegant palaces and historic buildings, the square impresses with its characteristic shape and unique atmosphere.

Here we will see the Palazzo Pubblico - the imposing building of the city government, which for centuries was the center of political and social life of Siena. We continue along the picturesque Via di Citta, where aristocratic palaces, small shops and artisan workshops reveal the charm of the old town. Along the route we will also visit the elegant Palazzo Chigi Saracini - a historic building, known today as the headquarters of the prestigious Chigiana Music Academy.

The culmination of the tour is a visit to the square in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - one of the most impressive examples of Italian Gothic. The majestic temple impresses with both its architecture and the wealth of works of art associated with the names of Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini and Nicola Pisano.

Optional: organized visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with a guide in Bulgarian.

Optional: lunch in a traditional Sienese trattoria, where you can try specialties typical of the region.

Free time for independent walks, photos and enjoyment of the unique atmosphere of Siena.

Departure to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 6 Excursion to Chianti

Breakfast. Check-out.

The last day of our Tuscan journey is dedicated to one of the most famous wine regions in Italy - Chianti, where history, traditions and winemaking intertwine in unique harmony.

Departure for the Verrazano Castle - a historic estate located among the picturesque hills of Chianti and surrounded by vast vineyards. For centuries, this place has been a symbol of the local wine traditions and is closely connected with the history of the Verrazano family. It was here in 1485 that Giovanni da Verrazano was born - a famous navigator and explorer, whose name today bears one of the most famous bridges in New York.

During the organized tour we will explore the beautiful Renaissance gardens of the estate and the historic cellars built into the rock massif below the castle. We will learn more about the traditions of winemaking and the history of the estate, which has become one of the symbols of the Chianti region.

The visit ends with a tasting of selected products from the estate's own production. We will have the opportunity to try three types of wine, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and traditional pecorino cheese.

Important: In order to provide better service and a more fulfilling experience, the castle administration may organize the group's visit into several smaller subgroups, each accompanied by a licensed English-speaking tour guide.

Then, depart for Greve in Chianti – a picturesque town considered the capital of the Chianti wine region. With its cozy streets, traditional shops and relaxed atmosphere, it is among the most authentic places in the area.

The walking tour will take us to Piazza Matteotti - the heart of the city, distinguished by its unusual triangular shape and beautiful arcades. Here is also the statue of Giovanni da Verrazano. We will visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, which preserves valuable works of Renaissance art, as well as the old part of the city, where the spirit of traditional Tuscany is felt.

Free time for last minute shopping, walks or a glass of Tuscan wine in one of the local restaurants.

Departure to Bologna airport for a direct flight to Sofia.

Arrival in Sofia.

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