Private educational and guided custom tours by walk and by confortable M/B van

Exploring Florence and Tuscany: A Private Guided Tour That Combines Flexibility and Authenticity

Travelers seeking a personalized, in-depth experience of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside often find group tours too rigid or crowded. This private, two-day tour offers a refreshing alternative—allowing you to explore at your own pace with knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and a loose but thoughtfully curated itinerary. From wandering Florence’s historic streets to sipping wine amidst rolling vineyards and strolling medieval towns, this experience promises a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s charm and culture.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is its flexibility. The itinerary can be tailored to your interests, whether you’re passionate about art, food, wine, or history. Plus, with a dedicated guide and driver, you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd. However, it’s worth noting that the overall price reflects a premium experience—so travelers should consider whether private access and customization align with their expectations for value.

This tour suits those who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing checklist, seeing local life, savoring regional flavors, and exploring at a comfortable pace. Perfect for couples, friends, or small groups eager to create personalized memories in Florence and Tuscany.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: You’ll have a guide and driver dedicated solely to your group, with the flexibility to adapt your day.
• Comfortable transportation: Travel in a cozy M/B van, making long drives easy and relaxing.
• Authentic local insights: Your guide, Maurizio, is praised for his knowledge and friendliness, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Diverse experiences: From walking through Florence’s historic center to wine and olive oil tastings on scenic country roads, the tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany.
• Efficient itinerary: Key highlights like San Gimignano and Siena are covered in a manageable pace, avoiding rushed visits.
• High customer satisfaction: With a 5-star rating and heartfelt reviews, this tour is clearly a favorite for those who value quality and authenticity.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This private tour is designed for those who want a balance of guided insight and personal freedom. Starting at 9:00 am, your adventure begins in Florence, where you’ll spend approximately three hours exploring the city’s iconic sights. The walking tour inside the city center is both comprehensive and relaxed, focusing on the areas around Duomo Square, Signoria Square, and the Ponte Vecchio. Expect to see beautiful Romanesque and Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, and private residences that tell stories of Florence’s artistic and political history.

The beauty of a private guide like Maurizio is their ability to tailor the experience. As one reviewer fondly recalls, “We very much enjoyed our time with Mau… we toured the Chianti region, had a wonderful lunch and tour at Casa Emma and concluded at San Gimignano for walking/shopping.” His local knowledge shines through, and he can adapt the pace to suit your interests, whether you want more art, history, or time to soak in the atmosphere.

The second day shifts gears to explore Tuscany’s countryside and charming towns. After a scenic drive along the Chiantigiana road, known for its stunning vistas, your group will partake in wine and olive oil tastings. This is more than just a sip-and-sample experience—it’s a chance to learn about regional productions from experts, adding depth to your tasting experience.

Following the tastings, your guide will take you to San Gimignano, famed for its medieval towers and vibrant artisan shops. Expect a mix of walking and driving, with ample time to explore, shop, or simply enjoy the views of the Tuscan hills. Then, it’s on to Siena, with its striking square and medieval architecture, for another leisurely tour. Throughout the day, the focus remains on authentic experiences, guided by locals who are passionate about sharing their region.

Florence: The City Walking Tour

The day begins with a three-hour walking tour of Florence’s historic core, focusing on landmarks that encapsulate the city’s artistic and architectural grandeur. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll see the Duomo with its iconic dome, the lively Signoria Square, and the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge lined with jewelry shops. The tour is admission ticket-free, providing a cost-effective way to absorb Florence’s atmosphere while listening to expert commentary.

What makes this part special? The guide’s storytelling skills help you appreciate the significance of each site—beyond just snapping photos. The guide can also adjust the route if you have specific interests, whether that’s Renaissance art, medieval history, or hidden corners away from travelers.

Tuscany Countryside: Wine, Olive Oil, and Scenic Towns

Day two’s highlight is the exploration of Tuscany’s countryside, which is truly picturesque. We loved the way this part of the tour combines sensory experiences with cultural insights. The wine and olive oil tastings at a local estate, such as Casa Emma, are high points—your guide Maurizio is praised for his knowledge and his ability to pick excellent local producers. The tasting experience isn’t rushed; you’ll learn about the production process and regional differences, making each sip more meaningful.

The journey from the Chianti region to San Gimignano is filled with sweeping views of vineyards, cypress trees, and rolling hills. In San Gimignano, the medieval skyline of towers is truly photogenic, and the guided walk allows you to appreciate the town’s history while enjoying some shopping or a leisurely coffee.

Siena, with its stunning Piazza del Campo, provides another opportunity to step back in time. The private tours by car and on foot ensure you see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. Reviewers mention the guide’s expertise—”We went back for seconds after we had been to the area earlier that same year,” one said, highlighting how the experience left a lasting impression.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour begins in Florence at 9:00 am and ends back at the starting point. The transportation is in a comfortable M/B van, ideal for longer drives between towns. The private nature of the tour means your group has exclusive access, with the option to customize the stops and focus areas.

Price-wise, at $162.60 per person, this experience offers good value given the personalized service, private transportation, and curated itinerary. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a more intimate, flexible way to see Florence and Tuscany—avoiding the busloads of travelers while still hitting all the major highlights.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds reassurance for travelers planning ahead. Weather considerations are straightforward—if canceled due to poor weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who value customization, comfort, and local insight. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the large group hustle and prefer a more relaxed, in-depth exploration of Florence and Tuscany’s highlights. The focus on wine tastings, scenic towns, and authentic experiences makes it suitable for food and wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone eager to see Tuscany beyond the typical postcard.

Couples and small groups seeking a more personal touch will find this especially appealing. The flexibility also benefits travelers who like to spend more time exploring certain spots or adjusting their itinerary on the go.

It’s worth considering if you have limited time but want to maximize your experience in Tuscany’s countryside. The price reflects a tailored, high-quality experience, so it’s best suited for those who see value in a private, guided approach rather than a generic group tour.

The Sum Up

This private, two-day Florence and Tuscany tour offers a well-balanced blend of guided insights, personalized exploration, and scenic beauty. It’s designed for those who want to go beyond the usual sightseeing checklist and indulge in authentic regional flavors and stories. The knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and flexible itinerary make it a compelling choice for travelers craving intimacy and flexibility.

While it’s priced at a premium, the value lies in the personalized approach, expert guidance, and ability to customize your experience. It’s particularly suited for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to explore Tuscany with a local’s perspective, avoiding the crowds and rushed schedules typical of larger tours.

If you are after an immersive, tailored adventure through Florence’s historic streets and the rolling hills of Tuscany, this tour promises a memorable and enriching experience.

FAQ

Is this tour private? Yes, this is a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

What transportation is used? You’ll travel comfortably in a M/B van, making longer drives between towns relaxing and convenient.

Can I customize the itinerary? The tour is designed to be flexible, allowing adjustments based on your interests and preferences.

What is included in the day in Florence? A three-hour walking tour inside the city center, focusing on landmarks around Duomo Square, Signoria Square, and Ponte Vecchio.

Are food and drinks included? The tour covers wine and olive oil tastings but does not specify whether meals are included; you might find options to dine at your leisure during the day.

How long are the stops at towns like San Gimignano and Siena? Expect around 4 hours at each town, blending guided walking with free time for shopping or sightseeing.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds available if you cancel within that window or if weather causes cancellations.

This carefully curated private tour is perfect for those desiring an intimate, flexible, and informative exploration of Florence and Tuscany’s highlights. It offers a chance to learn from passionate locals, savor regional flavors, and experience Italy’s charm in a way that suits your style.