Step off the beaten path on your custom-tailored luxury vacation for a view of the unparalleled charms of Tuscany. From undulating open valleys to treasured shores, experience an unforgettable journey through the uncharted and overlooked splendors of Elba, Florence, and the surrounding beauty of Tuscany. The Mediterranean sun spreads over the rugged and lush niches of the Island of Elba. Emerald hills and cypress trees expand across the lengths of the horizon. Museums display breathtaking artwork....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Seemingly Known
Culture is the root of all things in Tuscany, emanating from the cobblestone streets and cast across the landscape in vineyards and cypress trees. The emerald hillsides are as much a part of people’s lives as the traditional prosciutto made from boar as well as the unparalleled frescoes decorating secluded churches in medieval villages. When you arrive at Florence International Airport, your private transfer greets you and welcomes you to Italy. Soon you settle into your luxurious accommodation in the heart of Florence’s historic center, where the truth in the cultural base of Tuscany comes to life.
The scent of fresh pastries blends with the savory aroma of simmering sauces. Olive groves grow outside of the city, and the Arno River separates the city center from Oltrarno, connected by a series of bridges; including the Ponte Vecchio, the Old Bridge, lined with goldsmiths and jewelers. Florence has a tangible energy and remains one of the most visited cities in the world. And yet it can maintain pockets of uncharted beauty, alongside the breathtaking art of Michelangelo and Botticelli. The narrow streets of the Oltrarno intertwine sophisticated artisan shops, woodwork and ceramics, and the distinctive traditional flavors of Tuscany. Settling into Florence is emblematic of the surrounding region, filled with endless beauty any way you turn your head.
What's Included:
Day 2
En Route to the Waters
Day 3
Inside the Pearl of the Mediterranean
Day 4
More than Unique
Day 5
Active Elba
Day 6
Taking in the Sights
Day 7
Returning to Renaissance Streets
Day 8
Back on Track
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the crystal clear view of the seafloor on a snorkel excursion
- Discover secluded beaches around the Isle of Elba, accessible only by sea routes
- Revel in the rugged and lush landscapes of Elba on a trekking excursion that leads you around the historic cities of the island
- Visit Napoleon Bonaparte’s villa overlooking Elba’s coastline
- Explore the quaint streets and powerful ancient walls of the Tuscan town of Volterra
- Wander through the exceptional historical streets and immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of Portoferraio, Elba’s main town
- Witness one of the largest collections of antique armor in the world at a private museum on the hills of Florence
Detailed Description
Discover Tuscany in a way you have never imagined before. On this 8-day customized best of Tuscany tour of the countryside and island life, you will experience luxury, charm, beauty, and a wealth of history of which only Italy can provide. Your journey begins in Florence, upon your arrival at Florence International Airport. Your private transfer greets you and quickly escorts you into the city where you can settle into your centrally located hotel. Become acquainted with Florence, a city known for its Renaissance art and unique ambiance similar to an open-air museum.
The following day, your private transfer will escort you to Volterra, an enchanting medieval town with ancient roots. After your exploration of Volterra, you continue westward to the port city of Piombino, where you board the ferry to Elba, an island paradise that is part of the region of Tuscany. You settle into the quiet town of Marciana Marina. Wake up to the elegant colors of the island with a private tour of Portoferraio and Napoleon Bonaparte’s historic villa.
In the evening, you can board a boat at the marina and venture out to sea for an indulgent sunset cruise around the island’s coastline. The following day, you can relax around the bay of Capo Sant’Andrea, enjoying the sunshine and even snorkeling in the clear waters. Your guide meets you the next day eager to take you out into the water for a private kayak excursion along the coastline, visiting secluded beaches or the graceful lighthouse.
Revel in an active day of hiking around the island, whether it’s exploring villages, archeological sites, or the panoramic views, the day is at your leisure. The next day, your private transfer leads you to the marina, where you board the ferry and return to mainland Italy. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Tuscany, whether visiting medieval villages around Florence, wandering trough Pisa, or visiting unique museums. On your final morning in Tuscany, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Florence International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 5972 reviews.
The trip Zicasso's travel specialist arranged for us exceeded all our expectations. It was absolutely wonderful; not a single detail was overlooked. The hotels were excellent, the tours were great, and the drivers were always on time. I totally recommend Zicasso and the agency, and will undoubtedly use them for future travel plans.
Reviewed By Philip S.
Zicasso's travel designer did a terrific job. We had the initial phone consult, after which she delivered a first draft of the itinerary. From there, she helped guide us through a few revisions until we got the details smoothed out. We are experienced travelers and can appreciate a well-constructed trip, and that's what our experience with our agent reflected.
One crucial thing is that all the drivers who are engaged to move you around are prompt. Every one of them was right on time and friendly and helpful to boot. It was much appreciated.
To sum up our experience, I would do it all again with Zicasso and the agency and our agent. Our trip to Italy in the late summer of 2025 was something we will not soon forget!
Reviewed By tony B.
Zicasso's travel partner is very thorough and makes sure the trip is tailored to your vision. They are flexible and very responsive. We would recommend them to anyone traveling.
Reviewed By Evan C.
Zicasso's travel agency far exceeded our expectations. We had our five-year-old and 11-year-old children with us, so the tour guides and walking needed to be kid-friendly.
Our hotel in Rome was wonderful, the location was perfect, and they had good A/C and a breakfast buffet. There were plenty of great restaurants within easy walking distance, as well as the Vatican.
Our tour guide for the Colosseum and Roman Forum was great. Pompeii was amazing. Our tour guide was basically a celebrity down there and knew exactly how to take us around the ruins without ever waiting.
Tuscany was our favorite by far. We did a cheese-making experience and lunch that was super-cool. The kids got to play with the farm animals and the owners were so attentive and interesting. We did a cooking class with a chef that was the kids' favorite thing on the entire trip. I would make a point to book this experience; the kids still talk about it and wear the aprons around the house. The resort in Tuscany was nice. We had our own private pool, plus the resort pool, and could easily walk to a small local town with some great food.
Venice was good, but probably our least favorite on the trip. You have to walk a ton, which was difficult for the kids, but it's still worth experiencing.
We travel a bunch and I would highly recommend using Zicasso's travel partner.
Reviewed By Kevin S.
Zicasso's travel designer made the whole trip run very smoothly. It was a pleasure working with her.
Reviewed By Joseph B.
This was the best trip ever!!! I am so grateful Zicasso introduced us to our tour operator. This team was amazing! They set up a call to learn more about us and jumped into action. Within a short time, they came back to us with a presentation on ideas, with recommendations. There is no chance our trip would have been half as good without them. They even had a text group on standby while we were here in case we needed anything.
Reviewed By Linda C.