Tuscany (Florence & Saturnia) 🍷
"Renaissance wonders paired with exclusive thermal spa retreats."
November is truffle season and ideal for exploring Florence's history without the crowds. Follow your city stay with a retreat to a luxury thermal resort like Terme di Saturnia for a historic wellness experience.
A sophisticated balance of Renaissance history in Florence and deep relaxation at the luxury thermal springs of Saturnia. This itinerary transitions from the bustling art-filled streets of the city to the tranquil, ancient landscapes of the Maremma region.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Renaissance Foundations in Florence
Morning — Arrive in Florence and check into your hotel in the historic center. Stretch your legs with a stroll through Piazza della Signoria.
Afternoon — Skip the lines at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s David, then walk to the Duomo to admire the cathedral's iconic red-tiled dome and Giotto's Bell Tower.
Evening — Enjoy a 'Welcome to Tuscany' dinner featuring Bistecca alla Fiorentina at a traditional trattoria like Buca Lapi.
Day 2 · Medici Heritage and Artisans
Morning — Explore the Uffizi Gallery with a private guide to see works by Botticelli and Da Vinci.
Afternoon — Walk across the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno district; visit the Pitti Palace and the sprawling Boboli Gardens for a taste of Medici grandeur.
Evening — Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the Arno River before a refined dinner in the Santo Spirito neighborhood.
Day 3 · Florentine Flavors and Views
Morning — Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo, then wander the leather markets.
Afternoon — Participate in a hands-on Tuscan cooking class or visit the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, one of the world's oldest apothecaries.
Evening — Take a sunset taxi ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the quintessential panoramic view of the Florence skyline.
Day 4 · Southward to the Maremma Steppes
Morning — Pick up your rental car and drive south through the scenic Val d'Orcia, stopping in the "ideal city" of Pienza for pecorino cheese tasting.
Afternoon — Check into a luxury thermal resort in Saturnia and take your first soak in the sulfurous waters of the hotel’s private pools.
Evening — Fine dining at the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant, focusing on Maremman ingredients.
Day 5 · The Healing Waters of Saturnia
Morning — Experience a signature fango (mud) therapy treatment at the resort’s world-class spa.
Afternoon — Spend the afternoon at the Cascate del Mulino—the famous outdoor thermal waterfalls where azure water carves through white travertine rock.
Evening — A casual dinner in the tiny village of Saturnia, enjoying local wild boar ragu.
Day 6 · Etruscan Secrets and Tuff Towns
Morning — Short drive to Pitigliano, the 'Little Jerusalem,' a stunning town carved directly into volcanic tuff cliffs. Explore the Jewish Ghetto.
Afternoon — Continue to Sovana, a tiny village with a magnificent Romanesque cathedral and charming stone streets.
Evening — Relax back at the resort with a sunset dip in the thermal pools.
Day 7 · The Maremma Coast and Tarot Spells
Morning — Drive toward the Tyrrhenian coast to visit the Giardino dei Tarocchi, a whimsical sculpture garden by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Afternoon — Head to the coast for a seafood lunch at Porto Ercole and a walk along the rugged shoreline of the Argentario Peninsula.
Evening — Savor a glass of Morellino di Scansano wine at a local vineyard before returning to the resort.
Day 8 · Ultimate Resort Relaxation
Morning — Leisurely breakfast followed by a light hike through the rolling olive groves surrounding the property.
Afternoon — Indulge in a final high-end spa circuit featuring Roman baths and sensory showers.
Evening — A celebratory farewell dinner at the resort, toasted with local Spumante.
Day 9 · Departure via the Rolling Hills
Morning — Early breakfast and check-out. Drive back toward Florence (or Rome, which is closer) for departure.
Afternoon — Drop off the rental car and catch your departing flight or train.
Evening — N/A