About This Journey

This Journey has been curated specifically for private touring, combining the highlights of the region with enriching cultural experiences. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends, a private tour offers an intimate travel experience.

Nestled in the heart of Italy, Tuscany is a region of unparalleled beauty and cultural richness. Its landscape is a picturesque blend of rolling hills, verdant vineyards, and charming medieval towns, each brimming with history and tradition. Renowned for its exquisite wines and culinary delights, Tuscany offers a sensory Journey through its sun-drenched countryside. From the Renaissance splendor of Florence to the rustic charm of rural farmhouses, Tuscany is a captivating tapestry of art, architecture, and natural beauty, inviting visitors to experience its timeless allure and vibrant heritage. Discover the architectural marvels of Florence, including the iconic Duomo and Michelangelo’s David. Embrace the heart of Tuscan tradition with a hands-on cooking class in a local home and savor the results over lunch. Wander through the medieval streets of Siena and San Gimignano, exploring historic towers and enjoying farm-fresh meals. Delve into the artisanal craft of alabaster in Volterra and the rich flavors of extra virgin olive oil at a local farm. Experience the serene beauty of Val d’Orcia, indulging in a picnic amongst breathtaking landscape and enjoy a sensorial wine tasting at a prized vineyard. Your Journey ends with a transfer to the airport or to the cruise port of Civitavecchia to continue your Journey at sea.

World Heritage, Toscana, Renaissance
Michelangelo, Italy, Florence, Tuscany, Civitavecchia, 99001

Included Features

• 6-night land program in Italy
  • Florence, Italy – 3-night hotel stay
    • Private transfer from Florence airport to hotel
    • Half Day Florence walking tour
    • Cooking class in a Tuscan home
    • Tour of Siena and San Gimignano
  • Tuscany, Italy – 3-night hotel stay
    • Val D’Orcia visit and wine tasting
    • Volterra, alabaster workshop & oil mill visit
    • Private transfer from hotel to airport or Civitavecchia cruise port
• Tour Guide during included tours
• Select meals while on tour (see itinerary highlights)

Note: International airfare is not included in the land quote. If you would like a separate quote for international airfare, please indicate that in your request.

What to Expect on Your Trip

Pacing

4 out of 5 – Land Program Includes Guided Tours plus Some Free Time

The overall pace is active, as we have included guided tours to most major attractions in the area. Most days will include a full-day or half-day tour, with some free time mixed in as well. Guests should be prepared to walk a couple miles per day while on full-day tours. Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Some additional meals may be included, while other meals may be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining.

Physical Activity

This Journey should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking.
The land portion of the trip should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking. Small towns and villages in Tuscany often do not have coach drop-off points in the center of town, so a short walk is required to get from the coach to the center of the village. Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed.

Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program.

Cultural Focus

The focus of this Enrichment Journey is local culture and gastronomic traditions of Tuscany. You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. You will visit local family run establishments where traditional methods are kept and passed down from generation to generation on how to butcher, preserve and prepare certain dishes. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches and cities themselves can be crowded.

Unique Factors

If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.

Transportation

While on tour:

Florence to Tuscany: 1-hour coach transfer

Tuscany to Civitavecchia: 3-hour coach transfer

Please note that these times are approximate and only reflect the transportation time. Our trip may be longer due to stops for sightseeing along the way.

International Airfare:

Guests booked on Private Journeys have complimentary access to our Air Department services. If you would like our Air Department to book your international airfare, please indicate on the Private Journey Request Form. Please note that air schedules are typically published 10 months prior to travel date. For requests more than 10 months in advance, the air portion of your quote will be provided at a later date.

Florence Hotel Extension (pre-cruise)

With this optional hotel extension, you can add hotel nights in Florence to relax at the hotel, adjust to a new time zone and explore the city on your own before the tour starts. Florence hotel extensions are typically priced between $200-$285 per person, based on double occupancy at 4-star hotels, depending on the dates requested. Note: tours are not included.

Hotels options will be included in your quote. Please indicate your preference for a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Please note that in most major cities, 5-star properties are typically a few hundred dollars more per night.

Before You Go

Money Matters

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

ATM Machines

These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.

Foreign Banks

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.

Credit Cards

During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.

Incidentals

Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.

Packing Guidelines

Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.

What to pack

Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.

Here are a few key items to take on your trip:

• Raincoat/poncho
• Hooded jacket/fleece pullover
• Pants with pockets
• Skirt with pockets
• Hat with visor & sunscreen/bug spray
• Warm socks
• Sturdy sandals
• Practical shoes for walking/easy hiking
• Extra pair of prescription sunglasses and/or glasses (if needed)
• Camera(s)

Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.

Luggage Screening Process

To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.

Labeling

Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.

Carry-on items

In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit www.tsa.gov for a list of items that cannot be packed.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.

Cell phones

Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.

Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment

Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.

The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.

Medical Issues and Handicaps

As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.

Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.

If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.

Briefing sessions

A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.

Hotels

All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.

Regional Information

eJourney Guide

• Detailed Destination Information
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Preparing for Your Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Local Cultural Information
• Recommended Readings
• And so much more!

As always, our friendly and dependable Personal Vacation Managers are committed to assisting you every step of the way.