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Tuscany in autumn

Florence, Tuscany & Umbria

World-famous history, postcard-perfect landscapes

Italy tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Tailor-made for a fly-drive holiday, or a short break, the stunning scenery, artistic heritage and delicious cuisine of Tuscany and neighbouring Umbria truly enchant. Of course, the food and wine are special highlights, experienced everywhere from sprawling wine estates to city trattorias. And, the accommodation is just as spectacular, with the likes of converted palaces and homely farmhouses providing unique insights into each region's historic and gastronomic delights. Best of all, each one has been tried and tested by our Italy specialists, so you'll be sure of the most up-to-date advice when planning your Tuscany holiday. 

Florence

Most introductions to central Italy are made in Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here, a rabbit warren of medieval laneways and multi-tiered bridges link grand piazzas lined with centuries-old basilicas and movement-defining art galleries. It’s all centred around Brunelleschi’s giant cathedral whose elegant brick dome – the world’s largest – descends onto a marble façade of pearl whites, accented reds and soft greens.

Aerial view of Florence's Duomo cathedral and city skyline
Florence's Duomo

Tuscany

Moving out of the regional capital you’ll quickly lose yourself in the Tuscan ideal. It’s a land where slender cypress trees silhouette horizons, near-ancient farmhouses overlook bright green valleys and hills roll as lazily as afternoons spent visiting its vineyards. There’s even a stunning coast. And, given this perfectly fertile aspect, it’s no surprise that Tuscany has become something of a gastronomic centre.

There’s everything from Michelin-starred eateries to homely kitchens dishing up simple recipes perfected over generations. But, among the rural beauty, there’s a certain handsome urbanity. In the likes of Volterra and San Gimignano, walled medieval towns cap its hills while sad old Pisa’s fading merchant houses still dream of their maritime republic riches, a contrast to Lucca’s Renaissance good looks and Siena’s Gothic wealth.

View of the Tuscan town of Siena, Italy
Siena, Italy

Umbria

To its south, Umbria lies as a Tuscany in miniature. The same penchant for Renaissance artwork and precipitous medieval fortresses has tumbled down with matching undulations of winery-lined beauty. The difference? Umbria swaps headline-grabbing names for more off-the-beaten-track charm. Young children sit side-saddle on their mother’s bicycles and the pasta is always hand made. 

The hilltop town of Gualdo Cattaneo in Umbria
Gualdo Cattaneo in Umbria

 

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Special offers in Florence, Tuscany & Umbria

Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Best of Tuscany

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,370 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Early booking savings – Save up to £245pp
Book by: 31 January 2025

With ample time to explore at your own pace, this fly-drive showcases the best of Tuscany, from its headlines to its off-the-beaten-track gems. Indeed, you'll pair the icons of Florence and Pisa with castle stays and visits to medieval hilltop towns.

Top itineraries in Florence, Tuscany & Umbria

Siena, Italy

Tuscany, Umbria & Amalfi self-drive

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,195 pp incl. flights

Soak up the cultural heritage, picturesque cities and towns, natural beauty, historical sites and tantalising cuisine of Tuscany, Umbria and the Amalfi Coast with this self-drive journey.

Roman Forum, Rome

The Italian Job: Rome, Florence & Venice

6-day tailor-made holiday from £1,460 pp incl. flights

Explore the iconic sights, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and world-class museums and galleries of Rome, Venice and Florence on this classic tailor-made holiday.

Italian Coast and Culture: Florence & The Tuscan Coast

8-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,435 pp incl. flights

A self-drive combining the white sands of the Tuscan coast with the Renaissance excess of Florence. You'll enjoy stays in two of the country’s finest hotels.

Florence, Italy

Classic Italy: Rome & Florence

7-day tailor-made tour from £2,195 pp incl. flights

Immerse yourself in Italy’s rich heritage and artistic delights with everything from private tours and stays in two of its finest hotels to First Class rail travel and the services of private drivers. After Rome and Florence's competing wonders, take in Tuscany for vineyards and medieval charm.

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Top places to stay in Florence, Tuscany & Umbria

Dehor Osteria della Pagliazza, Hotel Brunelleschi, Florence

Hotel Brunelleschi, Florence

Historic hotel

A repurposed medieval church complete with a Byzantine tower façade, this is one of Florence’s most atmospheric stays and is listed in the city’s register of historical edifices.

Santa Maria Novella

Hotel Santa Maria Novella, Florence

4-night luxury holiday from £725 pp incl. flights & transfers

Whether it’s the Roman ruins in the basement, the basilica views from the rooftop terrace or the Renaissance style throughout, Hotel Santa Maria never fails to impress.

Hotel L'Orologio Florence

Hotel L'Orologio Florence

4-night luxury holiday from £745 pp incl. flights & transfers

Themed on the world’s finest watches, this is a private collection turned hotel. It’s understated too, with the views of the next-door basilica and luxury rooms allowed to take centre stage.

Relais Santa Croce

Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels, Florence

Grand & elegant hotel

This 18th century residence, in the heart of historic Florence, provides the perfect balance between bygone, sumptuous luxury and modern comfort.

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Where to go in Florence, Tuscany & Umbria

Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, Florence, Italy

Florence

Considered the finest product of the Italian Renaissance, Florence's historic city centre is filled with countless monuments, works of art and inhabited by some of Italy's most cosmopolitan and glamorous residents, Italian designer Gucci included.

Umbria

Umbria

Umbria in central Italy is the only Italian region with no sea or country borders. The landscape is a pastoral patchwork of rolling green hills and meandering country roads leading to historic towns and villages, each boasting some of Italy's finest hotels, castles & elegant villa accommodation.

Siena, Italy

Siena

Siena is built on the ridge of three hilltops and offers sensational views of the Tuscan countryside. Its medieval centre is has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Gimignano Medieval Village, Italy, Europe

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a beautiful walled medieval hill town in Tuscany's Siena province, famous for its architecture and high towers. ‘San Gimignano delle belle Torri' is 56km south of Florence and served as an important relay point for pilgrims travelling to or from Rome on the Via Francigema.

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When to go to Florence, Tuscany & Umbria

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Florence, Tuscany & Umbria articles

  • A cultural guide to Italy

    The art, music, food and festivals that have helped make Italy one of the world's most enduring holiday destinations. Read our guide to living the sweet life, and how to make the most of this beautiful country.

  • Tuscan countryside

    Italy’s best self-drive holidays

    Italy specialist Matthew Grubb has collated this list of Italy’s ultimate driving holidays. And, along with the highlights of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, there are plenty of secrets to discover, too.

  • Florence, Italy

    Top tips for visiting Florence

    Simply put, Tuscany’s capital is a world wonder. But since other travellers know this too, you'll want to use these insider tips to see Florence in a new way, from quiet walking routes to the best spot to catch a sunset.

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Meet our Florence, Tuscany & Umbria experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0796 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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