Upon arrival in Florence you’ll transfer to the exquisite Villa Cora in Florence. Once a splendid aristocratic residence, Villa Cora is located inside a centuries-old park that overlooks the famous Boboli Gardens, a short walk from the
Piazzale Michelangelo with its unrivalled views over Florence’s historic skyline.
For your final night in Florence we’ll be able to reserve a table for you in one of Florenceยดs most sought after restaurants, depending on your mood – from Michelin starred fine dining to unforgettable ‘eat like a local’ experiences, we can recommend the very best on offer in this ancient Renaissance city.
Hotel: 5* Villa Cora, Florence – 24 mยฒ deluxe double room
This morning your car will await you in front of the hotel following a sumptuous breakfast, and after a short personal tour briefing with our team youยดll be ready to begin your driving adventure. The first leg of your journey will take you south from Florence following the famous wine route
Via Chiantigiana through the Chianti vineyards. Your route can best be described as ‘everyone’s dream of Tuscany’, and it will take you past some of the most beautiful medieval villages in the region, perched high on hilltops dominating the historic landscape – such as the magnificent Siena – and providing an unforgettable backdrop for your journey. After lunch the journey continues towards your final destination – Monte Argentario on the Tuscan coast.
Set within its own estate on a majestic hilltop is one of the jewels of the Tyrrhenian coastline – Il Pellicano – where you can enjoy a Michelin starred meal by lamplight, or take an elevator cut into the hill from the clifftop pool, down to a breathtaking private beach to watch the sunrise. Facing the perfect blue sea, between hills tipped with medieval forts, Il Pellicano perches above one of the most breathtaking seafront locations in Europe.
For your dinner you might want to consider treating yourself to the hotelยดs Michelin starred Il Pellicano Restaurant. In this fine dining restaurant chef Sebastiano Lombardi serves up the best of Italian cuisine made with top quality organic ingredients. Enjoy a stylish gastronomic experience with an unbeatable view and unforgettable atmosphere.
Hotel: 5* Hotel Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole – 35 mยฒ sea view double room
Driving time: 3ยฝ-4 hours plus stops
Wake up to the view of a glistening sea and enjoy an irresistible breakfast on Il Pellicano’s elegant terrace overlooking the silvery blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Today’s drive takes you into the hinterland behind the coast, pausing at the fortified village of Bolgheri, where you can visit the world-famous vineyards and wineries, meet local producers, and sample delicious wines over a typical Tuscan lunch using fresh, locally sourced specialities. This afternoon you head deeper into the countryside on sweeping roads, past fabulous hilltop villages that you can stop and visit, and on to your next overnight stop, the exclusive Belmond Castello di Casole in Casole d’Elsa. This historic castle is set deep in the Tuscan countryside, and has been converted into an exclusive boutique hotel – now considered by many to be among the best in the world – with breathtaking views over the rolling hills and bucolic panoramas. Castello di Casole is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Tuscany.
Tonight youยดll be able to enjoy a magnificent dinner in the hotelยดs Tosca restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Daniele Sera. The focus is pure Italy โ homemade pasta, locally sourced meat, exceptional seafood, garden-fresh produce, and of course, endless fresh bread and estate-grown extra virgin olive oil.
Overnight hotel: 5* Belmond Castello di Casole – 37-55 mยฒ deluxe junior suite
Driving time: 3ยฝ-4 hours plus stops
On the final day of your Tuscan driving adventure you will travel through some of the most dreamy picture postcard landscapes – on thrilling driving roads perfect for your fast machine. You’ll tour along elegant avenues flanked by cypress trees, through the fabulous Val d’Orcia region – now a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its world-famous honey coloured fields and rolling hills. You’ll be able to stop for wine and/or olive oil tasting in one of the area’s most famous wineries, and sample a huge selection of exclusive labels and purchase the best local produce before enjoying a mouthwatering lunch.
In the late afternoon, as you wind back through the Florentine hills towards the ancient city, you’ll be heading for your final destination, Villa La Massa. Perched on the banks of the Arno River, Villa La Massa is a 16th Century estate surrounded by 22 acres of lemon trees and olive groves, nestling among the rolling hills on the edge of Florence’s city limits. Walk in the grounds or stroll by the river, take a dip in the heated pool, or just enjoy a poolside drink overlooking the meandering Arno river, the hotel is a true oasis of calm on the edge of this bustling ancient city. Villa La Massa has a spa to die for, with separate rooms and chambers revealing hidden sunken baths, ice barrels, Turkish bath, sauna and full spa and treatment facilities. It’s the perfect place to revitalise and prepare yourself for the driving adventure of a lifetime. Of course, for those who would like to go exploring, Villa La Massa offer a shuttle service to the beautiful ancient center of Florence.
Once fully revitalised, you can begin to explore Villa La Massa’s extensive wine cellar. Enjoy an hour or two wandering around the authentic wine cellars, enjoy cheese and cold cuts with wine pairing, or simply browse the thousands of bottles in this mecca for any wine connoisseur. Villa La Massa’s beautiful vaulted restaurant Il Verrocchio has a stylish and intimate atmosphere with views out across the river to the famous Rufina hills beyond. Enjoy fresh local produce and imaginative cuisine in one of Florence’s finest restaurants.
Hotel: 5* Villa La Massa, Florence – 43 mยฒ prestige double room
Driving time: 3ยฝ-4 hours plus stops
Check out from Villa La Massa is at 12:00, or if you wish you can extend your stay in Florence
If you’d like to extend your tour to include more than 3 days of driving in Tuscany – or in another region of Italy such as the Elba island or Sardinia, Umbria, the Amalfi coast, the Motor Valley and more – please contact our team for more information
