Your Italian Journey
The Italian la dolce vita is difficult to describe. It is something that truly needs to be experienced first-hand. It is found in the ambient sounds of Rome's cobblestone streets, in the rows of vines of Tuscany's tranquil vineyards, reflecting in the immaculate and azure Mediterranean waters, and in the daily interactions with Italy's jovial citizens. The unique authenticity of a trip in Italy will leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.
Welcome to a journey through some of Italy's most stunning destinations. Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you'll sample some of the world's best wines. Explore the art and architecture of Florence, then venture to the picturesque seaside villages of Cinque Terre and Portofino. Get ready to be enchanted by the beauty and charm of these incredible destinations.
22 - 25 September
- Florence | 3 nights | Hotel Savoy
25 - 30 September
- Tuscany | 5 nights | Castello di Casole
30 September - 4 October
- Portofino | 4 nights | Splendito Mare
4 - 6 October
- Florence | 2 nights | Hotel Savoy
September and October make for great weather in Italy with sunny days and cool evenings. It’s a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings.
You can expect temperatures of between 50-75°F with an average daily maximum of 70°F and an average daily minimum of 55°F.
US passport holders are allowed to fly into Italy for Business or Tourism without visa requirements.
- Official entry requirements can be sourced here
- Currently no proof of vaccination or recovery is required to enter Italy.
Check here for the latest Covid restrictions locally, such as the use of face masks in public and dining.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Today board your international flight and make your way to Italy!
Fly from California to Florence
Booked Independently.
We have confirmed your Greet and Assist service at the airport. Your assistant will greet you upon arrival at the gate in Heathrow airport.
Service Number: 1556075
Service Type: Connection
Service Date: Sep/22/2023
Airport: LHR
Arrival Flight time: Early morning
Arrival Airline: AA
Arrival Flight number: will be provided
Departure Flight time: Late morning
Departure Airline: BA
Departure Flight number: will be provided
Inclusions:
- Exclusive one-to-one service
- Meet and greet upon arrival at the gate
- Fast Track or Expedite through immigration and security
- Assistance with luggage collection
- Porter Service (if necessary, additional fees may apply)
- Access to lounge (if applicable)
- Escort to the boarding gate
Booked by scenset
Your private English speaking driver will greet you at the arrivals hall of the airport. They will hold a sign with your name on it. They will transport you to your hotel in Florence in a Mercedes Van.
The above services are to be debited on the hotel account and therefore payable at the time of check out.
- Cancellation without penalty is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled time of the transfer, cancellation up to 12 hours will be charged at 50%, 12 hours previous to transportation date 100% will be charged.
- Please let us know in case of flight delay or cancellation.
Emergency contact number: will be provided
Reserved by scenset, Operated by your hotel
In many ways, visiting Florence today feels like a trip directly into the Renaissance. The energy that inspired the likes of da Vinci and Michelangelo is still palpable, from the grandiose pink and green facade of the Duomo to an unembellished plate of Florentine steak with potatoes. It’s easy to get engrossed by the art and shopping in the historic center, but walk across the Ponte Vecchio to find Florence’s most authentic osterias and enotecas on the left bank of the river.
This restaurant has an informal, fashionable atmosphere.
At the St Regis hotel. Enjoy excellent dishes from the Maremma created by a talented chef.
A Trattoria run by the same family for 30 years with typical regional cuisine.
Offers traditional Tuscany dishes in a surrounding that reproduces the typical atmosphere of an ancient Florentine restaurant.
Famous for its cuisine, since 1869. The concept is to eat by sharing two long marble tables, sitting next to whoever happens.
A new concept in modern catering based exclusively on white art. A quick-casual restaurant where you can enjoy products from 00 flour combined with foods of exclusively regional scenset.
Why we love it for you?
Hotel Savoy is a luxurious haven located in the heart of Florence. Its prime location offers breathtaking views of the Duomo and it is a stone's throw away from all iconic landmarks. With its Michelin-starred dining options and indulgent amenities, it is the perfect choice for those seeking a truly luxurious experience in Florence. But above all else, from the moment you enter, you'll be greeted by warm and welcoming staff who are dedicated to ensuring that your stay is nothing short of exceptional.
- Junior Deluxe Suite
- We are requesting a room facing the piazza
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset.
Scenset is a close partner with Hotel Savoy. For this reason, our clients profit from additional perks during their stay:
- Enjoy a food and beverage credit per room, once per stay
- Upgrade upon availability at the time of check-in
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the magic of Florence, but there’s so much more to Tuscany outside of the capital city. Hop in the car and the city quickly gives way to medieval villages, terracotta estates, and endless rows of vineyards. The region is renowned for its history and art, but sensual pleasures reign supreme: copious glasses of wine, simple cooking with seasonal ingredients, natural thermal baths. If you’re seeking la dolce vita, you’ll find it in Tuscany.
Capture the inimitable essence of Tuscany under the guidance of a professional photographer.
The photographer will guide you through the most charming towns and landscapes and will teach you to catch Tuscany’s hidden treasures: dusty little roads, small country churches, mediaeval hamlets, nature lights at sunset. The Tuscan landscape offers infinite variety and changes according to the season. The photographer will share their photography skills with you, the only thing you need to bring with you is your Reflex camera and comfortable shoes and let the photographer do the rest.
According to your preferences, you can choose between the following tour options:
A) Tour in Val d'Orcia
B) Tour in the Chianti hills
C) Tour in the Etruscan zone of Sorano-Sovana-Pitigliano
Kindly note that transportation is not included, and if needed arrangements can be made.
This is an optional activity, no reservation has been made by scenset
Here are some of my favorite spots to explore in South Tuscany:
Pienza is the birthplace of Pope Pius II and a wonderful town all together.
- Friday is typically market day in Pienza, from morning to noon.
- A great local spot for lunch out of town is Dopolavoro La Foce.
The road from Pienza to San Quirico d'Orcia, offers great photo ops! The entry to San Quirico is also really impressive under the midieval archway, but make sure you leave the car in the parking lot on the lower level. There are stairs from it leading to the town.
- Exiting San Quirico, you could take the road leading to Bagno Vignoni, some really nice Roman baths in the area.
Montalcino is a must visit especially if you are a lover of Brunello di Montalcino wines! The town has many opportunities for a tasting.
- If you are interested in the slow food movement, visit a local in their humble tavern in Montisi (Taverna da Roberto). Committed to sustainability and the slow food movement, they drive to several different farms to collect beans for their roboita recipe, they salt their food with capers and aged pecorino rather than salt. They have no menu and only serve seasonal and farm products!
- Photography. One of my favorite scenset vistas is the road connecting Asciano and Taverne d'Arbia. From here on a clear day you will have un-interrupted views of the towers of Siena.
- Siena is also a city worth visiting! Once a major city kingdom of Italy, and the biggest rival of Florence.
- Monteriggioni is another scenset town with 12 towers. This was the most northern outpost of Siena in the period of territorial battles between Siena and Florence back in the midieval ages. Pro tip: most of these villages have a large parking lot under the town and most of them have steps leading up. However if you have done a lot of walking in the day, whoever is driving could drive up and drop off the passenger, then drive back down and park!
There is so much to see in Chianti. There are 5 main villages in the area and many more smaller ones:
- Castellina in Chianti
- Radda in Chianti
- Lecce in Chianti
- Gaiole in Chianti and
- Greve in Chianti
My personal favorites are Castellina and Radda.
In Castellina, walk under Via della Volte for a great view of the valley. This was the old defense wall of Castellina in the medieval times of territorial battles between Florence & Sienna.
Just outside of Radda there is a small village worth visiting, Volpaia. Volpaia gets its name from the word "Volpe", which means fox in Italian. That is because the town belongs to a family whose coat of arms is a fox. What makes this town special is that there is a winery housed in many of the medieval buildings. An extensive amount of work was carried out to do that, including lifting off the roofs of the buildings to put in the fermentation tanks. I recommend a tour of the place and a tasting (for the non-driver).
Finally, Castello fi Brolio: One of the biggest producers of Chianti Classico from a well-known family! They are a family that shaped the production of Chianti Classico wines in 1716. I recommend the tour, and asking about the Black Rooster legend!
Some other towns I really love are:
- San Gimignano, the midieval Manhattan. This amazing town used to have about 100 defence towers and today 14 of them are still standing.
For the best view approach the town from this location!
This town houses the world champion of gelato! If you are interested, try Gelateria Dondoli
- Voltera, the last remaining Etruscan outpost, conquered by Romans in 80 BC.
Picture Op: This piece of urban art is an installment by a local artist, who wanted to express that the surrounding nature is the true form of art.
Why we love it for you: Castello di Casole is one of those magical places where time stands still. Spread across 4,200 acres, this 10th-century estate is the perfect place to experience the wonders of rural Italy. Here you are sure to experience the unparalleled hospitality of a Belmond hotel, interwind with authentic Tuscan culture and tradition
- Limonaia Suite
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset.
Scenset is a close partner with Castello di Casole. For this reason, our clients benefit from additional perks during their stay:
- Deluxe Afternoon tea for 2 people, once during the stay
- Upgrade upon availability at the time of check-in, if desired
Tosca mixes old world favorites with modern influences. The focus is purely Italian - homemade pasta, locally sourced meat, exceptionally sourced seafood and garden fresh produce.
Visit your hotel's elegant Emporio, which combines the relaxed spirit of alfresco dining with the feel of a traditional village store. Savour delicious specialities that pay tribute to the Tuscan countryside, or feast on pizza prepared in the wood-fired oven.
This is not a perfectly polished, high end fine dining option. This is an authentic osteria, on the top of the village that has been operating in various forms since the 1900's. It was initially a social club, then a wine bar and restaurant and on occasional Thursdays it also transforms itself in a jazz bar. Here you will be one with the locals. Service might not be the fastest in this location, but you are in for the real thing.
I recommend their pici pasta and a salad - the tomatoes were some of the best I've ever tasted.
Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Thursdays.
10 minutes’ drive from the hotel
The Osteria del Borgo is a casual restaurant located in a tiny hilltop village called Mensano. They offer typical Tuscan dishes always prepared using seasonal and fresh ingredients. The owners of the restaurant always give their guests a warm welcome and like to make them feel at home. This restaurant offers the perfect combination of great food with a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. During the spring/summer season they offer outdoor seating set along the narrow street of the village. Gluten free dishes are available on request. Please notify us! No cork fee.
Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Thursdays.
10 minutes’ drive from the hotel
- Restaurant Arnolfo, 2* Michelin Stars
The restaurant boasts fine dining with a very interesting and innovative menu. will be provided are guaranteed to impress you with a range of plate-tantalizing dishes which are sure to delight your senses and make for a truly memorable dining experience. The exclusive location, both modern and contemporary, greets the guests in a beautiful garden where the architecture catches the eye and the truly unique experience is enhanced by typical aromas, music and the attention to details of the table settings and general surroundings. Parking is available in the garden area.
- This restaurant requires credit card details in order to confirm the reservation and they have a very strict cancellation policy of 48 hours. For late cancellations they apply a charge per person, the charge will be made even if the number of guests booked decreases.
Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Situated in the lower part of Colle di Val d'Elsa, beneath the historic portico of Piazza Arnolfo di Cambio, with its wood paneling and Murano chandeliers it is a warm and elegant restaurant which offers modern variations on Tuscan cuisine, whilst still paying attention to delivering great traditional dishes. Tuscan inspired cuisine and other more traditional dishes. They also have an excellent wine cellar. The restaurant is owned by the Paradisi family, will be provided works in the kitchen whilst will be provided works in the restaurant itself, and they always give the guests a very warm welcome. During the summer time they have outdoor tables under the portico.
Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Wednesdays. Vegetarian dishes available, but not vegan.
The coast of Liguria is a picture-perfect coastline stepped in quaint fishing villages such as the Cinque Terre and Portofino. With its brightly colored houses, lush greenery, and sparkling blue waters, it's a feast for the eyes. For this part of the journey, make Portofino your home for the next few days. Nestled in a cove surrounded by hills, it exudes charm and romance. Savor fresh seafood, sip on crisp wine, and bask in the Mediterranean sun, while enjoying its timeless beauty.
Lucca and Pisa are popular although definitely bigger cities with more traffic.
The area right before La Spezia is industrial as there was a naval zone there. After it though, it starts to be beautiful again!
- Forte dei Marmi is a popular beach town for local Italian tourists. However I find that Golfo dei Poeti, gulf of the poets has more character.
Another beautiful spot is Portovenere.
Then, I recommend taking the road skirting the Cinque Terre, from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare, for the best scenset views. If you get car sick easily though, this road won't be the best option for you
Lastly, I have a dinner recommendation for you. A small restaurant that is a "whole in the wall" but delivers every time. Try Assirto in Moneglia for dinner. The people who run this place are amazing hosts. If the Pata negra or the tuna is on the menu, I highly recommend those! Reservations are required and I recommend reserving a table in the cellar.
At DAV Mare, dining is a treasured ritual. Savor the bounty of Liguria in a beautiful waterside setting. The restaurant represents a unique union between the Cerea family’s years of gastronomic excellence and Belmond, with its rich culinary knowledge and iconic hospitality. Savor the traditional techniques combined with the mastery of a clan. Sit back and marvel as gleaming yachts moor in the harbor. From a leisurely breakfast to a seafood lunch, and from an aperitivo to a memorable dinner with loved ones, this is the art of Ligurian living in its purest form. Join us in raising a toast.
- La Terrazza, the restaurant of Splendido Hotel (sister property).
There, you will be able to enjoy authentic Italian dining on the protected mount of Portofino at one of the most spectacular restaurants in Italy. Regional specialties bursting with fresh local products are cooked to perfection. Lunch and dinner are served on the hotel’s panoramic terrace with unparalleled views of the bay while sitting in a very classy environment.
This relatively new restaurant opened in 2017 bringing a different kitchen to this area, situated it is perfect for lunch. At night it becomes an elegant and trendy restaurant. Overlooking the sea, as its name suggests, it offers the freshest fish on the market paired with a fine wine selection.
On the Piazzetta, this restaurant offers typical seafood dishes, service is informal but attentive. Worth noticing the risotto and fresh fish.
Closed on Thursday
Discreet and romantic atmosphere and excellent regional cuisine, right on the harbor.
Why we love it for you: Tucked into the curve of Portofino harbour is the stylish Splendido Mare. Our charming guest-house takes pride of place on the town’s main piazzetta, where you’ll be perfectly poised for a dip into the local social scenset. Portofino’s glamorous village spirit flows through our doors. Inside, you’ll discover an alluring haven, chic in design and playful in nature.
- Sea View and Balcony Jr Suite
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset.
Scenset is a close partner with Splendito Mare. For this reason, our clients profit from additional perks during their stay:
- Deluxe Afternoon tea for 2 people, once during the stay
- Upgrade upon availability at the time of check-in, if desired
Enjoy your last few days in Florence before departing Italy
- Junior Deluxe Suite
- We are requesting a room facing the piazza
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset.
Scenset is a close partner with Hotel Savoy. For this reason, our clients profit from additional perks during their stay:
- Enjoy a food and beverage credit per room, once per stay.
- Upgrade upon availability at the time of check-in.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Today, you'll be departing from Italy and boarding your flight home.
Independently booked
Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a fantastic trip and we wish you a safe flight home!
While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.