DAY 1 ISTANBUL AIRPORT – BOLOGNA – FLORENCE
Meeting with our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal at 04:00. After baggage drop, passport control and check-in procedures, we depart for Bologna on Turkish Airlines flight TK1321 at 07:50. Arrival in Bologna at 09:30 local time. We then proceed to Florence with our waiting vehicle. During our city tour of Florence, known for its historic buildings, works of art, and cultural atmosphere, we visit the Arno River dividing the city, Ponte Vecchio (a bridge from the 14th century lined with jewelry shops), Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, the Gothic Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its famous "Gates of Paradise" (East Doors), Santa Croce Basilica (final resting place of important figures such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo), Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Neptune Fountain in the square, the David statue, and the historical courtyard resembling an open-air museum. After the tour, we head to our Tuscany hotel.
DAY 2 PISA – SAN GIMIGNANO – SIENA
After breakfast, we begin our full-day tour at the time specified by our guide. Our first stop is Pisa. Upon arrival, we admire the Baptistery, Cathedral, and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, all situated on lush green lawns in Piazza dei Miracoli. Guests who wish may climb the tower, which stands 56 meters high, to enjoy the panoramic views. Next, we proceed to San Gimignano. In this medieval town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as the "City of Beautiful Towers," we take a walking tour visiting significant landmarks including Porta San Giovanni, Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), Palazzo del Popolo, and Palazzo del Podesta. After San Gimignano, we move on to Siena. Famous for its earth-toned labyrinthine streets and enchanting atmosphere, notable sights here include Piazza del Campo (site of the Palio horse races), Fontana Gaia, Torre del Mangia, and the Duomo Cathedral renowned for its black-and-white marble. After the tour, we return to our hotel.
DAY 3 MONTEPULCIANO – MONTALCINO
After breakfast, we start our full-day tour. Our first destination is Montepulciano. Founded by the Etruscans in 308 BC, this city is famous for its wines. Its main street stretches 1.5 km from Porta al Prato to Piazza Grande. In the city, we visit Palazzo Comunale, Santa Maria Cathedral, and the historic city walls. Next, we visit a historic wine cellar where we will closely experience Montepulciano's deep-rooted wine culture and enjoy a special tasting session featuring the region's finest wines. After the tour, we proceed to the town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wines. Following a visit to the historic castle and city center, we return to our hotel.
DAY 4 BOLOGNA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures from the hotel and depart for Bologna at the time indicated by our guide. After approximately two hours of travel, upon arrival, we begin our city tour. In Bologna, dating back to the 6th century BC, must-see sites include Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo di Accursio, Palazzo Podestà, Basilica di San Petronio, and the Garisenda and Asinelli Towers. After the tour, we are transferred to the airport. Following ticket and baggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1326 at 19:20. Arrival in Istanbul at 23:00 marks the end of our tour. We look forward to meeting you on our next tour.