The Tuscan Edition — October 2026
The Tuscan
Edition
Florence & Tuscany — An Italian Journey in Three Acts,
guided by Irish musician Shane Hayes.
Italy isn't meant to be rushed.
It's meant to be experienced properly.
Walked. Tasted. Sat with.
This journey through Florence and Tuscany unfolds in three distinct movements — the great Renaissance city, the vineyard hills of Chianti, and the iconic towns and coastline that complete the picture.
Art, wine, landscape and lived-in culture — each given its own space during the week.
Led by Shane — Irish musician, whiskey host, and Florence-based resident — the tour reflects someone who understands how this region actually works. Not just the landmarks, but the pacing. Not just the famous names, but the atmosphere. When to explore. When to wander. When to simply sit down and let Italy do what it does best.
Think of it as Tuscany in three acts.
Book Now'Dove c'è cuore, c'è vita''Where the heart is, is the life'
A Journey in Three Acts
Three distinct chapters, each with its own character — built to give you the full picture of Tuscany without rushing any of it.
Florence: Power, Beauty & Human Genius
The curtain rises in Florence — the cultural engine of the Renaissance.
This is Michelangelo's David. Leonardo da Vinci's Florence. Grand cathedrals, towering domes, frescoed ceilings and stone palaces built to demonstrate power.
It's the busiest chapter of the week — energetic, walkable, alive.
You move through narrow streets lined with wine bars and leather workshops. You stand in front of masterpieces you've seen in books for years. You cross the river at sunset as the city hums around you.
Florence is scale, ambition and artistic genius — but it's also simple pleasures: aperitivo in a small square, wandering without a schedule, discovering that some of the best moments come when you're not following a guide at all.
Big art.
Big history.
Big presence.
Chianti: Vineyards & Stone Villages
The landscape softens. Traffic fades. The roads begin to roll.
You base yourself in Radda in Chianti — a landscape defined by working agriculture, medieval stone villages, olive groves and long vineyard views.
This is where Tuscany slows you down.
Time in characterful, family-run wineries where the wines reflect the soil beneath your feet. Walks through compact hill towns. Meals built around local produce and structured Tuscan reds.
Chianti feels grounded. Practical. Authentic.
Here, days stretch naturally. Lunch carries weight. Conversation lingers.
It's Tuscany at working level — hills, wine and villages doing what they've done for centuries.
Towers, Marble & the Coast
The final act widens the frame.
Medieval towers rise in San Gimignano, cutting sharp silhouettes against the sky.
At the marble quarries of Carrara, you see the raw material that shaped Renaissance sculpture — the same stone Michelangelo once selected for his work.
Then the coastline opens at Cinque Terre, where terraces drop toward the sea and pastel villages cling to the cliffs.
And in Pisa, architecture turns theatrical — instantly recognisable, unmistakably Italian.
This final chapter lifts the perspective — from vineyard hills to marble mountains to open coastline — leaving you with a fuller sense of Tuscany's scale, variety and character.
The Shape of the Week
Three distinct movements.
Renaissance grandeur.
Working vineyard hills.
Iconic towns and coastline.
The journey builds naturally — from Florence's artistic force, into Chianti's grounded rhythm, and outward again toward marble, towers and sea.
The week moves with intention — balancing art, agriculture and landscape — so that each chapter adds perspective rather than noise.
It's curated without being crowded.
Immersive without being exhausting.
Balanced between culture, wine and landscape.
Florence isn't just visited — it's experienced.
Chianti isn't just scenic — it's lived-in.
The coastline and marble mountains widen the frame in ways photographs never quite capture.
Designed for travellers who value spectacle and substance in equal measure — and who understand that the most memorable journeys aren't rushed.
They unfold.
Shane Hayes
Led by Shane — Irish musician, whiskey host, and long-time resident of Florence — the tour is shaped by someone who doesn't skim Italy's surface, but enjoys settling into its rhythms: markets, meals, wandering cities on foot, and knowing when to slow everything down for one more glass of wine.
The Offer
Max. 50 participants
Airfare not included
Book Now
FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking. If you have a question that isn't answered here, use the contact form below.
This journey is designed for people who want Renaissance art and vineyard countryside in the same week.
For travellers who enjoy walking historic cities, sitting down for proper meals, and experiencing Italy beyond its highlights.
You don't need to be a wine expert. You don't need to be an art historian. Curiosity and a love of Italy are more than enough.
There is a meaningful amount of walking on this tour. Florence, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano and the villages of Cinque Terre are all best experienced on foot. Expect full days exploring historic centres, cobbled streets and hill towns.
That said, the pace is measured and balanced with scenic drives, tastings and meals. It's not a hiking tour — but it is active. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
No. Wine is available and provided with meals, particularly in Chianti, but this is not a wine-only experience. The tour balances Renaissance art and architecture, historic towns and coastline, local food experiences, and vineyard visits. Guests are welcome to enjoy wine — or not.
This tour is hosted by Shane Hayes — internationally touring Irish musician, whiskey host, Florence-based resident, and founder of award-winning Irish folk band Socks in the Frying Pan.
Shane travels with the group throughout the week, providing continuity, atmosphere and context. Local expert guides join in key cities for specialist insight.
This tour is limited to one coach only — keeping the experience social, intimate and relaxed. No mega buses, no rotating groups. One shared journey through Tuscany.
Yes — but in keeping with the Italian setting. While this is not a dedicated music tour like the Irish journeys, there will be informal musical moments during the week, adding atmosphere to selected evenings. It's an Italian experience first — with music woven in naturally.
Yes. Florence especially offers space to explore independently — revisit a gallery, find a wine bar, shop, or simply sit and absorb the city. The structure of the week allows for both guided experiences and personal breathing room.
The tour begins in Florence. Arrival and departure transfers are included from Florence Airport, Florence Train Station, and Pisa Airport. Full arrival details are provided well in advance of travel.
Yes. Transfers are included from Florence Airport, Florence Train Station and Pisa Airport at designated times.
Guests typically range from their 30s through to 70+. What matters far more than age is energy and curiosity. If you enjoy walking historic cities, tasting regional food and travelling in a small social group, you'll feel comfortable here.
This tour is best described as boutique premium. Excellent, characterful hotels. Carefully selected experiences. Comfortable private coach travel. Quality group meals. Elegant without being formal. Premium without being stiff.
Absolutely. Couples, friends and solo travellers are all very welcome. The small group format makes this a naturally social experience. Single travellers should note that a single supplement applies for private rooms.
- Accommodation
- Private coach transport throughout
- Winery visits
- Guided city experiences
- Selected group meals
- Airport/train transfers (as outlined)
Full inclusions are detailed on the booking page.
Yes. You're very welcome to arrive early or extend your stay in Florence or elsewhere in Italy. We're happy to advise where possible if you'd like to build additional days around the tour.
Thank you!
Shane will be in touch with you personally within 24 hours. We can't wait to start planning your journey.
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