One-day Art History course in Tuscany

Explore the most famous towns of Tuscany

Have you ever fancied exploring Siena or Lucca with an Art historian in one day? Since 1995 our academy has been arranging Art history courses throughout Tuscany. Our Art History teachers have held field classes in the major Tuscan cities, such as Arezzo, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa and Siena.

Now, we can also organize for you a bespoke private tour in the Tuscan city you wish with one of our Art history teachers. Every single detail will be arranged following your requests: the travelling (with private car or public transportation), the hands-on lessons, the visits to the museums as well as to the major monuments, the lunch.

You will spend an entire intensive day of Art History while admiring and discovering the beauty of some of the most famous cities of Italy in the company of a qualified and experienced teacher.

These kind of tours are offered only on an individual basis and can be held either in English or in Italian over the week and at the weekend.

Dates, program and schedule can be totally tailored to your needs and interests.

The programs

LUCCA

An historical walk throughout the centre of Lucca, discovering the several unknown corners of the city. Visit to:

the cathedral and its museum where you can admire the beautiful statue of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia;
the churches of San Michele and San Frediano;
the ancient walls;
the famous piazza of the amphitheater;
the Guinigi tower (the unique tower with trees on the top).

Duration of the visit: approx. 6 hours of guided tour + approx. 3 hours of journey.

SIENA

Enjoy the visit to the city of the well known medieval horse race, the Palio. In one day you will have the opportunity to appreciate a private tour of Siena which will include the following highlights:

Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico with its stunning tower (the Torre del Mangia);
the marvelous cathedral, the Duomo, and its museums treasuring incredible masterpieces dating back to the middle age;

Duration of the visit: approx. 6 hours of guided tour + approx. 3 hours of journey.

PISA

Spend one day in the city of the famous leaning tower, the icon of Italy. Our private tour comprises the following visits:

Piazza dei Miracoli (the leaning tower, the cathedral, the “Camposanto” and the Baptistry);
Piazza dei Cavalieri with its Palazzo della Carovana;
the charming embankments along the Arno river, the so-called Lungarni.

Duration of the visit: approx. 6 hours of guided tour + approx. 2 hours of journey

AREZZO

A guided tour through the lovely streets of Arezzo, one of the oldest city of Tuscany with its roots dating back before the Romans to the Etruscan period. During your day trip you will visit:

the Piazza Grande, where the three Academy Award winning movie “La Vita è bella” was shot;
the Cathedral;
the church of San Domenico with its impressing crucifix by Cimabue;
the church of San Francesco with its magnificent frescoes by Piero della Francesca;
the church of Santa Maria della Pieve.

Duration of the visit: approx. 6 hours of guided tour + approx. 2 hours of journey

SAN GIMIGNANO

A guided tour in the “town of the beautiful towers” on the trail of the medieval times. During your day in San Gimignano you will visit:

the Cathedral, the so-called Collegiata;
the Palazzo Comunale. also called Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà;
the Torre Grossa (the main tower, from whose top you can admire an amazing Tuscan landscape);
the Church of Sant’Agostino;

Duration of the visit: approx. 4 hours of guided tour + approx. 2 hours of journey.

This program is available only by private car.

VOLTERRA

Discover the charm and the history of one of the most ancient towns in Italy. Founded by the Etruscans, conquered by the Romans, Volterra achieved its greatest heights during the Middle Age. In the company of our Art history teacher you will visit:

the Cathedral and the Baptistry;
the Palazzo dei Priori;
the Pinacoteca and Museo Civico;
the Roman theater.

Duration of the visit: approx. 4 hours of guided tour + approx. 2 hours of journey.

This program is available only by private car.

MONTEPULCIANO PIENZA MONTALCINO

This is an unforgettable excursion in the heart of Tuscany. In one day you will visit:

Montepulciano, whose walls enshrine the cathedral, some fine churches and monuments dating back to the middle age and the renaissance;
Pienza with its delightful cathedral and its gorgeous renaissance buildings;
the medieval castle of Montalcino, where you cannot help tasting its delightful wine.

Duration of the visit: approx. 6 hours of guided tour + approx. 4 hours of journey.

This program is available only by private car.