DAY 01: ISTANBUL AIRPORT – BOLOGNA – FLORENCE
We meet our valued guests at 05:00 in front of Turkish Airlines’ international departures F counters (counter numbers 1–27), entering through Gate 3 at Istanbul Airport, and complete check-in procedures. We depart for Bologna at 08:00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1321. Arrival in Bologna at 09:40 local time. We then travel to Florence by our waiting vehicle.
On our city tour of Florence, with its historic buildings, artworks, and culturally rich atmosphere, we see the Arno River dividing the city, Ponte Vecchio with its 14th-century jewelry shops over the river, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, the Gothic Bell Tower, the East Gate known as the Gates of Paradise and the baptistery, Santa Croce Church where the graves of important figures such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo are located, the Uffizi Art Gallery, Signoria Square, the Neptune Fountain in the square, the David statue, and the historic courtyard resembling an open-air museum.
At the end of the tour, we proceed to our hotel in Tuscany.
DAY 02: 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 in the city, we see the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, located on the green lawns of the Square of Miracles. Guests who wish may climb the 56-meter-high tower and enjoy the view.
We then continue 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 seeing important structures such as Porta San Giovanni, Piazza della Cisterna, Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), Palazzo del Popolo, and the Podestà Palace.
After San Gimignano, we move on to Siena. In this city known for its earthy labyrinthine streets and enchanting atmosphere, sights to see include Piazza del Campo, where the Palio races are held, the Fountain of Gaia, Torre del Mangia, and the Duomo Cathedral, famous for its black-and-white marble.
At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel.
DAY 03: MONTEPULCIANO – MONTALCINO
After breakfast, we begin our full-day tour.
Our first stop is Montepulciano. Founded by the Etruscans in 308 BC, this city is famous for its wines. Its main street is 1.5 km long and extends from Porta al Prato to Piazza Grande. In the city, we see Palazzo Comunale, Santa Maria Cathedral, and the historic city walls. Then we enjoy a wine tasting at Cantina de Ricci, located beneath Ricci Palace and considered one of the oldest wine cellars in the world.
After the tour, we continue to the town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wines. After visiting the historic castle and city center, we return to our hotel.
DAY 04: BOLOGNA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and depart for Bologna at the time specified by our guide. After approximately a 2-hour journey, we arrive and begin our city tour.
In Bologna, whose history dates back to the 6th century BC, we see Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo di Accursio, Palazzo Podestà, Basilica di San Petronio, and the Garisenda and Asinelli Towers.
After the tour, we transfer to the airport. Following ticketing and baggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 19:00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1326. Arrival in Istanbul at 22:45, and the end of our tour.