Private tour from Florence to Cortona and Arezzo

Exploring Tuscany: Private Tour from Florence to Cortona and Arezzo

If you’re looking to escape the bustling streets of Florence for a day, this private tour to Cortona and Arezzo offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and authentic Tuscany charm. Priced at around $377 per person, the 9-hour journey is designed for those who prefer a comfortable, tailored experience. You’ll be picked up from your hotel — making logistics one less thing to worry about — and transported in style to two of the region’s most picturesque towns.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances personalized service with enough free time to really soak in each location. The opportunity to see filming locations from movies like Under the Tuscan Sun and Life is Beautiful adds a fun, cinematic touch. Plus, the stunning panoramic views from hilltop towns make it well worth the price.

A possible consideration is that this tour does not include a guide—only a driver, which means you’ll be exploring independently at each stop. If you’re expecting a guided narration inside historic sites, that’s something to keep in mind. It suits travelers who enjoy flexible sightseeing and don’t mind doing some reading or wandering on their own. This tour is best for those who want a comfortable, private day trip that hits some major highlights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

Overall, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic escape with authentic Tuscan charm, this tour fits the bill—especially for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate tailored experiences.

Key Points

• Private, Personalized Experience: You’ll travel with your own driver, offering flexibility and a more intimate day.
• Visit Two Authentic Tuscan Towns: Cortona and Arezzo are often overlooked but boast incredible views, historic architecture, and vibrant town atmospheres.
• Film Locations: See sites from Under the Tuscan Sun and Life is Beautiful, perfect for movie buffs.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample time at each stop allows you to explore, photograph, and soak in the ambiance without feeling rushed.
• All-Inclusive Transport: Round-trip private transportation from your hotel enhances comfort and convenience.
• Cost-Effective for a Private Tour: While more expensive than group trips, the personalized service and flexibility deliver strong value.

A Closer Look at the Tour: What to Expect

Starting Early at 8:30am, the tour begins with pickup at your Florence accommodation. From there, your driver, an English speaker, takes you on a scenic drive into the Tuscan hills, where the landscape earns its worldwide reputation for beauty. While you won’t have a guide narrating every detail, your driver’s local knowledge is invaluable for spotting points of interest and film locations.

First Stop: Piazza Grande in Arezzo

Your first stop is Piazza Grande, a lively, historic square that embodies the essence of Tuscan towns. This area is renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The two-hour visit allows you to wander past Renaissance palaces, stop for photos, or simply enjoy a coffee at a local café. This square was featured prominently in several films, giving you a cinematic connection to the scene.

Authentic Bonus: One review mentions how their guide, Massimo, made the trip memorable with his knowledge, highlighting the value of a good local driver who can share stories and tips, even if they aren’t an official guide.

Second Stop: Cortona and the Duomo

Next, you’ll head to Cortona, a town famous for its stunning hilltop views and as a filming location for Under the Tuscan Sun. The two-hour visit includes time to explore the Duomo di Cortona, a historic church with beautiful architecture. Walking through its streets, you’ll see locations that set the scene for the beloved movie, adding a layer of cinematic magic to your visit.

While inside, you won’t receive a guided tour—your driver won’t be a tour guide in the traditional sense—but you’ll have free time to explore, take photos, or enjoy the town’s atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the flexibility of this approach.

Additional Highlights and Flexibility

The tour’s structure emphasizes ample free time, which many travelers find refreshing. Instead of a tightly scheduled bus tour, you get to decide how long to linger and what to focus on. This is ideal if you enjoy wandering, taking photos, or simply soaking in the views at your own pace.

What’s Not Included

Lunch is not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to dine at one of the local cafes during your free time. Also, keep in mind that your driver is not a certified guide for inside-site visits, so if you want detailed narratives or entrance tours of specific sites, you would need to arrange those separately.

How the Experience Feels: Authenticity and Comfort

Comfortable transportation is a big plus. Traveling in a private vehicle with a dedicated driver means you aren’t crowded or hurried. The scenery along the drive is worth the trip itself—rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The timing allows you to beat the crowds, particularly in these smaller towns, and enjoy a more genuine experience.

The stunning views from the hilltops are often highlighted in reviews, making this a delightful visual journey as much as a cultural one. Travelers love the personalized care, especially when the driver shares local insights, making the experience more memorable.

One reviewer noted that their guide, Massimo, “made our trip and made our day,” emphasizing the importance of having a knowledgeable host—even if he’s not a licensed guide—who can pepper your visit with interesting tidbits.

Value and Pricing: Is It Worth It?

At $377.47 per person, this tour is on the higher end for a day trip, but the private nature and all-inclusive transport justify the expense. If you value flexibility, comfort, and personalized service, then this experience offers good value. Plus, with a full day to explore two towns, it’s more cost-effective than arranging separate transportation and entrance tickets independently.

The fact that it’s booked in advance about 25 days ahead indicates that many travelers see it as a worthwhile investment, especially if they prefer a tailored experience over a crowded group tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits independent-minded travelers who appreciate scenic drives and want the freedom to explore at their own pace. It’s ideal for romantic couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who don’t mind doing some wandering without a guide’s narration.

If you’re a film enthusiast, the chance to visit Under the Tuscan Sun filming locations adds a special touch. Those seeking luxury comfort without the hassle of planning will find this private tour a relaxing way to see Tuscany’s highlights.

However, if you prefer a guided experience inside historic sites or want a more structured narrative, this may not be the best option. Also, those on a tight budget might find the price steep, especially since lunch isn’t included.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Florence to Cortona and Arezzo offers a compelling combination of stunning views, cultural sights, and cinematic touches. The flexibility to explore at your own pace, combined with comfortable transportation, makes it an appealing choice for travelers craving a personalized Tuscan experience.

While it doesn’t include guided tours within the sites, the driver’s local insights and the opportunity to wander freely can be just perfect for those who like to set their own pace. The cost reflects the private, tailored nature of the experience, making it suitable for those valuing comfort and exclusivity over budget savings.

If you want a relaxing, scenic, and authentic day in Tuscany with plenty of opportunity for independent exploration, this tour is likely to satisfy. It’s especially well-suited for small groups and those with a love for cinematic history or breathtaking vistas.

FAQ

Does this tour include a guide inside the towns?
No, the driver is not a licensed guide, so you’ll explore independently inside towns. However, they are knowledgeable and can share helpful insights during the drive.

How long do we spend in each town?
You’ll have around two hours in each location, enough time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring your own snacks or dine at local cafes during your free time.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can likely discuss your preferences with the driver beforehand, but the standard itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing within the time constraints.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps, as typical in historic towns.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be exploring towns with cobblestone streets and possibly some hills.

Is the private transportation air-conditioned?
While not explicitly stated, most private tours of this nature typically feature air-conditioned vehicles for comfort during the drive.

In all, this private tour captures the essence of Tuscany’s beauty and history, offering a flexible and comfortable way to experience two of its most enchanting hill towns. Whether you’re a film lover, a photographer, or simply craving a peaceful day away from crowds, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Tuscan itinerary.