Treasures Of Tuscany

Itinerary

9-Day Itinerary

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.

• Day 2

  Continue into northern Italy and to our overnight hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - Florence

  We continue our explorations of Italy today as we make our way to the Renaissance city of Florence on our included excursion. You will have time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights, see the shops in and around the centuries-old Ponte Vecchio, or even have your portrait painted by one of the street artists who usually gather in the square next to the medieval Duomo (cathedral). To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional sightseeing tour, where our local guide's commentary will reveal many of the stories behind the buildings and personalities that have shaped the history of this magnificent city. The sightseeing tour starts by coach taking us up the hills behind the city to Piazzale Michelangelo. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. After time for photos, the coach will take us back to the city, where our guide will lead us on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights. See Santa Croce church, the burial place of Michelangelo, the famous statues in Piazza della Signoria and also the magnificent Santa Maria Duomo. (Entrances to places of interest are at extra cost). Continue to our hotel in Montecatini Terme for four nights.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Free Day or Isle of Elba

  Today, you have the opportunity to visit the Isle of Elba on our full-day optional excursion. Lying just off the coast of the Versilian Riviera, the Isle of Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago at 27km long and 18km wide. It is characterised by its pristine beaches, never ending hills and its mountains, the highest of which is Monte Capanne (1019 m). Elba's most famous resident was Napoleon, who spent 9 months in exile here, after the fall of Paris. He lived in Villa dei Mulini, and then in Villa San Martino a couple of miles outside Portoferraio.

  After an early start, we take a leisurely ferry from Piombino to the island’s capital, Portoferraio. During our tour we take in the island's lovely landscape and rocky coast against the backdrop of the stunning azure blue sea. An opportunity not to be missed!

  Please note: Today's excursion has an early start and later arrival back to the hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - Siena & San Gimignano

  Join our full-day included excursion to the Tuscan towns of Siena and San Gimignano, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. San Gimignano is a medieval town that owes its famous skyline to the rival families who tried to outdo each other by building taller and taller towers. Of the original 76 towers, only 13 still survive today. You will have time at leisure before we travel to the medieval town of Siena. Set on three hills, Siena is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and Santa Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. En-route take in the beautiful views over the rolling Tuscan countryside from the comfort of your coach seat.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 - Free Day or Cinque Terre

  Today we stray off the beaten tourist track and explore the Cinque Terre on our optional excursion. Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’, comprises of the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. All of the towns slope down to sea level, with the exception of Corniglia, which is perched on top of a tall cliff, each offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Over centuries, man has carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible ‘modern’ development with paths, trains and boats connecting the villages. We start our tour by coach to La Spezia where we meet our guide and take the train to Vernazza and then onto Monterosso. There will be further free time for you to explore the boutiques or relax in one of the beachside restaurants and cafés. From here we return to La Spezia by train.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 7 - Lucca & Pisa

  We leave our hotel and head to the beautiful Tuscan town of Lucca. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, the town still follows the layout set by the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC. You will have free time in Lucca to explore at your leisure. See the Duomo of San Martino, which dates back to the 6th Century or relax in one of the cafés in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. For a bird’s eye view of the town, climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower, one of the few towers left standing in the city (entrance at extra cost – approximately €5). The tower's most unusual feature is the enormous Holm oak that stands on top of it. After free time, we continue our excursion to the nearby town of Pisa. Here you can see the 'Field of Miracles' – the historic centre of the town – and the famous leaning tower. Perhaps spend time in the central shopping area, which is centred around the Corso Italia, between the railway station and Ponte di Mezzo (the central bridge). The area around the Leaning Tower is geared more towards tourists, so you will find lots of small souvenir kiosks selling all kinds of merchandise with the Leaning Tower motif. Pisa is also famous for its biscotti biscuits and bakeries all through the town sell different varieties. Continue to our hotel in northern Italy for an overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 8

  To northern France for an overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 9

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

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Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 4-star Ambasciatori Palace in Montecatini Terme. Overnight stays in northern Italy will be in minimum 3-star hotels and in northern France, city-style hotels. Back to top