Tuscany, Florence & Pisa For Solo Travellers By Rail

Itinerary

8-Day Itinerary

• Day 1

  Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then join the high-speed connecting train to Turin in northern Italy. On arrival, we take the short walk to our hotel where we check in for our overnight stay.

• Day 2

  Today, we travel by train to Pisa Centrale where, on arrival, we transfer by coach to our hotel in the charming town of Montecatini Terme for a five-night stay.

  This evening, we gather as a group for our evening meal with drinks included.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - Montecatini Terme Walking Tour & Funicular Railway

  After breakfast, we are joined by our local guide for a walking tour of Montecatini Terme. Italy’s most famous spa town, it was founded on the healing waters which flow through it. The town has a wonderful air of the Belle Époque period about it, with stunning architecture and a central park.

  We take the historic funicular railway up to the hilltop town of Montecatini Alto for wonderful panoramic views of the area.

  This afternoon is free to explore Montecatini Terme at leisure – perhaps explore the castle, churches, and large square with plenty of cafés.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Pisa & Lucca Guided Tours

  After breakfast, we head out on a full-day included excursion by coach with our local guide to Pisa and Lucca. Our first stop is the historic centre of Pisa, known as the ‘Piazza dei Miracoli’ which translates to ‘Square of Miracles’. Here, you will find the Baptistery of St. John, the cathedral, and the famous Leaning Tower.  You’ll have some free time to explore before we head to Lucca.

  Arguably one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets, the city is hidden by ancient ramparts and gardens. With our local guide, we’ll explore Anfiteatro Square and the Guinigi Tower which has an ancient oak tree growing on top. We’ll also wander along streets lined with antique dealers. During your free time, be sure to try the local Buccellato, a sweet bread filled with raisins and aniseed. We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - Florence Guided Walking Tour

  Today, we take the train to Florence, the capital city of Tuscany. We include a walking tour of Florence’s historical centre in the company of our local guide. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence is like an open-air museum, and the best way to explore is by walking through the cobbled streets, taking in the piazzas and palazzos which were designed by illustrious artists such as Brunelleschi and Michelangelo. Our guide will point out The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), Brunelleschi’s Dome, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. We’ll also see Ponte Vecchio, the iconic medieval bridge lined with jewellery shops.

  The afternoon is free to explore before we return to the hotel by train.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 - Fattoria Il Poggio Farmhouse

  Today, we travel by coach to the beautiful Fattoria Il Poggio farmhouse in Montecarlo di Lucca, where wine and olive oil is produced. We’ll sample some delicious Italian wines before we enjoy an authentic Tuscan lunch with drinks included. Why not treat yourself to some of the delicious olive oil or wine to take home?

  We return to the hotel by coach where the balance of the day is free to relax.

  This evening, we gather for our final meal at the hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7

  We leave Tuscany behind and travel by train to the city of Turin for our final overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 8

  We transfer by train to Paris for our return journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for five nights at the Hotel Salus in Montecatini Terme.

Your overnight stays in northern Italy will be in a good quality hotel in Turin, such at the Hotel Victoria Torino.