Discover Tuscany - Itinerary
Indulge in the best that Tuscany has to offer on this irresistible Italian adventure. Arrive in Rome and enjoy a festive welcome dinner featuring regional foods and traditional music. Travel north to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy, to see the marvelous Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to the renowned spa resort town of Montecatini, where you’ll stay for seven nights.
Visit the treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David at the Academy Gallery, the Piazza del Duomo, and the Church of Santa Croce – burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. In the beautiful city of Siena, walk along the narrow Gothic streets and gaze at the striking palaces, mansions, and historic Piazza del Campo. Visit picture-perfect San Gimignano, a medieval town with magnificent vistas overlooking the vineyards of Tuscany. See the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the charming old town of historic Lucca. Take advantage of your unhurried stay in Montecatini to soak in the local flavor, shopping in its boutiques, dining in its restaurants, and perhaps trying out one of its thermal spas.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Rolling landscapes, delicious food, and stunning architecture….this can only be Tuscany. Join us in an exploration of Italy’s most famous treasure. On this special journey you will travel back roads, enjoy walking tours, visit magnificent historic cities and sample delectable cuisine. Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Italy.
Day 2: Arrive Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Rome. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers at a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional foods and traditional music. (D)
Day 3: Rome - Assisi - Montecatini Terme
Travel north from Rome to the medieval walled city of Assisi, the birthplace of the patron saint of Italy, St. Francis. A local expert guides you on a tour of the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis and the historic old city. Continue on to beautiful Tuscany and the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, your home for the next seven nights. (B, D)
Day 4: Florence
A cultural tour in the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” showcases the beautiful city of Florence. A local Florentine guide highlights many of the city’s priceless treasures, including the Academy Gallery* which houses Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. At the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, you will see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You also view the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of your day is at leisure for you to explore this magnificent city. A delightful experience awaits you this evening as you attend a Tuscan feast featuring traditional cuisine, wines and your favorite Italian melodies. (B)
Day 5: Siena
Travel through Tuscany’s low-lying hills to Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Embark on a lovely walking tour through the narrow Gothic streets and behold the stunning palaces, mansions and historic Piazza del Campo. Enjoy free time to soak up Siena’s captivating ambiance and enjoy lunch in one of the city's cafes or restaurants. (B, D)
Day 6: San Gimignano
The hilltop village of San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque places in Tuscany. Explore this medieval town with its famous 14 towers and magnificent vistas overlooking the vineyards of Tuscany. Enjoy free time for lunch and perhaps some famous Italian gelato before arriving at a local winery for the opportunity to sample a selection of the renowned local wines that make Tuscany so well-known. (B)
Day 7: Pisa - Lucca
Your destination this morning is the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa where you will find the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistry, along with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next, journey to historic Lucca and explore the old town, filled with gothic palaces, charming shops, and streets bustling with activity. (B, D)
Day 8: Montecatini Terme
Enjoy a day of leisure to relax and experience the local flavor. Take this opportunity to shop at the local boutiques and dine at one the many fine local restaurants. Perhaps indulge in a favorite local pastime and visit one of the many thermal spas which draw people from all over Europe to Montecatini Terme. (B)
Day 9: Florence
Today you return to Florence and enjoy a guided tour of the amazing Pitti Palace. See master works by artists such as Raphael, Rubens and Caravaggio in this impressive collection, and also tour the staterooms of this former royal palace. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore the many treasures of this great city. Return to Montecatini for dinner. (B, D)
Day 10: Montecatini - Rome
Depart Montecatini this morning for the capital of Rome. Upon arrival, meet a local expert who will guide you on a panoramic tour of classical Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, and the famous Trevi Fountain. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to unforgettable Tuscany. (B, D)
Day 11: Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour of Tuscany ends today at the Rome airport. (B)
