Spotlight on Tuscany
| Resort: | Spotlight on Tuscany |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Italy |
| Price From: | £1059.00 |
OverviewThe rolling hills of Tuscany are home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns and enchanting cities steeped in history, culture and legend. Discover them for yourself on this relaxing sojourn into the Italian countryside. Visit Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence, including Michelangelos David. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italys best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the regions famous cuisine. This is Tuscany as you always imagined it. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightYour adventure begins with an overnight flight to Italy. Rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food and stunning architecture…this can only be Tuscany. On this special journey you will enjoy walking tours in Italy’s most charming towns, visit magnificent historic monuments, and sample mouth-watering cuisine and wines. Day 2: Montecatini Terme, Italy – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, your home for the next seven nights. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner where regional foods and Italian wines kick off your Tuscan adventure. Day 3: FlorenceA cultural tour in the Cradle of the Italian Renaissance showcases the beautiful city of Florence. A local Florentine guide highlights many of the citys priceless treasures including a visit to the Academy Gallery* which houses Michelangelos monumental statue of David. At the Piazza del Duomo, which is the center of religious life in medieval Florence, you will see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery dedicated to St. John. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this unparalleled city as you choose. Day 4: Lucca – Borgo a Mozzano – Gothic LineSet out on a guided visit to Lucca, Tuscanys best-kept secret. Offering Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, medieval streets flanked by towers, and delightful squares, Lucca is sure to charm you. Visit the Basilica di San Frediano before stopping to explore the home of well-known composer Giacomo Puccini where you will see the piano on which he composed Turandot. Enjoy some leisure time for lunch and independent exploration. Afterwards, depart for Borgo a Mozzano and view the remarkable Ponte del Diavolo (Devils Bridge). Next, view the Gothic Line built by the Germans, it was one of their last lines of defense during WWII. Visit the Museum of Liberation and see the actual fortifications and bunkers. Day 5: SienaDiscover charming Siena with a local guide. Embark on a lovely walking tour through its narrow Gothic streets. Behold stunning palaces, mansions and the historic Piazza del Campo along the way. Your day continues with a special visit to a Tuscan winery where youll meet the people behind some of Chiantis finest wines. Learn from experts as you savor a selection of the local varieties and find out why Tuscany still shines on the international wine stage. During your visit, learn about the art of winemaking and the process of making Italian olive oil. Day 6: PisaExplore the many historic sites in the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, including the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to have your camera handy for a stop at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa so you, too, can take a picture that makes it appear as if you are holding this iconic structure up! Day 7: Montecatini TermeThe day is yours to relax and experience the local flavor. Take this opportunity to shop at the local boutiques and dine at one of the many fine local restaurants. Or, perhaps you will choose an optional excursion to Cinque Terre with its rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards to visit its nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean. Day 8: Cheese Farm Visit – San GimignanoBegin your day with breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills as you make your way to a cheese farm where youll learn how the famous pecorino cheese is made. Then, sample it for yourself during a cheese tasting. Afterwards, travel to the hilltop village of San Gimignano, one of the most picturesque places in Tuscany. Explore this enchanting medieval town, from its famous 14 towers to its magnificent vistas overlooking the vineyards of Tuscany. Enjoy free time and perhaps indulge in some famous Italian gelato before visiting some of the towns shops. A delightful experience awaits this evening when you attend a Tuscan feast featuring traditional cuisine and savory wines in the magical Tuscan countryside. Day 9: Montecatini Terme – Tour EndsYour tour ends today. |
