Tuscany's Treasures
Escorted Tour
8 Days From £745
With a timeless familiarity, rolling hillside vineyards crowned by frescoed churches and a legacy of artistic prodigies creating iconic masterpieces, the region of Tuscany truly captures Italy's romantic essence.
Including...
- Fully Escorted Tour with local English Speaking Guides throughout
- Scheduled Flights from the UK.
- All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
- Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
- All airport taxes and security charges.
8 Day Itinerary:
Day 1: UK to Montecatini TermeDepart London on your direct flight to Pisa, where you will be transferred to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Wander the streets of Montecatini Terme, taking in grand art nouveau buildings and open-air cafes alive with the scent of freshly ground coffee; this evening find a quaint ristorante to sample rustic cuisine sourced from the nearby Garfagnana Valley.
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Day 2: Florence City TourFollowing breakfast, travel to the city of Florence; boasting priceless masterpieces, striking Renaissance architecture and winding streets, this historic metropolis looks as it did during 1550. On your half-day escorted tour witness the cathedral's domineering masonry dome, examine a copy of Michelangelo's statue of David in Piazza della Signoria and stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge lined with antiquated jewellery boutiques. Later that afternoon spend time exploring at leisure; marvel at intricate fresco paintings upon the Cathedral of Saint Mary's ceiling, discover the world's greatest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery or visit Le Volpi e l'Uva to sample lesser-known wines and mouthwatering Italian morsels.
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Day 3: Montecatini TermeToday is free explore the magnificent region of Tuscany at your own pace. Head to Montecatini Terme train station and onto Florence, exploring tucked away gems scattered throughout. Visit Pistoia city's intriguing sculpture garden at Fattoria Celle or travel west to Italy's magnificent Mediterranean coast for unique lobster, octopus and cuttlefish specialities within the bustling town of Viareggio.
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Day 4: Siena and San Gimignano TourThis morning tour the enchanting medieval city of Siena; your guide will take you through cobbled streets, past gothic boutiques and aromatic cafes to the heart of a UNESCO site, Piazza del Campo. Once a Roman marketplace, this public square is overlooked by the striking tower of Palazzo Pubblico town hall and is famed for Fonte Gaia, a fountain decorated with religious scenes carved into marble panels. After lunch travel to San Gimignano, a hilltop 'medieval Manhattan' with distinctive 11th century towers that oversee this UNESCO site; tour the town's picturesque streets to sample white wine produced from Vernaccia grapes that grow on the surrounding sandstone hillside. Return to Montecatini Terme for an evening at leisure.
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Day 5: Pisa and LuccaBegin today with a visit to Italy's most photographed monument - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Stroll across immaculate lawns to admire the slanting bell tower and neighbouring cathedral, which displays a Romanesque marble design adorned with the baptistery's distinctive red-tilled dome. Continue past rolling hills that form Tuscany's scenic countryside to the charming city of Lucca. Surrounded by imposing Renaissance walls, your guide will show you a city filled with picturesque piazzas, pine shaded promenades and traces of French architecture alluding to the Napoleonic occupation.
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Day 6: Greve in ChiantiDepart after breakfast to the Castle of Vicchiomaggio, a 15th century stronghold Leonardo da Vinci stayed within during his painting of the Mona Lisa. Discover the steps of creating exquisite Italian wine, taking you from the surrounding vineyards into a cellar lined with oak barrels for a chance to savour the castle's delicious produce. After an authentic Italian lunch, wander through hillside gardens to absorb the Mediterranean climate and marvel at panoramic views across the verdant Greve valley.
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Day 7: Montecatini TermeToday encounter the archetypal Tuscan town of Montecatini Terme at leisure, beginning with a cappuccino and accompanying fette biscottate biscuit at an outdoor cafe. Meander past illuminated fashion boutiques and souvenir stands within Grocco Market or unwind in one of the town's luxurious spas that enjoy rejuvenating natural mineral springs. In the evening, witness majestic views as you ride a funicular to the old town, visiting a local pizzeria for an authentic stone baked pizza - the perfect way to end your Italian journey.
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Day 8: Montecatini Terme to UKAfter breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK.
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Your Meals
- Breakfast will always be served at your accommodation each morning during the tour.
- Lunch and Dinner, where included, will be served in local restaurants or at your accommodation.
- Breakfast and Dinner each day will be served in the restaurant at the hotel. Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking.
Tuscany's Treasures
8 days from
£745 per person
Prices subject to availability & change
Important Information
Visas
A visa is not required for your trip to Italy. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Payment
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Flight Information
Your flight to Pisa Airport is with British Airways (BA), departing from London Heathrow, Terminal 5. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Please note that all flight times are subject to change. Final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
Health and Vaccinations
It is strongly recommended that you check the latest health recommendations for travel to Borneo with your GP at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Alternatively up to date information can be obtained by telephoning the MASTA travel health line on 0330 100 4200. Any medicines you may need during your journey should be packed in your hand luggage. We suggest it is worth taking a few first aid supply such as travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc. Because these products can be more expensive abroad and familiar brands are not always available. If your visit is between April and September, you should always take mosquito repellent.
Physical Accessibility
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills, and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
Group Size
The minimum number of passengers on your tour will be 20, and the maximum number of passengers will be 35. If in the unlikely event your tour does not reach the minimum passenger numbers then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
Tour Guide
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning the you will have the services of an English speaking guide throughout ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Currency Information
The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). We recommend that you exchange you currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour.