Join us as we journey through sprawling vineyards, rolling hills, and charming historic cities to discover the quiet beauty of Tuscany. Your tour begins with an overnight in Rome, “the Eternal City,” where you will meet your fellow travelers and enjoy some delicious local cuisine. Then it’s off to the medieval walled city of Assisi for a guided tour of the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis and the historic Old City. Continue on to beautiful Tuscany, one of Italy’s most scenic regions, and the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme where you’ll spend six relaxing nights in a lovely hotel, enjoying the serene atmosphere and basking in the fun-loving culture. Take a day trip to magnificent Florence, known as the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.” A local Florentine guide will highlight many of the city’s priceless treasures, including the Academy Gallery which houses Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David; the Piazza del Duomo, the center of religious life in medieval Florence; and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Enjoy some free time to shop for some of goods Florence is famous for, leather and gold jewelry, before enjoying a traditional Tuscan feast complete with live music. Additional day trips through Tuscany’s scenic country roads and low-lying hills showcase beautiful Siena, historic Lucca, and popular Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower.||
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Your 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 Arrive Rome, Italy - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in Rome. Upon arrival, you may wish to sign up for an optional tour of Classical Rome or enjoy free time to explore on your own. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant where regional foods, traditional opera music and fine Italian wines kick off your Tuscan adventure.
Day #3 Rome - Assisi - Montecatini Terme - LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. 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 through beautiful Tuscany, ending in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, your home for the next six nights.
Day #4 Siena - Begin the day learning the traditional Italian techniques of leather making during a visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Shop. Continue your journey through Tuscany’s low-lying hills and olive groves to Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Embark on a lovely walking tour through Siena's narrow, Gothic streets and behold stunning palaces, mansions and the historic Piazza del Campo. Enjoy free time to soak up Siena’s captivating ambiance and perhaps have lunch in one of the city's cafes. Or, you may climb to the top of the Torre Del Mangia for a breathtaking view of Siena and the Tuscan countryside.
Day #5 San Gimignano - Discover 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 for lunch and perhaps some famous Italian gelato before hitting some of the town’s great shops. Your day continues with a special visit to a Tuscan winery for the opportunity to sample a selection of the local wines that have made Tuscany so well-known. During your visit, learn about the art of winemaking and the process of making Italian olive oil.
Day #6 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 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. You will also view the Church of Santa Croce and the burial places of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this unparalleled city. A delightful experience awaits you this evening when you attend a Tuscan feast featuring traditional cuisine and savory wines while overlooking the magical Tuscan countryside.
Day #7 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 of the many fine local restaurants. Or perhaps you will choose an optional excursion to Pisa and Lucca. The ancient maritime Republic of Pisa is where you will find the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Cathedral or "Duomo", its historic Baptistery and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Together they make up your Italian piazza. Your option continues with a journey to historic Lucca, one of the most charming old towns in Tuscany, to explore its gothic palaces, quaint shops, and bustling streets.
Day #8 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 an evening at leisure.
Day #9 Montecatini - Rome - Depart Montecatini this morning for the cosmopolitan capital of Italy, Rome! Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to enjoy an optional tour to Vatican City to visit the collections of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. This evening, join your fellow travelers and friends for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to the unforgettable and ever-beautiful region of Tuscany.
Day #10 Rome - Tour Ends - Your tour ends today.