Tuscan Treasures with Cinque Terre

Depart your hotel at 2:00 PM for an orientation tour of Montecatini Terme. Discover the town’s rich history of restorative waters and baths dating back to Roman times, and see why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your hotel is centrally located amid the town’s elegant architecture and close to shopping and restaurants. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group at the hotel this evening. (D)

Visit the medieval town of Pisa to see the famed Leaning Tower and its neighboring buildings in the marvelous Piazza dei Miracoli: the grand white marble cathedral and the amazing round baptistry. Next go to Lucca, a beautiful walled city with cobblestone streets where you’ll have time for independent exploration and lunch. You might choose to visit some of the hundred churches for which this small city is known, admire the medieval architecture of the towers, or buy a souvenir from the shops specializing in artisanal paper, ceramic, jewelry, and leather products. Back in Montecatini, your evening will be free to explore and dine as you wish. (B)

Discover the wonders of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a walking tour led by a local guide. Marvel at iconic sights like the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria in the city center. Next, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo’s David up close on a visit to the Accademia Gallery. Take some independent time to soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful city before savoring an early dinner at a local restaurant with your group. (B, D)

Your morning and early afternoon will be free to spend in Montecatini Terme as you wish. Perhaps you’ll relax in your hotel’s outdoor swimming pool or take the short walk to the funicular to Montecatini Alto, a small walled town on the hill above Montecatini Terme. For the evening, visit Fattorio il Poggio, an ‘agritourismo’ farm that embodies the spirit of sustainability. Explore the vineyard and olive grove, savor wine and olive oil tastings, and indulge in traditional, home-cooked cuisine. (B, D)

Embark on a full day of visiting treasures of the Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque, colorful fishing villages perched on the Italian Riviera, accessible only by train and hiking trails. Your first stop will be Manorola, a long, winding village built into the hillside overlooking the sea. Take in the sights of fishing boats and lemon trees on the hillsides surrounding the village, and stroll past the small shops as you make your way to the station to board the train to Monterosso al Mare. Here you’ll enjoy free time to explore and relax as you wish: enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants, sunbathe, or go swimming at the scenic, sandy beach. Next, take the train to explore Vernazza, perhaps the most picturesque of the five villages; see its charming port and colorful houses built along the cliffside. Finally, take a stroll around Riomaggiore with its stone houses, colorful fishing boats, medieval churches and a castle. Return to your hotel in Montecatini for dinner. (B,D)

Immerse yourself in the medieval allure of Siena on an orientation walk with your tour director, followed by time for independent exploration. Next, continue on to San Gimignano and behold its captivating skyline, adorned with its iconic medieval tower houses. Conclude the day with a tour, tasting and a gourmet dinner at Castello di Verrazzano, a renowned vineyard producing Chianti Classico wine. (B,D)

Embark on a journey to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, the illustrious genius of the Italian Renaissance, as you make your way towards San Miniato. This charming medieval gem is famed for the wild truffles that flourish there. Join a local expert and his skilled truffle-hunting dog to search for these prized delicacies in their natural habitat. Delight in a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, savoring truffle specialties. (B, L)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>