Spotlight on Tuscany

- From $2,999.00 CAD

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Stay in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme for 7 nights.
Journey to Florence for a tour of the "Cradle of the Renaissance."
Stop in the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th-century walls.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Sample delectable wines during a wine tasting at a local farm.
Spend time at a cheese farm to taste flavorful pecorino cheese.
Learn about Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Step to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.
See the Gothic Line, one of the Germans’ last lines of defense during WWII.
Retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims as they crossed the Devil’s Bridge in the Serchio Valley.

HOTELS

Hotel Ercolini and Savi, Montecatini Terme

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
Lunches
3 Dinners

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

Rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food and stunning architecture – find all of this and more in Tuscany. Unpack once on this journey among Italy's most charming towns.

Accommodation: Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Montecatini Terme, Italy - Tour Begins

Your tour opens in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, nestled in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner where regional foods and Italian wines kick off your adventure.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Lucca - Borgo a Mozzano - Gothic Line

Enjoy a guided tour of Lucca, Tuscany’s best-kept secret. Discover Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, and medieval streets flanked by towers. Explore on your own before setting off for Borgo a Mozzano. See the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) and the nearby remains of the Gothic Line – the Germans’ last defense during WWII. Visit the Museum of Liberation and see authentic fortifications and bunkers. Make your way to a Tuscan winery and learn about the art of winemaking as you taste local varieties.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Florence

A cultural tour in Florence showcases the beautiful “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Start with a visit to the Academy Gallery* to see Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. Join a local Florentine guide on foot and make your way through the city. At the Piazza del Duomo, see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery dedicated to St. John. Take the remainder of your time in Florence to explore this unparalleled city as you choose.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Montecatini Terme

Today, it’s your choice! Learn more about Montecatini’s history during a guided walking tour and visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa,** known for the health benefits in its mineral waters -OR- journey to Siena and embark on a walking tour through its narrow Gothic streets, getting to know the local lifestyle in a contrada (neighborhood) whose community is centered around the colorful Palio horse race.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Pisa

Explore historic sites in the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, including the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “Field of Miracles” (UNESCO). Keep your camera handy at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visit the Baptistery, the largest in Italy. This evening, travel to the quiet countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Partake in a cooking class, using local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations. Enjoy your freshly-prepared meal for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Montecatini Terme

The 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; explore this string of fishing villages nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Meals: Breakfast
Cheese Farm Visit - San Gimignano

At a nearby cheese farm, learn how the famous pecorino cheese is made before sampling it for yourself. Soak in breathtaking views as you travel to the hilltop village of San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most picturesque places. Explore this enchanting medieval town, from its famous 14 towers to its magnificent vistas overlooking vineyards. Enjoy free time and perhaps indulge in some gelato. Later, attend a Tuscan feast of traditional cuisine and wines set in the countryside.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Montecatini Terme - Tour Ends

Your journey comes to a close today. Depart with many fond memories of Tuscany.

Meals: Breakfast