Spotlight on Tuscany

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

Your tour opens in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, nestled in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany. As travelers’ arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the town independently. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner where regional foods and Italian wines kick off your adventure.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme is a small resort town in the northern part of the Italian region of Tuscany. The town is famous for their thermal spas and many hotels. The first spas were constructed in the late 1700's. Today the town is investing in upgraded facilities and enjoy a renewed interest as a tourist destination. The city center is full of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Locals and tourists alike flock to the streets for an evening stroll.

Enjoy a guided tour of Lucca, Tuscany’s best-kept secret. Discover Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, and medieval streets flanked by towers. Explore the lively city center on your own and discover the piazza built on top of a Roman amphitheater. This afternoon, make your way to a Tuscan winery and learn about the art of winemaking as you taste local varieties before returning to Montecatini for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Lucca
Lucca is a small town in the northwest of Tuscany. The town is famous for its intact city walls that surround the charming pedestrianized city center. The former wealth of the town can be seen in the elegant palaces and large number of churches that can be found throughout the city. Lucca’s Roman heritage is also visible at sites like Piazza dell’Anfiteatro - a series of apartments built on the old Roman arena. Today visitors are also drawn to the number of high quality shops and cafes.

Welcome to Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Join a local Florentine guide and embark on an extensive walking tour exploring the city's vast historical center. At the Piazza del Duomo, marvel at the ornate façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery. Take in views of the Piazza della Signoria, the center of Medici power, and Santa Croce Square before enjoying the remainder of your time in Florence to explore this unparalleled open-air museum at your leisure.*

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Family-Owned Winery Experience

Today, learn more about Montecatini’s history during a half-day guided walking tour and visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa,** known for the health benefits in its mineral drinking waters. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Choose to relax in Montecatini, spending the afternoon at leisure -OR- set off for Borgo a Mozzano, where you will see its unique 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.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Florence
Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

Journey to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa for a visit of its famous Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). The moniker was coined to describe the magnificence and wonder of the architectural masterpieces within the square, which is uniquely paved in grass. Keep your camera handy to capture the gravity-defying inclination of the iconic Leaning Tower. 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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Pisa
Pisa is home to one of the most recognizable architectural icons of Italy - the Leaning Tower. The city historically was a naval power and rival of Florence. Today the city is focused on tourism, its acclaimed university and light manufacturing. The highlight of the town is the Leaning Tower is one of four monuments built in Pisa’s “Field of Miracles”. The other monuments include Italy’s largest baptistry, a cemetery for Pisan Nobility, and the Cathedral. Visitors can admire the beauty of the Pisan Romanesque architecture and align a photo of themselves holding up the tower.

Take in the rural atmosphere of a family-owned farm among the goats, cows, and organic gardens and sample their local products. 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, before returning to Montecatini for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Cooking Class
A cooking class reveals the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Learn culinary techniques that have been passed down through generations of wonderful cooks, while using the freshest of local ingredients. Later, you’ll get to enjoy your delicious creation for dinner.

Enjoy a day at leisure or embark on an optional truffle hunt, led by a local expert and their specially trained dogs. As you wander along unpaved trails, learn about the fascinating world of truffles and the techniques used to forage them. Indulge in a truffle-themed buffet lunch before returning to Montecatini mid-afternoon. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Cheese Farm

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

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the central part of Tuscany. The town developed great wealth in the middle ages and was home to 70 plus medieval towers. Today, only a handful of the towers are still intact, but at least one is open to the public. The hilltop location allows for beautiful panoramic views over the Tuscan Countryside. The town is also home to shops that sell a variety of Tuscan goods from pottery to wine, cheese and wild boar salami.