9 days Rome and Tuscan Highlights 8nt - ITRO
9-Day Tuscany Tour of Rome, Florence, Pisa and Siena
An idyllic Italian retreat, bringing all your Tuscan dreams to life. When you’re not spending time with sisters Sandra and Antonella on their agriturismo overlooking vineyards, you’ll get to delve into the life of Leonardo da Vinci and soak up the healing waters of Montecatini spa.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Rome | Ciao Roma! Italy opens its doors for an unforgettable jaunt through Rome, Tuscany, and two millennia of culture, history and fiery Italian verve. Spend the afternoon exploring the city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. Embark on an orientation drive past some of Rome's icons and unexpected highlights, including the Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races which attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators. Arrival Transfer Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:30 Accommodation - Midas Palace Hotel Included Meals - Dinner |
| 2 | Journey to the Tuscan Hills | Our journey through Rome begins in the center of Christendom, where we join a Local Specialist on an included sightseeing tour to visit St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's much-admired Pietà. This afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Tuscan hills to the thermal spa resort of Montecatini, the largest and most famous spa town in Italy and your home for the next six nights. Accommodation - Hotel Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme Included Meals - Breakfast |
| 3 | Explore Renaissance Florence | Your Local Specialist will reveal the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. In your free time, perhaps take a walk across the beautiful Ponte Vecchio. In the 16th century, a decree mandated that the only businesses allowed to ply their trade on this bridge were goldsmiths and jewellers, and to this day, some of the most prestigious jewellery shops in the city can be found here. Accommodation - Hotel Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner |
| 4 | Montecatini Your Way | Relax in the spa atmosphere of Montecatini on your day at leisure or join an Optional Experience to Cinque Terre, whose quaint pastel-hued villages cling to the rugged Ligurian cliffs. Accommodation - Hotel Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme Included Meals - Breakfast |
| 5 | Discover Pisa and Vinci | Journey to Pisa where we join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. We continue through Tuscany, arriving in Vinci where you'll join a Local Specialist at Museo Leonardiano and gain a deeper understanding of the life of this talented master. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, his sketches and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit. Tonight, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Accommodation - Hotel Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner |
| 6 | Off to Siena and San Gimignano | Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to see the 13th century marble cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the biannual Palio horse race. Then venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towers. Enjoy some free time strolling through its narrow lanes and discover the artistry of the local, handmade ceramic on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you will see Tuscan pottery created by an artisan, before shopping for locally-produced delicacies - the alluring aromas of pecorino cheese and cured meats tempting you at every turn. Accommodation - Hotel Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme Included Meals - Breakfast |
| 7 | Tuscan Lifestyle Experience | Feast your eyes on the vibrant colours and busy stalls heaving with fresh produce at a local food market where you will join a Local Specialist professional chef for a tasty introduction to Tuscan cuisine. Learn how to cook like only an Italian mamma can, selecting your fresh produce from the market and preparing lunch which you will enjoy with a delicious glass of local wine. The tastes of Tuscany still lingering after an unforgettable lunch, we return to our hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night. Accommodation - Hotel Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch |
| 8 | Onwards to Rome and the Vatican City | Departing Tuscany, we travel south to Rome. This afternoon, we Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including a visit to Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This evening, Roman flavors and ancient ruins take center stage as you dine at Ristorante Pancrazio, built over the ruins of the first-century-BC Theater of Pompey. Toast your travels over a selection of signature Roman dishes handed down over four generations. Accommodation - Midas Palace Hotel Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner |
| 9 | Journey Home | Today we bid a fond farewell to newfound friends and an epic experience, departing Rome. Departure Transfer Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30 Included Meals - Breakfast |