Highlights of Tuscany

Day 2 Tuscan Farmhouse Experience

Today we include a visit to the beautiful Fattoria Il Poggio farmhouse, where wine and olive oil is produced. We’ll take a tour of the vineyards and sample four different wines, and head to the mill to learn about their wonderful extra virgin olive oil. Afterwards, we’ll sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch of Tuscan specialities prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Day 3 Florence

Florence is known as Italy’s ‘art city’. It is home to works by great masters including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Built beside the River Arno, explore the city’s compact historic centre on your included excursion. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, climb the steps of the magnificent Duomo and admire glorious architecture among the Renaissance streets and piazzas.

Day 4 Montecatini Terme - at Leisure

Today is yours to explore at leisure, alternatively you could choose to join an optional excursion to Siena.
Siena is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe. The old medieval centre has been declared an UNESCO world heritage site due it’s enchanting narrow streets, lined with palaces and mansions, which lead to the spectacular Piazza del Campo.

Day 5 Pisa

Pisa is home to one of Italy’s most recognisable sights, the famous Leaning Tower. Residing in the Field of Miracles, this 180ft campanile took 176 years to build and began to lean shortly after construction. Thankfully the structure has recently been secured yet it still retains its famous lean. We include a visit to the Field of Miracles this morning. Discover more of Pisa this afternoon in the company of your fellow travellers - your Holiday Director will always be on hand to suggest interesting places to visit. There’s a real treat in store this evening, we’ve included a night at the Montecatini Opera Festival.

Day 6 Montecatini Terme - at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in Montecatini Terme. This famous spa town was founded on the healing thermal waters that flow through it, celebrated by the many fountains and Art Nouveau spa buildings throughout. This leisure town is famous for shopping and dining, or you could take a trip by funicular railway to the castle and fortress of Montecatini Alto.

Day 7 Montecatini Terme - at Leisure

Lucca is a traditional historic town surrounded by impressive walls. Explore the town on an optional excursion today. Take a walk along the ancient ramparts and admire the beautiful botanical gardens, the Basilica of San Frediano and fascinating architecture including a tree-topped tower. Alternatively, enjoy a day to relax and explore at your own pace.

Day 8 Departure

Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end.

Additional Information

What to expect from food and drink in Italian Hotels:

The cuisine that you will enjoy in Italy is based on the Mediterranean diet. It is often very simple with many dishes just featuring a handful of locally sourced ingredients.

Traditionally evening meals are served as a three-course dinner, with a choice of the second-course dish either decided in advance or on the evening, although some hotels will serve a buffet or accompanying salad buffet. As a group you will enjoy a set meal together.

The first course ‘Primi’ will be a local dish of pasta, risotto or occasionally pizza or soup, ‘Secondi’ is the second course which will be a protein-based dish with a local meat or fish served simply with one vegetable or potato on the side. Some food that is served hot in the UK, may be served cold in Italy, for example roast beef and some of those vegetable side dishes.

‘Dolci’ the dessert part of the dinner is a simple traditional dessert of fruit, cake or gelato.

Enjoying a coffee is a typical social activity in Italian culture. An electric kettle is not a common domestic appliance in Italy and therefore it is quite common for hotels to not offer coffee and tea facilities within the rooms, but instead serve in the main restaurant / bar.