Tuscany

Day 2 – Montecatini: Upon arrival you will proceed to baggage claim and, after clearing customs, you will be met by our professional tour manager and transferred to your hotel in Montecatini. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure. Have a welcome cocktail and briefing at 7:00 PM in the hotel. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel. (D)

Day 3 – Montecatini/Florence/Montecatini: After breakfast, you will transfer to Florence for a walking tour. The striking buildings, formidable galleries, and treasure-filled churches attest to the Florentine love of display. The elegant appearance and beautiful skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes give this city its role as an important center for culture and arts. See the Cathedral, whose gigantic “cupola” is the symbol of Florence’s artistic achievements, the Baptistery (from outside) with its fine bronze doors adorned with the famous gates of Paradise and the Piazza della Si-gnoria. Enjoy free time for shopping or visiting some of the numerous museums and art galleries. (B)

Day 4 – Montecatini/Pisa: Today, enjoy a tour to Lucca and Pisa. Lucca is a peaceful place with narrow lanes that wind among the medieval buildings, opening suddenly to reveal churches, tiny piazzas, and many other reminders of the city’s long history; including a Roman amphitheater. This town is well known for its magnificent 16th and 17th century ramparts, which having remained intact, encircle its narrow streets which are lined with many medieval build-ings. In the afternoon, we continue to Pisa to see its incredible Leaning Tower. It is 14 feet off center at the top because of settling after construction was started in 1173. Your visit of Pisa will also include a sightseeing tour of Pisa’s Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles, to see the Baptistery and Duomo (entrance included); all are fine examples of the Pisan-Romanesque architectural style. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 5 – Montecatini/Siena: After breakfast, transfer to Siena for your full-day tour. Set in the most beautiful Tuscan countryside of rolling hills, lush vines, and gray-green olive trees. Siena offers much to see, from the fine palaces that line the narrow cobbled streets and the superb Duomo, to the celebrated Piazza del Campo where the famed Palio horserace is run yearly. Enjoy the Piazza del Campo, the ancient Tuscan capitol, a fascinating art town. Take time to explore the museums and churches of Siena and the glamorous shops of the Via dei Banchi de Sopra. (B)

Day 6 – Montecatini/Cinque Terre: Enjoy a day of leisure or join the optional full day excursion to Cinque Terre. After breakfast, depart from your hotel and transfer by coach to the train station of La Spezia. By train, you will discov-er the renowned region called Cinque Terre (Five lands in Italians), taking its name from the five villages nestled on the cliffs which overlook a blue sea and a coastline of astounding beauty. Our first stop will be the village of Manarola, the smallest “Borgo” after Corniglia, but with a nice tiny square and a lovely view of the coast. Some time for a coffee and we take the train to reach our second stop Vernazza. Last destination is Monterosso, the biggest village, where you will have time for your lunch in one of the typical restaurants or cafes facing the sea. This afternoon you will take the train back to La Spezia and by coach drive back to Montecatini. (B)

Day 7 – Montecatini/San Gimignano & Chianti Region: Today, enjoy a tour to San Gimignano, a town of Etruscan origin. Built by noble families, the fourteen remaining towers that lined the ramparts look like medieval skyscrapers. As we drive south through the Italian wine country of Chianti this afternoon, your stop will include a winery to taste the superb local wine. Together we will learn what makes a Chianti Classico. This day is sure to be a highlight! (B)

Day 8 – Montecatini: Spend the day at leisure to explore Montecatini on your own, enjoy a spa treatment or just relax. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell Tuscan feast at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 9 – Montecatini/United States: This morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home, taking with you many wonderful memories of Italy.