Discover the Food, Wine and History of Tuscany
Savour a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano into 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.
Your tour includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- 10 Meals - 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- An expert Tour Manager
- Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Optional Experiences and free time
Highlights include:
- In Montecatini, learn more on a guided walking tour and visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa - OR - journey to Siena, home to the Palio horse race and embark on a walking tour through its narrow streets
- 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
- Sample delectable wines during a wine tasting at a local farm
- Spend time at a cheese farm to taste flavourful pecorino cheese
- Learn about Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class
- 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 defence during WWII
- Retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims as they crossed the Devil's Bridge in the Serchio Valley
Day 1 Montecatini Terme
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.
Day 2 Borgo a Mozzano
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.
Day 3 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.
Day 4 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.
Day 5 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.
Day 6 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.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 Montecatini Terme
Your journey comes to a close today after breakfast. Depart with many fond memories of Tuscany.
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Pricing below is land only based on travelling 02 October 2024
- from $3,644 twin share per person
- from $4,139 single traveller
Multiple departure dates are available in 2024 & 2025, talk to your travel advisor about getting a quote for your preferred travel date.
Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
You will stay 7 nights at the Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Forget that you are guests. Here you will feel at home.
In a matter of a couple of days, we will call you by name and you will enjoy feeling you are in our family of friends. This is our beloved home, our very special place, our open-eyed fairytale. It will be the same for you.
Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 3: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.
Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.
Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Ask about the tour operators cancel for any reason waiver. Cancellation Waiver financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date.