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Tuscany Vacation Tour
10-day tour featuring Rome, Pomezia, Florence, Pisa, and more
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Tour Description
Live a slower pace in Tuscany. The natural beauty and culinary riches of this region combine to evoke a carefree spirit. Located in the center of Italy, this area also provides the flexibility to visit as many popular sights as you wish to fit into your stay.
Included Features
Meals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners during the land portion of the tour.
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| Details | | Image Tours | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Depart USA | The adventure begins
The day of departure has arrived. Keep your departure instructions handy, for they will guide you through the check-in process. After boarding, settle in for your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean. | | Day 2 | Rome | Rome - Pomezia
Upon Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, transfer to the hotel in Pomezia, about 45 minutes outside the city. After check-in, freshen-up and rest a little. At your "Welcome to Italy" dinner in the hotel this evening, get to know your fellow tour members. (Dinner) | | Day 3 | Pomezia | Rome - Pomezia
As legend has it, Rome was built on seven hills by Romulus and Remus. You'll find that this city constantly reminds you of history, yet at the same time, keeps you firmly aware that it is a vibrantly modern capital. Highlights during the city sightseeing tour are the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. For your free time we suggest a walking tour from the Piazza Venezia, the center of Rome, to the beautifully restored Fountain of Trevi. Toss in a few coins and make a wish. We also recommend a visit to the Gardnes and Villa Borghese at the end of the Via Veneto. As you walk this marvelous city, stop at some of the beautiful churches; each one is a museum in its own right. Another possibility is to come along on the afternoon optional 'Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel' excursion. Choose from over 2000 restaurants in Rome for your independent dinner. Or, join the tour manager for the 'Rome Dinner' optional excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 4 | Terme | Assisi - Montecatini-Terme
Follow the main Autostrada (highway) north. After a short rest stop, leave the Autostrada and travel into the hilly region of Umbria. You will make an extended lunch stop in Assisi, which was the hometown of Francesco di Bernardone (St. Francis). The spoiled and troubled son of a rich family, St. Francis pledged a life of poverty and service to the church after experiencing a vision. The tremendous 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis is still the focal point of Assisi. Hit by a fierce earthquake several years ago, restorers were able to repair most of the damage to the building and its priceless artworks. The Basilica is well worth a visit during your free time. Before leaving Umbria, take a delicous tour fo the Perugina chocolate factory, just outside Perugia. Your final destination for today is Montecantini-Terme where you will spend the next five nights in the inviting Tuscany Region. Pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets welcome you to this spa resort town and dinner awaits you at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 5 | Terme | Florence - Montecatini-Terme
This day is devoted to artistically glorious Florence. The first architectural masterpieces you will notice during the guided tour stand on the Piazza del Duomo: the 'Duomo' (cathedral); the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors by Ghiberti; and Giotto's 'campanile' (bell tower). The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence at your own pace. You may wish to visit the world famous Pitti Palace, the largest museum complex in Florence, containing eight different musuem collections. Afterwards, stroll through the adjoining Boboli Gardens to enjoy the statues, grottos and fountains. The outdoor markets of Ponte Vecchio and Via dei Tornabuoni are amuzing as well as a fun place to test your bartering skills while looking for leather goods and jewlery. In between sightseeing, enjoy an Italian ice cream, 'gelato', on the Ponte Vecchio, the gathering place of Florentines and visitors alike. Return to your Montecatini-Terme hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner). | | Day 6 | Terme | Montecatini-Terme
Spend a relaxing day in Montecatini-Terme. Perhaps ebgin with a walk through classic pavilions and parks and past the Art Nouveau buildings that characterize this Spa town. In 1771, the Granduca of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo, ordered the construction of the baths at Montecatini at public expense. Since then, the spa waters of Montecatini have gained worldwide recognition for their beneficial effects on the human body. The town itself has become a beloved vacation destination and has been known to inspire muscians, such as Giuseppi Verdi who is said to have composed the third act of Otello while living in Montecatini-Terme. Take the funicular up to the old town of Montecatini Alte and sip a cappuccino as you enjoy a great panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. If you wish to add another popular city to your visit, join the full day, optional 'Venice' excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 7 | Terme | Pisa - Montecatini-Terme
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Work on the structure began in 1174, but it started to tilt even before completion. The complete complex consists of the Duomo (cathedral), and immense Baptistry and the bell tower (which is more often referred to as the Leaning Tower). Built of white marble and set against the "Field of Miracles", an expansive green lawn, all three buildings are an impressive sight. After snapping picutres, return to Montecatini-Terme for a leisurely afternoon. You might wish to visit a local spa for a swim in the therapeutic waters, a mud bath, or a relaxing massage. Or, venture out to Monsummano (10 km from Montecatini-Terme), for a unique thermal therapy experience while lounging inside the caves. If you would like to play a round of golf, ask your hotel or tour host to help you inquire about tee time at one fo the nearby courses. The cost for any one of the three options will be approximately $150 per person. Hiking, tennis, and bike rental are also possibel in Montecatini-Terme. For your independent dinner, pick a sidewalk terrace at one of the grand hotels as a nice way to end a relaxing day. (Breakfast). | | Day 8 | Terme | Montecatini-Terme
A full free day to do as you wish. You might consider returning to Florence by train or further enjoy the recreational options offered in and near Montecatini-Terme. Another choice is the full day optional 'San Gimignano, Chianti & Dinner' excursion, during which you will be offered an opportunity to join a cooking class. (Breakfast) | | Day 9 | Pomezia | Siena - Pomezia
Your last morning in Tuscany takes you past olvie groves and into Siena, a beautiful city built on three hills. This was once an Etruscan settlement which disappeared and later a new community flourished under the Lombard kins in the 12th century. Through the years, Siena narrowly endured territorial conflicts with Florence, the Black Death, and battles fending off Spanish control. In 1555 Siena was starved into surrendering to the Spanish government, was sold to Cosimo I de 'Medici and, consequently, fell under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1861, Siena, together with the rest of Tuscany, was absorbed by the new Kingdom of Italy. Sightseeing starts on the Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena, but there are also more intimate squares worth exploring in this eye-pleasing, medieval village. You must spend some time studying the Duomo of Siena, a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. After independent lunch, leave Tuscany to rejoin the Autostrada on the way back to Rome. Dinner is included tonight, at your hotel just outside of Rome, so that you may have this final opportunity to share your favorite experiences with your fellow travelers. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 10 | Return USA | U.S.A. - Daytime flight back to the U.S.A.
Transfer to Rome Airport for your return flight to the U.S.A. (Breakfast) |
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