Need to Plan a Trip? Honeymoon? Call the Gurus: 337-453-1932
Need to Plan a Trip? Honeymoon? Call the Gurus: 337-453-1932
Optional Excursions:
Optional Extensions:
Spotlight on Tuscany – Stay in Montecatini Terme as your hub & tour each day.
INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED:
$479 Cancellation Waiver & Insurance of $479 per person
MUST SEE INCLUSIONS:
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Embark on a captivating 9-day “Spotlight on Tuscany” tour, with the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme serving as our tranquil base and hub.
Nestled amidst the lush Tuscan hills, Montecatini Terme offers an ideal retreat from which we’ll set out to explore the rich tapestry of Tuscany’s landscapes, history, and culinary delights. From the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Renaissance splendors of Florence, and the medieval allure of Siena and Lucca, our journey promises a deep dive into the heart of Tuscany.
With Montecatini as our home away from home, we’re afforded the luxury of unpacking just once, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience into the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of this iconic Italian region.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
CULINARY INCLUSIONS:
Our adventure to Tuscany kicks off with an overnight flight from the US, filled with dreams of the rolling Tuscan landscapes, its renowned wines, culinary delights, and stunning architecture.
Tuscany awaits with its charming towns, and our base in the lively Montecatini Terme means we’re perfectly poised to explore without the hassle of repacking. This spa town, known for its therapeutic waters, offers a blend of relaxation and adventure right from the start.
As the plane glides closer to Italy, let’s raise a glass to the experiences ahead. In Tuscany, every meal, vista, and moment is set to become a treasured memory. Welcome to the beginning of our “Spotlight on Tuscany” tour, where every step is a journey into the heart of Italy.
As dawn breaks, our “Spotlight on Tuscany” tour gracefully descends into the heart of Italy, marking the end of our journey from the US and the beginning of our Tuscan adventure. Our first footsteps on Italian soil are in the spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, a gem nestled amidst the verdant, rolling hills of Tuscany. The town, renowned for its elegant thermal baths and picturesque settings, offers the perfect introduction to the relaxed yet refined Tuscan lifestyle.
This evening, the spirit of Italy comes alive at our welcome dinner, an event designed to not only satiate our appetites with delectable regional foods but also to warm our spirits with the renowned wines of Tuscany. It’s a time to unwind, connect, and share stories with fellow travelers, setting the tone for the camaraderie and discoveries that lie ahead.
Our guided exploration reveals a tapestry of history woven into the very fabric of Lucca, from its imposing Renaissance walls that stand as silent guardians to the intricate Romanesque churches dotting the landscape. Meander through Lucca’s medieval streets, while we’re transported to a time when these stones were the backdrop of daily life.
The journey continues to Borgo a Mozzano, where the famed Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge on left) arches gracefully over the waters, shrouded in legend and beauty. Nearby, the remnants of the Gothic Line whisper stories of WWII’s tumultuous days, where the Germans made their last stand in Italy.
Here, amidst verdant vineyards, we indulge in the flavors of local wines.
Our fourth day unfolds in the majestic city of Florence. Our cultural journey begins at the Academy Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s towering masterpiece, the sculpture of David.
Guided by a knowledgeable Florentine, we continue on foot to explore the city’s historic core. The Piazza del Duomo presents an architectural marvel, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominating the skyline, its intricate facade and towering dome a testament to the ingenuity of Filippo Brunelleschi.
Adjacent, the Baptistery of St. John dazzles with its gilded bronze doors, known as the “Gates of Paradise,” offering a glimpse into the religious and artistic fervor that fueled Florence’s golden age. The rest of the day is yours.
Today is your choice! You have the option for a guided tour of Montecatini or Journey to Siena today.
Choice #1 – Immerse in the elegance and therapeutic allure of Montecatini Terme, a town synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation. A guided walking tour reveals the layers of history that have shaped this enchanting destination, culminating in a visit to the famed Tettuccio Spa. This iconic establishment, celebrated for its grand architecture and healing mineral waters, offers a glimpse into the luxurious spa culture that has drawn visitors from around the globe for centuries.
Choice #2 – The journey to Siena This historic city, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and the thrilling Palio horse race, offers a walking tour through its narrow, winding streets that feels like stepping into a living tapestry of history. See pic on left.
The highlight of our visit is the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “Field of Miracles,” a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates with its stunning ensemble of buildings. Here stands the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, an architectural anomaly that has intrigued the world for centuries. Its unintentional tilt provides an unforgettable backdrop for photos and memories.
Nearby, the Pisa Baptistery of St. John impresses with its massive dimensions and remarkable acoustics, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of medieval Pisa.
As evening falls, we exchange the grandeur of Pisa for the rustic charm of the Tuscan countryside, where a delightful “Cooking Class” experience awaits. In a traditional farmhouse setting, we’ll be introduced to the art of Tuscan cooking, engaging hands-on with recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Its your Choice! Take a FREE DAY or Optional Excursion to Cinque Terre ($140). You don’t want to miss this!
Choice #1: This is a day to tailor to your own pace and preference, whether that means meandering through the quaint streets lined with boutique shops, or savoring the culinary delights in one of the town’s esteemed restaurants.
Choice #2: For those with a spirit of adventure and a desire to see more of Italy’s breathtaking landscapes, an optional excursion to the famed Cinque Terre presents an enticing opportunity. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of nature and human endeavor, where five vibrantly colored fishing villages are ingeniously built along the rugged cliffs of the Ligurian coast.
The journey to Cinque Terre is as captivating as the destination itself, with terraced vineyards and azure waters unfolding before your eyes.
Our Tuscan journey continues as we venture into the rustic heartlands of the region, where the art of cheese-making comes to life at a local cheese farm.
Here, amidst the serene backdrop of the countryside, we delve into the intricate process behind the creation of Tuscany’s famed pecorino cheese. The experience is both educational and sensory, as we witness the careful craft that transforms simple milk into a rich, flavorful cheese, a staple of Italian cuisine. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the tasting session, where the complex flavors of pecorino tantalize our taste buds, offering a direct connection to the land and traditions of Tuscany.
From the pastoral tranquility of the cheese farm, our day ascends to the remarkable heights of San Gimignano, a town as famed for its skyline of medieval towers as for its panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets, we’re transported back in time, surrounded by the architectural marvels and historical aura that envelop this hilltop village. See pic on right.
As the Tuscan sun rises one final time over the rolling hills and vine-laced landscapes that have been our home for the past nine days, our journey, the “Spotlight on Tuscany” tour, draws to a gentle close. We hope you had enough gelato!
Today, we prepare to depart from the enchanting spa town of Montecatini Terme, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories, each more precious than the last.
As we say our goodbyes, let us carry forward not just souvenirs, but also the essence of Tuscany—its spirit of joy, resilience, and sublime beauty.
Until we meet again, Tuscany, we depart with hearts full of gratitude and eyes looking forward to our next adventure.
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.
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 defense during WWII.
Retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims as they crossed the Devil’s Bridge in the Serchio Valley.
Sample delectable wines during a wine tasting at a local farm.
Spend time at a cheese farm to taste flavorful pecorino cheese.
Learn about Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class.
Hotel Ercolini and Savi – Nights 1-7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Book Now rates valid until Sep 05, 2024, valid on air inclusive packages only.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb
three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet.
Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. In Italy, some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict tour bus circulation, especially
in historic areas such as Lucca, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and Florence.
In Florence you must be prepared to walk approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to complete the sightseeing. The full day walking tour takes place over flat but cobblestoned streets with narrow sidewalks which are often crowded.
For your wellbeing, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices. If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of
reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
AIRLINES & SEATING: Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline’s terms and conditions. For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your
government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Air passengers will arrive and depart from Florence or Pisa airports.
IDENTIFICATION
Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
Effective for travel in May 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, for a fee, when visiting a Schengen Area Country. To identify Schengen Area Countries and to complete the
ETIAS application, please visit https://www.etiasvisa.com/
Days of features are interchangeable. Most shops and businesses in Italy are closed on Sundays and on national/religious
holidays.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.
*The Academy Gallery is closed Mondays, as are other state museums. Additionally, the day and time of the visit to the Academy is subject to change based on availability of reservations. In either case, the itinerary will be rearranged to accommodate it.
To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
**The interior of Tettuccio Spa is closed to visits during the months of November and December.
Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.
A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
Reservations made after the deposit due date of August 29, 2024 are based upon availability. Final payment due by January 03, 2025. Deposits are refundable up until September 05, 2024.
