Spotlight on Tuscany

Spotlight on Tuscany

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Spotlight on Tuscany

9 Days Starting and ending in Italy

Visiting: Montecatini Terme, Lucca, Borgo a Mozzano, Gothic Line Defensive Position, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

14155

Recommended For:

50 plus, Couples

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 44

Physical rating:

Medium, Activity Level 3

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Collette with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano in 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.

Highlights

  • 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.

  • Spend time at a cheese farm to taste flavorful pecorino cheese.

  • Sample delectable wines during a wine tasting at a local farm.

  • Learn about Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class.

  • Step to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.

  • Retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims as they crossed the Devil’s Bridge in the Serchio Valley.

  • See the Gothic Line, one of the Germans’ last lines of defense during WWII.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: No Meals

Rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food and stunning architecture – find all of this and more in Tuscany. Unpack once on this journey among Italy's most charming towns.

Day 2 : Montecatini Terme, Italy - Tour Begins
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: Dinner

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 3 : Lucca - Borgo A Mozzano - Gothic Line
Location: Lucca, Borgo a Mozzano, Gothic Line Defensive Position
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: Breakfast

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 4 : Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: Breakfast

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 5 : Montecatini Terme
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: Breakfast

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 6 : Pisa
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

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 7 : Montecatini Terme
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ercolini and Savi
Meals Included: Breakfast

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 8 : Cheese Farm Visit - San Gimignano
Location: Montecatini Terme, San Gimignano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Vittoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

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 9 : Montecatini Terme - Tour Ends
Location: Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey comes to a close today. Depart with many fond memories of Tuscany.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Drinks with Meals

    (non-alcoholic)

  • Train Tickets

    (if train occurs once tour starts and before tour ends – i.e. not airport transfers)

  • Meals – Half Board

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Experiences

  • 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We can accommodate children as young as 5 years old, provided they are traveling / rooming with a parent or legal guardian.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes, it varies by tour.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Igratuities for included meals and accommodation housekeeping are included. It is customary to tip you Tour Manager and driver at the end of the tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, our Customer Care center would be happy to help.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Primarily, yes. All of the coaches used must meet rigourous safety and cleanliness standards.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    That will vary by country of residence and country destination.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Varies by tour, but typically thjey are 4* / 4*+, and an occaissional 5*

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Varies by tour.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be pro

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Yes.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes, an experienced Tour Manager, with the passion for travel, discovery and the destination - will guide you through your journey from start to finish,

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Yes. Baggage is limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry per person.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes, you will receive full information within the weeks leading up to your departure.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Local currency.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, with few exception.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Absolutley. Out tours are crafted with that in mind – striking a balance between included experiences and time to explore on your own.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes, most likely. Our tours draw travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia, predominatly.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Varies by tour.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, the fees associated with required Visa’s are an additional expense.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, unless you purchase and land and air package from Collette.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Collette requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.

    Up to 300 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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