Gourmet Tuscany
Gourmet Tuscany
$2109
Gourmet Tuscany
8 Days Starting and ending in Montecatini Terme, Italy
Visiting: Montecatini Terme, Vinci, Chianti Valley, Montecatini, Lucca, Bolgheri
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6240-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
On this affordable Italy tour small group discovery package, the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from which to venture out to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany and getting to know its culinary and wine traditions. You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries. From the rolling hills of Montalbano to Vinci and beyond, we’ll take you through bountiful vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees. You’ll even visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci to experience the Renaissance master’s life and art. Traveling through some of the most stunning and lush natural landscapes in Italy, you’ll embark to visit idyllic spots, including the gorgeous Chianti Valley and the Etruscan Coast. As you visit quaint wine shops, cafes, historic estates, and museums, you’ll feel immersed in the history and traditions of each destination. In addition to sampling the local gourmet Tuscan fare, you’ll also be treated to an Italian cooking lesson. You’ll prepare an authentic Italian dish inside a rustic Tuscan farmhouse where you and your travel companions will enjoy your culinary creations—complete with master-chef prizes. You’ll also learn the art of Italian dessert making at your hotel and get to taste some of the celebrated Chianti and Super Tuscan wines right where they are produced. You’ll revel in the beauty of becoming familiar with a single destination of Montecatini while making priceless discoveries of locales that are off the beaten path—perfect for the smart, creative, and budget-minded travel lover.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Montecatini Terme, Italy
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a special welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Montecatini. Excursion To Vinci
Location: Vinci
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, head out into the lush, rolling landscape of the Montalbano hills. Pass terraced grape vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees on your way to the quaint village of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, learn all about the Renaissance master at the museum dedicated to his life and many areas of interest from painting, sculpting, and inventing, to anatomy, music, and cartography! Round up the morning with the visit of a local bakery. Learn how bread is made and enjoy a light lunch with an opportunity to sample local products such as focaccia bread, sandwiches, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil.Today’s Distance: 25 mi/ 40 km
Day 3 : Montecatini. Excursion To The Chianti Valley
Location: Chianti Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cradled between the provinces of Florence and Siena, the Chianti Valley is the heart of Tuscany, and has been hailed for its exceptional wines since the 13th century. Your journey today takes you to Greve, with time to visit the village and to enjoy lunch at a charming wine shop. Complete the day with the visit of a historic Tuscan estate known for its Chianti wine production. Today’s Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km
Day 4 : Montecatini
Location: Montecatini
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Montecatini. Maybe go for a walk in the Parco delle Terme with its tall shady trees. Most of the afternoon is dedicated to the Italian cooking lesson at a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. Once you arrive at the farm, enjoy a welcome drink, explore the orchard to pick some fresh ingredients, learn about Italy’s most famous delicacies, and then roll up your sleeves for a fun, hands-on cooking experience. This evening, relax with your traveling companions and taste the delectable dinner you prepared—maybe your team will win the master chef prize!
Day 5 : Montecatini. Excurion To Lucca
Location: Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Lucca, a stunning showcase of medieval architecture and layer upon layer of rich history and culture. Marvel at the beautiful art and tapestry collections at the baroque Palazzo Mansi National Museum, then take a guided walking tour around the Old Town with its fine, intact Renaissance-era wall, cobblestone streets, and café-lined piazzas. A lively café-crawl snack brunch is included, followed by a main course at a local restaurant. Then, your Local Guide will introduce you to the stunning ornamental gardens and grand arched ceilings of Palazzo Pfanner. Today’s Distance: 39 mi/ 62 km
Day 6 : Montecatini. Excurion To Bolgheri
Location: Bolgheri
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel through the vineyard-dotted countryside and along cypress tree-lined Viale dei Cipressi for your grand entrance into enchanting Bolgheri. With its red-brick castle and atmospheric Old Town, it’s not hard to imagine that Bolgheri jumped right off the pages of a storybook. There’s time here to visit one of the wine cellars and taste Bolgheri’s celebrated Super Tuscan reds. First created in the 1980s, many wine experts believe these now rival French Bordeaux. Later, stop at nearby Castagneto Carducci, known for its splendid panoramic views of the Etruscan Coast. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the chance to sample the local liqueur.Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km
Day 7 : Montecatini
Location: Montecatini
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Settentrionale Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is yours to do as you please. You could choose to explore more of the city on your own, to relax and shop for souvenirs, or to join an exciting optional excursion. This afternoon is dedicated to a baking class at your hotel, focusing on the creation of cakes and desserts.
Day 8 : Montecatini
Location: Montecatini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Settentrionale Esplanade in Montecatini Terme, with the possibility of alternative hotels of a similar standard.
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Fully Guided
The tour includes a fully guided experience with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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Meals
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are included.
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Transportation
Transportation includes travel through the lush landscapes of Tuscany, with visits to various towns and vineyards.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the destination is not included.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Free Wi-Fi at the accommodation is not included.
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of San Gimignano|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Montecatini
Notes
Nearest airports for Montecatini are Florence or Pisa
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 lunches; 3 dinners, including dinner at a local farm in Montecatini
Accommodation
Settentrionale Esplanade: In the heart of Montecatini Terme offering hospitality and courtesy. The centrally located hotel has always been managed by the owners and is one of the cornerstones of the traditional hotels of Montecatini Terme. Restaurant, outdoors pool.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes travel through the lush landscapes of Tuscany, with visits to various towns and vineyards. Airport transfers at the destination are included.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect during the excursion to the Chianti Valley?
During the excursion to the Chianti Valley, you will visit the village of Greve, enjoy lunch at a charming wine shop, and visit a historic Tuscan estate known for its Chianti wine production.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation is at Settentrionale Esplanade, located in the heart of Montecatini Terme. The hotel offers hospitality and courtesy, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard.
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What is included in the visit to Lucca?
In Lucca, you will visit the Palazzo Mansi National Museum, take a guided walking tour around the Old Town, enjoy a cafè-crawl snack brunch, have a main course at a local restaurant, and visit the ornamental gardens and grand arched ceilings of Palazzo Pfanner.
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Is there a cooking lesson included in the tour?
Yes, there is an Italian cooking lesson at a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside, where you will learn about Italy’s most famous delicacies and participate in a hands-on cooking experience.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
Transportation includes travel through the lush landscapes of Tuscany, with visits to various towns and vineyards. Airport transfers at the destination are included.
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Is there a baking class included in the tour?
Yes, there is a baking class at your hotel focusing on the creation of cakes and desserts.
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What is the nearest airport to Montecatini?
The nearest airports to Montecatini are Florence or Pisa.
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What will I see in Bolgheri?
In Bolgheri, you will visit a wine cellar to taste Super Tuscan reds, explore the Old Town, and stop at Castagneto Carducci for panoramic views of the Etruscan Coast and lunch at a local restaurant.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, airport transfers at the destination are included in the tour package.
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Will there be any wine tasting during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to vineyards and wine cellars where you can taste celebrated Chianti and Super Tuscan wines.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily buffet breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, including a special dinner at a local farm in Montecatini.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Vinci?
In Vinci, you will learn about Leonardo da Vinci at the museum dedicated to his life and work, visit a local bakery, and enjoy a light lunch with local products such as focaccia bread, sandwiches, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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