Portofino, Florence & Tuscany
Portofino, Florence & Tuscany
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Portofino, Florence & Tuscany
8 Days Starting in 51016 Montecatini Terme, Province of Pistoia, Italy and ending in Montecatini
Visiting: Montecatini Terme, Portofino, Italian Riviera, Florence, Pisa, Lucca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
17762
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive corners, the beautiful Tuscan countryside and the stunning Cradle of the Renaissance.
Step into a region that is the living embodiment of La dolce vita. From your elegant spa base in Tuscany, you'll journey to the famous Ligurian coastal resorts of Santa Margherita and ultra-chic Portofino. On a captivating tour filled with Italian charm, colour and warmth, you’ll also visit Florence – the exquisite Cradle of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most stylish cities – as well as Pisa and Lucca, two more Tuscan gems.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly to Italy
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your tour manager as you arrive, and board the coach for the transfer through the Tuscan countryside to your hotel, in Montecatini.
Day Two – At leisure or optional excursion to a Chianti winery
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you're free to get to know the hotel and the many treasures of this historic spa resort, perhaps paying a first visit to Montecatini Alto for its stunning views, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the optional excursion to a Chianti winery to sample some of the most famous wine of the region.
Day Three – Included excursion to the Ligurian coast and Portofino
Location: Portofino, Italian Riviera
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join the first of your holiday's included excursion and head to the beautiful Ligurian coast. Here, some of Italy’s most famous resorts are dotted along the shoreline, backed by wooded hills. A mecca for visitors from around the world, elegant Santa Margherita Ligure overlooks a stunning bay, and lies at the eastern end of the Portofino headland. Spend some time exploring the resort, then board a boat for a trip along the coast to discover its ultra-chic neighbour, the world-renowned, jet-set watering-hole of Portofino. Despite the crowds, this glamorous pastel-painted village remains one of the Mediterranean’s most idyllic settings.
Day Four – Included visit to Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be one of the real highlights of your holiday, as you join our included tour of Florence. For many, this simply stunning place is Italy’s most beautiful city, and today you'll have the chance to see the magnificent Florentine skyline, dominated by the dome of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, for yourself. Explore the splendour of Santa Croce and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, spared by the retreating Nazis because of its timeless beauty. Florence is also the city of both the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s fabled statue of David, and the Uffizi, where Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus can be admired. You'll have the chance to visit the galleries (payable locally), and will no doubt want to stop for a bite in one of the city’s cafes and restaurants.
Day Five – At leisure in Montecatini or optional excursion to Cinque Terre
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’re free to enjoy another day of gentle exploration in Montecatini under your own steam, or join an optional excursion sailing across the Italian Riviera to the stunning villages of Cinque Terre. Perched on the rugged coastline, Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages offering colourful houses clinging to steep terraces and harbours filled with fishing boats and trattorias.
Start the day with a scenic coach ride to La Spezia, where you'll meet your knowledgeable local guide, before boarding a boat for a two-hour cruise to Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant lemon trees, you'll then have ample time to wander through its old town, visit the historic convent, and perhaps sample some local seafood delicacies.
Later this afternoon, set sail again on your way to Vernazza, often considered the jewel of Cinque Terre with its narrow, winding streets, and Doria Castle offering panoramic views of the coastline. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, capture the essence of Italian coastal life, and soak in the village's unique charm.
In the late afternoon, you'll make the scenic return trip to La Spezia (via boat) and conclude your memorable day with a coach ride back to Montecatini.
Day Six – Day at leisure or optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
Location: Pisa, Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Relax today or join an optional excursion that heads first to Siena, well known for its medieval brick buildings and fan-shaped square, Piazza del Campo. See the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and the tall 14th-century tower, Torre del Mangia.
No less fascinating is the charming hill town, San Gimignano, with its fairy-tale towers rising from the hill-top village, one of the finest sights in all Italy.
Day Seven – Included visits to Pisa and Lucca
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner
Today, the tour takes you to two true Italian gems. First of these is the wonderful city of Pisa, where, in the company of your guide, you'll have an opportunity to explore this mesmerising medieval treasure trove on the banks of the River Arno. Here, the broad green swathe of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is home not only to the startling Leaning Tower but also the huge circular Baptistery, the great marbled Duomo and the colonnaded Campo Santo cemetery.
After a fascinating visit, you’ll reboard the coach and journey to the elegant walled city of Lucca. This simply delightful Renaissance jewel was the birthplace of the composer Puccini, and the city’s most famous son is celebrated with a museum at his home. Elsewhere, the ancient cathedral, the Torre della Ore clocktower and the exquisite Piazza Anfiteatro (built around the Roman amphitheatre) are among the must-sees of this charming city. This excursion is a fitting finale to your wonderful holiday.
Day Eight – Fly back to the UK
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation Name: Final day of tour - no accommodation included
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to your Tuscan hosts, today, and journey back to the airport to check in for your flight home.
What's Included
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Seven nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the hotel of your choice
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Guided tours of Pisa and Lucca
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Excursion to the Ligurian coast
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Guided tour of Florence
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Boat trip around Portofino
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Return flights to Italy
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, with specialist local guides where applicable
What's Not Included
Insurance
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes from Pisa.Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.Entrance fees
Since some attractions visited offer free admission to visitors at certain times of year, we do not include entrance fees. These will be payable locally where applicable. This applies to excursions that are included in the price of your holiday and to excursions booked as optional extras.Meals in Italy
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.Italian hotel room tax
Some regions of Italy have introduced a room tax of between 1 € and 3 € per person per night, payable directly by the guest to the hotel on check-out. You will be advised by your tour manager in resort if a particular hotel is implementing this charge.Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.Travelling to Europe after Brexit
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.
Travelling to Europe
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Optional excursions 2024
The Chianti wine tasting and the Cinque Terra optional excursions are for 2024 only.Meals and dining in Italy
An authentic dining experience in Italy can often be a bit different to the Italian food that international tourists might be used to, but it’s one of the best ways to truly appreciate the finer cultural differences of this tourist hotspot. From simpler, but more frequent, courses to regional dishes, here are some points to note when dining in Italy.
The first major difference you’re likely to notice is that the dining experience as a whole is much longer; you’ll enjoy a much more social experience than the average dinner back home with multiple smaller courses spread across a longer period of time. While each meal will be prepared to order, you may notice that dishes are served cooler than you might be used to – Italian dishes are rarely served piping hot to preserve the more delicate flavours of each ingredient and to provide a more enjoyable dining experience. The final thing to bear in mind is that it may be tricky to find Italian classics in the same form as they are at home. For instance, while Spaghetti Carbonara is a staple in historic Rome – and made traditionally using egg yolks rather than cream – you’ll often find it replaced with a wild boar ragù in Tuscany.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes from Pisa.Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.Travelling to Europe
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Your luggage allowance is stated on your Confirmation Invoice. You will also receive details of your baggage allowance with your final travel documents, which we will send approximately one week prior to your departure date. We do not include any hold luggage on our Christmas Markets or Lapland breaks.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What is the maximum group size?
Generally no more than 50
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Are flights included in this tour?
Return flights to Italy
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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