The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

tourhub | Titan Travel | The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday | TTITC

A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Florence

A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy

Days 1-2
Facade and bell tower of the Cathedral of Lucca, Italy
Lucca

Facade and bell tower of the Cathedral of Lucca, Italy

Day 3
Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano in the province of Siena, Italy
San Gimignano

Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano in the province of Siena, Italy

Day 4
Siena

The medieval town of Siena, Italy

Days 5-6
Florence

The Arno River, Florence

Day 8

Map
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The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

8 Days Starting and ending in Florence, Italy

Visiting: Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTITC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

Tour Overview

Experience the timeless beauty of Tuscany on this classic touring holiday, where you'll explore the cultural heart of Italy. Enjoy guided walking tours of Florence, Lucca, and Siena, and visit iconic sites such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the medieval towers of San Gimignano, and the grand cathedral in Siena. Delight in an excursion to Chianti with wine tasting, and discover the Renaissance city of Pienza. Stay in comfortable hotels in the heart of Tuscany, with international flights from London Heathrow and seamless coach transportation. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Walking tours of Florence, Lucca, and Siena

  • Visits to Pisa, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni

  • Entry to Villa Puccini Museum

  • Excursion to Chianti with wine tasting

  • Exploring the medieval towers of San Gimignano

  • Discovering the Renaissance city of Pienza

  • Admiring the Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Touring the grand cathedral in Siena

Places You'll See

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

View of Piazza dell'Anfiteatro square, Lucca, Italy

View of Piazza dell'Anfiteatro square, Lucca, Italy

Facade and bell tower of the Cathedral of Lucca, Italy

Facade and bell tower of the Cathedral of Lucca, Italy

Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Touring Holiday

Itinerary

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Day 1

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Location: Florence

Accommodation Name: hotel

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Florence. Our Italy tour begins in Montecatini Terme, a spa town in the heart of Tuscany - we’ll head straight to our hotel here.

Day 2

Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Location: Florence

Today we’ll take the train to Tuscany’s beautiful capital city: Florence. Known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’, its streets are filled with incredible architecture, from the green and white marble façade of the Duomo (and the spectacular dome that crowns it) to the Romanesque grandeur of the Palazzo Vecchio.
A guided walking tour will lead us to some of the highlights, including the cathedral, the imposing Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Piazza della Signoria - the historical heart of Florence’s social and political scene.
The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover more of this wonderful city. Perhaps admire the vast collection of artworks in the Uffizi or Accademia galleries, or cross the Arno to visit the treasure-filled Pitti Palace, once the home of the powerful Medici family.

Day 3

View of Piazza dell'Anfiteatro square, Lucca, Italy
Facade and bell tower of the Cathedral of Lucca, Italy

Location: Lucca

Nestled in the countryside midway between Pisa and Florence is the lovely little city of Lucca. Its pretty piazzas (especially the oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro) and cobbled, café-lined streets are perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 230 stone steps to the top of Torre Guinigi, where you’ll find a shady hanging garden of holm oaks and views across the terracotta rooftops and out to the Apuan Alps and Apennines. For something flatter, walk along the Renaissance walls that wrap around the city - they stretch for four kilometres.

After a morning in Lucca, we'll head to Pisa, where we'll stop off to have a look at the famous Leaning Tower. Then, we’ll head to the lakeside town of Torre del Lago, where we’ll pay a visit to the Villa Puccini Museum. This art nouveau villa was once home to Giacomo Puccini, and its serene setting inspired some of his most famous operas, including La Bohème, Tosca and Madame Butterfly.

Day 4

San Gimignano in the province of Siena, Italy
Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano in the province of Siena, Italy

Location: San Gimignano

UNESCO-listed San Gimignano is a classic Tuscan town: a jumble of honey-hued stone buildings clustered on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and groves of olive and cypress trees. But look up and you’ll see the sky punctuated by 14 medieval towers. These ancient ‘skyscrapers’ were built by wealthy families to flaunt their power - once upon a time there were more than 70 of them soaring above the town.
As we make our way towards Siena, our base for the rest of our Tuscany tour, we’ll pause for a stroll around the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni.

Day 5

The medieval town of Siena at sunset, Italy
Siena, Italy

Location: Siena

We’ll spend this morning uncovering Siena’s layers of history, from its Etruscan roots through its medieval ‘golden age’ to the 17th century, when the city’s world-famous horse race - il Palio - first took place. We’ll stand in the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares (and the setting for the twice-yearly Palio), and tour the grand cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
After our guided Siena tour, the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the Palazzo Pubblico and climb Torre del Mangia for views across the city, before rewarding your efforts with a scoop of gelato in one of the cafes skirting the Piazza del Campo. If you’re an art lover, you’ll want to stop by the Pinoteca Nazionale, with its fine collection of Renaissance paintings.

Day 6

The medieval town of Siena at sunset, Italy
Siena, Italy

Location: Siena

Today is free for you to relax or explore as you wish. Our optional excursion takes you to the Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, where you’ll visit a peaceful abbey and admire the lunar-like clay landscapes of the Crete Senesi. You’ll then continue to the Renaissance city of Pienza, where you’ll sample locally made pecorino cheese.

Day 7

Location: Chianti

Meals Included: Lunch

We’ll head into the heart of ‘wine country’ today, as we discover the delights of Chianti. We’ll slowly wind our way through the hills, stopping for a delicious Italian lunch at a lovely village restaurant. We’ll round off our tour of Chianti with a tasting at a winery, toasting to the end of a fantastic week (and perhaps planning another Italian touring holiday…). Salute!

Day 8

A beautiful view of Florence and the basilica, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence, Italy

Location: Florence

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • 7 nights in hotels

    Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels is included.

  • International flights

    Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow.

  • Titan tour manager

    A Titan tour manager will accompany the group.

  • 11 meals

    Includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.

  • Walking tours of Florence, Lucca and Siena

    Guided walking tours in Florence, Lucca, and Siena are included.

  • Visits to Pisa, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni

    Visits to the cities of Pisa, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni are included.

  • Entry to Villa Puccini Museum

    Entry to the Villa Puccini Museum is included.

  • Excursion to Chianti with wine tasting

    An excursion to Chianti with wine tasting is included.

  • Welcome drink

    A welcome drink is provided.

  • Portable audio headset system on excursions

    A portable audio headset system is provided on excursions.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional excursions

    Optional excursions, such as the visit to Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with international flights from London Heathrow and comfortable coach transportation within the destination, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey throughout Tuscany.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable hotels located in the heart of Tuscany, providing a perfect base for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes international flights from London Heathrow and comfortable coach transportation within Tuscany, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey throughout the region.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy 7 nights in comfortable hotels located in the heart of Tuscany, providing a perfect base for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.

  • Will there be a tour manager accompanying the group?

    Yes, a Titan tour manager will accompany the group throughout the tour.

  • Is there a welcome drink included in the tour?

    Yes, a welcome drink is provided as part of the tour.

  • What kind of audio equipment is provided during excursions?

    A portable audio headset system is provided on excursions to ensure you can hear the guide clearly.

  • Is there a door-to-door travel service included?

    Yes, Titan's VIP door-to-door travel service is included in the tour package.

  • Are there any optional excursions available?

    Yes, there are optional excursions such as the visit to Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, which are not included in the tour package.

  • What personal expenses are not included in the tour?

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Are gratuities included in the tour package?

    No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included in the tour package.

  • What activities are planned for the free day in Siena?

    On the free day in Siena, you can relax or explore as you wish. There is an optional excursion to the Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, where you can visit a peaceful abbey, admire the clay landscapes of the Crete Senesi, and sample locally made pecorino cheese in Pienza.

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

Review on “Cairo, Alexandra and...

26-Feb-2025

Review on “Cairo, Alexandra and a Nile Cruise" – 11 nights with Titan / Saga. 13-02-25 Overall the trip went very well, good journey from home with a car picking me up & transporting me from Cumbria to Heathrow & an adequate flight to Cairo with Egypt-Air. Met by our Tour Manager on arrival & transferred to our hotel. Hotel Swiss Inn Pyramids Resort was good Included Tours of The Pyramids & Alexandria were adequate Internal Transfer to Luxor was OK Our ship, The Nile Plaza was wonderful & the cruise fantastic with wonderful food, decent cabins & excellent staff. The included trips were well organised The flight home was OK with nice car & driver to take me back home. Pro’s Professional Tour Manager & knowledgeable Egyptologist for the duration of the trip. Decent hotel Excellent Nile Cruise ship serving fantastic food and excellent facilities including massage provided by very provisional masseur / masseuse Con’s Cairo hotel poorly located in October 5th City Scheduled trips often rearranged to generate time for optional extra money ones Optional trips sold at very high prices 3 unscheduled time consuming trips, an Alabaster outlet, an essential oils outlet & a Papyrus outlet – Prices in all 3 were exorbitantly high. Tour Manager & Egyptologist Tip expectation level of $60 / $80 each per person from a group of 35 – Even at the lower figure the tip alone (Without commission from the outlets & optional tours etc) works out at almost the ANNUAL salary of a Civil Engineer – Source https://www.timedoctor.com/blog/average-salary-in-egypt/ Overall summery Overall the trip offers excellent value for money, especially the pick-up & return home by car (Only one diversion to collect a couple en-route, total journey 8 hours Cumbria to Heathrow including stops) The trips included in the package were excellent as were the Hotel & Nile Cruiser. The group size of 35 was somewhat high but I’ll probably use Titan / Saga again &, with certain caveats as mentioned above, recommend them.

Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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