Authentic Local Experiences:
- Be enchanted as you travel by train between the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, where steep terraced hillsides meet the glittering Ligurian Sea.
- Take part in an unforgettable culinary adventure in the picturesque hills of San Miniato, as you search for rare and exquisite truffles alongside an expert hunter and his trusty canine companion.
Dining Experiences:
- 7 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), and 5 dinners (D)
Trip Highlights:
- Cinque Terre
- Florence
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Lucca
- Michelangelo’s David
- Montecatini Terme
- San Gimignano
- Siena
- Truffle Hunt in San Miniato
- Winery Tour and Dinner
Hotels:
- Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme (7)
day
1
Montecatini Terme
Depart from your hotel at 4:00 PM for an orientation tour of Montecatini Terme. Discover the town’s rich history of restorative waters and baths dating back to Roman times and see why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your hotel is centrally located amid the town’s elegant architecture and close to shopping and restaurants. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group at the hotel this evening. (D)
day
2
Pisa, Lucca & Fattoria il Poggio Farm
Visit the medieval town of Pisa to see the famed Leaning Tower and its neighboring buildings in the marvelous Piazza dei Miracoli: the grand white marble cathedral and the amazing round baptistry. Next go to Lucca, a beautiful walled city with cobblestone streets where you’ll have time for independent exploration and lunch. You might choose to visit some of the hundred churches for which this small city is known, admire the medieval architecture of the towers, or buy a souvenir from the shops specializing in artisanal paper, ceramic, jewelry, and leather products. This evening, visit Fattoria il Poggio, an ‘agriturismo’ farm that embodies the spirit of sustainability. Explore the vineyard and olive grove, savor wine and olive oil tastings, and sit down with your group for traditional, home-cooked cuisine. (B, D)
day
3
Cinque Terre
Embark on a full day visiting the Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque fishing villages perched on the Italian Riviera, accessible only by train and hiking trails. Take in the sights of fishing boats in the harbors and lemon trees on the hillsides, and stroll the streets with their stone houses, medieval churches, and small boutiques. Board the train between villages and enjoy free time to explore and relax as you wish: savor lunch in one of the local restaurants, explore the shops, or indulge in gelato on the harbor. Return to your hotel in Montecatini for dinner. (B, D)
day
4
Florence & Accademia Gallery
Discover the wonders of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a walking tour. Marvel at iconic sights like the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria in the city center. Next, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo’s David up close on a visit to the Accademia Gallery. Take free time to soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful city before an early dinner at a local restaurant with your group. (B, D)
day
5
Montecatini & Winery Dinner
Your morning and afternoon will be free to spend in Montecatini Terme as you wish. Perhaps you’ll relax in your hotel’s pool, visit the town’s weekly market, or take the short walk to the funicular to Montecatini Alto, a small walled town on the hill above Montecatini Terme. In the evening, visit a winery for a tour, tasting, and dinner of traditional cuisine. (B, D)
day
6
San Gimignano & Siena
Travel to Siena and immerse yourself in this medieval walled city on a tour with a local guide, then enjoy free time for lunch. Continue on to the hilltop town of San Gimignano and behold its captivating skyline, adorned with its iconic medieval towers. Return to Montecatini to enjoy a free evening. (B)
day
7
San Miniato, Truffle Hunting, Farewell Lunch
Embark on a journey to San Miniato, a charming medieval gem famed for the wild truffles that flourish there. Join a local expert and his skilled truffle-hunting dog to search for these prized delicacies in their natural habitat. Delight in a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, savoring truffle specialties. Return to Montecatini Terme to relax and spend the evening as you please. (B, L)
day
8
Tour Ends in Montecatini Terme
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>Have Questions? Email Us
