Unpack less as you spend nights in the Tuscan Hills and do day trips to the surrounding area including Pisa, Siena, Florence and more!
Relax on your vacation - Trafalgar will take care of everything.
Enjoy scenic drives through Umbrian and Tuscan Hills, the Chianti region, Italian Riviera and Arno Valley.
9 Day Escorted Coach Tour
Tour Type: Free and Easy
Your day by day itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Situated on the Tiber river within the Lazio region of Italy, Rome's history spans over two and a half thousand years. After check-in there is time to relax before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Milton/Grand Hotel Tiberio (F)
Day 2 - Rome sightseeing – Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) (6 nights)
Your expert guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to St. Peter’s in the Vatican. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and is famous as a place of pilgrimage.
Then cross the Tiber River into ancient Rome where you overlook the Forum and the see the Colosseum. This partially ruined building still remains ancient Rome's greatest architectural legacy.
Vespasian ordered the construction of the elliptical bowl, called the Amphitheatrum Flavium, in A.D. 72. Later, a scenic drive takes you from Rome and into the Tuscan Hills for a six-night stay at the spa resort of Montecatini. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Francia e Quirinale / Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe (F)
Day 3 - San Gimignano and Siena excursion
This morning visit San Gimignano known as the ‘medieval Manhattan’ and famed for the ring of towers which can be seen several kilometers away from the town.
You will have time to explore the interesting shops selling locally produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery. Then continue to Siena to see the Piazza del Campo, scene of the celebrated Palio horse race.
You will also see the stunning marble Cathedral which dominates the town before returning to Montecatini. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Essential Information
Dining Highlights
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Welcome Reception including light snacks and Welcome Drinks with your Travel Director in Rome.
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8 hot buffet breakfasts.
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Be My Guest dinner in Agriturismo.
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1 three-course dinner with local wine.
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Local restaurant highlight lunch with wine in Florence.
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Farewell Dinner with wine in a trattoria in Rome.
Sightseeing Highlights
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Rome Sightseeing includes views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Included visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
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San Gimignano Visit this medieval town with its ancient towers.
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Siena Visit the medieval Tuscan city, home of the Palio horse race.
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Pisa Visit the Square of Miracles. View the Cathedral, Leaning Tower and Baptistery.
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Vinci Visit this beautiful Tuscan town named after the Renaissance polymath Leonard da Vinci.
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Florence Sightseeing tour includes Signoria Square and the Duomo. View the Ponte Vecchio. Includes hop-on hop-off sightseeing tickets.
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Tuscan Countryside Visit an olive grove including tastings of various varieties.
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Assisi Sightseeing includes St. Francis Basilica.
First Class Travel Highlights
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A qualified Local Guide in Rome, Florence and Assisi.
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Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
Insider Highlights
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Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
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Be My Guest Speciality dinner at an Agriturismo farmhouse.
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Unique Insight Stop in Vinci - the town near where Leonardo da Vinci was born and visit a museum dedicated to the master.
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Small Group Sightseeing In Rome, enjoy an expert guided visit to the Sistine Chapel with a group size of no more than 25 guests to enhance your experience.
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Day 4 - Pisa – Torre del Lago Puccini & Forte dei Marmi excursion
Today travel to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery. In 1987 the Piazza del Duomo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue to the splendid Italian Riviera via Torre del Lago Puccini, to see where the great 19th century composer wrote "La Boheme".
Later enjoy some time at the fashionable seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi. Tourism is the principal activity of Forte dei Marmi's citizens and during the summer months the population nearly triples!
Tonight you will enjoy a wonderful 'Be My Guest' dinner experience with beautiful views over the Tuscan hills - a night to remember! (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 5 - Montecatini at leisure
Montecatini Terme is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for thermal spa tourism and relaxation. After breakfast enjoy a full day at leisure to do exactly as you please! Your Tour Director will be available for suggestions on how to spend your day. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 - Florence excursion
It's a short drive to Renaissance Florence, where a walking tour with a local expert guide shows you the Duomo and Piazza Signoria. You will visit inside the Santa Croce Basilica where many famous Italians are buried including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini.
After a Highlight Lunch in a local restaurant you will have the opportunity to utilise your included ‘hop-on hop-off’ sightseeing ticket. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 7 - Montecatini at leisure
A full day at leisure to relax by the hotel swimming pool or participate in additional sightseeing. Perhaps enjoy a round of golf or a walk in the countryside. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) – Assisi – Rome
This morning drive to Assisi where you will visit the Basilica and enjoy an expert guided walking tour. This town sits on the western flank of Mount Subasio and is the birthplace of St. Francis who founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208.
He is probably the most beloved of all the Catholic Saints and later became the patron saint of animals, the environment and one of the two patrons of Italy. Later return to Rome for a Farewell Dinner in the Eternal City. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf / Una Hotel (SF)
Day 9 - Depart Rome
‘Arrivedeci Roma’ as our Italian tour comes to an end and we must return home. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
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What a free and easy way to experience Rome and Tuscany in 9 days. After exploring Rome, unpack and emerse yourself in all that is Tuscany. Let Trafalgar take care of you from $2,599pp share twin.
Departs Fridays and Sundays from 27 April to 12 October 2012.
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