Treasures of Tuscany

Treasures of Tuscany

Discover the treasures of Tuscany, as you visit the peaceful spa town of Montecatini Terme, Pisa, Chianti and Volterra.

See Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower, taste some delicious wines at Chianti, and the beautiful ‘Art City’ Florence, with a host of charming medieval towns along the way.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 7 nights accommodation
• 14 meals
• Overseas transfers and other transportation
• The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guide
• Hotel porterage
• Leaning Tower of Pisa and Vinci tour
• Tour of Greve with wine tasting
• Volterra, Etruscan museum and alabaster carving
• A night at the Montecatini opera (19th Apr to Jun & Aug to Oct departures)​​​
• Audio Guide so you won't miss a word

Day 1: UK - Pisa

You'll depart on your scheduled flight to Pisa today. On arrival we'll transfer you to your hotel in the peaceful spa town of Montecatini ​Terme.​

Day 2: Pisa

You're heading off on a full day of exploration today. You'll start at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which took 176 years to construct and began to lean shortly afterwards. In the aptly named Field of Miracles, where the tower sits, you'll also be able to admire the Duomo, the Baptistry and the Monumental Cemetery. After free time for lunch if you wish, we'll carry on to Vinci. This is the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, a hugely influential artist and sculptor, whose most famous works include 'The Last Supper' and 'Mona Lisa'. The Museum of Leonardo da Vinci is in the town's historic centre and you'll learn about the artist's life on a tour which is hosted by a Local Guide.

Day 3: Siena & Tuscan Hilltop Villages

With time at leisure today, maybe you'll head into Montecatini Terme and allow yourself to be pampered with a spa treatment. In the centre of town you'll find a large park which is home to three thermal spas and a wellness centre. Another option is taking the cable car up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto for fabulous views. If you'd rather join an optional excursion, why not join us on a trip which starts in the beautiful hilltop town of Montalcino. It takes its name from a variety of oak tree that once covered the area. It is also famous for the production of Brunello di Montalcino wine, made primarily from the Sangiovese grape variety. We'll then move on to Siena, whose medieval town centre is one of the most perfectly preserved in Europe. Admire the spectacular fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, which is the setting for the Palio horse race. You'll finish your tour in lovely Bagno Vignoni, a tiny village clustered around a Renaissance spa.

Day 4: Chianti

If you enjoy wine you'll love today's included excursion which takes us to Greve in Chianti, gateway to the famous Chianti wine region. The combination of almost perfect weather and rich soil help to produce this famous wine, considered by many to be one of the finest in the world. In the town's main square, Piazza Matteotti, you'll see a statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano. The explorer, who was born here, discovered Hudson Bay in New York. After free time for lunch we're going to visit his former family home, Castello di Verrazzano. Now a winery, we're going to take a tour of the ancient wine cellars. Of course, a tasting of Chianti is also included, which we'll enjoy high on a terrace as we take in views of the famed Tuscan countryside.

After some free time for lunch, you'll visit his former family home, Castello di Verrazzano, which is now a winery. Explore the ancient wine cellars and enjoy a tasting of chianti, as you look over the beautiful Tuscan countryside from the terrace.

Day 5: San Gimignano & Monteriggioni

Today you can choose to spend time at leisure in Montecatini Terme. As well as three thermal spas, the town is also home to a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants, so you'll find plenty to keep you occupied.

Alternatively, if you want to see more of Tuscany, you could join a full-day optional excursion. We'll spend the morning discovering the walled hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known for its beauty, it is also renowned for the many towers you'll see. More than 70 were built by feuding families as status symbols in the medieval period, with just 14 surviving today. In the afternoon we'll head to the 11th century Abbey of Badia a Isola, before continuing to Monteriggioni. This town is surrounded by an almost intact medieval wall, and a Local Guide will tell us about its fascinating history. Next stop is the Museum of Medieval Armours and Weapons, where you can handle some of the weaponry and even try on armour.

A walk along the castle walls is a good way to work up an appetite for today's delicious finale, a 4-course medieval dinner in a nearby restaurant.

Day 6: Volterra

You're heading to the walled medieval town of Volterra on today's included excursion, where the highlight is a visit to the Etruscan Museum. Here, there's a large collection of historic artefacts to view and you'll also get to see craftsmen at work making gold jewellery and hand-carving alabaster. This soft, translucent stone has been found in the region for centuries. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure.

Day 7: Florence

You're free to explore Montecatini Terme at your own pace today or simply relax at your hotel. Alternatively, our full-day optional excursion to Florence might prove difficult to resist. You'll explore in great company as a knowledgeable Local Guide takes you around Italy's 'Art City' on foot. Firstly, you can take a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge dating back to 1345, which is lined with jewellery shops. Next you can tick the Santa Croce Church and the magnificent Duomo off your list - Florence's cathedral with its enormous dome is its most famous landmark. This beautiful city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also a great place to indulge in a spot of shopping during some free time. Why not head to Mercato Nuovo, where you'll find the bronze statue of Il Porcellino. Give the boar's now golden snout a rub and place a coin or two in his mouth for good luck.

There's a real treat in store this evening we've included a night at the Montecatini Opera Festival.

Day 8 - Pisa - UK

Today you'll transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.​