Toscany

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   Florence - Montecatini Terme

   We gather at “Makedonia” Airport in the early morning hours and prepare for our direct, specially chartered Aegean Airlines flight. After our morning arrival, baggage collection and meeting with our tour representative, we board our coach and depart directly for Florence. Our first stop will be the famous Piazzale Michelangelo, the city’s best-known panoramic viewpoint. From here, we will enjoy a unique view of the historic centre, the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the imposing dome of the Cathedral. We then continue to the Santa Croce area, home to the Basilica of Santa Croce and one of Florence’s largest and most atmospheric squares. The church is associated with important figures in Italian history, literature and the arts, while the surrounding neighbourhood retains its strong traditional character. From here, we begin our walking tour through the heart of the Renaissance city. We head towards the impressive Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi’s famous dome. We will admire Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery of St. John with its elaborate doors from the outside. We then walk along the bustling Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria, the political and artistic centre of historic Florence. Here we will see the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune and the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air space filled with impressive sculptures. At the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio stands a replica of Michelangelo’s famous David, while some of the city’s most important historic buildings surround the square. We continue towards the Uffizi Gallery area and the banks of the Arno River, eventually reaching the famous Ponte Vecchio. This historic bridge, lined with small goldsmith and silversmith workshops, remains one of Florence’s timeless symbols. After completing our tour, there will be free time for lunch, coffee, shopping and your first independent walk through the historic centre. Later, we meet at the designated point and depart for Montecatini Terme, which will be our base for the next four nights. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, settle into our rooms and have time to relax. In the evening, you can enjoy your first leisurely introduction to Montecatini, stroll along its elegant pedestrian streets and choose one of the city’s restaurants or trattorias for dinner.

2. 2
   Day 2

   Montecatini Terme - Siena - Winery Visit - San Gimignano

   After breakfast, we depart on one of the most beautiful excursions of our journey, travelling into the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Our first destination is medieval Siena, a city that has remarkably preserved its historic and architectural character. As we travel through the Tuscan countryside, we will enjoy views of vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees and small stone farmhouses. Upon arrival, we begin our walking tour through Siena’s narrow streets and characteristic districts, known as contrade, each with its own history, symbols and traditions. We eventually reach the impressive Piazza del Campo, famous for its distinctive shell shape. Here stand the Palazzo Pubblico and the imposing Torre del Mangia, while the square is known worldwide as the setting for Siena’s traditional Palio horse race. We continue towards the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Tuscany’s most important religious monuments. Its elaborate black-and-white marble façade and richly decorated interior reflect the power and prosperity of medieval Siena. There will be free time for coffee, shopping and an independent walk along the pedestrian streets of the historic centre. We then depart for the Chianti region and visit a traditional winery surrounded by the characteristic Tuscan landscape. During our visit, we will discover the production and ageing areas and learn about grape varieties, the winemaking process and the distinctive characteristics of the region’s wines. A tasting of selected wines will follow, accompanied by local products such as cheeses, cured meats, olive oil and traditional delicacies. Our next stop is enchanting San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most distinctive and recognisable medieval towns. As we approach, we will see the famous stone towers that create the town’s unique skyline. We pass through the medieval gate and walk along Via San Giovanni, surrounded by traditional shops and stone buildings. We reach Piazza della Cisterna, the impressive triangular square with its characteristic stone well, before continuing towards Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Comunale and the medieval towers. There will be free time for walking, photographs, shopping for local products and tasting the famous white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Late in the afternoon, we depart for Montecatini Terme. Upon arrival, the rest of the evening is free for relaxation, dinner or a stroll along the illuminated pedestrian streets.

3. 3
   Day 3

   Optional Full-Day Excursion to Cinque Terre and Portovenere

   Today gives you the opportunity to enjoy Montecatini Terme at your own pace or join a wonderful optional excursion to one of Italy’s most spectacular regions, the famous Cinque Terre. Perched on the steep cliffs of the Italian Riviera and surrounded by the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea, these colourful villages create a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. Traditional houses, small vineyards, picturesque harbours and narrow streets combine to form one of Italy’s most recognisable scenes. Early in the morning, we depart from our hotel in Montecatini Terme for La Spezia, the coastal city that serves as the main gateway to Cinque Terre and the famous Gulf of Poets. Upon arrival, we board a boat and begin a unique journey along the spectacular coastline. From the sea, we will enjoy the best panoramic views of the famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, which appear to cling to the steep cliffs. As our boat travels along the coast, we admire small coves, rocky slopes, terraced vineyards and colourful houses descending towards the sea. We disembark at Monterosso al Mare, the largest settlement in the area. Monterosso is divided into an older and a newer section and has the largest beach in Cinque Terre. We walk through the historic centre, picturesque alleys and seafront area, followed by free time for lunch by the sea. You can try authentic focaccia, pasta with Liguria’s characteristic pesto, fresh seafood and local wine while enjoying the distinctive atmosphere of one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside villages. We then board the boat again and continue towards enchanting Portovenere, one of the most romantic and atmospheric villages of the Italian Riviera. Portovenere is built at the edge of a rocky peninsula and is distinguished by its tall, colourful houses, which form a natural wall overlooking the harbour. We walk along the waterfront promenade and pass through the old gate into the narrow streets of the historic centre. We will have the opportunity to approach the Church of St. Peter, dramatically positioned on the rocks at one of the area’s most spectacular locations. From here, we enjoy exceptional views over the open sea, Palmaria Island and Liguria’s rugged coastline. There will be free time for walking, coffee, shopping and photographs before boarding the boat once again for our return to La Spezia. After completing the cruise, we meet our coach and depart for our hotel in Montecatini Terme. Arrival in the evening, followed by free time for relaxation and dinner.

4. 4
   Day 4

   Montecatini Terme - Pisa - Lucca - Montecatini Terme Tour

   After breakfast, we depart for western Tuscany and the historic city of Pisa. Upon arrival, we head towards the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, one of Italy’s most recognisable monumental complexes. The magnificent square is dominated by the Cathedral, the circular Baptistery, the monumental Camposanto cemetery and, of course, the world-famous Leaning Tower, which serves as the Cathedral’s freestanding bell tower. We learn about the history and distinctive architecture of these monuments and have free time for photographs, shopping and individual visits. Those wishing to climb the Leaning Tower should make an advance reservation for a specific entry time. We then depart for beautiful Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric and best-preserved cities. Its historic centre is surrounded by completely preserved Renaissance walls, which have been transformed into a large elevated promenade encircling the old town. We enter the historic centre and walk along its peaceful cobbled streets. We see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Church of San Michele in Foro and the famous Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which retains the elliptical shape of the ancient Roman amphitheatre. We continue towards the shopping street Via Fillungo and the distinctive Guinigi Tower, whose rooftop trees form a small elevated garden. There will be free time for lunch, coffee, shopping or a short walk along the city walls while enjoying views over the rooftops, towers and churches of the old town. In the early afternoon, we return to Montecatini Terme for a closer introduction to the historic spa town that has been our home during the trip. The city developed around its thermal springs and retains elegant buildings, large gardens and characteristic examples of Belle Époque architecture. We walk along the central Viale Verdi and view the impressive Tettuccio thermal complex from the outside, with its grand colonnades, gardens and distinctive decoration. There will be free time for coffee, dessert, shopping or a relaxing walk along the pedestrian streets and through the shops of the spa town. The remainder of the day is free. Enjoy your final evening in Montecatini Terme by choosing a traditional trattoria or one of the city’s elegant restaurants.

5. 5
   Day 5

   Montecatini Terme - Modena - Milan - Bergamo - Return Flight

   After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we say goodbye to Montecatini Terme and depart towards Emilia-Romagna and historic Modena. Modena is famous for its artistic and gastronomic traditions, as well as its renowned traditional balsamic vinegar, which is produced in the region and aged for years in special wooden barrels. Upon arrival, we begin our walking tour at Piazza Grande, the historic heart of the city. We see the impressive Romanesque Cathedral and the famous Ghirlandina Tower, which together with the square form Modena’s UNESCO-recognised monumental complex. We walk through the beautifully preserved historic centre, pass Palazzo Comunale and reach the traditional Albinelli Market, filled with local products, cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta and balsamic vinegar. There will be time for coffee, a light meal and shopping for traditional products. We then depart for cosmopolitan Milan, Italy’s financial and commercial capital and one of Europe’s most important cities for fashion, design and culture. We begin at the impressive Piazza del Duomo, dominated by Milan’s famous Cathedral. It is the city’s most important symbol and one of Italy’s most elaborate Gothic buildings. Next to the Cathedral, we visit the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its glass dome, mosaic floors, historic cafés and luxury shops. Walking through the gallery, we reach Piazza della Scala, home to the famous Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s best-known opera houses. The combination of the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala forms the classic introduction to the heart of Milan. There will be free time for coffee, shopping along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the commercial streets surrounding the historic centre, or an independent walk through the elegant Brera district. Late in the afternoon, we depart for Bergamo Airport and our return flight. We arrive at “Makedonia” Airport filled with unforgettable images and experiences from Florence, Montecatini Terme, magical Tuscany, Cinque Terre and some of Northern Italy’s most beautiful cities. Note: The order of the itinerary may be modified due to circumstances without omitting any of the scheduled visits.

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