Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Rome.
Day 2
Arrive Rome
Ciao Roma! The Eternal City opens its doors for an unforgettable At Leisure jaunt through Tuscany and two millennia of culture, history and fiery Italian verve. Spend the afternoon meandering through the city's fascinating streets before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive past Rome's enchanting cityscapes, including views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
Meal(s) : Welcome Reception
Day 3
Rome Sightseeing - Montecatini
Our journey through Rome begins in the center of Christendom, where we join a Local Specialist on an included sightseeing tour to visit the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's much-admired Pietà. Ambling across the Tiber River into Ancient Rome, we walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators, gladiators and slaves whose lives were intertwined with what remains of the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators. This afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Tuscan hills to the thermal spa resort of Montecatini, the largest and most famous spa town in Italy and your home for the next six nights.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Day 4
Siena and San Gimignano Excursion
Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo that hosts the biannual Palio horse race and is home to the 13th century marble Cathedral which dominates the cityscape. We venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano renowned for its ring of towers that can be seen as we meander up the hill on which this hilltop town is perched. Enjoy some free time ambling through its quaint cobblestone lanes, shopping for locally-produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery - the alluring aromas of pecorino and cured meats around every turn.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Lunch Or Dinner Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills (62 EUR): Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialities awaits, accompanied by song and music.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast
Day 5
Montecatini at Leisure or Optional Experience to the Cinque Terre
Relax in the soothing waters of Montecatini Thermal Spa on your day at leisure or join an Optional Experience to the famous Cinque Terre, with its quaint pastel-coloured villages that cling to the rugged cliffs of the scenic Ligurian Coast.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast
Day 6
Pisa and Vinci Excursion
Traveling inland, we arrive in Pisa where we join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. Meandering through the Tuscan countryside, we arrive in the town of Vinci where we will enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the talented master whose life and work are celebrated during a visit to the Museo Leonardiano. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, his sketches and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: The Cinque Terre and Porto Venere (58 EUR): We'll visit the Bay of Poets and the beautiful Porto Venere, where we can admire the UNESCO protected Cinque Terre. Still to this day, the villages retain their charm and reputation for producing some of Italy's most exclusive wines.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast
Day 7
Florence Excursion
Your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating account on the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. Perhaps in your free time visit the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks and lined with goldsmiths and jewellers, a legacy of the 16th century decree which mandated that only jewellers and goldsmiths be allowed to ply their trade on the bridge. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a memorable Be My Guest dinner experience with beautiful views over the Tuscan hills.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia (40 EUR): Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We have fast track entry to the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast and Be My Guest dining
Day 8
Tuscan Lifestyle Experience
Feast your eyes on the vibrant colors and bustling stalls heaving with fresh produce at a local Florence food market where you will join a Local Specialist for a memorable introduction to Italian cuisine from a professional chef. Learn how to cook like only an Italian Mamma can, selecting your fresh produce from the market and preparing lunch which you will enjoy with a delicious glass of local wine. The tastes of Tuscany still lingering after an unforgettable Regional Meal, we return to our hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night, enjoying the evening at leisure.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: The Walled City Of Lucca (37 EUR): Join us as we explore the beautiful city of Lucca, birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. You'll explore with a Local Specialist as the monumental architecture transports you back to thirteenth century Tuscany.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast and Regional meal
Day 9
Montecatini - Rome - Vatican Experience
Departing Tuscany, we travel south to Rome enjoying free time to explore the city's magnificent sites. This afternoon, gain priority access to the Vatican Museums where you will meet an official representative during your private guided tour of the Missionary Ethnological Museum. Founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926, this museum has a remarkable collection of artworks and historical relics from missions all over the world. Enjoy an exclusive Farewell Dinner at the museum amidst three centuries of Vatican art, history and antiquities. Join a Local Specialist for a guided evening tour of the Vatican Museums including a visit to Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 10
Rome - Return to Canada
Today we bid a sad farewell to newfound friends and an epic At Leisure experience, departing Rome today. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s) : Buffet breakfast
