Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Rome.
Day 2
Welcome to 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 travellers for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive past Rome's iconic highlights, 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 centre 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.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.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
- Lunch or Dinner with Wine and Music in the Tuscan Hills (64 EUR): Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialties awaits, accompanied by song and music.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 4
Florence Excursion
Your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating account on the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. Perhaps in your free time visit the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks and lined with goldsmiths and jewellers, a legacy of the 16th-century decree that mandated that only jewellers and goldsmiths be allowed to ply their trade on the bridge. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- Michelangelo’s ‘David’ & Accademia (47 EUR): Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We visit 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. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Montecatini at Leisure or Optional Experience to the Cinque Terre
You have a full free day to relax in the soothing waters of Montecatini Thermal Spa on your day at leisure or join an Optional Experience to the famous Cinque Terre, whose pastel-coloured villages cling to the rugged Ligurian cliffs.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
- Cinque Terre & Porto Venere (63 EUR): We’ll visit the Bay of Poets and the beautiful Porto Venere, where we can admire the UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre. Still to this day, the villages retain their charm and reputation for producing some of Italy's most exclusive wines.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 6
Pisa and Vinci Excursion
Travelling inland, we arrive in Pisa where we join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, finely sculpted marble cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. We continue through Tuscany, arriving in Vinci where we’ll Dive into Culture at Museo Leonardiano and gain a deeper understanding of the life of this talented master. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s machines and models, his sketches and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit. Tonight 'Connect With Locals' at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you'll enjoy an exclusive 'Be My Guest' dinner surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- The Walled City of Lucca (37 EUR): Join us as we explore the beautiful city of Lucca, the birthplace and home of renowned composer Giacomo Puccini. You’ll explore with a Local Specialist as the monumental architecture transports you back to 13th-century Tuscany.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Be My Guest dinner with wine
Day 7
Siena and San Gimignano Excursion
Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to see the 13th-century marble Cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo which hosts the biannual Palio horse race. We venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towers. Enjoy some free time strolling through its narrow lanes and shopping for locally-produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery - the alluring aromas of pecorino and cured meats can be found around every turn.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 8
Tuscan Lifestyle Experience
Feast your eyes on the vibrant colours 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 lunch, we return to our hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night, enjoying the evening at leisure.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Montecatini - Rome - Vatican Experience
Departing Tuscany, we travel south to Rome. This evening, we 'Dive Into Culture' and enjoy a Farewell Dinner amidst the stunning Roman and Ancient Greek artistry showcased in Museo Gregoriano Profano. We'll have access to the museum before dinner and join a 'Local Specialist' later 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
