Highlights of Tuscany 2012

Highlights of Tuscany 2012
Rural Tuscany and Renaissance splendour

Reveal the true colours of this acclaimed region. Ochre and terracotta hill towns linked by winding white roads, interspersed with fields of poppies and sunflowers contrast with the magnificent architecture of the great Renaissance cities. 

The itinerary for your journey

Tour highlights

* Overnight stay in Paris
* Siena including a guided tour
* Renaissance Florence including a guided tour
* Delightful Montecatini
* A guided tour of Pisa

* Lucca
* San Gimignano
* The Chianti region with a cookery demonstration and wine tasting in a castle

Day 1 - By train to Paris

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. During the journey in comfortable Standard Premier Class we enjoy a light meal and drinks served at our seats. On arrival in Paris we cross the city by coach to the Mercure Gare de Lyon for an overnight stay. (E)

Day 2 - Onwards to Montecatini

We leave Paris this morning and travel southwards through France and over the border into Italy. Our journey takes us through Milan and Florence, enjoying some breathtaking views of the Italian countryside as we make our way to Montecatini, where we spend the next seven nights. Our accommodation in Montecatini is the Grand Hotel Vittoria, located within walking distance of the centre of town. (B,D)

Day 3 - A guided tour of Florence

The magnificent city of Florence is our destination today, with a morning guided tour of the city's many treasures. We see the spectacular Duomo with its distinctive orange-tiled dome, rising up above the heart of the city, and the unique Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, constructed in 1345. This remarkable structure is home to 43 jewellers' shops and goldsmiths, their window displays glinting with precious gems. The afternoon is free for you to discover Florence at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 4 - At leisure in Montecatini

Today is free to explore the attractive spa town of Montecatini. The flamboyant Tettuccio Terme spa, built in the 18th century, is well worth a visit, not only for its healing waters but also for its beautiful Liberty architecture. (B,D)

Day 5 - Excursion to Siena

Today we take a guided tour of Siena, set on three hills and characterized by winding lanes and terracotta roofs. Highlights include the magnificent Piazza del Campo, the huge square at the heart of the city, and the striking Gothic Duomo, built of white and black marble in alternating stripes. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. (B,D)

Day 6 - Excursion to Pisa and Lucca

This morning we set out by rail to Pisa, where we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. Enjoy a walk through the delightful Old Town to the Field of Miracles, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower and the marvellous white marble Duomo and Baptistry. This afternoon we visit the magnificent walled city of Lucca, where you are free to explore at leisure. This unspoilt gem features splendid Renaissance architecture interspersed with historic buildings dating from the Middle Ages. Why not take a stroll around the wide walkways along the top of the ancient ramparts, or climb the Guinigi Tower, complete with an oak tree growing from its top? (B,D)

Day 7 - A day at leisure

Today is free to discover Tuscany further, either to revisit one of the nearby towns, or to venture further afield. Travel west to the coast and explore the lovely seaside resorts, or perhaps relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities. Alternatively, take the funicular railway, dating from 1898, to Montecatini Alto, set on top of the hill with incredible views over the surrounding countryside and some lovely restaurants on its main square, where you can relax with a cold drink and watch the world go by. (B,D)

Day 8 - Cookery and Wine in Chianti

Today we travel to the charming walled town of San Gimignano, famed for its numerous towers built by competitive Tuscan families in the Middle Ages, many of which survive into modern times. This striking village, located on a hilltop and dominated by its lofty spires, is visible for miles and is a delight to stroll around. This afternoon we move on to Castello di Meleto, deep in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by fields and vineyards, the property is located in the beautiful Chianti region, at the end of a pathway lined with cypress trees and laurel bushes. We enjoy a cookery demonstration using typical Tuscan produce and traditional recipes handed down through the generations, before sampling some of the delicious wines which make the area justly famous. We enjoy a guided tour before dining in the castle this evening. (B,D)

Day 9 - 10 To Turin and London

We take the train via Florence, travelling through the heart of Italy, to Turin. Here we stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel ATA Concord. Our afternoon arrival means you have some free time to explore before dinner; giving you the opportunity to take a stroll around the city or to visit some of Turin's many parks. (B,D)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.

What's Included

• First and Standard Class rail and coach travel as described (Standard Premier Class on Eurostar journeys with meals and drinks)
• 9 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day
• 7 dinners and 1 speciality dinner in Chianti
• Excursion by rail to Florence including a guided tour
• Excursion to Siena including a guided tour
• Excursion to Pisa by rail including a guided tour
• Excursions to Lucca and San Gimignano
• Visit to Castello di Meleto in Chianti including a cookery demonstration, wine tasting and dinner in the castle
• All transfers
• Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout
• Single room prices include the supplement for single occupancy throughout: £250

Not Included

• Cancellation, medical & travel insurance: from £45

For further information click book now or call Great Rail Journeys on 01904 527 296 quoting 'Travel Recipes' 

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