Portofino, Florence and Tuscany

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Fly to Italy

  Meet your tour manager as you arrive, and board the coach for the transfer through the Tuscan countryside to your hotel, in Montecatini.

• Day 2 • Day at leisure

  Today, you're free to get to know the hotel and the many treasures of this historic spa resort, perhaps paying a first visit to Montecatini Alto for its stunning views, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.

• Day 3 • Included excursion to the Ligurian coast and Portofino

  Join the first of your holiday's included excursion and head to the beautiful Ligurian coast. Here, some of Italy’s most famous resorts are dotted along the shoreline, backed by wooded hills. A mecca for visitors from around the world, elegant Rapallo overlooks a stunning bay, and lies at the northern end of the Portofino headland. Spend some time exploring the resort, then board a boat for a trip along the coast to discover its ultra-chic neighbour, the world-renowned, jet-set watering-hole of Portofino. Despite the crowds, this glamorous pastel-painted village remains one of the Mediterranean’s most idyllic settings.

• Day 4 • Included visit to Florence

  Today will be one of the real highlights of your holiday, as you join our included tour of Florence. For many, this simply stunning place is Italy’s most beautiful city, and today you'll have the chance to see the magnificent Florentine skyline, dominated by the dome of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, for yourself. Explore the splendour of Santa Croce and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, spared by the retreating Nazis because of its timeless beauty. Florence is also the city of both the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s fabled statue of David, and the Uffizi, where Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus can be admired. You'll have the chance to visit the galleries (payable locally), and will no doubt want to stop for a bite in one of the city’s cafes and restaurants.

• Day 5 • Optional excursions to Siena and San Gimignano

  Relax today or join an optional excursion that heads first to Siena, well known for its medieval brick buildings and fan-shaped square, Piazza del Campo. See the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and the tall 14th-century tower, Torre del Mangia. No less fascinating is the charming hill town, San Gimignano, with its fairy-tale towers rising from the hill-top village. This is one of the finest sights in all Italy, and a fitting finale to your wonderful holiday.

• Day 6 • At leisure in Montecatini or optional excursion to Cinque Terre

  Today, enjoy Montecatini at your own pace or join an optional excursion to the Cinque Terre. Travel to La Spezia, then cruise to Monterosso to explore its beaches, old town, and historic sites. Continue to Vernazza to wander its charming streets and enjoy coastal views before returning to Montecatini.

• Day 7 • Included visits to Pisa and Lucca

  Today’s tour visits two Italian gems. First, explore Pisa with your guide, including the Campo dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Duomo, and Campo Santo cemetery. Then, travel to Lucca, a charming Renaissance city and birthplace of composer Puccini, where highlights include his museum, the cathedral, Torre della Ore, and Piazza Anfiteatro.

• Day 8 • Fly back to the UK

  Bid farewell to your Tuscan hosts, today, and journey back to the airport to check in for your flight home.