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Tuscany Vacation Tour
10-day tour featuring Rome, Pomezia, Florence, Pisa, and more
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 Tour Description
Live a slower pace in Tuscany. The natural beauty and culinary riches of this region combine to evoke a carefree spirit. Located in the center of Italy, this area also provides the flexibility to visit as many popular sights as you wish to fit into your stay.Included Features
Meals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners during the land portion of the tour.
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| Call (800) 626-8785 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6353024 | | Image Tours | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Depart USA | Overnight Flight to Europe
Refer to the 'Departure Instructions' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures. | | Day 2 | Rome | Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport - Anguillara Sabazia (near Rome)
Your 'Arrival Instructions' page in your Final Documents provides easy to follow instructions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your hotel in Anguillara Sabazia, an authentically Italian provincial setting 45 minutes north of Rome. At the 'Welcome to Italy' dinner prepared by your hotel, get to know your fellow tour members. (Dinner) | | Day 3 | Rome | Rome - Anguillara Sabazia (near Rome)
As legend has it, Rome was built on seven hills by Romulus and Remus. You'll find that this city constantly reminds you of history, yet at the same time, keeps you firmly aware that it is a vibrantly modern capital. Highlights during the city sightseeing tour are the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. The best way to see Rome is on foot. As you walk this marvelous city during your free time, stop at some of the beautiful churches; each one is a museum in its own right. The tour manager will offer a half-day afternoon optional excursion to the 'Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel'. Return to your peaceful country hotel retreat in Anguillara Sabazia for a relaxing dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 4 | Terme | Siena - Montecatini-Terme
This morning you travel north to Tuscany. Your introduction to this glorious region will be the olive groves on the way to Siena, a beautiful city built on three hills. This was once an Etruscan settlement which disappeared and later flourished as a new community under the Lombard kings in the 12th century. Through the years, Siena narrowly endured territorial conflicts with Florence, the Black Death, and battles fending off Spanish control. In 1555 Siena was starved into surrendering to the Spanish government, was sold to Cosimo I de 'Medici and, consequently, fell under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1861, Siena, together with the rest of Tuscany, was absorbed by the new Kingdom of Italy. Sightseeing starts on the Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena, but there are also more intimate squares worth exploring in this eye-pleasing, medieval village. You must spend some time studying the Duomo of Siena, a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Your final destination for today is Montecatini-Terme where you will spend the next five nights in the inviting Tuscany Region. Pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets welcome you to this spa resort town and dinner awaits you at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 5 | Terme | Florence - Montecatini-Terme
This day is devoted to artistically glorious Florence. The first architectural masterpieces you will notice during the guided tour stand on the Piazza del Duomo: the 'Duomo' (cathedral); the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors by Ghiberti; and Giotto's 'campanile' (bell tower). The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence at your own pace. The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence at your own pace. You may wish to visit the world famous Pitti Palace, the largest museum complex in Florence, containing eight different museum collections. Afterwards, stroll through the adjoining Boboli Gardens to enjoy the statues, grottos and fountains. The outdoor markets of Ponte Vecchio and Via dei Tornabuoni are amusing as well as a fun place to test your bartering skills while looking for leather goods and jewelry. In between sightseeing, enjoy an Italian ice cream, 'gelato', on the Ponte Vecchio, the gathering place of Florentines and visitors alike. Return to Montecatini-Terme for a leisurely dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner). | | Day 6 | Terme | Montecatini-Terme
Spend a relaxing day in Montecatini-Terme. Perhaps begin with a walk through classic pavilions and parks and past the Art Nouveau buildings that characterize this spa town. In 1771, the Granduca of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo, ordered the construction of the baths at Montecatini at public expense. Since then, the spa waters of Montecatini have gained worldwide recognition for their beneficial effects on the human body. The town itself has become a beloved vacation destination and has been known to inspire musicians, such as Giuseppi Verdi who is said to have composed the third act of Otello while living in Montecatini-Terme. Take the funicular up to the old town of Montecatini Alte and sip a cappuccino as you enjoy a great panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. If you would like to play a round of golf, ask your hotel to help you inquire about a tee time at one of the nearby courses. Hiking, tennis, and bike rental are also possible in Montecatini-Terme. You may wish to use your full free day to take an independent trip to Venice, approximately four hours each way by train. Your tour manager can be of assistance with any questions you may have. This evening, you may wish to dine 'al fresco' at one of Montecatini's many terrace restaurants. (Breakfast) | | Day 7 | Terme | Pisa - Montecatini-Terme
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Work on the structure began in 1174, but it started to tilt even before completion. The complete complex consists of the Duomo (cathedral), and immense Baptistery and the bell tower (which is more often referred to as the Leaning Tower). Built of white marble and set against the "Field of Miracles", an expansive green lawn, all three buildings are an impressive sight. After snapping pictures, return to Montecatini-Terme for a leisurely afternoon. You might wish to visit a local spa for a swim in the therapeutic waters, a mud bath, or a relaxing massage. One way to spend your afternoon and evening is on the optional 'Chianti Vineyard'
excursion, including wine tasting and dinner. (Breakfast) | | Day 8 | Terme | Montecatini-Terme
A full day to enjoy the recreational options offered in and near Montecatini-Terme. You might also consider returning to Florence using the convenient rail system. Another choice is the full day optional 'San Gimignano, Chianti & Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 9 | Rome | Rome - Fiumicino Airport Area
Bid a fond farewell to Tuscany as you return to Rome for one last afternoon of independent sightseeing in the 'Eternal City'. We suggest walking from the Piazza Venezia, the center of Rome, to the beautifully restored Fountain of Trevi. Toss in a few coins and make a wish. Choose from over 2000 restaurants in Rome for your independent dinner. Or, join the tour manager for the 'Rome Dinner' optional excursion. After dinner, transfer to your Rome airport area hotel. (Breakfast) | | Day 10 | Return USA | Transfer to Rome Airport for your return flight to the U.S.A. (Breakfast) |
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