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Grand Hotel Plaza and Locanda Maggiore
- 7 Aug
A long time Travel Department partner, Grand Hotel Plaza & Locanda Maggiore is a favourite family run hotel that offers a welcoming stay right in the centre of Montecatini Terme. This uniquely de…
Classic Tuscany & Puccini Opera Festival
Fully
Guided
7
Nights
4
Half Board
Flights &
Transfers
- Discover the picturesque charm of Tuscany on your guided group holiday to Italy’s most famous region.
- Enjoy a special open-air performance of Puccini's masterpiece Turandot in Torre del Lago.
- Spend 7 nights in Montecatini, a scenic town surrounded by natural thermal springs.
- Experience the Renaissance capital on a day trip to Florence, including stops at the Ponte Vecchio & Duomo.
- Learn about the incredible architecture & history of Lucca & Pisa on a guided day tour.
- Visit the traditional Italian towns of Siena & San Gimignano on a full day guided excursion.
- Explore at your own pace with plenty of leisure time & recommendations from your expert guide.
Book Your Trip From £1129pp
Book Your Trip From £1129pp
Your Tuscany & Opera Holiday Overview
Experience a spell bounding night at the opera and discover the very best of Tuscany on our 7-night guided group holiday to Montecatini; a beautiful hillside town famous for its geothermal spas. We’ll enjoy a special open-air performance of the famous Italian composer Puccini's masterpiece Turandot in Torre del Lago on the banks of Lake Massaciuccoli, as part of this special Classic Tuscany holiday. On this tour, we’ll also visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout Tuscany as part of the day trips and excursions included with your holiday. We’ll see the Renaissance masterpieces and monuments of Florence, the medieval tower houses of San Gimignano, Piazza del Campo in Siena and take a trip to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower. We’ll also have plenty of leisure time to explore on our own, take in the stunning surroundings of Montecatini and experience Italy like a local. Join us on this Italian adventure for the perfect mix of culture, opera, relaxation and history.
Trip Itinerary
Day
1
Travel to Italy
Transfer to Montecatini
Upon arrival in Italy, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel in Montecatini.
2
Florence
Guided Walking Tour of Florence
Morning
Join us for a full day excursion exploring Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance!
This morning our guide will take us on a walking tour, exploring this fascinating city. We will witness the famous Duomo (cathedral) with its elaborate green and pink façade before moving on to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the centre of the Florentine Republic and remains the political hub of the city. We will discover more as we walk towards the Arno River to see the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which has shops built along the length of it.
At Leisure
Afternoon
We will have our afternoon free for lunch, sightseeing or perhaps do some shopping at the famous Leather Market.
3
Lucca & Pisa
Explore Lucca
Morning
This morning let’s join our guide for a full day excursion, discovering more of this delightful region of Italy.
We start with a visit to Lucca, birthplace of the renowned composer Puccini and the only town in Italy entirely surrounded by walls. Our expert local guide will take us on a walk through the streets of this prosperous city, crammed with beautiful Romanesque churches.
After the tour, we can enjoy free time to refuel with some lunch or explore the city further before our afternoon visit to Pisa.
Visit Pisa
Afternoon
We travel to Pisa where we will visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to perhaps the most iconic building in Italy – the Leaning Tower. The famous lean was caused by poor foundations, which could not support the structure’s weight. The tilt continued to increase before the tower was completed and was corrected in the 20th and 21st centuries. During our tour we will also discover Pisa Cathedral and the many baroque buildings which make up the Square of Miracles.
4
Puccini Museum & Opera Performance
Visit Puccini Museum
Morning
This morning we will enjoy a visit to the Puccini Museum in Torre del Lago. The Museum Villa Puccini is the former home of the composer, housing photos and relics from Puccini's life including his piano and the chapel with his tomb.
Opera Performance of Puccini's Turandot
Evening
In the evening you will travel with guide assistance to the Gran Teatro all'Aperto in Torre de Lago for a performance of Puccini's Turandot.
Turandot, first performed in 1926, is an Italian opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini, set to a libretto by Guiseppe Adami and Renato Simoni. Set in China the opera follows Prince Calaf who falls in love with the imperious Princess Turandot who poses three riddles to her suitors, with an incorrect answer resulting in their execution.
5
At Leisure
Explore Montecatini at Your Own Pace
Full Day
Today, there will be a full day to relax and enjoy the charms of Montecatini. Take a stroll around this welcoming spa town, treat yourself to a coffee in one of the many cafes, or take the cable car to hilltop Montecatini Alto. Our guide will be happy to offer suggestions for activities and places to see.
6
Siena & San Gimignano
Guided Tour of Siena
Morning
Let’s see more, as we continue to explore and uncover the beauty of Tuscany !
Our day begins with a guided tour of Siena, a city famous for its art, cuisine, museums and medieval landscape. Here, we will visit the Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race held twice a year.
Explore San Gimignano
Afternoon
In the afternoon we continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the “Town of Fine Towers”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is encircled by walls and is famous for its medieval architecture and impressive skyline. We will have free time to explore the history and narrow streets – perhaps take this opportunity to try the local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made from grapes grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area.
7
At Leisure
Free Time in Montecatini
Full Day
Enjoy a final day in Montecatini at your own pace. Pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or treat yourself in one of the nine thermal centres, where you can enjoy everything from massages to mud baths, saunas to beauty treatments.
8
Return Home
Depart Italy
Time to say 'arrivederci' to Tuscany!
We'll check out of our hotel and depart by coach to the airport for our return flight.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes
Hotels Available
Know before you go
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
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