Treasures of Tuscany – Unique Small Group
Your Guided Small Group Holiday to Tuscany
Join us to experience the highlights of Tuscany, a region known for its stunning scenery, rich history, iconic art and architecture. On this small group Italy tour, we'll be based in charming spa town of Montecatini, which is perfectly located to take day trips and discover some of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. On a walking tour of Florence we'll visit the Ponte Vecchio, uncover Renaissance landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral and treat ourselves to flavourful Florentine gelato! Visit Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, where we'll eat a three course lunch in a local Tuscan restaurant, then see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and its surrounding cathedrals and baroque buildings. Savour the flavours of Tuscany with a wine tasting in Montepulciano and try the famous Pecorino sheep cheese in Pienza. There will also be ample leisure time to explore on your own, take in the beautiful Tuscan landscapes or simply live 'La Dolce Vita'! This Tuscany holiday is ideal for those looking for a combination of culture, relaxation and history of Italy.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Moderate
Day
Travel to Italy
Travel to Italy
Let’s travel to Tuscany! On arrival we’ll join our friendly local representative for our transfer to our hotel in Montecatini.
At Leisure
At Leisure
Today you can enjoy a chance to discover Tuscany at your own pace. Take a stroll around Montecatini and treat yourself to a coffee in one of the many cafes or take the cable car to the older town, which sits atop a nearby hill.
Florence
Florence City Tour
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 & Ice Cream Tasting
We will have our afternoon free for lunch, sightseeing or perhaps do some shopping at the famous Leather Market. Before returning to our hotel in Montecatini we will savour some Florentine gelato.
At Leisure
At Leisure
Today is free to enjoy as you please. Ask your guide to recommend some places of interest for you according to your tastes. We recommend a trip to one of the many piazzas and leafy parks in Montecatini.
Lucca & Pisa
Lucca & Lunch
After breakfast join our guide as we travel to Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, and the only town in Italy entirely surrounded by walls. Considered to be among the wealthiest and most conservative cities in Tuscany, Lucca’s prosperity was gained largely through silk and high-quality olive oil. The city is crammed with beautiful Romanesque churches - an architecture enthusiast’s dream.
Following our morning exploring this fascinating city we will savour an included three course lunch, with wine, at a local restaurant.
Pisa
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.
At Leisure
At Leisure
Enjoy a day in Tuscany at your own pace. Why not pick up some last minute souvenirs in Montecatini, or relax in one of the nine thermal centres, where you can enjoy everything from massages to mud baths, saunas to beauty treatments.
Montepulciano & Pienza
Montepulciano with Wine Tasting
Today our excursion takes us to one of the most characteristic medieval cities in Italy, Montepulciano. This hilltop town offers spectacular views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside over the Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia. We will visit a local winery for an included wine tasting experience including savouring Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – a classic red wine unique to this region.
Pienza & Pecorino Cheese Tasting
This afternoon we will visit the renaissance town of Pienza in the beautiful Val d’Orcia valley, whose historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. Pienza is famous for its Pecorino cheese and we will visit a local dairy farm to learn about the cheese making process before sampling some Pecorino cheese.
Return Home
Return Home
Time to say 'arrivederci' to Italy!
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.
Customer Reviews
Know before you go
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.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
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.