Delight in the charisma and colour of Florence from the moment you arrive. Alive with culture, art, theatre, fantastic food and first class shopping, it is the capital of the Tuscan region and the perfect base for the next two nights. Head to the hotel at your leisure to relax and recover from your journey, before meeting the rest of your group this evening to enjoy the first of many delicious dinners.
(D)
Overnight – De Rose Palace Hotel, Florence or similar
Savour an Italian cappuccino over breakfast before setting out for a fascinating walking tour of Florence, Italy's outdoor museum. Amongst many must-see sights on our tour, we of course cross the Ponte Vecchio, the well-known and loved bridge which is flanked by jewellery shops, spans the River Arno. We finish our tour at the Uffizi Art Gallery, a magnificent collection bequeathed to the people of Florence by the Medici family. Lose yourself amid masterpieces by some of the greatest artists who have ever lived including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. For what remains of the afternoon and evening you are free to wander the streets of this great city at your leisure, perhaps hire a bike, and later dine in one of the many fabulous restaurants.
(B)
Overnight – De Rose Palace Hotel, Florence or similar
It’s a leisurely start to your day. Yesterday's introduction to the city would have whet your appetite for further adventures in Florence, so the morning is yours to follow your interests and take in some sights in more detail, or perhaps instead you might want to scour the elegant shops, or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere over a coffee in the Piazza del Duomo. After lunch we leave Florence behind and we make our way to Lucca, one of Italy’s finest medieval towns. Home to the great composer Puccini, this beautiful little Tuscan town is protected by massive 16th century walls, inside you'll find wonderful medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as great restaurants and interesting shops. Try climbing the 207 steps of the Torre dell’Ore, a 13th-century clock tower, and the 230 challenging steps to the Tower of the Palazzo Guinigi, or just stroll around and take in the sights.
(B/D)
Overnight - Albergo San Martino, Lucca or similar
Today we set out to explore the steep Tuscan coastline and the five captivating villages that make up the Cinque Terre. One of the highlights of our tour, these pretty villages can be accessed by boat, train or on foot, depending on how adventurous you are feeling. The towns nestle along five miles of rocky coastline and the landscape is quite unique, made up of winding paths, stone walls, wonderful beaches and clear seas. We have plenty of time to explore this wonderful area and enjoy a lingering lunch before returning to Lucca in the late afternoon.
(B)
Overnight - Albergo San Martino, Lucca or similar
We travel further afield today to an international icon - the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa. This 12th century freestanding bell tower seems to defy gravity and it has been attracting visitors for many years. If you have a head for heights and are feeling energetic, why not climb to the very top! We see the adjoining cathedral, the Baptistery and the decorated Campo Santo, or “Holy Field”. Then we take in the rural romance and timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside on the way to Volterra, a magnificent and mysterious walled medieval town perched high on a rocky plateau. With three thousand years of history Volterra reveals traces from many historical periods, which gives the city a truly unique feeling, from the medieval city walls to the fascinating Guarnacci Museum with its wealth of Etruscan artefacts.
(B)
Overnight - Hotel San Lino, Volterra or similar
Today the grandeur of the Tuscan countryside continues as we head first to medieval Siena with its breathtaking array of majestic buildings, drawn together by winding cobbled alleyways and steep steps. Of course we must not miss the Piazza del Campo which stands at its heart, where the historic Palio horse race takes place each year. Next we move on to San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop villages, immediately recognisable from afar by its striking skyline of ancient towers, this is medieval Tuscany at its most evocative. We have time to explore its cobbled streets and many attractions before returning to Volterra.
(B)
Overnight - Hotel San Lino, Volterra or similar
Having immersed ourselves in the history and culture of the region, now it is time to unwind and enjoy the Tuscan countryside at its very best. From Volterra we head for the Tuscan hills and the Chianti, a unique landscape of rolling green hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see, age-old olive groves and delightful small villages. On our way we have time to call in at the charming little town of Certaldo, perched high on a hill. This was the home town of Boccaccio, famed author of the “Decameron”, and there are many reminders of him here. Our final destination is the wonderful Villa la Palagina, a hidden gem, where we will stay for the next two nights, enjoy spectacular views from its panoramic terrace, relax by the pool with a cooling drink, or perhaps take a stroll around the grounds. We will of course enjoy excellent Tuscan cuisine washed down by flavoursome Italian wines. Just do as you please and enjoy your idyllic surroundings, then sleep soundly in the calm and peace of the Tuscan night.
(B/D)
Overnight – Villa la Palagina, Tuscany
After a leisurely start it is time for a little “work” this morning as we gather on the pretty terrace in the sunshine, where the chef will initiate us into the secrets of how to make perfect pasta and tasty Italian breads. Having made our own lunch we then sit down to enjoy it with a glass or two of local wine! Afterwards, relax by the pool or enjoy a stroll in the countryside. This evening we meet up to enjoy a final dinner together in our Tuscan retreat, as our adventure draws to a close.
(B/L/D)
Overnight – Villa la Palagina, Tuscany
We say goodbye to the Chianti this morning, but no need to rush, as we make our way back to the hustle and bustle of the city where we say our goodbyes. From the grandeur of Florence, the delights of medieval Tuscany, the allure of the Cinque Terre and the beauty of the Chianti, we have many wonderful memories to take home with us of our special time in this very special region of Italy.
(B)
Tour Departure Information:
Meet this tour at 1800 hrs and tour will return at 1600hrs at:
De Rose Palace Hotel
Via Solferino 5,
50123 Florence.
Please note: This tour involves a lot of walking and steep inclines and is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit.
Back-Roads Touring Company Ltd.
Level 1, 107 Power Road,
London W4 5PY
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 208 9870 990
(Mon - Fri: 0900 - 1800 GMT)
Fax: +44 (0) 208 9940 888
info@backroadstouring.us
