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TUSCAN DELIGHTS

TUSCAN DELIGHTS Verona

9 days / 8 nights from Rome Venice

Tuscany has so much to offer, that a driving tour should be taken slowly in order to fully absorb the exceptional atmosphere this

region is renowned for. Beautiful cypresses, undulating valleys, magnificent medieval villages appearing suddenly on top of a hill,

beautifully kept vineyards, olive trees everywhere; this is Tuscany and to appreciate its wonderful sceSnaneMrya,rinloovely country roads

should be taken in preference to motorways. Cinque Terre

Day 1: Rome – Siena (226km) Lucca Florence
Pisa
From Rome you will drive through Lazio, the area around Rome with its volcanic Vicopisano
hills, lakes and great plains dotted with historic ruins. Siena, has a lot to offer San Gimignano Arezzo
and you should begin your visit by exploring the medieval city and the Piazza Siena Montepulciano
del Campo (the main square). Test your energy and go to the top of the Torre
del Maggia, a famous tower providing a fantastic view of the surrounding area. ITALY
The Pinacoteca Nazionale is not to be missed and is located in a 14th century
Palazzo. ROME

Overnight: Siena Day 8: Arezzo – Montepulciano (52km)

Day 2: Siena – Vicopisano (113km) You will see more and more vineyards as you get closer to Montepulciano, an
important wine producing area – Vino Nobile – a delicious red wine which is a
Now in the heart of Tuscany, take your time and drive leisurely to fully absorb must to try. We suggest a short detour to Pienza, a lovely little town which can
the beauty of the countryside. We suggest a side trip to San Gimignano, a few be visited in a few hours with a main street full of small shops offering the local
kilometers away, to admire its unique series of Towers dating back to the 13th specialty: Pecorino cheese, a variety of Parmesan with a similar taste and texture
century. as well as a good assortment of smoked meats and hams. The main attractions
of this town are the Cathedral, the Museum attached to the Cathedral and the
Overnight: Vicopisano famous Palace Picolomini.

Day 3 & 4: Vicopisano – Pisa – Lucca – Vicopisano (62km) Montepulciano is a very attractive little town situated on top of a hill separating
two valleys and it has a very specific Renaissance feel.
Pisa, famous for its leaning tower. The area around the Tower is called the Campo Overnight: Montepulciano
dei Miracoli and includes the Duomo, the Battistero and the Camposante (Burial Day 9: Montepulciano – Rome (175km)
ground). Lucca has preserved a charming atmosphere and is not touched at all
by modernism. Not to be missed are the Saint Martin Cathedral and its Duomo, This will be an easy two hour drive mainly on the motorway to reach Rome, the
the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro, a church dating back to the 12th century, the end of your driving tour.
Pinacoteca and its 17th century paintings. A walk through this beautiful town full Total Distance: 740km
of palaces, churches, squares and medieval streets is a unique experience in
itself. Enjoy an afternoon cooking lesson with a famous Italian food blogger and Highlights:
hobby Chef in their private home as she shows you her grandmothers secrets to • Piazza del Campo, Siena
preparing delicious Italian food. Then sit back and enjoy your creation for dinner • 13th Century Town Hall, Siena
with wine. • Field of Miracles, Pisa
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
Overnight: Vicopisano • Saint Martin Cathedral, Lucca
• Piazzo della Duomo, Florence
Day 5 & 6: Vicopisano – Montecatini Terme – Florence (83km) • Cooking Lesson in Tuscany
• Towers of San Gimignano
A short drive through Tuscany, we suggest a stop on the way at Montecatini From $969 per person share twin*
Terme, a very elegant spa resort famous for centuries for its medicinal properties.
This will provide a relaxing lunch stop before the hustle and bustle of Florence. *Based on a 9 day Hertz economy rental car & 8 nights accommodation including 6 breakfasts daily in 3 &
Florence is a very elegant town and the intense light of the area gives a very 4 star hotels (subject to availability). No activities mentioned are included. Based on mid season (Apr) travel.
specific feel which has attracted many artists over the years. It is a city of Arts. Cooking Lesson is $239 per person additional.
The main attractions are the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral, Campanile
and the Baptistery. You must see the Piazza della Signoria, which is an open
air museum with several statues, the Palazzo Vecchio and the not to be missed
Galleria degli Uffizi, a fantastic museum housing works collected over centuries.

Overnight: Florence

Day 7: Florence – Arezzo (81km)

Drive through a very fertile area of fruit trees and vines to the birthplace of famous
artists such as the Benedictine Monk Guido d’Arezzo and the poet Petrarch as
well as the painter Giorgio Vasari.

Overnight: Arezzo

Above price is indicative and subject to change. Please check with your travel agent for up to date pricing. Florence accommodation tax of €5 per person per night applies for the first 10 consecutive nights. 29
Please pay directly to hotel by cash.