A Taste of Tuscany

An area of irresistible attraction throughout the centuries, Tuscany isn't just beautiful scenery and historical cities, it is home to some of the best food and wine in Italy.

The food here is perhaps the most varied of all the regions of Italy, with incomparable cuisine. And where better to sample the celebrated wines of Tuscany than around some of the vineyards that produce them? The famous reds, including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti, are the most renowned names.

The resort of Montecatini Terme is our base for this leisurely holiday, in the centre of one of Italy's loveliest regions. Set in a valley of olive groves and surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan landscape, it enjoys a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. The modern resort of Montecatini Terme, renowned for its springs, spas and thermal baths, is overlooked by Montecatini Alto, and the two towns are connected by a funicular railway.

We have also included two wine tastings and two meals in local restaurants, to give you a real flavour of the 'Tastes of Tuscany'. As well as our programme of excursions, there are two days at leisure in Montecatini Terme itself, giving plenty of time for you to take in the sophistication of this elegant resort with its colourful gardens, mineral spas, pavement cafes and enticing shops and boutiques.

Included in price

• Return flights to Pisa
• Transfers between airport and hotel
• Seven nights bed & breakfast accommodation in a 3 star hotel
• Twin bedrooms with private facilities
• Five evening dinners in the hotel
• One dinner and one lunch in local restaurants
• Excursion to Florence
• Excursion to Pisa and Lucca
• Excursion to the Chianti Countryside and Siena and San Gimignano
• Two wine tastings
• Air Conditioned Executive Coach
• Services of a Mistral Tour Manager

Accommodation

Excursions

During our stay we have arranged a programme of included and optional excursions and visits, all taken at a leisurely pace.

A Taste of Tuscany

This is a truly delightful day exploring the romantic Chianti countryside of rolling hills, broad green valleys, medieval hilltop villages, seemingly endless olive groves and mile upon mile of vineyards. Our journey takes us right into the heart of Tuscany, where we'll visit traditional wine villages which are seemingly untouched by time. We've arranged a tasting of the rich, red wines in one of the local cantinas and a tasting of the locally produced olive oil. We have also included a Tuscan style lunch in a local restaurant.

Pisa and Lucca

Pisa is world famous for its instantly recognisable landmark, the Leaning Tower, which stands at a seemingly impossible angle in the Square of Miracles. No matter how many pictures you have seen of the tower, the reality will take you by suprise and will leave you wondering why it hasn't toppled over! Next to the leaning tower is the Cathedral and the Baptistry, which is built out of the white Carrara marble. Lucca, birthplace of Puccini, is a perfectly preserved medieval town, hidden behind its splendid Renaissance ramparts. It is a small, graceful town which makes it ideal for exploring on foot and a walk along the ramparts will reward you with lovely views of the narrow streets, elegant Palaces and Romanesque churches. The town is also noted for its medieval squares, particularly the unusual oval shaped main Piazza, which was originally a Roman amphitheatre.

Siena and San Gimignano

Our excursion today takes us to the picturesque, medieval walled hill top town of San Gimignano. This afternoon our exploration of Tuscany continues as we make our way to Siena - the 'Jewel of Tuscany' - for a walking tour of one of Italy's most enchanting cities. Afterwards, relax with a refreshing drink at one of the pavement cafes in the shell-shaped 'Il Campo' and admire one of Italy's finest squares, famous all over the world for its Palio horse-race.

Florence

The cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is recognised as the art capital of the world. Built along the banks of the River Arno and surrounded by the Tuscan hills, it is here where you will find some of the finest sculptures, works of art and architecture including the magnificent Cathedral and Baptistry with its 'Gates of Paradise', Giotto's Bell Tower and the Ponte Vecchio. We have arranged a sightseeing tour of the city as soon as we arrive, conducted by a local guide, to enable you to get the most from your visit. The afternoon is then at leisure. Florence has an excellent shopping centre with a large range of Italian fashion, leather goods and shoes in the shops and boutiques.