Rome, Tuscany & Liguria | 9 Days

DAY 1:                   ROME

Upon arrival into Rome airport, you will be transferred to your tour hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 2:                   ROME

Between 7:45-8:00 am, following breakfast, you will depart from the hotel for a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, benefiting from our exclusive “Skip the Line” access! You won’t need to worry about reaching the area on time. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most significant art collections. Stroll through the exquisite Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps, followed by a visit to Raphael’s Rooms. The grand finale will be the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, where the guided tour will conclude. After this extraordinary masterpiece experi­ence, you’ll have the remainder of the day to explore the city at your own leisure. Overnight Rome. (B)

DAY 3:                   ROME – MONTEPULCIANO – PIENZA – MONTALCINO – SIENA

Meet your guide and depart Rome at 07:15am. Your journey will take you through the provinces of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany to the charming town of Montepulciano, a medieval gem steeped in history and art. Montepulciano is renowned for its “nobile” wine, available for purchase in the town’s wine houses. Spend a few hours at your own pace, exploring Mon­tepulciano, indulging in complimentary wine tastings at vari­ous shops, and enjoying some time at leisure. Continue to Pienza, often considered the jewel of the Val d’Orcia region. You’ll have free time to wander through this charming town, meticulously planned by Pope Pius II, a humanist pope, to embody the ideal Renaissance town. In the afternoon, arrive in Montalcino, the hilltop town lending its name to both the region and its celebrated wines. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the fortress walls, where valiant soldiers of the Republic of Siena made their last stand against Florence during medieval battles. Your journey continues with an exclusive wine tasting at Enoteca la Fortezza. Established in 1980, Enoteca la Fortezza stands as one of the earliest wine bars in Montalcino. Savor the flavours of Brunello di Montalcino wine (including Rosso di Montalcino, 2017 Brunello di Montalcino, and 2018 Brunello di Montalcino), accompanied by local culinary delights and the renowned Pecorino cheese. Finally, proceed to Siena for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 4:                  SIENA – MONTERIGGIONI – GREVE IN CHIANTI – SAN GIMIGNANO – SIENA

After breakfast, venture into the enchanting Chianti hills, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of lush forests, endless vineyard rows, and picturesque medieval hamlets. Stop in Monteriggioni before continuing to the de­lightful town of Greve, renowned for its triangular-shaped piazza and for being the hometown of the famous sailor, Verrazzano. Enjoy your leisure time exploring local boutiques and vibrant market stalls. Later, embark on a short drive to Poggio al Sole for a guided tour of the cellars. Indulge in a guided tasting session featuring some of the finest wines, complemented by a delectable lunch showcasing gastronomic specialties crafted from locally sourced Tuscan ingredients. Immerse yourself in the win­ery’s history and gain insight into the organic winemaking process. Throughout the tour, you’ll follow the captivating journey of these wines from grape to bottle. Following your satisfying lunch, dedicate your afternoon to the nearby me­dieval hill town of San Gimignano, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through this charming town and savour a selection of medieval treats, including ricciarelli (al­mond biscuits) and panforte (a rich and luscious fruit cake). Take your time to explore the town at your own pace before returning to Siena for a restful overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 5:                   SIENA – FLORENCE – LUCCA

Following breakfast, prepare to be captivated as you wan­der along the enchanting medieval streets of Siena. Take in the sight of splendid palaces and the magnificent Piazza del Campo, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful town squares and famous for hosting the ancient 600-year-old horse race known as “Il Palio.” After this fascinating visit, travel to Florence, where you’ll have the freedom to explore the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Flor­ence, with its roots tracing back to Etruscan-Roman origins, flourished during the Middle Ages as an independent “com­mune” and later experienced a cultural renaissance. You’ll find yourself captivated by the city’s abundance of historical monuments, churches, and architectural marvels, including the awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly referred to as the Duomo. During your visit, prepare to be mesmer­ized by the magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelles­chi. Just steps away, you’ll encounter the campanile tower, partially designed by the renowned artist Giotto, and the Baptistery, adorned with bronze doors famously dubbed the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo. In the heart of the city, explore the renowned Piazza della Signoria, the imposing Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the majestic Basilica of Santa Croce. Delight in leisurely mo­ments strolling along Florence’s cobblestone streets at your own pace before making your way to Lucca. Overnight and dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

DAY 6:                  LUCCA – PISA – LA SPEZIA

Following breakfast, embark on an enchanting walking tour to discover one of the most beloved and artistically rich cit­ies in Tuscany: Lucca. Lucca’s numerous tourist attractions bear the imprints of its ancient history, and as you pass through the city’s fortified walls, you’ll find yourself in the heart of this charming destination, often referred to as the “city of one hundred churches” due to its abundance of re­ligious buildings, each representing magnificent examples of various Italian architectural styles. During a two-hour guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s key monuments and squares along its narrow streets. High­lights include visits to Piazza di San Michele, graced by the exquisite Church of San Michele in Foro, the grand Basilica of San Frediano, the iconic Clock Tower, and the Guinigi Tow­er. You’ll also have the chance to admire the historic Piazza Anfiteatro, the well-preserved city walls, and the splendid Cathedral of San Martino. Continue to Pisa where you’ll have ample time to ex­plore the renowned Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, you’ll marvel at the Leaning Tower (exterior visit), explore the Baptistery (exterior visit), and appreciate other significant monuments. Enjoy leisurely moments in this picturesque town before resuming your journey and reaching the next destination, La Spezia, where you’ll spend the night. (B)

DAY 7:                   LA SPEZIA – CINQUE TERRE – LA SPEZIA

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey to one of the Mediterranean’s most pristine and expansive regions: the Cinque Terre, which en­compasses the charming villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Exploring the “Cinque Terre” is akin to stepping into a world where five small, pic­turesque villages are nestled harmoniously between the rugged coastline and lush hills. These villages, perched on cliffs and surrounded by verdant landscapes, boast some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Linked by historic mule tracks and accessible solely by rail or sea until recent times, the Cinque Terre is a captivating destination where every nook and cranny harbors something unique. From the vibrant hues of the houses to the winding paths, from the terraced vineyards and olive groves to the delectable local cuisine, this region stands as one of Italy’s most breathtak­ing. Our journey begins with a bus ride to Levanto, followed by an exploration of the Cinque Terre aboard special local trains, affording you ample free time to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, return to La Spezia. (B)

DAY 8:                  LA SPEZIA – RAPALLO – SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE – PORTOFINO – SESTRI LEVANTE – LA SPEZIA

After breakfast, travel to Rapallo. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely stroll to the expansive harbor, flanked by a charming medi­eval castle that now serves as an exhibition space. Beyond the harbor lies a network of captivating old streets, arranged in a distinctive grid pattern, revealing Rapallo’s rich Roman heritage. From Rapallo, embark on a scenic boat journey to explore two exquisite destinations nestled within the Gulf of Tigullio. Our first stop is Santa Margherita Ligure, affectionately known as “La Perla del Tigullio,” a town framed by the sea and cradled by mountains. Marvel at its picturesque port and the presence of numerous luxury hotels. Follow­ing this, a brief boat ride transports you to the enchanting town of Portofino, renowned for its glamour. The city boasts elegant luxury boutiques, and its colourful streets in the city centre create a truly captivating atmosphere. Shaped like a crescent moon, this seaside village’s beauty has been cel­ebrated across the centuries by writers and poets, includ­ing Guy de Maupassant. Portofino is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Liguria! In the afternoon, we return to Rapallo and later depart by bus for Sestri Levante, where you will delight in a wine and local food tasting. After this experience we will return to La Spezia for overnight. (B)

DAY 9:                  LA SPEZIA

After breakfast, your tour concludes. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

ROME: St. Martin Hotel, Hotel Diana Roof Garden

SIENA: Hotel Garden

LUCCA: Grand Hotel Guinigi

LA SPEZIA: CDH Hotel la Spezia

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation 4-stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Vatican Museums tour

–          Arrival transfer from Rome airport to tour hotel on day 1

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.