Rome and Tuscan Highlights
Rome and Tuscan Highlights
Rome and Tuscan Highlights
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Montecatini Terme, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Tuscany
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ITROZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Rome and Tuscan Highlights" tour. This cultural adventure begins in the heart of Rome, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. Travel through the scenic Tuscan hills to Montecatini, your base for exploring the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the artistic treasures of Vinci. Discover the medieval charm of Siena and San Gimignano, and indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine with a cooking class and a special dinner at a family farm. With luxury transportation, expert guides, and cherry-picked accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Enjoy the flexibility of optional experiences and free time to immerse yourself in the vibrant Italian lifestyle.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Midas Palace
Meals Included: Dinner
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Ciao Roma! Italy opens its doors for an unforgettable jaunt through Rome, Tuscany, and two millennia of culture, history and fiery Italian verve. Spend the afternoon exploring the city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner. Embark on an orientation drive past some of Rome's icons and unexpected highlights, including the Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races which attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
Day 2: Journey To The Tuscan Hills
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation Name: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through Rome begins when you join a Local Specialist on an included sightseeing tour. See St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome and see the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, imagining the great chariot races and thunderous applause. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Tuscan hills to Montecatini, the largest and most famous spa town in Italy and your home for the next six nights. Consider joining an Optional Experience at a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees, where a feast of gastronomic specialties awaits, accompanied by song and music.
Day 3: Explore Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your Local Specialist will reveal the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. In your free time, perhaps take a walk across the beautiful Ponte Vecchio. Dating back to the 16th century, a decree mandated that the only businesses allowed to ply their trade on this bridge were goldsmiths and jewellers, and to this day, some of the city's most prestigious jewelery shops can be found here. Or, enjoy an Optional Experience that provides insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David, by visiting the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection. Here, you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of your Local Specialist..
Day 4: Montecatini Your Way
Location: Montecatini Terme
Accommodation Name: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast
Relax in the spa atmosphere of Montecatini on your day at leisure or join an optional experience to Cinque Terre, whose quaint pastel-hued villages cling to the rugged Ligurian cliffs.
Day 5: Discover Pisa And Vinci Dive Into Culture Connect With Locals
Location: Pisa
Accommodation Name: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to Pisa, where you'll join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. Continue through Tuscany, arriving in Vinci where you'll join a Local Specialist at the Museo Leonardiano to gain a deeper understanding of the life of this talented master. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, sketches, and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit. Tonight, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Day 6: Off To Siena And San Gimignano
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to see the 13th-century marble cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the biannual Palio horse race. Then venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towers. Enjoy some free time strolling through its narrow lanes and discover the artistry of the local, handmade ceramic on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you will see Tuscan pottery created by an artisan, before shopping for locally-produced delicacies—the alluring aromas of pecorino cheese and cured meats tempting you at every turn.
Day 7: Tuscan Lifestyle Experience
Location: Tuscany
Accommodation Name: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Feast your eyes on the vibrant colors and busy stalls heaving with fresh produce at a local food market where you'll join a Local Specialist professional chef for a tasty introduction to Tuscan cuisine. Learn how to cook like only an Italian mamma can, selecting your fresh produce from the market and preparing lunch which you will enjoy with a delicious glass of local wine. The tastes of Tuscany still lingering after an unforgettable lunch, we return to our hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night.
Day 8: Onwards To Rome And The Vatican City Dive Into Culture
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Midas Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing Tuscany, travel south to Rome. This evening, Roman flavors take center stage as you toast your travels over a selection of signature Roman dishes handed down over four generations.
Day 9: Journey Home
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic experience as you depart from Rome.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional Experiences and free time are included.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Airport transfers
Airport transfer service is available to purchase.
Conditions apply. -
Flights
International Air: Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available to us on the day that you book.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Vinci: Visit the museum dedicated to the life of Leonardo da Vinci in his Tuscan birthplace.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour package.
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Is there a special cultural experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a 'Be My Guest' dinner experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia in the Tuscan hills, where you will meet Sandra and Antonella on their historic family farm.
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What unique experiences are offered in San Gimignano?
In San Gimignano, you will have the opportunity to support local artists by visiting Franco's studio for a pottery demonstration, learning about the history and techniques of ceramic traditions.
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What can I expect from the visit to Vinci?
In Vinci, you will visit the Museo Leonardiano with a Local Specialist to gain a deeper understanding of Leonardo da Vinci's life, viewing his machines, models, sketches, and interactive exhibits.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in San Gimignano?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience in San Gimignano involves visiting a local artisan's studio to see Tuscan pottery being created, supporting local craftsmanship and traditions.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions