Boasting a blend of delicious food, beautiful wine and the birth of Renaissance, Tuscany is classic Italy.  The region’s most prized art and historical relics reside in the larger cities, while hilltop medieval towns overlook a beautiful landscape of rustic vineyards and age old olive groves.  Whether you come in search of relaxation and rustic charm, or an experience packed with culture and tradition – you will fall in love with Tuscany!  Our chosen base of Montecatini Terme is an elegant thermal spa town offering lovely public gardens, beautiful architecture and a bustling heart of shops and cafes.  Limited space here can not do justice – pleased ask for a more detailed itinerary.

HOTEL ERCOLINI E SAVI, Montecatini Terme

A charming hotel of the old tuscan tradition located in a peaceful but central area of the town and under the personal supervision of the owner who carries on her families long-standing reputation for hospitality.   As soon as you enter the grand columned reception hall you will realise you are somewhere special.  All of the spacious 80 guest bedrooms are individually furnished and decorated, some traditionally others more contemporary and modern.  All are equipped to 4 star standard and offer private bathroom, air-conditioning, cable tv, hairdryer, fridge/minibar, and telephone. The restaurant provides international cuisine as well as tuscan specialities, complemented by the superb local wines and desserts.  A welcome drink on arrival and a regional candelight dinner one night is included.

ITINERARY

FRIDAY – Morning departure from Dorset via Eurotunnel crossing and onto to Reims. Overnight stay at the Quality Hotel.

SATURDAY – Crossing France and into Germany - the Rhine Valley  to Mulhouse.  Overnight stay at the Mercure Hotel, Sausheim.

SUNDAY – Southbound across Switzerland – the Italian Lakes and through the Tuscan hills to Montecatini.

MONDAY – At leisure in Montecatini to get your bearings and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the town.  There are plenty of shops, cafes and bars, lovely gardens and spa treatments using the famous waters.  A funicular railway runs up to Montecatini Alto – the ancient fortified hill town which affords breathtaking views.

TUESDAY – Visit Florence, the undisputed artistic and cultural capital of all Europe – synonymous with the names of Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Galileo to name a few.  Highlights include the Duomo with its great unsupported dome, Santa Maria Novella and the Ponte Vechio.  Real art lovers can not miss the Uffizi Gallery, the finest in Italy.

WEDNESDAY – To Lucca, a maze of narrow cobbled streets crowded with old and beautiful churches and chapels, a pleasure to wander.  The birthplace of composer Puccini there is always some musical event happening.  Later to Pisa, made famous by it beautiful leaning tower, since stabilised and now re-opened for viewing.  The neighbouring cathedral is one of the most spectacular in Italy and will take your breath away.

THURSDAY – To medieval Siena which boasts a magnificent central square overlooked by the famous tower “del Mangia” and gothic cathedral. The best way to explore this majestic and distinctive city is on foot.  Later continue to San Gimignano – the medieval walled hilltop town with its iconic towers.  The climb to the centre through the pretty streets is well worth it, if only for the views, with plenty of ice cream parlours to refresh you once there.

FRIDAY – Retracing through Northern Italy and Switzerland to Mulhouse. Overnight at Mercure Hotel.

SATURDAY – Through Germany and into Belgium. Overnight at the Novotel Wavre Brussels.

SUNDAY – To Calais for Eurotunnel crossing to UK and return to Dorset that evening.

TOUR PRICE : £650.00 per person

Single Room Supplement : £140.00  Travel Insurance premium : £20.25  per person

Price Includes : All coach travel, Return Eurotunnel crossings, 4 x overnight hotel stays (Mulhouse x 2, Reims x 1, Brussels x 1), 5 nights hotel accommodation in Montecatini, Half board meals, Financial protection insurance and VAT.