The Heart of Tuscany

Fly from London to Pisa, then transfer to Lucca for your seven night stay in the 4-star Hotel Villa La Principessa. Settle in with an included welcome dinner this evening.
(D)

This morning is free to explore your hotel and enjoy the surrounding parkland at leisure. This afternoon, head out on a guided excursion with your tour leader to explore Pisa. You’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, the home of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The bell tower of the city’s elaborate cathedral, this landmark oddity towers over 50m high; it tilts due to the soft ground underneath it, which can’t support the full weight of the tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the cathedral, known for its white-and-grey marble façade and ornate columns. You’ll also explore the Romanesque-Gothic Baptistery, and the Camposanto, a cemetery founded in the 13th century, home to several impressive frescoes.
(B)

After breakfast, drive to La Spezia by coach for a day exploring the spectacular Cinque Terre. Located northwest of Pisa on the Italian Riviera, this picturesque coastal region is made up of five colourful villages, flanked by a stretch of crystal-blue. You’ll head out on a boat tour to explore its rugged coastline, stopping along the way at various points. Enjoy an ice cream as you take in the scenery, famous for its array of rainbow-coloured houses and recognised by UNESCO as a standout cultural landscape. Return to La Spezia and transfer back to the hotel for an included dinner.
(B, D)

Relax with a morning at leisure. In the afternoon, head to Florence to learn more about the history of this unparalleled city, considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Explore some of its highlights on a three-hour walking tour, glimpsing the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, among other celebrated spots. Visit the Gothic-style Santa Croce Church, home to the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Macchiavelli. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the city, with dinner at leisure.
(B)

Visit the medieval town of Vinci this morning. The birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, its well-preserved streets offer plenty of ties to his life, from the landscapes that inspired his works to the Church of Santa Croce. Here you’ll find several of his paintings, alongside the font where he’s said to have been baptised. Visit the Museo Leonardiano with a guide, learning more about the artist’s life and work. In the afternoon, transfer to Lucca, a historic, fairy-tale city where medieval towers meet Romanesque churches. Wander the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Return to the hotel and enjoy an included dinner this evening.
(B, D)

Travel to Siena today, where you’ll embark on a two-hour walking tour of the city. Visit the Piazza del Campo, the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Explore the Duomo (or cathedral), decorated in striking white and black marble stripes and home to treasures by Michelangelo, Pisano, Donatello and other art masters. Afterwards, continue on towards San Gimignano. Stop on the way at a vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting with traditional Tuscan specialities. Wander the cobbled streets of San Gimignano, a postcard-pretty hilltop town known for its medieval, rectangular tower houses. Later return to the hotel.
(B)

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish; head back into Lucca (a one-way transfer into Lucca will be offered at 11am – you are free to return to the hotel at your leisure), venture off on a walk among the rolling Tuscan hills, or relax at the hotel on your final day. 
(B)

Depart to Pisa airport today for your flight home.
(B)