SMALL GROUP TOUR: Journey from Rome to La Spezia on this 7-day trip taking in the best of Tuscany and Liguria. Explore medieval Montepulciano and enjoy wine tasting in Montalcino. Explore the historic destinations of Siena and Lucca, wander pretty San Gimignano and see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Spend an afternoon in the Renaissance capital of Florence, visit the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre and take a boat trip to glamorous Portofino.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Montepulciano, Pienza & Montalcino wine tasting
Rome - Montepulciano - Pienza - Montalcino - Siena. We depart Rome early this morning, travelling through the tranquil regions of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. We reach medieval Montepulciano, known for its wine and historic architecture. There is free time to explore the town and find an authentic local restaurant for lunch.
We continue to Pienza, jewel of the Val d'Orcia region. This town was the birthplace of Pope Pius II and it was here that Renaissance-era town planning was first put into place by the Pope in 1459. There's free time to explore before we arrive in Montalcino with time to wander the walls of the town's hilltop fortress. Then we enjoy an included wine tasting at Enoteca la Fortezza, one of Montalcino's most established wine bars. Regional wines will be paired with light bites and pecorino cheese. After this authentic experience, we proceed to Siena for the evening.
Please note: The tour departs at 07:15 on Day 1. Departure information will be available on your tour documentation. Please arrive in Rome the day before your tour to ensure you don't miss the coach.
Overnight: Siena
Wine tasting & San Gimignano
Siena - Greve - Poggio al Sole - San Gimignano - Siena. After breakfast we head out for a full day of exploration in the Chianti Hills. We stop first in Greve to admire the triangular-shaped plaza, and there is free time for you to take a stroll.
Moving on to Poggio al Sole, we enjoy wine tasting and a light lunch of Tuscan specialties at a local winery. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the wine cellar and learn about the production process, from grape to bottle!
Our final stop of the day is the famous UNESCO-listed town of San Gimignano. Admire the medieval buildings and the famous fortified wall, plus spend your free time enjoying local delicacies such as medieval ricciarelli (almond biscuits). We return to Siena for a second evening at leisure.
Overnight: Siena | Breakfast, Lunch
Siena sightseeing, Florence & Lucca
Siena - Florence - Lucca. We can't leave Siena without first exploring this medieval walled town. During our short walking tour we see the magnificent Piazza del Campo, which hosts the bi-annual "Il Palio" horse race featured in the James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace'.
Leaving Siena, we make our way to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. This beautiful city is home to some of Italy's finest architecture, including the beautiful Duomo, the majestic Basilica of Santa Croce and Palazzo Vecchio. You can also see the iconic replica of Michelangelo's David. We have free time to explore the centre of the city before we make our way to Lucca. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Overnight: Lucca | Breakfast, Dinner
Lucca sightseeing, Pisa & La Spezia
Lucca - Pisa - La Spezia. This morning we enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour in Lucca. Passing through the city's iconic fortified walls, we take in highlights including the Piazza di San Michele, the Cathedral of San Martino and the grand Basilica of San Frediano.
Departing Lucca, our next stop is Pisa, home to the famed Leaning Tower. You will have plenty of time to admire the tower from the outside with free time in the Piazza dei Miracoli. You may choose to pay to go inside the tower, if time allows. After our visit in Pisa, we complete our drive north along the coast to La Spezia, where we spend the night.
Overnight: La Spezia | Breakfast
Captivating Cinque Terre
La Spezia - Cinque Terre - La Spezia. Today we discover one of Italy's most famous destinations - Cinque Terre. A cluster of colourful villages perched on clifftops and offering some of the clearest water and lushest scenery in the Mediterranean. Our trip begins with a bus ride to Levanto and we make use of the local train network to explore some of the villages which make up Cinque Terre, each offering something unique. There's free time to wander down winding paths, admire pretty terraced vineyards and gaze out to sea from one of the many vantage points. You will also be able to find a charming restaurant in which to enjoy lunch. After several hours of exploration, we make our return to La Spezia for the evening.
Overnight: La Spezia | Breakfast
Boat ride to Portofino
La Spezia - Rapallo - Portofino - Sestri Lavante - La Spezia. Today we travel to Rapallo for an enjoyable harbourside walk, flanked by a historic medieval castle. We can also delve into some of the town's rich Roman heritage with a stroll down narrow grid-aligned streets. We then enjoy a scenic boat ride first to Santa Margherita Ligure and then onwards to glamorous Portofino.
In Santa Margherita Ligure we can admire the port and the surrounding mountains. In Portofino, we have free time to explore the colourful streets and admire the coastal views. Known for exclusive beaches, luxury boutique shopping and fine dining, it's one of Liguria's top destinations.
Returning to Rapallo, we then drive to Sestri Lavante for wine and food tasting. Then it's back to La Spezia for the night.
Overnight: La Spezia | Breakfast, Dinner
La Spezia
Our tour arrangements come to an end today after a final breakfast in the hotel.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Garden Siena, Siena
Named after the peaceful green space in which it is located, Hotel Garden offers a welcome escape from the bustle of Siena whilst still being located just a 15-minute walk from the city's ancient gate. Being housed an old building, rooms at Hotel Garden are large and spacious, located either within the old villa or a more modern annex. Period furniture is used throughout but modern amenities including TV, Wi-Fi and minibar bring this hotel firmly into the modern age. Dining on the hotel terrace offers views of Siena, there is an outdoor pool, and the onsite restaurant La Limonaia specializes in regional Tuscan dishes. A buffet breakfast is served daily.
Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi, Lucca
Located within walking distance of Lucca's iconic walls, the Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi offers a wealth of amenities including a fitness centre, TV lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi, bar and onsite restaurant serving a range of Tuscan and international dishes. Rooms are air-conditioned, with ensuite bathrooms and TV. Breakfast is served daily at the onsite restaurant, in buffet style.
CDH Hotel La Spezia, La Spezia
Located in the enchanting town of La Spezia, Italy, CDH Hotel La Spezia offers a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility. Situated near the stunning Cinque Terre, guests can easily explore these iconic coastal villages. The hotel's rooms are tastefully designed, providing a cosy and modern retreat, while some offer captivating views of the Ligurian Sea. Amenities include a restaurant serving delectable Italian cuisine and a bar for unwinding with a drink. CDH Hotel La Spezia is an excellent choice for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Cinque Terre while enjoying a comfortable and convenient stay.
At a Glance
