Fantastic Roma, Tuscany & Liguria 2024

Rome Welcome to Rome! After meeting your driver at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel (transfer included). Enjoy your overnight stay.

B Rome Between 7:45 – 8:00 am, following breakfast, you will depart from the hotel for the included 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. Enjoy your overnight stay

B, WINE & LOCAL FOOD TASTING Rome · Montepulciano · Pienza · Montalcino · Siena At 7:15 am, you will meet your friendly tour guide and depart from Rome aboard a deluxe coach. 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. Additionally, it hosts an annual jazz and wine festival every July. Spend a few hours at your own pace, exploring Montepulciano, indulging in complimentary wine tastings at various shops, and enjoying leisure time for shopping and lunch (not included). Next, continue your adventure to the picturesque town of 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 flavors 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.

D, WINE TASTING AND LIGHT LUNCH Siena · Monteriggioni · Greve in Chianti · San Gimignano · Siena Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, venture into the enchanting Chianti hills, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of lush forests, endless vineyard rows, and picturesque medieval hamlets. The delightful town of Greve is 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, where you’ll embark on 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 savor 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, D Siena walking tour · 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-yearold horse race known as “Il Palio.” After this fascinating visit, relax during a scenic drive 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. Conclude your day with a delectable dinner at the hotel, where you’ll spend a restful overnight.

B Lucca · Walking tour · 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. As you bid farewell to Lucca, your next destination is 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. You may opt for a delightful stroll to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the esteemed Scuola Normale, one of the world’s most prestigious universities. 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 La Spezia · Cinqueterre · La Spezia Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking 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 savor a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we return to La Spezia, where you’ll spend another relaxing night.

B, WINE TASTING AND LIGHT DINNER La Spezia · Rapallo · Santa Margherita Ligure · Portofino · La Spezia · Sestri Levante · La Spezia Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by a bus ride 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 colorful streets in the city center 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 Lavante, where you will delight in a wine and local food tasting. After this experience we will return to La Spezia, where you’ll spend the night. DAY 9 | B La Spezia Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as your tour with us comes to a close. End of our services.