Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure day
Depart on your overnight flight to Florence.
Day 2 - Arrive Florence
Arrive in Florence and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your hotel is located in the heart of the historic town center. The cathedral and Santa Maria Novella are only a two minute walk away, and beautiful shops line the streets just outside your doorway. This evening join your fellow travelers for a get-acquainted reception and dinner at the hotel. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 3 - San Gimignano/Free evening
Begin the morning with a visit to the Piazzale Michelangelo, one of Florence's most magnificent vantage points. Relax on a scenic ride to San Gimignano and enjoy the countryside that was featured in the film Under the Tuscan Sun. On your walking tour of San Gimignano, see the beautiful Piazza della Cisterna, the Piazza del Duomo, the Podesta's palace, the Town Hall, and the Church of St. Augustine. Stop at Villa Torciano for an entertaining talk by your host, Pierluigi Giachi, on Tuscan and Chianti wines under an arbor with an endless view of century-old vines. Then enjoy a wine tasting--complete with Tuscan cheeses and biscotti.
Day 4 - Walking tour of Florence/Trattoria Baldovino
Today visit Florence's most famed attractions, including Michelangelo's fabulous marble David at the Florence Academy of Art, the Cathedral, Baptistery, Signoria Square, Santa Croce church, Brunelleschi's superb Pazzi Chapel, and little architectural gem--St. Martin Chapel--with magnificent frescoes attributed to Ghirlandaio. On your walking tour, amble through many side streets to see ancient pastry shops, historical cafes from the 1700s and the Porcellino Straw Market. Lunch is at Trattoria Baldovino, where you will enjoy a wide variety of antipasti and pastas, and great wines with lunch. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 5 - Pitti Palace/the Uffizi Gallery/Santa Maria pharmacy
Depart on a walking tour with a local expert on the history and art of Florence. Your explorations include a visit to the Uffizi (which means "office" in Italian) Gallery, now residence of one of the finest collection of paintings in Italy, and to the Pitti Palace, one of Florence's many architecturally significant structures. The original palazzo, built for the Pitti family around 1460, was comprised only of the middle cube, but the Medici's made substantial additions after they purchased it in the 1500s. Today, the building houses several museums and has the former Royal Apartments, which contain furnishings and household treasures, on display. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Your last stop is at Italy's oldest pharmacy, the Santa Maria, where you can purchase wonderfully scented soaps and creams still made in the age-old way by Dominican monks. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 6 - Excursion to Pisa/Lucca/Montecatini
Early morning departure for Pisa, formerly an important maritime port in the 12th century. Situated at the northwestern edge of town, the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) stands the Duomo, the baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower. The structure started to lean before it was completed, and the architects attempted to compensate by making the remaining floors taller, only adding to the problem. It has been anchored to the earth and still holds great interest in viewing this anomaly. Continue your journey to Lucca, a wonderful Tuscan town. It was the town where Caesar, Pompey and Crassus agreed to rule Rome as a triumvirate in 56BC and was the first town in Tuscany to accept Christianity. Lucca is one of the most picturesque and elegant fortress towns in Tuscany. Your last stop today before returning to Florence is Montecatini, one of Europe's most famous health spas. It is renowned for its mineral springs, which flow from five sources. The facades, fountains and Art Nouveau buildings are something to behold. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 7 - Free time/Farewell dinner
Today is completely yours to enjoy on your own. Revisit some of the sights and museums close by your hotel, or stroll the wonderful shops nearby. Prior to dinner enjoy a charming horse-and-carriage ride through the streets of old Florence to your farewell dinner at Osteria di Giovanni for traditional Italian cooking. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 8 - Conclude Florence
Depart Florence and return home.
Travel Dates & Rates
| Departure Dates |
Space Available |
Land Only |
Single Supplement |
* Guaranteed to operate
** Ask agent about our waiting list
- Land only rate is per person based on double occupancy.
- International airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. With the purchase of international airfare through Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included.
- Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $500 per person. Travel insurance is highly recommended
Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars. |
