Premium Tuscany

Trip Type: Explorer
Italy | 8 D | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 8,444.00 /Person

Uncover the warmth and richness of Italian culture as you journey from Rome to Venice on an eight-day Premium adventure.

Premium Tuscany

Uncover the warmth and richness of Italian culture as you journey from Rome to Venice on an eight-day Premium adventure. Travel through the rustic heart of Tuscany as you seek out culinary delights and tucked-away treasures among the rolling countryside. Explore the wonders of Venice’s Piazza San Marco, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and maybe even Rome’s Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) with an expert local leader. From ancient monuments and lively cities to sprawling vineyards and traditional Tuscan cuisine – this adventure will make memorable moments for both the Italian novice and maestro.

Buongiorno! Welcome to Rome. When you arrive, you’ll take a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do to soak in all this incredibly historic city has to offer, maybe grab an espresso and hit the streets. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. When the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

From ancient monuments to romantic restaurants, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today, join a private guide for a trip to the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita (an iced Italian espresso), then visit a local aristocrat in his home close to the Campo de Fiori. Much of the apartment is still in its original state, including the painted ceiling. Chat with the owner before sitting down for an included lunch in the dining room. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe follow in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race and nearby the Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni – a medieval walled town with over a dozen towers once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You’ll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with views of a tree-studded landscape geatures an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner made with local ingredients that pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its Gothic and Romanesque architecture with your leader. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca – one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities – where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence, including a visit to the Galleria dell‘Accademia – an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. You then have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi is highly recommended as it’s one of the oldest galleries in the world. Maybe head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline and sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here.

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. You will make a stop at the Venice Academy of Music and will take in the view of the city from their rooftop.The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or you can simply meander around the tiny, cobbled streets and discover the local markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality – tiramisu. Later in the evening, join your leader for a Venetian dinner.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation.

Meals
7 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(s), 4 Dinner(s)

Transport
High-speed train , Private vehicle

Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (5 nights), Feature Stay (2 night)

Included Activities

  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Rome – Coffee Granita (Coffee semi-frozen dessert)
  • Rome – Guided walking tour
  • Rome – Nobleman’s home visit and lunch (Exclusive Experience)
  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
  • Florence - Galleria dell ’Accademia admission
  • Florence – Highlights of Florence Guided walk
  • Venice -Traghetto boat ride
  • Venice - Farewell Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Venice - Academy of Music Visit
  • Spend two memorable nights at your gorgeous Feature Stay hotel in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, complete with an outdoor pool. You’ll dine on gourmet cuisine at the onsite restaurant and spend some time wandering the scenic grounds.
  • Visit the home of a Roman nobleman during an Exclusive Experience. Your aristocratic host will show you around the opulent interiors and explain the rich history of the residence, before sitting down for lunch in his dining room.
  • Treasure Tuscany’s love of cuisine and viticulture during a trip to the celebrated wine-growing region of San Gimignano. Visit a family-run winery and sample some world-class wine.
  • Take advantage of local knowledge with a small-group leader joining you on orientation walks in some of Italy’s best cities and recommending places to visit and eat.
  • Venice is the ideal place to wander with no set path. Lose yourself in the town's myriad alleyways, full of artisan shops and eateries, and dine in a local restaurant.

Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

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Destination Details
Italy | 8 D | 1 - 12 People
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Italy
Trip Finishes:
Italy
Countries Visited:
Italy
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