Savour the delights of Tuscany when the days are pleasantly mild and those magnificent Renaissance cities can be explored without the heat and crowds of summer. Tuscany is steeped in history and glorious scenery with a landscape of vineyards, cypress trees and hilltop hamlets, plus medieval towns and cities that have captivated people for centuries. The lovely spa resort of Montecatini Terme is one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany, the town has lovely gardens, stylish shops and trattorias, plus a funicular that climbs to the original medieval part of the town from where there are spectacular views.

Itinerary

• Day One: Depart in the early hours and travel south to Folkestone for a morning journey through the Eurotunnel to Calais, continue south on the French autoroutes to our overnight hotel in Mulhouse.
• Day Two: We climb through the beautiful Swiss Alps to the Gotthard tunnel that takes us into Italy, then on to Montecatini Terme to commence our six night stay.
• Days Three to Seven: At leisure in Montecatini with the following included excursions:
• A journey through the Tuscan countryside to Siena, the capital of Chianti, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. The entire city is medieval in appearance, highlights are the main square (Piazza del Campo) the cathedral and the baptistry. The city is also famous for the Palio bareback horserace.
• See the amazing Leaning Tower at Pisa, one of the most famous sights in the world, plus the lovely medieval walled town of Lucca with its beautiful churches, quaint narrow cobbled streets and pretty piazzas.
• A visit to Florence, the artistic and cultural capital of Europe, synonymous with the names of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli and Galileo, plus famous sights such as the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. The most convenient route to the centre of Florence is by train, avoiding long walks from the parking areas on the city outskirts. (Fare payable approx 10 Euros, group will be escorted).
• A day to the Tuscany coast and the popular resort of Viareggio with its magnificent mountain backdrop. There are fine sandy beaches and a wide palm-lined promenade with elegant shops, cafes and restaurants to explore.
• Day Eight: We travel back through Switzerland and into France for another overnight stay in Mulhouse.
• Day Nine: To Calais for our return Eurotunnel journey to Folkestone and on home to North Wales.