Rome and Tuscan Highlights
An idyllic Italian retreat, bringing all your Tuscan dreams and Rome highlights to life. When you're not spending time with sisters Sandra and Antonella on their agriturismo overlooking vineyards, you'll get to delve into the life of Da Vinci and soak up the healing waters of Montecatini spa.
Travel Insurance
For your protection AAA recommends Travel Insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel advisor. AAA recommends Allianz.
- 13 Meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners)
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Early check in/late checkout
- International, domestic and internal airfares
- Travel insurance, visas and items of a personal nature
- Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and local Experts
- $40 per person credit voucher toward an optional excursion
- VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Tuscan city of Siena, San Gimignano, the Leonardiano Museum in Vinci and the Sistine Chapel
- View the ancient sites of Rome including the Colosseum, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Terms & Conditions: Trafalgar price is per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Subject to availability, additional restrictions and conditions apply. For more information and booking conditions see your Travel Agent or Trafalgar’s current brochure. Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel this departure if minimum participation is not achieved. Not responsible for typographical errors.
Ciao Roma! 'The Eternal City' opens its doors for an unforgettable At Leisure jaunt through Tuscany and two millennia of culture, history and fiery Italian verve. Spend the afternoon exploring the city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Embark on an orientation drive past Rome's iconic and unexpected highlights, including views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races which attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
Meal(s): Welcome Reception
Hotel(s): Cardinal St Peter
Our journey through Rome begins in the centre of Christendom, where we join a 'Local Specialist' on an included sightseeing tour to visit St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's much-admired Pietà. This afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Tuscan hills to the thermal spa resort of Montecatini, the largest and most famous spa town in Italy and your home for the next six nights.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Your 'Local Specialist' will reveal the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. In your free time, consider visiting the Ponte Vecchio bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks and lined with goldsmiths and jewellers. This is a legacy of the 16th-century decree which mandated that only jewellers and goldsmiths be allowed to ply their trade on the bridge. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Relax in the soothing waters of Montecatini Thermal Spa on your day at leisure or join an Optional Experience to Cinque Terre, whose quaint pastel-hued villages cling to the rugged Ligurian cliffs.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Journey to Pisa where we join a 'Local Specialist' to view the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. We continue through Tuscany, arriving in Vinci where we'll 'Dive Into Culture' at Museo Leonardiano and gain a deeper understanding of the life of this talented master. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, his sketches and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit. Tonight 'Connect With Locals' at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you'll enjoy an exclusive 'Be My Guest' dinner surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Be My Guest
Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to see the 13th century marble Cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo which hosts the biannual Palio horse race. We venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towers. Enjoy some free time strolling through its narrow lanes and shopping for locally-produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery - the alluring aromas of pecorino and cured meats can be found around every turn.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Feast your eyes on the vibrant colours and busy stalls heaving with fresh produce at a local food market where you will join a 'Local Specialist' professional chef for a tasty introduction to Tuscan cuisine. Learn how to cook like only an Italian mamma can, selecting your fresh produce from the market and preparing lunch which you will enjoy with a delicious glass of local wine. The tastes of Tuscany still lingering after an unforgettable lunch, we return to our hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Departing Tuscany, we travel south to Rome. This evening, we 'Dive Into Culture' and enjoy a Farewell Dinner amidst the stunning Roman and Ancient Greek artistry showcased in Museo Gregoriano Profano. We'll have access to the museum before dinner and join a 'Local Specialist' later for a guided evening tour of the Vatican Museums, including a visit to Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel(s): Sheraton Parco de' Medici
Today we bid a fond farewell to newfound friends and an epic At Leisure experience, departing Rome today. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Rome and Tuscan Highlights, by Trafalgar
