Treasures of Tuscany

Arrive in Florence, Italy

Fly from London to Florence. Transfer to Hotel Botticelli (upgraded room category) for 4 nights. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Florence

Enjoy a day at leisure to wander Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. As you explore the compact UNESCO-listed centre, with its fountains, frescoes and fortified palazzos, you will see why Florence is widely considered among the world’s most beautiful cities. (B)

Lucca

Travel by train from Florence to Lucca, where you meet your guide for a walking tour of this charming walled city, followed by free time for lunch. Lucca was the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini and is as elegantly composed as his work. Experience the high notes at an andante pace, whether it’s the singular Guinigi Tower, the Romanesque duet of San Martino Cathedral and its campanile, or the ensemble of handsome, amber-hued buildings lining the piazzas. Return to Florence in the late afternoon.  (B)

Florence

Enjoy a further day to experience the romance of Florence. Perhaps visit the UNESCO-listed gothic cathedral with its characteristic red-brick dome, or the treasure-filled Uffizi Gallery, where you can admire works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael and da Vinci. Beyond the landmarks, you can dine on Florentine delicacies at an authentic trattoria, browse in the trend-setting boutiques, and sip espresso as you people-watch at a piazza-side café.  (B)

Siena

Transfer from Florence to Siena, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns. En route, enjoy a guided tour of the fortified hilltop town of San Gimignano. Upon arrival in Siena, check in at Campo Regio Relais for 3 nights.   (B)

Siena

This morning, take in Siena’s sights on a guided walking tour. Characterised by red-brick, gothic architecture, this pretty medieval city tumbles over three hills. It is home to the Piazza del Campo, a striking shell-shaped square that hosts the biannual Palio horse race and is overlooked by the 13th-century town hall and bell tower.  (B)

Siena

Your day is at leisure to enjoy more of Siena’s attractions. Consider visiting the Duomo di Siena, which dazzles with its vaulted, star-spangled ceiling and liquorice-striped belltower, not to mention the frescos of its library and crypt – the latter only unearthed in the 1990s. Other attractions include weekly street markets, several museums, and myriad restaurants, some in buildings as old as Siena’s most famous landmarks.  (B)

Return to the UK

Transfer to Florence Airport for your flight home.  (B)

Meal basis
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.