Classic Tuscany with Florence, Siena, San Gimignano & Cinque Terre

Explore the iconic beauty of Tuscany, from Florence to Siena and San Gimignano, with a taste of the Cinque Terre coast, while basing yourself in Montecatini, perfectly placed for both discovery and local charm.

This beautifully balanced 7-night tour invites you to discover the art, history and landscapes of Tuscany – from Renaissance Florence to medieval Siena and the tower-topped skyline of San Gimignano. With excursions led by expert local guides, a tasting of locally produced wine in the Tuscan countryside and a scenic boat trip along the colourful Cinque Terre coast, each day reveals something new. Accompanied by our Dedicated Tour Manager and based throughout in the elegant spa town of Montecatini, you can enjoy this captivating region at your own pace.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day1Fly to Pisa

Your holiday begins at Pisa Airport, where your Tour Manager will meet you. From there it is a short drive to Montecatini, the elegant spa town that is your base for the week.

Once you arrive, there is a relaxed orientation walk around the town. This gentle introduction helps you find your bearings and see the main landmarks. You will also get to know the cafés, shops and leafy streets nearby.

The rest of the day is yours. Settle into your room, rest a while, or take a stroll before dinner.

Day2At your leisure

Today is free. You may prefer to stay close to the hotel and relax in Montecatini Terme, with a stroll through its leafy parks or a visit to one of the historic thermal spas.

If you would rather explore, the train station is a short walk away. Lucca is around 30 minutes by train. Its tree-lined Renaissance walls are ideal for a gentle walk, and the old centre is full of beautiful squares, including the oval Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Pisa is another 30 minutes on from Lucca, by direct train. Here you can see the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery. There are plenty of places to sit and take in the architecture.

Relax or explore: the day is yours to shape.

Day3Cinque Terre

Today you set off for the Ligurian coast and the Cinque Terre. The day starts in La Spezia, where a scenic boat ride takes you to Portovenere. Portovenere is not officially one of the five villages, but it is often called the sixth. It has the same colourful houses, and a peaceful harbour.

From there the boat continues along the coast to Monterosso, the furthest of the Cinque Terre villages. On the way you pass Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza, each clinging dramatically to the cliffs. Seeing them from the water is the easy way to admire them, with no narrow, crowded streets to navigate on foot.

In Monterosso there is free time to explore. The old town has inviting shops and an attractive seafront promenade. Later you take the train back to La Spezia, where your coach is waiting to bring you to Montecatini.

Day4At your leisure

Today is the day to get to know Montecatini Terme. The so called Garden City is known for its parks and its Art Deco buildings. Around the old spas, the quiet grounds and Liberty style architecture make a green oasis in the middle of town.

The great composer Giuseppe Verdi fell in love with Montecatini Terme and returned for many holidays. Take the chance to stroll its lively streets, browse the chic boutiques, sit outside a café, or try the tempting delicacies in one of the restaurants.

Day5Florence by train

No visit to Tuscany is complete without Florence. Walk to the train station in Montecatini and take the train, which whisks you into the heart of the city.

A two hour guided tour starts the day. It takes in the gothic church of Santa Maria Novella and Piazza della Signoria, where Michelangelo’s David stands guard over the town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio. The statue here is a copy; the original is in the Galleria dell’Accademia. You will also see the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge across the Arno, with its tiny jewellery shops built into the sides. The tour ends at Santa Maria del Fiore and its huge cupola, designed by Brunelleschi.

After that, the day is free. Have a cappuccino in an elegant café, go shopping, or visit one of the city’s 70-odd museums. Afterwards, return by train to Montecatini.

Please note: While the excursion is planned to operate by train, in the unlikely event of train services being disrupted or unavailable, the journey will be carried out by coach.

Day6At your Leisure

Today is free in Montecatini. You might take the historic funicular up to Montecatini Alto, a charming hilltop village with beautiful views, small cafés and inviting squares. It suits a gentle morning or afternoon.

If you prefer to go further afield, Pistoia is an excellent choice. It was Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2017 and remains one of Tuscany’s lesser-known treasures. Buses and trains run regularly, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Once there, you will find an atmospheric main square, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Palazzo Comunale. Pistoia also offers an underground tour of the Ospedale del Ceppo, which reveals how the Black Death shaped the city.

Day7Siena & San Gimignano

This morning the coach collects you from the hotel for a full day in the Tuscan countryside. Your first stop is Siena, a UNESCO world heritage town. Have a local gelato on arrival, then set off on a guided walking tour of around two hours. Your guide will share fascinating stories of the Sienesi people and take you to the key monuments and sights. There is time, too, to soak up the atmosphere that Siena is renowned for.

Next you continue into the countryside for a tasting of locally produced wine.

The final stop is San Gimignano, known as the ‘Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany’. There is free time to wander its charming medieval streets and take in the rural setting, before the coach returns you to Montecatini.

Day8Return home

Check out of the hotel after a final breakfast. Your coach will collect you at your allotted time for the transfer to Pisa airport and your flight home to Dublin.