Montecatini
Day 01: Arrive at your hotel and join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner tonight. (D)
Day 02: Today, venture into the scenic Montalbano hills, adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees. Arrive at Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, and immerse yourself in the Renaissance master’s legacy at a dedicated museum. Explore his diverse talents, from art and invention to anatomy and music. Cap off the morning with a bakery tour, discovering the art of bread-making and savoring local delicacies like focaccia, sandwiches, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil.
Distance covered today: 25 miles/40 kilometers
Day 03: Nestled amidst Florence and Siena lies the enchanting Chianti Valley, renowned for its exquisite wines since the 1200s. Your adventure leads you to Greve today, where you can explore the village and relish lunch at a delightful wine boutique. Cap off the day with a tour of a storied Tuscan estate celebrated for its Chianti wine craftsmanship.
Distance Covered Today: 96 mi/ 155 km
Day 04: Start your day with a serene morning in Montecatini. Take a stroll through Parco delle Terme, surrounded by majestic trees. Spend your afternoon indulging in an authentic Italian cooking class at a charming farmhouse nestled in the Tuscan countryside. Upon arrival, savor a refreshing welcome drink, gather fresh ingredients from the orchard, delve into the secrets of Italy’s culinary delights, and immerse yourself in a delightful cooking session. Wind down in the evening with your fellow travelers as you relish the delicious dinner you’ve crafted—perhaps your group will earn the coveted master chef accolade!
Day 05: Explore the enchanting charm of Lucca, where medieval architecture intertwines with layers of captivating history and culture. Admire exquisite artworks at the Palazzo Mansi National Museum, then embark on a guided stroll through the Renaissance-era walls of the Old Town, bustling with quaint cafes and cobblestone streets. Enjoy a delightful café-crawl brunch and savor a local restaurant’s main course. Conclude your day with a tour of Palazzo Pfanner’s majestic gardens and grandiose arched ceilings.
Distance Covered Today: 39 mi / 62 km
Day 06: Embark on a picturesque journey through vineyard-strewn landscapes and along the charming Viale dei Cipressi, flanked by majestic cypress trees, to reach the captivating Bolgheri. With its historic red-brick castle and quaint Old Town ambiance, Bolgheri exudes an enchanting allure reminiscent of tales from a storybook. Take the opportunity to explore one of the renowned wine cellars and savor the acclaimed Super Tuscan reds, revered by many wine connoisseurs as on par with French Bordeaux since their inception in the 1980s. Afterward, venture to Castagneto Carducci for its breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Etruscan Coast. Indulge in a delectable lunch at a local eatery and relish the chance to taste the region’s distinctive liqueur.
Distance Traveled Today: 155 mi/ 250 km
Day 07: You have the freedom to shape your morning however you wish: whether it’s wandering the city, indulging in shopping, or embarking on an optional adventure. Later, indulge in a baking class at the hotel, honing your skills in crafting delicious cakes and desserts.
Day 08: Your morning marks the conclusion of your holiday escapade with a delightful breakfast.