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Tuscany Awaits — Your Most Beautiful Escape Starts

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Sandy Gordon, Travel Agent in Odenville, AL

Sandy Gordon

Odenville, AL Travel Agent

Sandy Gordon

Odenville, AL

Travel By Dezign, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
DESTINATIONS VISITED:Italy
PLACES VISITED:Florence, Lucca, Montecatini, Pisa, San Gimignano
SUGGESTED DURATION:8 Days
Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano, nestled in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Enjoy free time in Montecatini or see the Gothic Line of WWII and visit the Museum of Liberation. Explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.
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DAY1
Montecatini
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Hotel Ercolini and Savi
Your tour opens in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, nestled in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany. As travelers’ arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the town independently. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner where regional foods and Italian wines kick off your adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Montecatini Terme
DAY2
Lucca
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Tuscany’s best-kept secret
Discover Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, and medieval streets flanked by towers. Explore the lively city center on your own and discover the piazza built on top of a Roman amphitheater. This afternoon, make your way to a Tuscan winery and learn about the art of winemaking as you taste local varieties before returning to Montecatini for an evening at leisure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tuscan winery and learn about the art of winemaking
DAY3
Florence
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Cradle of the Renaissance
Join a local Florentine guide and embark on an extensive walking tour exploring the city's vast historical center. At the Piazza del Duomo, marvel at the ornate façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery. Take in views of the Piazza della Signoria, the center of Medici power, and Santa Croce Square before enjoying the remainder of your time in Florence to explore this unparalleled open-air museum at your leisure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Piazza della Signoria
DAY4
Montecatini
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Historic Tettuccio Spa
Known for the health benefits in its mineral drinking waters. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Choose to relax in Montecatini, spending the afternoon at leisure -OR- set off for Borgo a Mozzano, where you will see its unique Devil’s Bridge and the nearby remains of the Gothic Line – the Germans’ last defense during WWII. Visit the Museum of Liberation and see authentic fortifications and bunkers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Museum of Liberation
DAY5
Pisa
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Journey to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa
Visit of its famous Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). The moniker was coined to describe the magnificence and wonder of the architectural masterpieces within the square, which is uniquely paved in grass. Keep your camera handy to capture the gravity-defying inclination of the iconic Leaning Tower. This evening, travel to the quiet countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Partake in a cooking class, using local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations. Enjoy your freshly-prepared meal for dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles)
DAY6
Montecatini
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Embark on an optional truffle hunt
Led by a local expert and their specially trained dogs. As you wander along unpaved trails, learn about the fascinating world of truffles and the techniques used to forage them. Indulge in a truffle-themed buffet lunch before returning to Montecatini mid-afternoon for an evening at leisure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Truffle Hunting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
DAY7
San Gimignano
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Take in the rural atmosphere of a family-owned farm
Among the goats, cows, and organic gardens and sample their local products. Soak in breathtaking views as you travel to the hilltop village of San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most picturesque places. Explore this enchanting medieval town, from its famous 14 towers to its magnificent vistas overlooking vineyards. Enjoy free time and perhaps indulge in some gelato, before returning to Montecatini in the late afternoon. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Soak in breathtaking views as you travel to the hilltop village of San Gimignano
DAY8
Montecatini
Close Day
As Your Journey Ends, Tuscany Stays in Your Heart.
Your journey comes to a close today. Depart with many fond memories of Tuscany.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Depart with unforgettable memories of Tuscany’s beauty and charm
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’ve ever longed for a place that feels both timeless and welcoming, this is it. Tuscany offers a kind of magic that stays with you. Let this be the moment you say yes to the trip you’ve been dreaming about. Tuscany is ready when you are.