Rome and Tuscan Highlights

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 meandering through the city's fascinating streets before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive past Rome's enchanting cityscapes, including views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

Our journey through Rome begins in the centre of Christendom, where we join a Local Specialist on an included sightseeing tour to visit the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's much-admired Pietà. Ambling across the Tiber River into Ancient Rome, we walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators, gladiators and slaves whose lives were intertwined with what remains of the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races that attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators. 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.

Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo that hosts the biannual Palio horse race and is home to the 13th century marble Cathedral which dominates the cityscape. We venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano renowned for its ring of towers that can be seen as we meander up the hill on which this hilltop town is perched. Enjoy some free time ambling through its quaint cobblestone lanes, shopping for locally-produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery - the alluring aromas of pecorino and cured meats around every turn.

Relax in the soothing waters of Montecatini Thermal Spa on your day at leisure or join an Optional Experience to the famous Cinque Terre, with its quaint pastel-coloured villages that cling to the rugged cliffs of the scenic Ligurian Coast.

Travelling inland, we arrive in Pisa where we join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. Meandering through the Tuscan countryside, we arrive in the town of Vinci where we will enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the talented master whose life and work are celebrated during a visit to the Museo Leonardiano. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, his sketches and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit.

Your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating account on the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. Perhaps in your free time visit the Ponte Vecchio bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks and lined with goldsmiths and jewellers, a legacy of the 16th century decree which mandated that only jewellers and goldsmiths be allowed to ply their trade on the bridge. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Tonight join your fellow travellers for a memorable Be My Guest dinner experience with beautiful views over the Tuscan hills.

Feast your eyes on the vibrant colours and bustling stalls heaving with fresh produce at a local Florence food market where you will join a Local Specialist for a memorable introduction to Italian cuisine from a professional chef. 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 Regional Meal, we return to our hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night, enjoying the evening at leisure.

Departing Tuscany, we travel south to Rome to explore the city's magnificent sites. This evening we enjoy an exclusive Farewell dining experience among the stunning artistry of Museo Gregoriano Profano, centuries of Roman and Ancient Greek sculptures and antiquities or the magnificent surrounds of the Salone di Raffaello in the Pinacoteca, with access to the Museum available pre-dining. Join a Local Specialist 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.

Today we bid a sad farewell to newfound friends and an epic At Leisure experience, departing Rome today. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.