ITALY
Montecatini Alto
Treasures & Treats of Northern Tuscany
Timelessly alluring, Tuscany embodies the very best of Italy for many. Striped with vineyards and olive groves, the landscapes are impossibly picturesque and wonderfully fertile, while Tuscany’s ancient towns, galleries and churches are bursting with fine Renaissance art. From the mist-draped hills and the extraordinary traditional cuisine, to the memorable skylines of its medieval cities and beautiful coastlines, the region is an embarrassment of riches. The delightful spa town of Montecatini Terme provides the ideal base from which to explore the region. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Lucca This morning we make our way to Lucca, one of the oldest cities in Tuscany and home of the Italian composer Puccini, where we embark on a 90 minute guided walking tour to introduce its highlights. With the imposing 16th century ramparts still wrapped around the compact village, it wears its air of uniqueness with fierce pride – it was an independent city-state until the mid-1800s. A jewel of medieval architecture, the town emanates charm and history. After our tour we spend time at leisure, discovering a maze of narrow cobbled streets, beautiful churches and a unique oval piazza. Other highlights we could explore include Puccini’s House, the Cathedral and the Palazzo Pfanner, which has a wonderful Italian-style garden and a house with 18th century frescoes in monumental halls. Day 3 Montecatini Terme Driver’s Day Off We spend today at leisure in Montecatini Terme, the largest of Tuscany’s spa towns, famed for its rejuvenating thermal waters and a firm favourite with the rich and famous. We can follow suit and soak our troubles away in one of the many health spas on offer, or perhaps take the funicular railway to the hilltop village of Montecatini Alto. Here, we’ll be spoilt for choice with exquisite churches, an art academy containing 150 marvellous works, and unrivalled views of the landscape to admire. We could also choose to visit the I Cipressini Olive Grove for an informative olive oil tasting experience. Day 4 Florence Florence is undisputedly the star of Tuscany, and the city’s bold terracotta Duomo defines one of the most iconic skylines in all of Italy. The city may be small, but with so much treasure packed into the Renaissance palaces, wonderful churches and incredible galleries, it really takes some exploring. A 2 hour guided walking tour introduces the main sights and we have free time afterwards to explore the city at our own pace. The world-renowned Uffizi Gallery is home to treasures by Michelangelo, Botticelli and da Vinci, and we might like to indulge in another of Florence’s pleasures: its cuisine – Fiorentina dishes celebrate the best produce found in the region. We could enjoy an espresso coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried, or tuck into a gelato whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio. Day 5 Viareggio & Pisa This morning we make our way to visit Viareggio, a thriving resort with a sparkling harbour and long beachside promenade lined with shops and cafés. We might like to enjoy lunch at one of the many fine seafood restaurants here before we make an afternoon visit to Pisa, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its leaning tower. The neighbouring Cathedral is also one of the most beautiful in Tuscany and will undoubtedly astound us with its grandeur and detail. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Pisa
Lucca
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Hotel Ercolini & Savi Montecatini Terme, Tuscany
A lovely, traditional hotel located in the heart of Montecatini Terme, privately owned and run by its charming proprietor, Signora Luciana, it boasts all the amenities of a modern hotel whilst managing to retain the elegance and grandeur of its past. The hotel has 81 air-conditioned bedrooms and all are equipped with a TV and hairdryer. There is a welcoming lounge and bar where guests can relax and a grand restaurant with excellent food and regional specialities being served; some of the wines even originate from the owner’s own vineyards. Coaches can drop off and pick up outside the hotel. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Coach parking is off-site & chargeable
Inclusions • Return short sea crossing • Porterage • Welcome glass of Prosecco • Choice of starter and dessert on arrival night • Choice of menu on 3 nights • Gala dinner on last night (set menu) including Vin Santo & Cantucci • Tea/coffee after dinner • 90 minute guided walking tour of Lucca • 2 hour guided walking tour of Florence
5 Nights Half Board Based on Sunday arrivals
01732 879191 | sales@albatrosstravel.com | www.albatrosstravel.com
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