Classic Tuscany & Puccini Opera Festival

Upon arrival in Italy, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel in Montecatini.

Join us for a full day excursion exploring Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance!

This morning our guide will take us on a walking tour, exploring this fascinating city. We will witness the famous Duomo (cathedral) with its elaborate green and pink façade before moving on to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the centre of the Florentine Republic and remains the political hub of the city. We will discover more as we walk towards the Arno River to see the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which has shops built along the length of it.

We will have our afternoon free for lunch, sightseeing or perhaps do some shopping at the famous Leather Market.

This morning let’s join our guide for a full day excursion, discovering more of this delightful region of Italy.

We start with a visit to Lucca, birthplace of the renowned composer Puccini and the only town in Italy entirely surrounded by walls.  Our expert local guide will take us on a walk through the streets of this prosperous city, crammed with beautiful Romanesque churches.

After the tour, we can enjoy free time to refuel with some lunch or explore the city further before our afternoon visit to Pisa.

We travel to Pisa where we will visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to perhaps the most iconic building in Italy – the Leaning Tower. The famous lean was caused by poor foundations, which could not support the structure’s weight. The tilt continued to increase before the tower was completed and was corrected in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. During our tour we will also discover Pisa Cathedral and the many baroque buildings which make up the Square of Miracles.

This morning we will enjoy a visit to the Puccini Museum in Torre del Lago. The Museum Villa Puccini is the former home of the composer, housing photos and relics from Puccini's life including his piano and the chapel with his tomb.

In the evening you will travel with guide assistance to the Gran Teatro all'Aperto in Torre de Lago for a performance of Puccini's Turandot.

Turandot, first performed in 1926, is an Italian opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini, set to a libretto by Guiseppe Adami and Renato Simoni. Set in China the opera follows Prince Calaf who falls in love with the imperious Princess Turandot who poses three riddles to her suitors, with an incorrect answer resulting in their execution.

Today, there will be a full day to relax and enjoy the charms of Montecatini. Take a stroll around this welcoming spa town, treat yourself to a coffee in one of the many cafes, or take the cable car to hilltop Montecatini Alto. Our guide will be happy to offer suggestions for activities and places to see.

Let’s see more, as we continue to explore and uncover the beauty of Tuscany !

Our day begins with a guided tour of Siena, a city famous for its art, cuisine, museums and medieval landscape. Here, we will visit the Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race held twice a year.

In the afternoon we continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the “Town of Fine Towers”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is encircled by walls and is famous for its medieval architecture and impressive skyline. We will have free time to explore the history and narrow streets – perhaps take this opportunity to try the local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made from grapes grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. 

Enjoy a final day in Montecatini at your own pace.  Pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or treat yourself in one of the nine thermal centres, where you can enjoy everything from massages to mud baths, saunas to beauty treatments.

Time to say 'arrivederci' to Tuscany! 

We'll check out of our hotel and depart by coach to the airport for our return flight.