New Year in Tuscany

Depart for Italy. On arrival, you will be met at the airport before transferring by coach to your hotel. Your guide will provide plenty of tips and information to help get your holiday off to a great start!

After breakfast, begin your holiday with a walking tour around Florence accompanied by your expert local guide. You will witness the famous Duomo (cathedral), which was completed structurally in 1436 and has an elaborate green and pink facade in the 19th century gothic-revival style. From there you will move on to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the centre of the Florentine Republic and remains the political hub of the city. You will also see the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which has shops built along the length of it as was once common for Italian bridges.

In the evening enjoy your evening meal in your hotel.

Enjoy another day at leisure to discover the variety of Tuscany at your own pace. Shop, sightsee, or relax. Explore the charming local villages or relax in the pretty local parks. Your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your interests.

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

In the afternoon you will move on to San Gimignano. The town is known as the 'Town of Fine Towers' and it sits on a hilltop. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is encircled in walls and is famous for its medieval architecture and impressive skyline. We recommend you try the local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made from grapes grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area.

Explore Tuscany at your own pace. Shop, sightsee, or relax. Visit the charming local villages or relax in the pretty local parks.

In the evening you will enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner in your hotel with live music and dancing.

Free day to relax and get to know the lovely town of Montecatini, where there are abundant attractions awaiting you. Try a treatment at one of the renowned thermal spa establishments, or visit the picturesque old town of Montecatini Alto. Your guide can offer information and suggestions for local sightseeing. Lunch will be served at your hotel.

A delicious Tuscan dinner will be served to celebrate the new year.

After breakfast you will travel to Pisa where you will visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to perhaps the most iconic building in Italy - the Leaning Tower. The famous lean was caused by a poor foundation, which could not support the structure's weight. The tilt continued to increase before the structure was completed and has since been partially corrected in the 20th and 21st centuries. On this excursion you will also see the Pisa Cathedral and the many baroque buildings, which make up the Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles).

Later, visit Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, and the only town in Italy entirely surrounded by walls. Considered to be among the wealthiest and most conservative cities in Tuscany, Lucca's prosperity was gained largely through silk and high-quality olive oil. The city is crammed with beautiful Romanesque churches - an architecture enthusiast's dream.

Time to take leave of glorious Tuscany, and return home with great holiday memories. Depart by coach from your hotel to the airport, with guide assistance, for your return flight.