Compare Tuscany's Treasures by Mercury Holidays vs Italy in 9 days - Ancient Rome, Cathedrals & Canals - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 928 | $ 1,399 |
| Price Per Day | $ 116 | $ 155 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
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8 breakfasts. |
| Description |
With a timeless familiarity, rolling hillside vineyards crowned by frescoed churches and a legacy of artistic prodigies creating iconic masterpieces, the region of Tuscany truly captures Italy's romantic essence. |
Travel to Italy and immerse yourself in its history, culture and gastronomy. Land in Rome and admire one of the most romantic cities in the world, filled with cultural delights, such as the Colosseum, before heading to Florence to discover its hidden treasures and Renaissance heritage. Finally, explore Venice, known for its waterways and canals, built across 100 small islands. |
Day 1: UK to Montecatini Terme
Depart London on your direct flight to Pisa, where you will be transferred to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Dinner
Day 2: Florence City Tour
Following breakfast, travel to the city of Florence; boasting priceless masterpieces, striking Renaissance architecture and winding streets, this historic metropolis looks as it did during 1550. On your half-day escorted tour witness the cathedral?s domineering masonry dome, examine a copy of Michelangelo?s statue of David in Piazza Della Signoria and stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge lined with antiquated jewelry boutiques. Later that afternoon spend time exploring the city at leisure.
Breakfast
Day 3: Montecatini Terme
Today, discover the magnificent region of Tuscany at your leisure. Head to Montecatini Terme train station and onto Florence, exploring tucked-away gems scattered throughout. Visit Pistoia city?s intriguing sculpture garden at Fattoria Celle or travel west to Italy?s magnificent Mediterranean coast for unique seafood specialties within the bustling town of Viareggio.
Breakfast
Day 4: Siena & San Gimignano Tour
Today is at leisure or you have the option to embark on an optional excursion to tour the enchanting medieval city of Siena; your guide will take you through cobbled streets and past gothic boutiques to the heart of a UNESCO site, Piazza del Campo. Once a Roman marketplace, this public square is overlooked by the striking tower of Palazzo Pubblico town hall and is famed for Fonte Gaia, a fountain decorated with religious scenes carved into marble panels. After lunch travel to San Gimignano, a hilltop ?medieval Manhattan? with distinctive 11th century towers that oversee this UNESCO site; tour the town?s picturesque streets to sample white wine produced from Vernaccia grapes that grow on the surrounding sandstone hillside.
Breakfast
Day 5: Pisa & Lucca
Begin today with a visit to Italy?s most photographed monument? the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Continue past rolling hills that form Tuscany?s scenic countryside to the charming city of Lucca. Surrounded by imposing Renaissance walls, your guide will show you a city filled with picturesque piazzas, pine shaded promenades and traces of French architecture alluding to the Napoleonic occupation.
Breakfast
Day 6: Greve in Chianti
Depart after breakfast to the Castle of Vicchiomaggio, a 15th-century stronghold Leonardo da Vinci stayed within during his painting of the Mona Lisa. Discover the steps of creating exquisite Italian wine, taking you from the surrounding vineyards into a cellar lined with oak barrels for a chance to savor the castle?s delicious produce. After an authentic Italian lunch, wander through hillside gardens to absorb the Mediterranean climate and marvel at panoramic views across the verdant Greve valley.
Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7: Montecatini Terme
Today is at leisure, to explore the archetypal Tuscan town of Montecatini Terme in your own time.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Montecatini Terme to UK
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to the eternal city of Rome.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Rome
Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.
Day 3: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.* The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!** Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city! ** Optional Authentic Italian meal at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Rome
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome. * Optional Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola! Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must See's of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Day 5: Rome - Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer and head to the train station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.
Day 6: Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.
Day 7: Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence. * Optional Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments and visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way.
Day 8: Florence - Venice
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice (Mestre Station). Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, self-transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice.
Day 9: Venice
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice. *Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 35-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people. Why not upgrade your trip with our Must see`s of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Day 10: Venice - US
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Venice Mestre to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.
