Portofino, Florence & Tuscany

Today, you're free to get to know the hotel and the many treasures of this historic spa resort, perhaps paying a first visit to Montecatini Alto for its stunning views, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.

Join the first of your holiday's included excursion and head to the beautiful Ligurian coast. Here, some of Italy’s most famous resorts are dotted along the shoreline, backed by wooded hills. A mecca for visitors from around the world, elegant Santa Margherita Ligure overlooks a stunning bay, and lies at the eastern end of the Portofino headland. Spend some time exploring the resort, then board a boat for a trip along the coast to discover its ultra-chic neighbour, the world-renowned, jet-set watering-hole of Portofino. Despite the crowds, this glamorous pastel-painted village remains one of the Mediterranean’s most idyllic settings.

Today will be one of the real highlights of your holiday, as you join our included tour of Florence. For many, this simply stunning place is Italy’s most beautiful city, and today you'll have the chance to see the magnificent Florentine skyline, dominated by the dome of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, for yourself. Explore the splendour of Santa Croce and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, spared by the retreating Nazis because of its timeless beauty. Florence is also the city of both the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s fabled statue of David, and the Uffizi, where Botticelli’s famous Birth of Venus can be admired. You'll have the chance to visit the galleries (payable locally), and will no doubt want to stop for a bite in one of the city’s cafes and restaurants.

Today, you’re free to enjoy another day of gentle exploration in Montecatini under your own steam, or join an optional excursion sailing across the Italian Riviera to the stunning villages of Cinque Terre. Perched on the rugged coastline, Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages offering colourful houses clinging to steep terraces and harbours filled with fishing boats and trattorias.

Start the day with a scenic coach ride to La Spezia, where you'll meet your knowledgeable local guide, before boarding a boat for a two-hour cruise to Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant lemon trees, you'll then have ample time to wander through its old town, visit the historic convent, and perhaps sample some local seafood delicacies.

Later this afternoon, set sail again on your way to Vernazza, often considered the jewel of Cinque Terre with its narrow, winding streets, and Doria Castle offering panoramic views of the coastline. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, capture the essence of Italian coastal life, and soak in the village's unique charm.

In the late afternoon, you'll make the scenic return trip to La Spezia (via boat) and conclude your memorable day with a coach ride back to Montecatini.

Relax today or join an optional excursion that heads first to Siena, well known for its medieval brick buildings and fan-shaped square, Piazza del Campo. See the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and the tall 14th-century tower, Torre del Mangia.

No less fascinating is the charming hill town, San Gimignano, with its fairy-tale towers rising from the hilltop village. This is one of the finest sights in all Italy, and a fitting finale to your wonderful holiday.

Today, the tour takes you to two true Italian gems. First of these is the wonderful city of Pisa, where, in the company of your guide, you'll have an opportunity to explore this mesmerising medieval treasure trove on the banks of the River Arno. Here, the broad green swathe of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is home not only to the startling Leaning Tower but also the huge circular Baptistery, the great marbled Duomo and the colonnaded Campo Santo cemetery.

After a fascinating visit, you’ll reboard the coach and journey to the elegant walled city of Lucca. This simply delightful Renaissance jewel was the birthplace of the composer Puccini, and the city’s most famous son is celebrated with a museum at his home. Elsewhere, the ancient cathedral, the Torre della Ore clocktower and the exquisite Piazza Anfiteatro (built around the Roman amphitheatre) are among the must-sees of this charming city.

Bid farewell to your Tuscan hosts, today, and journey back to the airport to check in for your flight home.