Tuscany is renowned as possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. There is so much to see and do in Tuscany, it’s hard to know where to start. Our holiday takes in the ‘must-see’ sights of Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano - all rich in history, culture and architectural delights.
By train to the heart of Venice
Our holiday starts with an escorted afternoon° departure from St Pancras International, London, where we join Eurostar to Paris (journey time just over 2 hours). In Paris we transfer to the Gare de Bercy to join the Artesia train direct to Venice. On board the Artesia, settle in to your private cabin and relax as the journey to Venice begins. The train has a restaurant car with waiter service, or you can obtain snacks and drinks from the snack bar. In the sleeping cars, you can travel with full peace of mind:
• Each cabin has a wash basin, a razor socket, a complimentary toiletry kit, a bottle of water and the comfort of 2 real beds (upper & lower berths).
• Attendants are at your service in each car: they set up the beds and handle customs procedures for you.
• When you wake up, at the time of your choice, the attendant will serve you a hot drink, croissant and fruit juice in your cabin (all included).
Making the most of Tuscany
As well as a 2–hour guided tour of Venice on foot, we include a guided tour of Florence and visits to other Tuscan gems. There is also ample opportunity to explore at leisure so you can discover the myriad delights of the region at your own pace. The Tuscan people are well–known for their relaxed attitude to life because they have one of the most balanced lifestyles in the world with the climate, countryside, architecture, food and wine, and style all in harmony. No wonder people love to travel and holiday in Tuscany!

Itinerary - Day 1: London to Venice by train
Enjoy a glass of bubbly at St Pancras famous Champagne Bar, meet your tour escort and fellow travellers. Depart London St Pancras early afternoon by Eurostar to Paris. Transfer to the Artesia overnight express sleeper train to Venice Mestre Station.
Day 2: Bologna visit
Arrive in Venice after breakfast and board our waiting coach. We drive to Bologna – midway between Venice and our hotel in Pietrasanta – for a lunchtime visit. Early–to–mid afternoon we continue to the Hotel San Siro arriving late afternoon.
Day 3: Discovering Lucca
Half-day visit to nearby Lucca, one of Italy’s less flashy destinations. Favoured by those seeking to visit a quiet, scenic and historic city. Lucca is often whispered of as a secret gem; an alternative to the high–season tourist madness of Florence, or Rome. A town full of pastry shops and bicycles and completely encircled by its fortified ramparts.
Day 4: Strictly Florence
After breakfast we head to Florence where we will have a guided tour of the city. Free time in this magnificent Renaissance city will allow you to visit Florence's museums, palaces, and churches which house some of the greatest art treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius. Wander through some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the ‘newest’ area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outside the centre, for there are many interesting gardens and view points to see the city including the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence. Late afternoon we return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 5: Spirit of Siena
Today we visit Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, while the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. Famed for the ‘Palio’, the annual historic horse races that take place on 2 July and 16 August, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. We will return via San Gimignano – a busy historic town, now a World Heritage site that acts as a magnet to visitors from all around Tuscany as well as those choosing to stay longer in this attractive little town. There are a handful of museums and galleries, but the town’s main attractions are its architecture and atmosphere. The unique collection of towers and the winding lanes make it a charming destination for those wanting to experience the real spirit of Tuscany.
Day 6: Pisa at your own pace
Half-day visit to Pisa, an historic Tuscan town near the mouth of the River Arno. Once a city of political and cultural importance, Pisa is now most famous for one of its architectural masterpieces, the Leaning Tower. However there is more to Pisa than just the Leaning Tower. Pisa’s principal tourist attractions are grouped together in the Campo dei Miracoli, the Field of Miracles. It’s hard to believe the place is real; the tourists flocking around are the only thing that gives the surreal scene a touch of reality. The setting is a flat space, green with lawns, at the edge of the town centre. Here rise the town’s cluster of monuments, all architecturally exquisite, and all leaning at different angles. There is a grand Romanesque cathedral, a large striped baptistery, and, of course, the Leaning Tower. Also in the Campo dei Miracoli, another curious sight is the Campo Santo, the Holy Field. This is a cloistered cemetery, said to have been laid with earth brought back from the Holy Land by the Crusaders. Elsewhere in Pisa you can wander peaceful streets, admire the town's palazzi and university buildings, shop in the market areas, and admire bridges and churches.
Day 7: Option to visit Cinque Terre
Free day in the resort or take the optional visit to Cinque Terre – Italy’s ‘famous five’, or Portovenere a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre means five lands, which are in fact five villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola & Riomaggiore – perilously–perched along a short stretch of cliffs on the Liguarian coast. Our excursion gives you the opportunity to visit these towns via a hop–on–and–off cruise from the town of La Spezia, just 30 miles north of our hotel. Alternatively, you can choose a shorter cruise to Portovenere which sits on a rocky peninsula on the Gulf of Poets, an area once popular with writers such as Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence. The harbour is lined with brightly coloured houses and narrow medieval streets lead up the hill to a castle. Nearby is Byron’s Cave in a rocky area leading to the sea where the poet Byron used to swim.
Day 8: Day to relax
Free day in the resort.
Day 9: Venice to Paris
After breakfast we check–out of the hotel and drive to Venice, where we join our guide for a 2–hour walk of the main sights. You will then have free time to explore Venice on your own before returning to the coach for the transfer to Venice Mestre Station. We depart Venice mid–evening on the Artesia sleeper train to Paris.
Day 10: Paris to London
On arrival in Paris we transfer to the Gare du Nord to take a late morning Eurostar train to London St Pancras where we anticipate arriving mid–afternoon.

Hotel San Siro, Marina di Pietrasanta – 3 star
A delightful family–run hotel refurbished recently and situated in the heart of Marina di Pietrasanta, only 100 metres from the sea, on the main promenade, with a splendid view of the Apuan Alps. The hotel has a pleasant shaded garden, TV room, reading room, lift and a panoramic terrace serving dinner with live music and dancing in the summer. All bedrooms have a balcony, private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone, air–conditioning and contemporary furniture. The restaurant serves excellent cuisine, from its popular menu.
**Each day guests will have a menu choice, with salad buffet, wine and water each evening with dinner. A free bar will be open between 18.00 and 23.00hrs serving soft drinks, house wines, local beers and spirits. Tea and coffee and Cappuccinos will be available every day from breakfast until 23.00hrs.

INCLUDED: • Escorted throughout from London St Pancras • Return Eurostar to Paris and Artesia to Venice • All transfers in France/Italy as stated • 1 night each way in 2-berth cabin on Artesia with breakfast • 7 nights at the Hotel San Siro, in Marina di Pietrasanta, with 7 dinners, 7 breakfasts, free tea & coffee all day and free drinks every evening • All excursions & touring
NOT INCLUDED: Local travel to & from St Pancras • Single room supplement £295
• Local travel to & from St Pancras • Optional excursions: Cinque Terre £44pp; Portovenere £29pp
• Travel Insurance