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 Côte D’Azur
Our Italian Odyssey begins with a Champagne check–in at St Pancras’ famous Champagne Bar before an escorted afternoon departure° on Eurostar to Paris, where we stay overnight in a hotel. The next morning we join the TGV train to Nice, where we continue by coach to our hotel in the Italian seaside resort of Marina di Pietrasanta, near Pisa. We stay at the Hotel San Siro – with nightly free bar. Included excursions take in Florence, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa & the Unesco World Heritage site of Portovenere to which we travel by boat. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Cinque Terre coastal villages. Our return journey is also via Nice, where we have some time to explore and a night in a hotel, then travel by TGV train to Lille and Eurostar to London.
Making the most of Tuscany
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 our overnight hotel.
Day 2: Paris to Marina Di Pietrasanta
Join the TGV for the journey to Nice, then transfer by coach to Hotel San Siro in the Italian seaside resort of Marina Di Pietrasanta. Dinner at the hotel.
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: Portovenere & Cinque Terre option
Today we visit Portovenere a Unesco World Heritage site, with the option of a visit to Cinque Terre – Italy’s ‘famous five’, 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 just enjoy 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: Marina Di Pietrasanta to Nice
After breakfast we check–out of the hotel and drive by coach to Nice, where there will be time to take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, explore the old quarter and have dinner in a restaurant close to our overnight hotel.
Day 10: Nice to London
This morning we walk the short distance to the station to take a mid–morning train to Lille where we transfer to the Eurostar train to London St Pancras. We anticipate arriving early evening.

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.

OVERNIGHT HOTELS
Paris:
Novotel Gare de Lyon is Situated in the heart of one of the livelier districts of Paris, opposite the Gare de Lyon train station near the Bercy Village, a trendy village area in the heart of Paris’ new business district. The Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon is an ideal location for experiencing the city. The rooms feature innovative design and a light colour scheme in order to create a relaxing atmosphere. All bedrooms have an area of 25sq m and are equipped with a large bed and a bathroom with separate bath and shower. The young and lively Opera Bastille district, famous for its nightlife, is within walking distance of the hotel.
Nice:
Located at the heart of Nice, the Azuréa 3–star hotel offers a warm welcome to guests. On arrival, you will be enchanted by the welcoming staff and contemporary design, allowing you to relax even before checking in to your room. All bedrooms in the Azuréa are decorated with colours from the south of France. All rooms are air–conditioned and fitted with the latest technology: double glazing, plasma screen satellite television, free WIFI internet connection, direct telephone line, minibar and a safe–deposit box. A hearty breakfast is served in the dining room which is bathed in sunlight thanks to its large glass ceiling.

INCLUDED: • Escorted throughout from London St Pancras • Return Eurostar to Paris and TGV to Nice
• All transfers in France/Italy as stated • 1 night in Paris outbound and 1 night in Nice on return journey • 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 • Excursions & touring
NOT INCLUDED: Local travel to & from St Pancras • Single room supplement £295 • Local travel to & from St Pancras • Optional Cinque Terre excursion £44pp;
• Travel Insurance