Join Chuck & Tony for Our Next Adventure… Cruising Through Tuscany!
Essential Experiences
Make yourself at home during a seven-night stay in the renowned spa resort town of Montecatini Terme. Explore the medieval city of Lucca and join the locals for a walk along its 16th-century walls.
Highlights
Montecatini Terme
Lucca
Family-Owned Winery Experience
Florence
Pisa
Cooking Class
Cheese Farm
San Gimignano
Day 1: Overnight Flight to Montecatini Terme — Hotel Ercolini & Savi
We all meet at the airport, where our journey begins with an overnight flight. Buongiorno! Welcome to Tuscany, where rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food, and stunning architecture await.
Unpack once at Hotel Ercolini & Savi in the heart of town. The hotel has been family-owned for more than 100 years, and Luciana and her son still work there daily. You’ll love the hotel’s location in the center of town while still being tucked away on a quiet street.
We are just steps from restaurants and boutiques, and I look forward to showing you this wonderful town, whose history dates all the way back to the Roman era.
Day 2: Montecatini Terme, Italy – Welcome Dinner Included
Wake up in the beautiful spa town of Montecatini Terme, nestled among the rolling hills of Tuscany. Today you’ll begin exploring this charming town, known for its elegant architecture, thermal springs, and welcoming Italian atmosphere.
This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring delicious regional cuisine and fine Italian wines. It’s the perfect way to begin our adventure together and set the stage for an unforgettable journey through Tuscany.
Day 3: Lucca – Breakfast Included
Today, immerse yourself in one of Tuscany’s hidden gems with a captivating guided tour of Lucca, a town filled with Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, picturesque medieval streets, and majestic towers.
Enjoy time to explore at your own pace before continuing to Borgo a Mozzano. Here, you’ll see the impressive Ponte del Diavolo, also known as Devil’s Bridge, and discover remnants of the Gothic Line, the German army’s final defensive stronghold in Italy during World War II.
Visit the Museum of Liberation, where preserved fortifications and bunkers share powerful stories from the past. Then, indulge your senses at a charming Tuscan winery, where you’ll learn the secrets of winemaking while tasting a selection of delicious local varieties.
Day 4: Florence – Breakfast Included
Today we travel to Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” We’ll beat the crowds with an early visit to the world-renowned Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpiece, David.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local Florentine guide, enjoy a walking tour through the city’s historic streets. Marvel at the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, admire the ornate bronze doors of the Baptistery in Piazza del Duomo, and experience the beauty of Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce Square.
During your free time, I’ll be happy to recommend the best places to shop, enjoy lunch, or explore more of Florence’s incredible history and culture at your own pace.
Day 5: Montecatini Terme or Siena – Breakfast Included
Today you’ll choose between two incredible Tuscan experiences. Stay in Montecatini Terme and enjoy a guided walking tour through this elegant spa town, discovering its charming streets and the famous Tettuccio Spa, renowned for its healing mineral waters.
Or, travel to the medieval city of Siena, where a guided walking tour will introduce you to its stunning Gothic architecture, winding streets, and vibrant contradas—the historic neighborhoods that proudly compete in the world-famous Palio horse race.
Whichever adventure you choose, you’ll experience the rich history, culture, and beauty that make Tuscany one of Italy’s most unforgettable regions.
Day 6: Pisa – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Today we meet our local guide and discover the ancient maritime republic of Pisa. While the iconic Leaning Tower is the city’s most famous landmark, you’ll also explore the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli and the grand Baptistery, the largest in Italy.
Next, we’ll journey into the peaceful Tuscan countryside for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn the secrets behind traditional Tuscan cuisine using fresh local ingredients.
After preparing our delicious meal together, we’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of our labor during a wonderful dinner, celebrating the flavors, traditions, and hospitality that make Tuscany so special.
Day 7: Montecatini Terme – Breakfast Included (Optional Truffle Hunting Excursion)
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax in the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme, book a rejuvenating massage, browse local boutiques, or let me recommend some of my favorite hidden gems and restaurants.
Take the historic funicular up to Montecatini Alto, the medieval hilltop village, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, quaint streets, and a wonderful spot for lunch. If you’re looking for more adventure, the nearby train station makes it easy to return to Florence for additional sightseeing and shopping.
For those seeking a truly unique Tuscan experience, an optional truffle hunting excursion is available. Join local experts and their trained dogs as you search for one of Italy’s most prized culinary treasures before enjoying the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Day 8: Cheese Farm Visit & San Gimignano – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today we visit a charming family-owned cheese farm near San Gimignano, where you’ll discover the traditional art of making Tuscan pecorino cheese. Learn about the production process and enjoy delicious tastings of locally crafted cheeses paired with regional specialties.
Next, we’ll explore the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy free time to browse the local shops and treat yourself to award-winning gelato from a world-renowned gelato champion.
This evening, we’ll gather for a memorable Tuscan feast featuring authentic regional cuisine and exceptional local wines in a picturesque countryside setting. It’s the perfect celebration of Tuscany’s incredible food, history, and unforgettable landscapes as we conclude our journey together.
Day 9: Montecatini Terme – USA Tour Ends | Breakfast Included
After breakfast, we’ll board our coach and make our way to the airport, taking with us unforgettable memories of Tuscany’s rolling hills, charming villages, incredible cuisine, and wonderful new friendships.
As we journey home, we’ll reminisce about the experiences we’ve shared and, hopefully, begin dreaming about our next adventure together in beautiful Italy.
If you’d like to extend your vacation, consider spending a few extra days in Rome or Venice. Both cities are easy to reach by train and offer convenient international flights home, making them the perfect way to continue your Italian adventure.
Memorable Excursion
Truffle Hunting in the Tuscan Countryside Additional fee: $119 per person
We head into the beautiful Tuscan countryside, where a local truffle hunter and specially trained dogs lead us in search of one of Italy’s most prized delicacies—fresh truffles. The dogs are incredible to watch as they sniff out truffles hidden beneath the ground while the hunter explains how this centuries-old tradition works.
The walk takes us along country trails, through fields, and into small wooded areas. The walking is not difficult, but it is real countryside, so comfortable walking or hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
After the hunt, the best part begins. We’ll sit down together for a wonderful rustic lunch on a veranda overlooking the countryside. Many of the dishes are prepared with fresh truffles, along with other local Tuscan specialties.
It’s a relaxed and authentic experience filled with delicious food, beautiful scenery, local wine, and warm Tuscan hospitality. This is always a memorable day and a truly unique way to experience Italy.
Optional Pre-Tour Extension
5 Days / 3 Nights in Rome
Additional Cost: $1,599 per person (Double Occupancy)
Arrive in Italy a few days early and experience the magic of Rome, the Eternal City. From the grandeur of the Colosseum and the beauty of the Trevi Fountain to the awe-inspiring Vatican, this extension is the perfect way to begin your Italian adventure before traveling to Tuscany.
Enjoy a centrally located hotel, a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers, and a professionally guided walking tour featuring many of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. You’ll also have plenty of free time to explore museums, charming neighborhoods, local cafés, and hidden treasures at your own pace.
One full day is yours to enjoy however you choose. Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, stroll through the beautiful Borghese Gardens, shop along Rome’s famous streets, or wander the colorful Trastevere district while enjoying authentic Roman cuisine.
On the final morning, we’ll travel together to Montecatini Terme to begin our Tuscany tour. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful Italian scenery and arrive rested, refreshed, and already adjusted to the time change—ready to fully enjoy everything Tuscany has to offer.
Extension Includes: Hotel accommodations, welcome dinner, guided sightseeing tour of Rome, transportation to Montecatini Terme, and plenty of free time to explore one of the world’s most remarkable cities.
Italy’s Best Food. The World’s Most Famous Car.
One Unforgettable Finale to Your Trip
Optional Post-Tour Extension
Famous Food & Ferrari – Emilia-Romagna
3 Days / 2 Nights
Before heading home, treat yourself to one of Italy’s most exciting regions—Emilia-Romagna, often called the Food Capital of Italy. This is where many of Italy’s most celebrated culinary treasures were born, including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, handmade pasta, and some of the finest cured meats in the country.
During this unforgettable extension, you’ll visit local producers, sample authentic regional specialties, and discover centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive in family-owned businesses. Every stop offers a true taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
But Emilia-Romagna is about more than incredible food—it’s also the birthplace of Ferrari. Explore the fascinating Ferrari Museum and experience the history, engineering, speed, and passion behind one of the world’s most legendary automotive brands.
The combination of world-class cuisine and iconic Italian sports cars makes this extension unlike any other. It’s the perfect way to conclude your Italian adventure with unforgettable flavors, remarkable experiences, and memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
I highly recommend this extension—many of our travelers say it was one of the highlights of their entire trip!
$999 per person (Double Occupancy)
$1,199 per person (Single Occupancy)
