The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Tour including Coastal Viareggio and Cinque Terre

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Tour including Coastal Viareggio and Cinque Terre

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13 Days From

$3577

The Essence of Tuscany - A Classic Tour including Coastal Viareggio and Cinque Terre

13 Days

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTTVC

Physical rating:

Moderate

From: $3577 including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 12-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Rural Tuscany really is a picture-perfect sight - rolling hills draped with grapevines, honey-stone houses and fields of silvery olive trees. On this relaxed Tuscany tour, we’ll combine the countryside and the region’s historic towns with the relaxing cities and characterful villages on the coast. In 13 leisurely days, we’ll travel from Renaissance Florence to art nouveau Viareggio, sampling superb wines in Chianti and concluding with a trip to the colourful villages of the Cinque Terre, each clinging to the hills overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

Highlights

  • VIP door-to-door travel service

Places You'll See

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

The Essence Of Tuscany - A Classic Tour Including Coastal Viareggio And Cinque Terre

Itinerary

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Day 1

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Florence. Our Italy tour begins in Montecatini Terme, a spa town in the heart of Tuscany - we’ll head straight to our hotel here.

Day 2

Today we’ll take the train to Tuscany’s beautiful capital city: Florence. Known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’, its streets are filled with incredible architecture, from the green and white marble façade of the Duomo (and the spectacular dome that crowns it) to the Romanesque grandeur of the Palazzo Vecchio.
A guided walking tour will lead us to some of the highlights, including the cathedral, the imposing Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Piazza della Signoria - the historical heart of Florence’s social and political scene.
The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover more of this wonderful city. Perhaps admire the vast collection of artworks in the Uffizi or Accademia galleries, or cross the Arno to visit the treasure-filled Pitti Palace, once the home of the powerful Medici family.

Day 3

Nestled in the countryside midway between Pisa and Florence is the lovely little city of Lucca. Its pretty piazzas (especially the oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro) and cobbled, café-lined streets are perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 230 stone steps to the top of Torre Guinigi, where you’ll find a shady hanging garden of holm oaks and views across the terracotta rooftops and out to the Apuan Alps and Apennines. For something flatter, walk along the Renaissance walls that wrap around the city - they stretch for four kilometres.
After a morning in Lucca, we'll head to Pisa, where we'll stop off to have a look at the famous Leaning Tower. Then, we’ll head to the lakeside town of Torre del Lago, where we’ll pay a visit to the Villa Puccini Museum. This art nouveau villa was once home to Giacomo Puccini, and its serene setting inspired some of his most famous operas, including La Bohème, Tosca and Madame Butterfly.

Day 4

UNESCO-listed San Gimignano is a classic Tuscan town: a jumble of honey-hued stone buildings clustered on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and groves of olive and cypress trees. But look up and you’ll see the sky punctuated by 14 medieval towers. These ancient ‘skyscrapers’ were built by wealthy families to flaunt their power - once upon a time there were more than 70 of them soaring above the town.
As we make our way towards Siena, our base for the rest of our Tuscany tour, we’ll pause for a stroll around the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni.

Day 5

We’ll spend this morning uncovering Siena’s layers of history, from its Etruscan roots through its medieval ‘golden age’ to the 17th century, when the city’s world-famous horse race - il Palio - first took place. We’ll stand in the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares (and the setting for the twice-yearly Palio), and tour the grand cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
After our guided Siena tour, the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the Palazzo Pubblico and climb Torre del Mangia for views across the city, before rewarding your efforts with a scoop of gelato in one of the cafes skirting the Piazza del Campo. If you’re an art lover, you’ll want to stop by the Pinoteca Nazionale, with its fine collection of Renaissance paintings.

Day 6

We’ll head into the heart of ‘wine country’ today, as we discover the delights of Chianti. We’ll slowly wind our way through the hills, stopping for a delicious Italian lunch at a lovely village restaurant. We’ll round off our tour of Chianti with a tasting at a winery.

Day 7

Today is free for you to relax or explore as you wish. Our optional excursion takes you to the Val d’Orcia Terre Senesi, where you’ll visit a peaceful abbey and admire the lunar-like clay landscapes of the Crete Senesi. You’ll then continue to the Renaissance city of Pienza, where you’ll sample locally made pecorino cheese.

Day 8

Making our way towards the coast, our morning stop will be the medieval jewel of Volterra, a double-walled hilltop village with a renowned history of alabaster production. There’ll be time to wander amongst the craft shops before we continue on through Tuscany’s dramatic coastal hinterland to Bolgheri.
A village adored by the 19th-century poet Giosuè Carducci, it’s cypress tree-lined avenue was immortalised in his poem ‘Davanti San Guido’. Evolving around its medieval castle the lovely hilltop village is now surrounded by the vineyards that helped it become the birthplace of ‘super Tuscan’ wines, producing some of the most famous Tuscan reds and whites including Sassicaia. We’ll have time to explore or maybe sit and enjoy a glass under the castle’s gaze.
We’ll arrive later in the coastal city of Viareggio.

Day 9

We’ll begin with a guided walking tour to explore this glamorous art nouveau city, a favourite holiday destination for the elite in the early 20th century. Alongside their elaborately styled villas along the coast, Viareggio became ‘the pearl of Versilia’ with a 3km-long promenade ‘la Passeggiata’ playing host to all kinds of art nouveau buildings. Some of the best examples still remain, including the Gran Caffè Margherita, Caffè Concerto Eden and the Balena bath house.
The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Our hotel is on the promenade, so you’re perfectly situated for a wander.

Day 10

We head to La Spezia to board a boat for our day’s excursion along the coast to the world-famous Cinque Terre. Clinging to the rugged hillsides, these five colourful seaside villages have for centuries only been linked by walking trails and accessible by water or train. We’ll hop off our boat in three, to wander past bobbing fishing boats, small sandy beaches, traditional trattorias, seafood restaurants and rainbow-coloured buildings that ooze character. The exact villages visited will be decided on the day, but each is as wonderful as the other.

Day 11

This morning we’ll head a little way inland to Pietrasanta, a town that has welcomed artists and creatives for centuries, leading to its nickname the ‘Athens of Italy’. Situated between the coast and the Apuan Alps (where Michelangelo came to source the best white marble), it’s a delightful place to wander. As you amble towards to the Piazza Duomo, you’ll be tempted to browse in the workshops and craft shops or admire the many examples of ancient and modern art dotted around. There are a number of museums to while away your time or you could relax and people watch from a café on the square.
We’ll return to the hotel for the afternoon.

Day 12

Today is free to spend as you please. Maybe wander further along the promenade or into town to explore more. Or head onto the beach’s golden sands for a day of vitamin sea.

Day 13

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • 12 nights in hotels

  • Titan tour manager

  • International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow.

  • 21 meals: 12 breakfasts 1 lunch 8 dinnersundefined excursions and visits

  • Walking tours of Florence, Lucca, Siena and Viareggio

  • Entry to Villa Puccini Museum

  • Visits to Pisa, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Bolgheri and Pietrasanta

  • Excursion to Chianti with wine tasting

  • Excursion by boat to the Cinque TerrePlus

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Check out our Q&As

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Mrs Crompton  

Perfect Italian Holiday…

31-Oct-2022

Just returned from a lovely week in Sorrento at the Grand Hotel Hermitage, we had an excellent guide Peter Macchristopher. we loved the hotel the staff were very nice especially in the dining rooms, the food was good and the room we had was really nice with a wonderful view. Altogether very good value holiday.we felt the trip to Pompei was very good also boat trip to Amalfi. I would recommend a walk to the village of St Agatha and a three hour ride on the Little Blue Train. Great fun.this can be booked at reception.

Trustpilot
Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

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    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

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