Tuscany in Detail
- 9 Days
- From $1,299
- Italy
- Florence, home of Dante and birthplace of the Renaissance
- The cobbled medieval streets of Siena and Lucca
- The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
- San Gimignano in the Tuscan Hills and the famous wine-growing region of Chianti
- Add extra nights & destinations
- Choose alternative hotels
- Upgrade your journey to First Class
- Let us suggest the most scenic routes
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 8 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- City maps and comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Day trip to San Gimignano & the Chianti Region from Florence
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive in Florence and check in at the Hotel Berchielli (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Florence, the Tuscan capital, was one of the most important cities of trade and finance in the Middle Ages. It’s also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance movement. The magnificent dome of its famous Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline. Just adjacent to the cathedral, Giotto’s Tower offers fabulous views over the cathedral and the city, if you are willing to climb the 414 steps to get there!
Enjoy a full day exploring the sights of Florence, including the famous Ponte Vecchio straddling the River Arno, the huge Uffizi Gallery and the peaceful Boboli Gardens.
On one of your free days, you’ll enjoy a guided day trip into the Chianti region. Travel along the winding Chiantigiana Road into the picturesque Tuscan hills. You’ll visit some typical local villages, take a tour of a small wine estate including tastings and stop for lunch in the beautiful village of San Gimignano, with its distinctive medieval towers.
A short ride by regional Tuscan train takes you to Siena, where you check in for a 2-night stay at the Athena Hotel (or similar).
The beautiful university city of Siena boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre, spread around the magnificent, fan-shaped Piazza del Campo. Browse the shops and markets here or climb up to the top of the Torre del Mangia, attached to the Gothic town hall for sweeping views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Take a scenic ride on Tuscan trains across to the hilltop town of Lucca, in the western part of Tuscany. Check in here for a 2 night stay at the Hotel Ilaria (or similar), located within Lucca’s city walls.
Located on the River Serchio, Lucca is an historic city famous for its almost complete Renaissance era city walls, which you can walk or cycle along for sweeping city views. The historic centre is made up of narrow streets and piazzas overlooked by stone towers and brick houses with arcades, perfect for discovering on foot.
You may want to spend another morning in Lucca before checking out of your hotel and taking a 30-minute train journey to Pisa. Once you arrive in Pisa, check in at the NH Pisa (or similar).
Pisa sits on both banks of the River Arno close its mouth on the Ligurian Sea. The most famous attraction here is the Leaning Tower, a bell tower of the adjacent imposing Cathedral in the Piazza dei Miracoli. But it’s also worth wandering around the pretty Old Town area or enjoying a drink on the Piazza Garibaldi.
Leave Pisa today and return to Florence by train for your onward journey. Alternatively, you can take a train up the Ligurian Coast from here, to enticing destinations like Sestri Levante or the colourful clifftop villages of the Cinque Terre (pictured). Let us know your travel plans and we will put together a package with everything you need for your perfect holiday.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Florence
In a fabulous position overlooking the River Arno and the Ponte Vecchio, the Hotel Berchielli is the perfect base for a first visit to Florence. Rooms at the hotel are soundproofed and air-conditioned, with antique decoration and complimentary Wi-Fi access. There is also an American style bar where guests can enjoy a coffee or a cocktail.
Siena
The Athena Hotel offers welcoming, comfortable accommodation in the heart of Siena, a few minutes’ walk from the Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral. Rooms are elegantly furnished with complimentary Wi-Fi and the hotel also boasts a restaurant terrace overlooking the Tuscan Hills
Lucca
Located within the Renaissance walls of Lucca, the Hotel Ilaria & Residenza dell’Alba boasts a range of complimentary facilities including bike rental, audio guides, and a terrace where you can enjoy free drinks and snacks. All bedrooms are quiet and spacious with free Wi-Fi internet access. This is truly an oasis in the heart of the city.
Pisa
The NH Pisa occupies a modern building opposite Pisa Train Station and the Leaning Tower is just a 20-minute walk away. Rooms at the hotel are elegant and spacious, each equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV. Some rooms offer extra space and an LCD TV. The hotel’s restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine and local dishes.
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Florence
The stylish Savoy Hotel in Florence occupies a historic building in the centre of the city with the Uffizi Gallery and the famous Duomo both within easy reach. The interior of the hotel is designed by Olga Polizzi and pays tribute to the fashion heritage of Florence with shoe paintings lining the corridors. Bedrooms are spacious and the service is exceptional.
Siena
A luxurious property dating back to the 17th century, the Grand Hotel Continental invites its guests to embrace the history of Siena with elegant, welcoming bedrooms. The Grand Continental also offers the amenities and service that you would expect from a five star hotel.
