May 2nd, 2026
Day 1
Upon arrival today we are greeted by our local host and transferred in a first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi to our home for the week in Montecatini. We will take the day to relax, take in the scenery and revel in the natural beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
May 3rd, 2026
Day 2
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a special welcome dinner.
Includes: Dinner
May 4th, 2026
Day 3 – Montecatini, Excursion to Vinci
This morning, head out into the lush, rolling landscape of the Montalbano hills. Pass terraced grape vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees on your way to the quaint village of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, learn all about the Renaissance master at the museum dedicated to his life and many areas of interest from painting, sculpting, and inventing, to anatomy, music, and cartography! Round up the morning with the visit to a local bakery. Learn how bread is made and enjoy a light lunch with an opportunity to sample local products such as focaccia bread, sandwiches, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil. Everything tastes better in Tuscany! See for yourself with an optional culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside to indulge in authentic traditional dishes—with wine, of course!
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
May 5th, 2026
Day 4 – Montecatini: Excursion to the Chianti Valley
Cradled between the provinces of Florence and Siena, the Chianti Valley is the heart of Tuscany and has been hailed for its exceptional wines since the 13th century. Your journey today takes you to Greve, with time to visit the village and to enjoy lunch at a charming wine shop. Complete the day with the visit to a historic Tuscan estate known for its Chianti wine production.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
May 6th, 2026
Day 5 – Montecatini
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Montecatini. Maybe go for a walk in the Parco delle Terme with its tall shady trees. Most of the afternoon is dedicated to the Italian cooking lesson at a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. Once you arrive at the farm, enjoy a welcome drink, explore the orchard to pick some fresh ingredients, learn about Italy’s most famous delicacies, and then roll up your sleeves for a fun, hands-on cooking experience. This evening, relax with your traveling companions and taste the delectable dinner you prepared—maybe your team will win the master chef prize!
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
May 7th, 2026
Day 6 – Montecatini: Excursion to Lucca
Visit Lucca, a stunning showcase of medieval architecture and layer upon layer of rich history and culture. Marvel at the beautiful art and tapestry collections at the baroque Palazzo Mansi National Museum, then take a guided walking tour around the Old Town with its fine, intact Renaissance-era wall, cobblestone streets, and café-lined piazzas. A lively café-crawl snack brunch is included, followed by a main course at a local restaurant. Then, your Local Guide will introduce you to the stunning ornamental gardens and grand arched ceilings of Palazzo Pfanner.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
May 8th, 2026
Day 7 – Montecatini Excursion to Bolgheri
Travel through the vineyard-dotted countryside and along cypress tree-lined Viale dei Cipressi for your grand entrance into enchanting Bolgheri. With its red-brick castle and atmospheric Old Town, it’s not hard to imagine that Bolgheri jumped right off the pages of a storybook. There’s time here to visit one of the wine cellars and taste Bolgheri’s celebrated Super Tuscan reds. First created in the 1980s, many wine experts believe these now rival French Bordeaux. Later, stop at nearby Castagneto Carducci, known for its splendid panoramic views of the Etruscan Coast. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the chance to sample the local liqueur.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
May 9th, 2026
Day 8 – Montecatini
This morning is yours to do as you please. You could choose to explore more of the city on your own, to relax and shop for souvenirs. This afternoon is dedicated to a baking class at your hotel, focusing on the creation of cakes and desserts.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
May 10th, 2026
Day 9 – Montecatini
This morning, we will reflect back on our experiences this week and the lifetime memories we’ve made. After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport to begin our journey home
Includes: Breakfast