Days 1-2: London to Montecatini
We set out from St. Pancras International on a morning Eurostar bound for Paris, where we catch our high-speed TGV to Italy and our overnight stop, staying at the Hotel Dock Milano in Turin. On Day 2 we travel via Genoa and follow the beautiful coastline down through the Cinque Terre area to Montecatini and our home for the next four nights, the 3* Hotel Francia e Quirinale. (Day 1-D; Day 2-B,D)
Day 3: Florence
We travel this morning by rail to the city of Florence and enjoy a guided walking tour of the main sights. We visit the spectacular Duomo with its distinctive orange-tiled dome, rising up above the heart of the city, and the unique Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, constructed in 1345. The remainder of the day is free for you to discover Florence’s delights. (B,D)
Day 4: Free day
Today is free to explore the attractive spa town of Montecatini. The extravagant 18th century Tettuccio Terme spa is well worth a visit, or alternatively take the funicular railway to Montecatini Alto, set on top of the hill with amazing views over the countryside. (B)
Day 5: Lucca and Pisa
We set out by rail to Lucca, the medieval city still fully encircled by its 16th century walls. This unspoilt gem features medieval and Renaissance architecture and we enjoy a guided tour of the centre before time to explore.We continue on by train to Pisa, walking through the delightful Old Town to the Field of Miracles, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower and the white marble Duomo and Baptistry. (B,D)
Day 6: To Venice
Today we travel to Venice, the incredible floating city which truly takes your breath away.We check in to our hotel in Mestre, and the rest of the day is free to explore the winding lanes and narrow alleyways of the city centre and lose yourself in the maze of streets crisscrossing the twisting canals. (B,D)
Days 7-8: At leisure in Venice
We enjoy a walking tour of Venice this morning, and our guide can explain the history and traditions of the area, as well as showing us the spectacular St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The afternoon and Day 8 are free, and there is so much to see in Venice that you will be spoilt for choice. Perhaps take a trip out to the island of Burano, famed for its lace-making industry, or Murano, known for its glass-blowing. Alternatively, art-lovers will adore the Gallerie dell’Accademia, a huge gallery bursting with paintings spanning five centuries. (Day 7-B; Day 8-B)
Days 9-10: Homeward bound
We leave Venice by rail for Milan, where we change trains and travel to Mulhouse for our overnight stay. On the morning of Day 10 we continue to Paris and join our Eurostar bound for St Pancras International. (Day 9-B,D; Day 10-B)
Your hotels
The 3* Hotel Francia e Quirinale in Montecatini is centrally located with a restaurant, terrace, bar, and outdoor swimming pool.
The 3* Hotel Tritone and the 3* Hotel Plaza in Mestre are both close to the station for easy access to Venice. En suite rooms in all the hotels have air conditioning, satellite television, minibar and safe. We stay at the Hotel Plaza on the tours which depart on 21 April and 6 Octiber 2010.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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