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Great Rail Journeys · Classic Tour & Ocean Cruise

Gems of Tuscany Tour & Italy, France, Spain Cruise

Tuscany escorted tour plus Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Barcelona

Illustration of Gems of Tuscany Tour & Italy, France, Spain Cruise

Great Rail Journeys' sixteen-day Gems of Tuscany and Mediterranean cruise combines a managed eight-night Tuscany exploration with a seven-night cruise from Rome to Barcelona. The journey begins with Eurostar Plus Class from London St Pancras to Paris, followed by First Class rail across France and the Italian Alps to Turin. After a night in historic Turin, the group transfers to Montecatini Terme, a thermal spa town, for seven nights as a comfortable base. Days include a guided tour of Florence's Renaissance landmarks, rail excursions to Lucca, Pisa and Siena, a Tuscan countryside drive to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, and dinner at Il Borgo Machiavelli, a Renaissance villa surrounded by vineyards. Several days offer unscheduled time to explore independently or rest. On Day 9, the group boards the Azamara Journey or Onward for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise calling at Livorno, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Sanary-sur-Mer and Palamós before arriving in Barcelona. All rail, meals during the escorted portion and the full cruise with drinks are included. The escorted portion suits those who appreciate guided immersion in art, architecture and regional cuisine alongside leisure time; the cruise appeals to travellers seeking five-star service, all-inclusive days and onboard entertainment.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour portion stays in one hotel base (Montecatini Terme) for seven nights; Turin receives only one night. Pack accordingly if you want daytime exploration of Turin.
  • Two days during the escorted portion (Days 3 and 7) have independent dinners; Great Rail Journeys does not provide evening meals on those dates.
  • Offshore excursions at Mediterranean ports are not included and are payable onboard the Azamara.
  • Departure is confirmed for May 2027 only; only one sailing date is currently published.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Turin

    From London to Turin

    Meet the Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager at London St Pancras before a Eurostar journey to Paris in Plus class with a light meal served at your seat. Change trains in Paris and continue by First Class rail across France, passing the Italian Alps, to Turin. Check in to the hotel in the heart of Turin's historic centre and gather for a three-course dinner at a nearby restaurant.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    Arriving in the historic spa town of Montecatini Terme

    After breakfast, the morning is free to explore Turin. Shortly after midday, travel by First Class rail to Florence, then transfer by coach to Montecatini Terme, the base for the next seven nights. The family-run hotel has been welcoming guests for many generations. After free time to settle in, gather for dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    Exploring Montecatini Terme at leisure

    A free day to explore Montecatini Terme independently. Options include visiting the 18th-century Terme Tettuccio with its Liberty architecture, marble-lined pools and Art Nouveau tiles, or taking the funicular railway up to the enchanting medieval quarter of Montecatini Alto with its piazzas, pavement cafés and Romanesque churches.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    A day in Florence, the 'Jewel of the Renaissance'

    Travel by rail to Florence for a guided tour including the red-tiled Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, visiting galleries, churches and Medici palaces. Return by train to the hotel for dinner together.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    Medieval Lucca & Pisa's Field of Miracles

    Travel by rail to the walled city of Lucca for two hours of free exploration, with an included option to hire a bicycle for a gentle ride along the ancient ramparts. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in a local trattoria. Continue by rail to Pisa to tour the famous Field of Miracles, viewing the iconic Leaning Tower and Romanesque Duomo. Return to Montecatini Terme by train; dinner is independent this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Montecatini Terme

    San Gimignano and dinner at Il Borgo Machiavelli

    Coach excursion into the Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano, the extraordinary medieval hill town known as the 'Medieval Manhattan'. Free time over lunch and into the afternoon to explore. Later, visit the Renaissance-era Il Borgo Machiavelli set in 600 acres of vineyards and olive trees, tour the museum and cellar before drinks and dinner in quintessential Tuscan surroundings.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    Exploring Montecatini Terme or beyond at leisure

    Another free day to explore at your own pace. Options include visiting Montecatini Alto, or taking the frequent rail service to Viareggio (50 minutes), Bologna (two hours), or revisiting Florence or Lucca. Dinner is independent this evening with a wide choice of restaurants in Montecatini Alto or the town centre.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Montecatini Terme

    Discovering charismatic Siena

    Drive to medieval Siena for a guided tour starting at the Santa Barbara Fortress, passing the Duomo with statues by Donatello and Michelangelo, and ending at the incredible Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped piazza famous for the Palio horse races. Free time to wander Siena's ancient streets independently before returning to the hotel. Gather for dinner to mark the final night in Tuscany.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard (at sea / Civitavecchia)

    Boarding your ship in Rome

    Travel by coach to Viareggio, then board the train to Civitavecchia. Transfer to the Azamara ship, say farewell to the Tour Manager and be welcomed by the crew. Settle in and make use of the ship's facilities including outdoor pool, spa and gym. All meals and a house drink package are included. Enjoy dinner as you set sail into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Onboard (Livorno)

    Docking in Livorno

    Dock in Livorno, the historic port on the western coast of Tuscany, often called the 'gateway to central Italy'. The ship stays overnight, providing ample time to discover the city. Return to the ship this evening for world-class cuisine in one of the six restaurants and onboard entertainment.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Onboard (at sea)

    Departing Livorno

    A full day in Tuscany before an 8pm departure. Use the ship's facilities, browse boutiques, play shuffleboard, relax on the sun deck or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Explore Livorno's history, strolling past the canals of the charming New Venice district near the 14th-century Old Fortress. Enjoy dinner onboard with a different menu each day.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Onboard (Monte Carlo)

    Glamorous Monte Carlo

    Arrive in the tiny principality of Monaco. Explore Monte Carlo's grand boulevards, designer boutiques and the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino. Admire opulent yachts in Port Hercule or explore Monaco-Ville, the old town, with the Prince's Palace and scenic gardens with Mediterranean views.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13overnight: Onboard (Marseille or Nice)

    Historic Marseille

    Dock in Marseille, the oldest city in France, founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC. Explore the Vieux Port district lined with fishing boats and quaint cafés, visit Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic views, or explore Le Panier neighbourhood with its narrow streets and artisan shops. Note: on the 22 October 2027 departure, the ship docks at Nice today instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Day 14overnight: Onboard (at sea)

    Uncovering Côte d'Azur from Sanary-sur-Mer

    Dock at Sanary-sur-Mer on the Côte d'Azur, considered the sunniest town in France. Explore the palm-lined harbour, cobbled backstreets and the Musée Frédéric-Dumas, which tells the history of scuba diving pioneered here by Dumas and Jacques Cousteau. Enjoy dinner and entertainment onboard as the ship sails overnight towards Spain. Note: on the 22 October 2027 departure, the ship docks at Marseille today instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. Day 15overnight: Onboard (Palamós)

    Arriving in the heart of the Costa Brava

    Arrive at the Costa Brava port of Palamós. Explore the rugged headland with its narrow alleyways (carrers), ornately decorated churches and the Fishing Museum. This evening is the final evening aboard, enjoy dinner and entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge, cocktails at the Discoveries Bar or relax in the Drawing Room.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  16. Day 16

    Homeward bound

    Arrive in Barcelona. Enjoy breakfast before disembarking. Transfer to Barcelona airport for the flight to the UK, where the holiday comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Guided tour of Florence includes the red-tiled Duomo and Ponte Vecchio; afternoon free to explore galleries, churches and Medici palaces at your own pace
  • Day 5Travel by rail to walled Lucca with the option to cycle along the ancient ramparts, then continue by rail to Pisa to view the Leaning Tower and Romanesque Duomo
  • Day 6Coach journey into Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano; visit Il Borgo Machiavelli, a Renaissance villa set in 600 acres of vineyards and olive trees, for dinner
  • Day 9Board the Azamara Journey or Onward in Civitavecchia; ship departs into the Tyrrhenian Sea with all meals and house drinks included
  • Day 12Arrive in Monte Carlo; explore the Prince's Palace, Casino and yachts in Port Hercule

Included

  • Expertise of a GRJ Tour Manager from London to Civitavecchia
  • 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard Azamara Journey or Onward
  • Five-star service onboard Azamara Journey/Onward
  • Eurostar Plus Class travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Barcelona to London Heathrow (regional departures available)
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day of the escorted tour
  • 1 lunch during the escorted tour
  • 5 dinners during the escorted tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
  • Complimentary beer, wine, selected standard spirits and soft drinks throughout the cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions during the guided tour
  • Onboard entertainment each evening on Azamara Journey/Onward
  • Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings experiences
  • Tips and gratuities included onboard Azamara Journey/Onward
  • Self-service laundry onboard
  • Onboard gratuities

Not included

  • Offshore excursions payable onboard Azamara Journey/Onward

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel and cruise included in the price?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar Plus Class from London to Paris, First Class rail from Paris through France and Italy to Civitavecchia, all regional rail excursions during the Tuscany portion, the seven-night cruise aboard Azamara Journey or Onward with all meals and house drinks, and the return flight from Barcelona to London Heathrow.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
The Tuscany portion (Days 1-8) is escorted by a Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager who travels with the group. The cruise portion (Days 9-16) is all-inclusive aboard the ship; offshore excursions at ports are optional and paid separately.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar Plus Class (London to Paris), TGV/InterCity in First Class (Paris to Turin), Trenitalia regional rail in First Class (Turin to Florence, Montecatini Terme to Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Viareggio to Civitavecchia).
Where do you stay during the tour portion?
One night in Turin at a hotel in the historic centre, then seven nights at the four-star Grand Hotel Croce di Malta in Montecatini Terme. The latter is a family-run property that has welcomed guests for generations.
What meals are included?
During the escorted tour: breakfast daily, one included lunch (at a Lucca trattoria on Day 5), and five dinners at the hotel or special venues like Il Borgo Machiavelli. During the cruise: all breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, plus complimentary beer, wine, selected spirits and soft drinks throughout.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking during city tours in Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa, with stairs and uneven streets typical of medieval towns. An optional gentle bike ride is available along Lucca's ramparts. Many days offer free time to set your own pace.

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