Great Rail Journeys
Iconic Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
10 daysfrom $4,139
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Tuscany: Florence, San Gimignano & Pisa
Experience the essence of Tuscany's celebrated medieval towns and Renaissance cities from the historic spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
From London to Turin
Your Tuscan holiday begins at London St Pancras as we join the Eurostar service to Paris, travelling in spacious Plus class with a light meal served at our seats. Changing trains in Paris, we continue by First Class rail across France, passing the Italian Alps on our way to Turin, where we spend the night. After checking in to our hotel in the heart of Turin's historic centre, we gather for a three-course dinner at a nearby restaurant. Note: on the 6th July departure, there is a longer connection time so lunch will be taken in Paris before the service to Turin.
Meals: Eurostar light meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Montecatini Terme
A morning in cultural Turin, then on to Montecatini Terme
After breakfast, the morning is free to explore Turin's Baroque and Renaissance architecture, wide boulevards and grand public squares. Shortly after midday, we walk to the railway station for a First Class journey to Florence, then transfer by coach to Montecatini Terme, our base for the next seven nights. This picturesque spa town is set in Tuscan countryside and split into two parts: the lower town (Montecatini Terme) and the hilltop Old Town (Montecatini Alto). Our beautiful family-run hotel has been welcoming guests for many generations. After free time to settle in, we gather for dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Montecatini Terme
Exploring Montecatini Terme at leisure
A free day to explore Montecatini Terme independently. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool (usually open May to October) and a sun terrace. You may wish to visit the 18th-century Terme Tettuccio with its Liberty architecture, marble-lined pools and Art Nouveau tiles. From April to October the town hosts the Montecatini Opera Festival. The historic quarter of Montecatini Alto can be reached by funicular railway and offers idyllic piazzas, pavement cafés and two Romanesque churches.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Montecatini Terme
A day in Florence, the 'Jewel of the Renaissance'
Travel by rail to Florence for a guided tour including the iconic red-tiled Duomo, Santa Maria Novella Church and the Ponte Vecchio. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, visit the Uffizi gallery (book ahead), the Boboli gardens, or Mercato di San Lorenzo. Return by train to Montecatini Terme for dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Montecatini Terme
Discovering Lucca and visiting 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 (single, tandem or four-seater) for a gentle ride along the ancient ramparts. Highlights include the Duomo, Piazza Anfiteatro, botanical garden and Palazzo Pfanner. Regroup for a leisurely three-course lunch in a local trattoria. Continue by rail to Pisa for a guided tour of the Field of Miracles, including the Leaning Tower and Romanesque Duomo. Return to Montecatini Terme; dine independently this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 6overnight: Montecatini Terme
San Gimignano and dinner at Tenuta Torciano
Coach excursion through the Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano, the extraordinary medieval hill town known as 'Medieval Manhattan' for its many towers (14 remain of the original ~65). Free time over lunch and into the afternoon to explore. Later, visit the Tenuta Torciano estate (in the same family since 1720) for a vineyard tour and a holiday highlight dinner paired with estate wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: Montecatini Terme
Exploring Montecatini Terme or beyond at leisure
Another free day. Options include exploring Montecatini Alto, or taking the frequent rail service to Viareggio (50 min), Bologna (2 hrs), or revisiting Florence or Lucca. Alternatively, relax at the hotel. Dine independently this evening in Montecatini Alto or the town centre.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8overnight: Montecatini Terme
Discovering charismatic Siena
Drive to medieval Siena for a guided tour starting at the Santa Barbara Fortress, passing the magnificent Duomo (with works by Donatello and Michelangelo), and ending at the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's most beautiful medieval squares and site of the world-famous Palio horse races. Free time to wander Siena's ancient streets and sample local specialities such as Pecorino and finocchiona. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner marking the final night in Tuscany.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9railovernight: Saint-Raphaël
On our way home via the Côte d'Azur
After an early breakfast, transfer by coach to Viareggio. Continue by First Class rail along the stunning Ligurian coastline, passing the Cinque Terre, towards Ventimiglia. Continue by coach along the French Riviera to Saint-Raphaël on the Côte d'Azur, overlooked by the Esterel Massif. After checking in, explore the seafront town before a final dinner with fellow travellers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, begin the journey home from the Côte d'Azur by First Class rail to Paris. Board the Eurostar in Plus class, enjoying a light meal at your seat before arriving back at London St Pancras, where your Tuscan holiday concludes.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar light meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 9 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel (London St Pancras to Paris and return)
- Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
- First Class rail travel throughout
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 1 lunch (in Lucca)
- 6 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
- Bicycle hire option in Lucca (single, tandem or four-seater)
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
