Italy- Rome, Florence & the Treasures of Tuscany
May 15-28, 2024
Very few regions of the world evoke the same romantic images as do Rome, Florence and Tuscany. Italy is a gift to the senses and a foodie’s dream vacation. Join Travac Tours for a 14 day, 12-night holiday to this incredibly beautiful part of Italy renowned for art, culture, and cuisine.
You will start your holiday in the eternal city, Rome. This exquisite city is one of Europe’s most vibrant towns with awe-inspiring ancient and modern attractions.
While in Tuscany you’ll experience all that this province of Italy is world famous for. You’ll see picturesque medieval cities with their signature skylines of bell towers. Each day in Tuscany will offer spectacular rolling landscapes blanketed in grapevines and olive groves. You will enjoy lunch and a chance to sample recent vintages at a local winery after your tour with the vintner. This will surely be a highlight of your trip. Complete your visit of Tuscany with a trip to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower and inspirational cathedral.
From Tuscany you will travel to Florence. This city was the cradle of the Renaissance and once the most powerful city in Europe. Florence holds world-class art collections that rival any city such as the Uffizi Museum and of course Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. To properly experience Florence our Italian guide will take you on a walking tour through its ancient streets and piazzas.
Travac’s tour to Italy includes round-trip flights from Montreal, ground transportation, 12 nights’ accommodation and day trips throughout your holiday. This holiday is fully escorted by an experienced Travac Tours director whose first priority is your satisfaction.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Ottawa by motorcoach for your overnight flights to Rome from Montreal. You will be served a dinner and a continental breakfast on board your overnight flight(s). (D-on aircraft)
Day 2
Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, you will meet your Travac Tours Director in the baggage claim area and then be transferred to your hotel. Rome is an eternally engaging city. It is a grand and ancient metropolis rich with exquisite art, vibrant culture, and centuries of history. We trace the rise and fall of classical Rome, meander through the heart of Bernini’s Baroque Rome, and make a pilgrimage to the Vatican (optional). You will also have the chance to uncover the charms of hidden neighborhoods.
Overnight in Rome 4 nights at Hotel Miami (or similar).
Day 3
Rome
You will have a free day in Rome to explore the grandeur of the city with your hop-on hop-off pass.
A welcome dinner is included tonight. (B, D).
Day 4
Rome
Today, your Travac Tours Director will escort anyone interested to the Vatican (optional $). The Vatican is the world capital of Catholicism and is the world’s smallest state. The Papal Palaces, next to the great basilica of St. Peter’s, are home to the Sistine Chapel and the eclectic collection of the Vatican Museums, as well as being the residence of the Pope. Expect to spend several hours in this magnificent city. (B)
Day 5
Rome
With galleries and museums, an amazing cafe culture, the magnificent Colosseum, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps, Rome never fails to inspire and amaze. You will have plenty of time to explore the eternal city with your hop-on hop-off pass. (B)
Day 6
Siena
This morning we depart Rome for Siena. The drive from Rome to Siena is approximately 4 hours. We will make a stop enroute for lunch. Upon arrival we will embark on a 2 hour walking tour of Siena with a local guide to experience the history of this medieval city. (B)
Overnight in Siena 4 nights at NH Siena (or similar)
Day 7
Siena
Today we will explore the wineries and olive groves of Tuscany. You will have a chance to visit one of the region’s noted wineries (more details to follow). Lunch and tasting is included. (B, L)
Day 8
Siena
After breakfast we’ll embark on a full day tour of Tuscany with an included lunch at a local cheese factory. Tuscany is renowned for its history and art, its evocative landscape, and, perhaps most notably, its food and drink. Our tour will encompass eastern and central Tuscany. We’ll visit Cortona, with its spectacular hillside views and Montepulciano, known for its Renaissance palazzo. (B, L)
Day 9
Siena
Once a regional capital that challenged Florence’s power, Siena might be Italy’s prettiest medieval town. Its old alleys and its town square, the Piazza del Campo, possess a unique charm that captivates visitors to this historic town. Take the day to explore the sights of Siena on your own. (B)
Day 10
Florence
After breakfast, we depart Siena for Florence – the drive is approx. 2 hours. Once we arrive in Florence, we will meet our local guide at the hotel for a 2-hour walking tour of Florence. Our tour of Florence will encompass many of the city’s churches, monuments, and squares. Florence first began life as a Roman colony in 59 BC and has been ruled by some of the most notable Italian families. The most famous of these – the Medici family. During this time, Florence was the cultural and intellectual heart of Europe. Artists, architects, and sculptors flocked to the city and their work is still evident in the city’s fabric. (B)
Overnight in Florence 4 nights at Hotel Adriatico (or similar)
Day 11
Florence
Today we explore the western region of Tuscany. Our full day tour will highlight the city of Pisa. In its early days Pisa was famous for its powerful Navy, which had trade links to Spain and North Africa. We’ll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, (admission into Tower not included) one of Italy’s best known icons. Other stops on today’s tour will include Lucca, a Roman town dating back to 180 BC the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini and Leonardo da Vinci. (B)
Day 12
Florence
Today is free to explore Florence at your leisure. You might also consider walking through the eastern part of the city, which still retains a distinctly old-world Italian atmosphere. You may wish to visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia or The Academy of Fine Arts, where you can see Michelangelo’s David. A must-see is the richly decorated Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. The church’s dome, built by the famous architect Brunelleschi, was the largest and most impressive such construction of its time. (B)
Day 13
Florence
Today is another free day in Florence. Enjoy all the museums, shops and cafes Florence has to offer. Your Travac Tours Director can help you with ideas for sightseeing today. Tonight is our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 14
Depart to Ottawa from Florence
Today we depart for our return flights to Canada. Details will be provided by the Travac Tours office. (B)
Hotel Information
Rome – Hotel Miami
Hotel Address
Via Nazionale, 230 - 00185 RomaRome, Italy
+39 064817180
Florence – Hotel Adriatico
Hotel Address
Via Maso Finiguerra, 9Florence, Italy
50123
+39 055 27931
Siena – NH Excelsior
Hotel Address
Piazza La Lizza. 53100 SienaSiena, Italy
+39 0577 382111