Treasures of Tuscany

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Florence, Italy.

Upon arrival in Florence, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Florence. Flights should arrive by 3:30pm. Explore your new surroundings, then join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meal: D

Walk in the footsteps of great rulers, artists, and philosophers as you discover this historic city with your local guide on the included walking tour. Walk through the main square and see the monuments and statues in Piazza della Signoria in the heart of the city. Visit the famous Accademia Gallery where you get an up-close view of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David - undoubtedly the world’s most famous sculpture. See the cathedral and famous bronze doors of the Baptistery in Duomo Square. During your free time, shop along the famous Ponte Vecchio – a medieval stone-arched bridge spanning the Arno River, stroll through the Mercato Centrale, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Meal: B

Discover two of Tuscany’s famous cities on today’s excursion. Stroll through Lucca with your local guide to see what is hidden within its medieval walls. Unique piazza’s, including Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on an ancient Roman amphitheater, the Cathedral of San Martino, Church of San Michel and Basilica of San Frediano are all in the heart of the city. Continue by coach to Pisa to witness its iconic landmarks: Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Your local guide will explain the history of this beautiful little town as you walk through the square, admiring the beauty and architecture of another of Tuscany’s medieval cities. Return to the hotel in Florence for the evening at leisure. Meal: B

A local experience awaits as you take part in a truffle hunt! Head for the hills of San Miniato by coach where you’ll meet up with the truffle hunters and their dogs. Learn all about the world of truffles from the different types and how to search for them to how they are grown and cooked. The training of the dogs is also shared as part of the experience. After the hunt, visit the truffle hunter’s house for a welcome toast, then enjoy tasting the San Miniato truffle at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel in Florence after this unique adventure. Meals: B, L

It’s time to depart Florence and travel to another area of Tuscany…Siena. En route, visit the walled, hilltop-town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers, Duomo, and numerous art treasures. Today’s treat will be the hands-on pasta-making class where your host will explain the origins of Tuscan cuisine and lead you through the process of kneading, pulling and cutting the dough and preparing the sauce with aromatic herbs, and local ingredients. After dining on your homemade creation for lunch, top it off with dessert from one of San Gimignano’s famous gelateria’s, Dondoli, whose owner has won numerous awards for his Gelato which uses Italian-grown ingredients. Learn the difference between ice cream and gelato and sample a few flavors during the visit. Arrival in Siena concludes the day. Meals: B, L

During this morning’s guided walking tour of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, become acquainted with its artistic masterpieces including the cathedral complex and the Piazza del Campo – home of the famous Palio horse race. After the orientation of the town, meander through its charming lanes, lined with shops of ceramics and other local products, climb the bell tower, or simply relax during your free time. Meal: B

Journey by coach along one of the most panoramic roads of Tuscany on your way to the renaissance town of Pienza. Along the way, enjoy photo stops to capture the magnificent scenery and landscapes of the Crete Senesi. Upon arrival in Pienza, visit a local organic farm, meet the owner and learn how the world-famous Pienza sheep cheese is made. Explore the farm with the owner, see the stables and aging rooms of the cheese, along with a demonstration of the process of this ancient art. A highlight of the visit may be the tasting of the product during the light lunch at the farm. The guided walking tour of Pienza will have you admiring the architectural jewels of the main square, Piazzo Pio II, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home of the town’s main monuments and cathedral. Return to Siena for the evening at leisure. Meals: B, L

Departing Siena, travel to Arezzo, a city of ancient Etruscan origins. Discover the highlights during a guided walking tour, seeing the Corso Rossellino with the Piccolomini Palace, Piazza Pio II housing the Cathedral and Town Hall, Piazza Grande - the most notable medieval square in the city, and the Church of San Francesco. Enjoy one final cultural activity with a visit to a century-old hamlet, surrounded by acres of organic land. Learn the processes for making extra-virgin olive oil and wine and enjoy tastings of these local products in their underground cellar. Return to Florence for a farewell dinner and final overnight. Meals: B, D

After a cultural immersion into the history, lifestyle, scenery, and cuisine of Tuscany, it’s time to bid “arrivederci” to Italy as you transfer to the Florence airport for your flight home. Meal: B