Rome and Tuscan Highlights

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Ciao Roma! Your journey begins in the ‘Eternal City’, where ancient ruins and lively piazzas set the scene. Spend time exploring at your own pace before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers over dinner.

Join a Local Specialist for a journey through Rome on a sightseeing tour. Admire the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from St. Peter’s Square, taking in the grandeur of Vatican City from the outside. Cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome and see the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, imagining the great chariot races and thunderous applause. This afternoon, drive through the Tuscan hills to Montecatini, the most famous spa town in Italy and your home for the next six nights. Consider joining an Optional Experience at a local restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees, where a feast of specialties awaits, accompanied by song and music.

Your Local Specialist will reveal the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. In your free time, perhaps take a walk across the beautiful Ponte Vecchio. Dating back to the 16th century, a decree mandated that the only businesses allowed to ply their trade on this bridge were goldsmiths and jewelers, and to this day, some of the city's most prestigious jewelry shops can be found here. Or, enjoy an Optional Experience that provides insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David, by visiting the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection. Here, you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of your Local Specialist.

Relax in the spa atmosphere of Montecatini on your day at leisure or join an optional experience to Cinque Terre, whose quaint pastel-hued villages cling to the rugged Ligurian cliffs.

Journey to Pisa, where you'll join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. Continue through Tuscany, arriving in Vinci where you'll join a Local Specialist at the Museo Leonardiano to gain a deeper understanding of the life of this talented master. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, sketches, and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit. Tonight, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to see the 13th-century marble cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the biannual Palio horse race. Then venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towers. Enjoy some free time strolling through its narrow lanes, discover hidden corners with spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside, before shopping for locally-produced delicacies—the alluring aromas of pecorino cheese and cured meats tempting you at every turn.

Feast your eyes on the vibrant colors and busy stalls heaving with fresh produce at a local food market where you'll join a Local Specialist professional chef for a tasty introduction to Tuscan cuisine. Learn how to cook like only an Italian mamma can, selecting your fresh produce from the market and preparing lunch which you will enjoy with a delicious glass of local wine. The tastes of Tuscany still lingering after an unforgettable lunch, you will return to your hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night.

Departing Tuscany, travel south to Rome. This evening, Roman flavors take center stage as you toast your travels over a selection of signature Roman dishes.

Bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic experience as you depart from Rome.