Milan to Cinque Terre & Rome - 6 Days

Milan - Cinque Terre - La Spezia. We depart Milan early this morning, making our way to La Spezia, a charming port town serving as the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre area. After checking in at the hotel, our guide will accompany us on a brief train journey to the first of the picturesque seaside towns. From there, we are free to explore for the afternoon and evening.

Each of these towns has its own unique charm. If you crave beaches and a scenic seafront promenade, head to Monterosso. Wine enthusiasts will find Manarola perfect, with the opportunity to savour its local wines. And for those seeking breathtaking views, consider visiting one of this fantastic trio: Riomaggiore, Vernazza, or Corniglia.

After exploring Cinque Terre, we board the train back to La Spezia, where we spend the night.

Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Milan Pick Up, Business Palace Milan, Milan.

La Spezia - Pisa - Lucca - Florence. Departing La Spezia in the morning, our first stop is Pietrasanta, where Michelangelo once selected the finest marble for his sculptures. Next, we head to Pisa, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore the city which is globally renowned for the intriguing Leaning Tower of Pisa. Despite its tilt, the tower showcases exquisite Romanesque architecture and a captivating history. Enjoy lunch and take in the views of other architectural marvels at Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).

Our Italian adventure continues in Lucca, celebrated for its remarkably preserved city walls. You'll have a couple of hours to stroll along the city walls and explore its charming squares before we continue our journey.

These architectural wonders are a prelude to what awaits in Florence where we're based for the next two nights.

Enjoy a free day in the "Birthplace of the Renaissance," where you have the freedom to choose your activities. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Duomo, the city's iconic Cathedral dominating the skyline. Explore the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces like "The Birth of Venus," (we recommend you book in advance!) and visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, David. Of course, Florence offers more than just art. Sample local delicacies like handmade pasta, pizza, pastries, wine, and gelato to refuel.

In the afternoon, you could uncover the power and secrets of the Medici family as you explore Palazzo Pitti, their grand palace housing some of the Renaissance's greatest treasures. To cap off your day, visit the enchanting Boboli Gardens, adorned with statues, fountains, ponds, and hidden mazes. It's your second night in Florence, so savour the evening by immersing yourself in the lively squares, excellent restaurants, and bars.

Florence - San Gimignano - Siena - Montepulciano. Bid farewell to Florence as we embark on a journey to explore Tuscany's enchanting medieval hill-towns. Travelling through the lush hills of the renowned Chianti wine region, we will be captivated by the 14 soaring towers of San Gimignano. Learn about the noble families which raced to build the tallest tower houses and savour local delicacies during a leisurely lunch.

Continuing south, we arrive at the day's highlight: Siena, a breathtaking red-brick city renowned for its Gothic architecture. The heart of Siena lies within the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, this iconic square featured in James Bond's 'Quantum of Solace' chase scene. Our journey then winds along scenic country roads, until we reach Montepulciano in the early evening. This charming hilltop town in rural Tuscany will be our home for the next two nights.

Montepulciano - Pienza - Montepulciano. Today, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, where time seems to stand still. We begin our day with a self-guided exploration of Montepulciano, then journey to Pienza, a jewel of urban design and UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the 'Ideal City.' Next, we indulge in an included wine tasting at a selected winery dependent on availability.

Concluding our Val d'Orcia exploration, we visit Bagno Vignoni, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs. Today, you can admire this ancient spa and trace the flow of spring waters through the archaeological park. After savouring the best of rural Tuscany, we return to Montepulciano in the early evening for your second night.

Montepulciano - The Maremma - Rome. In the morning, we depart from Tuscany and head south to the captivating Maremma region. Here, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Etruscan history at the Sovana Necropolis and the Vie Cave, a remarkable network of roads carved from tuff during the Bronze Age. Afterward, explore the medieval town of Sovana, grab a bite to eat, and soak in its unique atmosphere.

In the afternoon, our journey continues towards Capodimonte, a charming town nestled on the shores of Bolsena Lake. This marks our final stop for relaxation, so take in the charms of this picturesque hamlet before our last leg of the journey to Rome.

Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Rome Drop Off, Hotel Sheraton Rome Parco de' Medici, Rome.