This immersive journey through Tuscany and the Italian Riviera introduces students to Italy’s artistic heritage, medieval cities, culinary traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. From Renaissance Florence to the marble quarries of Carrara and the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, students will experience Italy through guided visits, cultural tastings, and meaningful encounters with history. Based in the spa town of Montecatini Terme, the group explores the region’s most iconic destinations while discovering daily Italian life.
Take an overnight flight to Italy
Arrival at Florence Airport at and welcome by the tour leader, who will remain with the group throughout the stay
Transfer to the center of Florence and meet the local guide
Guided experiences include:
• Panoramic bus tour to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views over Florence
• Walking tour of the historic center (exterior visits), including Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio
Lunch at a local restaurant
Free time to explore Florence independently
Transfer to Montecatini Terme
Hotel check-in
Dinner and overnight in Montecatini Terme
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure for Siena and meeting with the local guide
Guided visits include:
• Walking through Siena’s medieval streets to Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race
• Visit to Siena Cathedral (Romanesque-Gothic architecture)
• View of Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon guided visit of San Gimignano, the UNESCO-listed medieval town known for its 16 surviving towers
Free time
Return to Montecatini Terme
Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure for Pistoia and guided visit of the historic center
Highlights include:
• Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of San Zeno
• Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte
• Bishop’s Palace
• Piazza della Sala and the “Pozzo del Leoncino” well
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon guided visit of Prato, Tuscany’s second-largest city, known for textile production and traditional cantucci biscuits
Stop at a local pastry shop for a tasting of cantucci
Return to Montecatini Terme
Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure for Pisa
Transfer by small train from the parking area to the Piazza dei Miracoli
Guided visit of the monumental complex, including:
• Cathedral
• Baptistery
• Campo Santo
• The Leaning Tower
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon transfer to Torre del Lago Puccini, located on Lake Massaciuccoli
Guided visit of Puccini’s Villa Museum, where the composer lived and created many of his most famous works
Return to Montecatini Terme
Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel
Panoramic excursion along the Chianti wine road through rolling vineyards and historic countryside
Stop at a winery for a visit and tasting lunch
Afternoon visit to Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
Guided visit of Leonardo’s birthplace and museum (1 guide per 18 participants maximum)
Return to Montecatini Terme
Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure for La Spezia and meeting with the local guide
Boat excursion through the Gulf of Poets
Stops in Riomaggiore and Monterosso for guided visits
Lunch at a local restaurant
Continuation by boat to Portovenere for guided visit and free time
Return to Montecatini Terme
Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel
Excursion into the Apuan Alps with views over the white marble quarries of Carrara
Visit to a marble quarry workshop
Continuation to Colonnata, famous for Lardo di Colonnata cured in marble basins
Tasting lunch featuring local specialties
Afternoon visit to Lucca
Guided tour of the historic center, surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls
Free time
Return to Montecatini Terme
Dinner and overnight
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to Florence and hotel check-in
Meet your local guide for a full guided visit of Florence
Highlights include:
• Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (exterior)
• Piazza della Signoria
• Ponte Vecchio
• The exterior of Palazzo Vecchio
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon free time for shopping, exploring local markets, or visiting museums independently
Group dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Florence
Breakfast at the hotel (or boxed breakfast depending on flight time)
Transfer to Florence Airport
Check-in formalities
Departure flight
End of services
