Italian Holidays

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Florence, Pisa and the Isle of Elba

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An Italian holiday to savour

Spend time in one of Tuscany's most celebrated spa resorts, enjoying an unforgettable excursion to Florence, 'Cradle of the Renaissance', and visits to the Tuscan cities of Pisa and Lucca, and stay on the holiday island that was the home-in-exile of Emperor Napoleon.

You will be staying in two delightful Italian resorts during your holiday.

Montecatini Terme

Perhaps the most celebrated of all of the Tuscan 'Terme' (spa resorts), Montecatini has welcomed visitors for centuries. As well as the famous spa baths, it boasts parks and gardens, and a host of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. Above the main town, the stunning, fortified medieval quarter of Montecatini Alto, with its sweeping piazza and winding streets, is as beautiful a spot as you can hope to find.

Marciana Marina

The fishing village of Marciana Marina, on the west side of Elba, offers the pleasures of a holiday by the sea, with two small beaches and a busy promenade set beneath the medieval defensive tower. A popular destination, Marciana Marina offers a selection of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes.

Day One

Fly to Pisa and transfer, through the Tuscan countryside, to Montecatini.

Day Two

Revel in the wonders of Florence, Italy's beautiful Renaissance capital, on our included excursion. See the magnificent Florentine skyline, explore Santa Croce and cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio. For art lovers, the Accademia houses Michelangelo's peerless statue of David, and the Uffizi, Botticelli's exquisite 'Birth of Venus' (gallery entrances payable locally).

Day Three

Explore Montecatini, or join the optional excursion to the beautiful Ligurian coast. Here elegant Santa Margherita Ligure overlooks a stunning bay and lies at the eastern end of the Portofino headland. Spend some time exploring the resort, then perhaps take a boat trip along the coast to discover its ultra-chic neighbour Portofino, which despite the glitz and the glamour remains one of the Mediterranean's most idyllic settings.

Day Four

Today you'll head back to Pisa. There'll be an opportunity to explore this mesmerising medieval city, built on the banks of the River Arno, where the broad green swathe of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is home to the famous 'leaning tower', the huge circular Baptistery, the great marbled Duomo and the colonnaded Campo Santo cemetery.

After your fascinating visit you'll reboard the coach for the journey along the Tuscan coast to Piombino, where you'll board the ferry to Portoferraio, the colourful capital of the island of Elba.

Day Five

Enjoy an included half-day tour of Elba. Wooded and mountainous inland, Italy's third largest island is famed for its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Portoferraio has a delightful timeless Old Quarter, where cobbled steps lead from the ancient harbour to a maze of narrow alleyways.

At the island's highest point lies the Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's ornate residence-in-exile. Should you decide to visit (open everyday except Tuesday, payable locally) you'll enjoy an insight into the life of The Little General, as well as views over the harbour from the villa's terrace.

Day Six

Enjoy the pleasures of hotel, town and beach, today. The adventurous may like to head up to hillside Marciana, where a 'cable-car' offers a vertiginous journey to just beneath the summit of Monte Capanne.

Day Seven

This morning we'll cross back to the Tuscan mainland and head to the elegant walled city of Lucca, a delightful Renaissance jewel that was the birthplace of the composer Puccini. See his home (now a museum), the ancient cathedral, medieval clock tower, Torre della Ore, and the exquisite Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.

Later this afternoon you'll return to Montecatini for a last night.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport and check-in and your flight home.

 
 

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