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Travel
Tuscan Dreaming
Inspired by the idyllic landscapes and relaxed atmosphere of Tuscany, this trip allows you to breathe in the beautiful natural scenery as well as explore the wonderful villages and cities dotted around the region. There's the chance to hike in the spectacular countryside and visit beautiful towns like Florence, Siena and San Gimignano.
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Package Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Daily breakfast and 4 dinners
- Bus and train transportation
- 5 nights in a traditional Tuscan Hotel
- Explore the ancient walled town of Volterra
- The gorgeous medieval city of Siena
- Pisa's famous cathedral and tower
- Day walks in the picturesque Maremma Hills
- Relax by the outdoor pool
- Delicious Tuscan meals taken al fresco
Trek Holidays
Trek Holidays has become Canada's largest wholesale adventure travel company and their staff have been to over 100 countries around the world. Trek works in conjunction with travel agents across Canada to prepare you for your arrival in a new destination based on their own personal experiences, videos, pre-departure booklets as well as reading lists.
- Day 1: Florence: Arrive in Florence and check in to hotel. Time to relax or begin exploring this fascinating city. Florence is a city presided over by the famous Duomo, its graceful cupola rises from the surrounding fray of interwoven streets to offer one of the most famous city-scapes in the world. Florence positively swells with some of the most beautiful buildings and striking works of art. Michelangelo's epic 'David' takes pride of place within the halls of the Academia. Donatellos' sublime sculpture grace many notable niches and Botecelli dignifies the walls of the equally impressive Uffizi museum. Imposing Pallazo (palaces) preside over the River Arno whilst the gracious Ponte Vecchio plays host to the ancient traditions of goldsmiths. You can stroll amongst luxury shops or head for a bargain in the San Lorenzo markets. Sample the local Tuscan specialties in the many trattoria tucked intimately down side streets or best of all pull up alongside the locals in the morning for the obligatory cappuccino and a mouth watering cream filled cornet. Stylish, elegant and well heeled - Florence is a city to be savoured and it's collection of undisputed art works will leave you breathless.
- Day 2: Tuscan Farmhouse Hotel: Transfer to our farmhouse hotel in the heart of the Tuscan landscape, our base for the next 5 nights, a peaceful family-run farmhouse hotel set in the heart of the beautiful green hills above San Gimignano with superb views of the Tuscan landscape. The Rifugio Prategiano is a rustic Tuscan farmhouse perched high on the slopes overlooking the medieval town of Poggio di Montieri and the inviting Alta Maremma landscape. With all the comfort of a mountain lodge and the serenity of a forest retreat the farmhouse is a good place to relax. There is a refreshing pool and a massaging hot tub among the trees, perfect for unwinding after days spent exploring on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. We will be able to taste Tuscan meals and there are some superb local wines for you to enjoy, like the renowned regional Chianti. There are many attractions nearby - not far from the village of Follonica you can find a nature park with white sand beaches, and in the Cecina Valley there are hot springs and geysers. There are also many beautiful historic churches to visit, such as San Galgano.
- Day 3 to 6: Tuscan Exploration: On one day we travel to San Gimignano, famous for its 14 towers and beautiful 13th century town square. San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers, 14 tower houses built by local families as symbols of their wealth and prosperity. In the Middle Ages the town flourished thanks to its position on the 'Via Francigena' a pilgrim and traders route that stretched from Canterbury, England, right across Europe to Rome. This age of riches was to come to an end with the Great Plague of 1348, where up to 75% of the town's population was thought to have perished, leaving the town, even centuries later, with a sense of faded grandeur which means that when you wander its streets you truly feel as if time had stopped when that prosperity ended. On another day we enjoy a day trip to Siena, one of Italy's most enchanting cities. This is one of the most lovely of Italy's cities with a wealth of magnificent architecture and one of the most imposing and beautiful city squares in Europe. The historic centre is still surrounded by its medieval walls and is ideal for exploring on foot - though you should expect to get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways if you take to the back streets. You can climb the Torre del Mangia for superb views over the roofs of the old city to the hills beyond; visit the breathtaking gothic cathedral - one of Italy's largest and most glorious churches, or relax in the sun at one of the many open-air cafes. Your tour leader will use their knowledge to point out the highlights and take you down some less visited side streets of the city but you are also welcome to explore on your own if you wish. (It is approx. 1 hour driving each way from the hotel to Siena) The other two days are spent hiking amongst the beautiful Tuscan hills or, if you prefer, relaxing at the farmhouse. Your tour leader will be available to take the group on optional hikes into the surrounding area as there are endless opportunities for walking in this area. If you would prefer to explore on your own your tour leader will be able to suggest good areas to visit. You can of course also relax at the hotel if you wish. There is a lovely pool for you to enjoy.
- Day 7 to 8: Volterra: Travel to Volterra, an ancient town encircled by medieval ramparts and perched high on a rocky plateau. We spend two nights in a simple but atmospheric converted monastery. According to D.H. Lawrence Volterra "gets all the wind and sees all the world. a sort of inland island". Perched atop a high plateau with splendid views across the volcanic clay hills, Volterra is an atmospheric medieval walled town. Its narrow vaulted streets occasionally embedded with seashells and home to some beautiful pallazo (palaces) made almost entirely from the local Panchina, a yellowy stone lending a soft hue to the town and invoking images of sandcastles. Wander through the gardens of the Parco Archeologico and witness the blossoming of young love or drool over an Italian family picnic. Visit the interesting Guarnacci museum, home to an important collection of Etruscan artifacts, or simply amble between the local artisans dotted throughout the historical centre and witness them hand craft impressive alabaster pieces, exquisite jewellery and individually forged iron works according to ancient traditions. Wild boar sausages, fragrant truffles, fresh mushrooms and piquant cheeses beckon you from the many delicatessens and restaurants of this once important Etruscan city.
- Day 9: Pisa/Florence: Travel to Pisa and visit the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistry. No amount of words or pictures can prepare anyone for the arresting sight of Italy's most famous monument 'the leaning tower'. Together with the Duomo, Baptistry and Camposanto they constitute the sublime Campo dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles. The beautiful bell tower with its rakish lean looking to topple at any moment is a bizarre sight set together with the grand Romanesque Duomo of muted grey and white marble softened over the centuries. Aligned with the 12th century circular Baptistery which is topped by its crown of gothic pinnacles it is easy to understand how this collection of breathtaking monuments never ceases to captivate its audience. Next, return by train to Florence.
- Day 10: Florence: The capital of Tuscany and the heart of Renaissance Italy, Florence is packed with world famous museums, art galleries, cathedrals, piazzas and churches. We have a full day to discover the artistic and architectural wealth of the city.
- Day 11: Florence: Tour ends.
For reservations or additional information, call 1-866-286-9323 to speak with an experienced travel consultant.
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