Treasures of Tuscany
8 days from £499pp.
Visit: Florence, Italy
Visit: Pisa, Italy
Visit: Tuscany, Italy
Visit: Elba, Italy
Visit: Corniglia, Italy
Visit: Vernazza, Italy
About the Tour
Explore the treasures of the Tuscan countryside with its historic cities and quaint villages, and visit the idyllic Isle of Elba on this breathtaking tour. From your base in Tuscany, you can join us on our wonderful optional excursions. Travel to the spectacular towns of Lucca and Pisa, where you will witness the spectacular Renaissance walls of Lucca, and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Why not visit the five coastal villages of Cinque Terre, or join a full day trip to the beautiful Isla of Elba, see pristine beaches, never ending hills and mighty mountains. On this charming coach holiday, we also offer an included trip to the Renaissance city of Florence, where you can join a guided tour of the city’s many gems.
Tour Includes
- 5 or 8 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 5 or 6 evening meals
- Convenient local joining points
- Travel by executive coach or upgrade to Silver Service
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your tour either online, or by telephone ( 01709 787 463 ), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can:
- Use our balance payment facility online to make and track your card payments. You can pay as much as you want up until your final due date or pay it all, the choice is yours.
- Send payments via online banking.
- Send payments via cheque.
- Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then travel overnight towards Italy.
Day 2
Afternoon arrival at our hotel in Tuscany for a five-night stay.
- Included meals: Dinner
Day 3
Lucca & Pisa
Pisa
Today we visit the beautiful towns of Lucca and Pisa on our optional excursion. Our first stop is the beautiful Tuscan town of Lucca. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, the town still follows the layout set by the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC. You will have free time in Lucca to explore at your leisure. See the Duomo of San Martino, which dates back to the 6th century or relax in one of the cafés in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. For a bird’s eye view of the town, climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower, one of the few towers left standing in the city (entrance at extra cost – approximately €4). The tower's most unusual feature is the enormous Holm oak that stands on top of it. After free time, we continue our excursion to the nearby town of Pisa. Here you can see the 'Field of Miracles' – the historic centre of the town – and the famous leaning tower. Perhaps spend time in the central shopping area, which is centred around the Corso Italia, between the railway station and Ponte di Mezzo (the central bridge). The area around the Leaning Tower is geared more towards tourists, so you will find lots of small souvenir kiosks selling all kinds of merchandise with the Leaning Tower motif. Pisa is also famous for its biscotti biscuits and bakeries all through the town will sell different varieties.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Elba
Elba
Today you have the opportunity to visit the Isle of Elba on our full-day optional excursion. Lying just off the coast of the Versilian Riviera, the Isle of Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago at 27km long and 18km wide. It is characterized by its pristine beaches, never ending hills and its mountains, the highest of which is Monte Capanne (1019 m). Elba's most famous resident was Napoleon, who spent 9 months in exile here, after the fall of Paris. He lived in Villa dei Mulini, and then in Villa San Martino a couple of miles outside Portoferraio. After an early start we take a leisurely ferry from Piombino to the island’s capital, Portoferraio. Here you will have time to explore before we continue on the tour of the island, visiting scenic places such as Marina di Campo and Porto Azzura. From all viewpoints we can take in the island's lovely landscape and rocky coast against the backdrop of the stunning azure blue sea. An opportunity not to be missed!
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Florence
Florence
We continue our explorations of Italy today as we make our way to the Renaissance city of Florence on our included excursion. You will have time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights, see the shops in and around the centuries-old Ponte Vecchio, or even have your portrait painted by one of the street artists who usually gather in the square next to the medieval Duomo (cathedral). To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional sightseeing tour, where our local guide's commentary will reveal many of the stories behind the buildings and personalities that have shaped the history of this magnificent city. The sightseeing tour starts by coach taking us up the hills behind the city, to Piazzale Michelangelo. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. After time for photos, the coach will take us back to the city, where our guide will lead us on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights. See the Santa Croce church, the burial place of Michelangelo, the famous statues in Piazza della Signoria and also the magnificent Santa Maria Duomo. (Entrances to places of interest are at extra cost).
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre
Today we stray off the beaten tourist track and explore the Cinque Terre on our optional excursion. Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’, comprises of the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. All of the towns slope down to sea level, with the exception of Corniglia, which is perched on top of a tall cliff, each offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Over centuries, man has carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible ‘modern’ development with paths, trains and boats connecting the villages. We start our tour by coach to La Spezia where we meet our guide. We then continue to Manarola, a town filled with boats. We spend free time here before boarding a train to Monterosso. There will be further free time for you to explore the boutiques or relax in one of the beachside restaurants and cafés. From here we return to La Spezia, via a leisurely cruise along the coastline, stopping in Portovenere.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Enjoy time at leisure before leaving for the overnight journey north.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Return home.
Your Excursions
Included Excursions & Visits
- Florence - Gem of the Renaissance
- Siena & San Gimignano (included on 9-day holiday)
- Lucca & Pisa (included on 9-day holiday)
Optional Excursions & Visits
- Lucca & Pisa (optional on 8-day holiday) – Ancient Tuscan town & home to the Leaning Tower
- Elba - Breathtaking beauty
- Cinque Terre - Stunning coastal villages
- Florence Guided Sightseeing - See the main highlights
Notes
Travel Insurance from £35.00 (8 days). Single Room Supplement from £209.00 (9 days).
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.
Day 2
Continue into Italy and to our overnight hotel.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Florence
Florence
We continue our explorations of Italy today as we make our way to the Renaissance city of Florence on our included excursion. You will have time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights, see the shops in and around the centuries-old Ponte Vecchio, or even have your portrait painted by one of the street artists who usually gather in the square next to the medieval Duomo (cathedral). To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional sightseeing tour, where our local guide's commentary will reveal many of the stories behind the buildings and personalities that have shaped the history of this magnificent city. The sightseeing tour starts by coach taking us up the hills behind the city, to Piazzale Michelangelo. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. After time for photos, the coach will take us back to the city, where our guide will lead us on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights. See the Santa Croce church, the burial place of Michelangelo, the famous statues in Piazza della Signoria and also the magnificent Santa Maria Duomo. (Entrances to places of interest are at extra cost). Continue to our hotel in Montecatini Terme for four nights.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Isle of Elba
Isle of Elba
Today, you have the opportunity to visit the Isle of Elba on our full-day optional excursion. Lying just off the coast of the Versilian Riviera, the Isle of Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago at 27km long and 18km wide. It is characterised by its pristine beaches, never ending hills and its mountains, the highest of which is Monte Capanne (1019 m). Elba's most famous resident was Napoleon, who spent 9 months in exile here, after the fall of Paris. He lived in Villa dei Mulini, and then in Villa San Martino a couple of miles outside Portoferraio. After an early start, we take a leisurely ferry from Piombino to the island’s capital, Portoferraio. Here you will have time to explore before we continue on the tour of the island, visiting scenic places such as Marina di Campo and Porto Azzura. From all viewpoints we can take in the island's lovely landscape and rocky coast against the backdrop of the stunning azure blue sea. An opportunity not to be missed!
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Siena & San Gimignano
Siena
A full-day included excursion to two Tuscan gems. We head to the picturesque Tuscan town of Siena. Centred around the Piazza del Campo, the town has magnificently preserved Gothic architecture, and the town centre is listed by UNESCO as one of the world's most significant historic sites. We continue to the charming, hill-top town of San Gimignano, with its beautiful views over the Tuscan countryside.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre
Today we stray off the beaten tourist track and explore the Cinque Terre on our optional excursion. Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’, comprises of the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. All of the towns slope down to sea level, with the exception of Corniglia, which is perched on top of a tall cliff, each offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Over centuries, man has carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible ‘modern’ development with paths, trains and boats connecting the villages. We start our tour by coach to La Spezia where we meet our guide. We then continue to Portovenere. We spend free time here before boarding a boat to Vernazza and then onto Monterosso. There will be further free time for you to explore the boutiques or relax in one of the beachside restaurants and cafés. From here we return to La Spezia by train.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Lucca & Pisa
Pisa
We leave our hotel and head to the beautiful Tuscan town of Lucca. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, the town still follows the layout set by the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC. You will have free time in Lucca to explore at your leisure. See the Duomo of San Martino, which dates back to the 6th century or relax in one of the cafés in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. For a bird’s eye view of the town, climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower, one of the few towers left standing in the city (entrance at extra cost – approximately €4). The tower's most unusual feature is the enormous Holm oak that stands on top of it. After free time, we continue our excursion to the nearby town of Pisa. Here you can see the 'Field of Miracles' – the historic centre of the town – and the famous leaning tower. Perhaps spend time in the central shopping area, which is centred around the Corso Italia, between the railway station and Ponte di Mezzo (the central bridge). The area around the Leaning Tower is geared more towards tourists, so you will find lots of small souvenir kiosks selling all kinds of merchandise with the Leaning Tower motif. Pisa is also famous for its biscotti biscuits and bakeries all through the town will sell different varieties. Continue to our hotel in northern Italy for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
To northern France for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Return home.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Your Excursions
Included Excursions & Visits
- Florence - Gem of the Renaissance
- Siena & San Gimignano (included on 9-day holiday)
- Lucca & Pisa (included on 9-day holiday)
Optional Excursions & Visits
- Lucca & Pisa (optional on 8-day holiday) – Ancient Tuscan town & home to the Leaning Tower
- Elba - Breathtaking beauty
- Cinque Terre - Stunning coastal villages
- Florence Guided Sightseeing - See the main highlights
Notes
Travel Insurance from £35.00 (8 days). Single Room Supplement from £209.00 (9 days).
Frequently asked questions about our tours
Accommodation
On the 8-day holiday you will stay for five nights on the Versilian coast at a 3-star hotel such as the Hotel Sirio in Lido di Camaiore, or the Hotel Savoy in Marina di Pietrasanta. The hotel will have a restaurant and bar. Jun & Aug 2017 departures will stay at the 4-star Hotel Ariston in Montecatini Terme.
On the 9-day holiday you will stay for four nights at the 3-star superior Ariston Hotel in Montecatini Terme. The hotel is situated in the heart of this Tuscan spa town, within a short walk of the shops and restaurants and the funicular station which takes you to charming Montecatini Alto. This family-run hotel is furnished in typical Tuscan style and all rooms have T.V. and phone. The hotel has a restaurant and American style bar.
Overnight stays in northern Italy on the 9-day holiday will be in minimum 3-star hotels and in northern France, city-style hotels.
Frequently asked questions about accommodation
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
Travel Information
- Travel Options
- Extra Services
Executive coach
Find out more
Silver Service coach
Find out moreExecutive coach
Our executive coaches feature air-conditioning, drinks machine, onboard toilet and reclining seat.
Silver Service
On most of our holidays you can upgrade to Silver Service, luxury coach travel, for comfort and style across Europe.
Relax and have a chat in the spacious rear lounge.
Servery on board offering a range of refreshments.
Enjoy the perfect temperature onboard with climate control.
Stay overnight near Dover
Find out moreWhy not go the night before your holiday for a relaxing start? You can park for FREE for up to nine days at the Holiday Inn Ashford North and enjoy an overnight stay with English breakfast from just £38 per person. This offer is subject to availability and based on two sharing a twin/double room on a B&B basis. We’ll then collect you from the hotel on the day of departure and return you there at the end of your holiday.
To book this package, please call the hotel on 01233 713333, quoting ‘Leger Holidays’ and your booking reference. If your holiday is longer than nine days you can pay for additional days’ parking. Ask one of our friendly reservations team for more details when you book your holiday.
Single supplements and terms and conditions apply.
Our Door-to-Door service
Find out moreOn Single Traveller holidays and coach holidays of 7 days’ duration or more, you don’t even have to think about getting to your local joining point. If you live within 20 miles of one of our free joining points we’ll pick you up from your home and take you to meet your transfer vehicle, then return you back home at the end of your holiday. The cost is from £35 per booking each way for up to four people per booking.
If you live a little further afield, you can also take advantage of this convenient option for an additional charge – please enquire at the time of booking.
Join coach at Interchange
Find out moreOn most holidays if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines.
Excludes holidays to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.
Looking for your local joining point? Enter your post code below
*Please note pickups are subject to availability.
Frequently asked questions about travel options
Front row seats can be reserved for £14pp (up to 6 days' duration), £22pp (7 & 8 days' duration) and £25pp (9 days' duration and over) on all European tours. This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on the front row and is subject to availability. In addition to this, seats on the second row can be reserved for £7pp (up to 6 days duration), £14pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £17pp (9 days duration and over). Guaranteed front/second row seats cannot be reserved on transfer journeys to/from the interchange. Children under 15 years cannot occupy a front row seat due to French Law. Central view seats are free.
Please note: On some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front/second row seats are not available on your new tour, you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
Transfer coaches are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure. The route taken depends on where paassengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
OR
Call our reservations team on:
01709 787 463
To book this tour, just give our friendly team a call on 01709 787 463 or book online at www.leger.co.uk