Renaissance Tuscany – Cinque Terre – Milan (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we set out on one of the most beautiful excursions of our trip, into the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Our first destination is medieval Siena, a city that has preserved its historical and architectural character to an exceptional degree. As we travel through the Tuscan countryside, we’ll enjoy views of vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees, and small stone farmhouses. Upon arrival, we’ll begin our walking tour through the narrow streets and distinctive neighborhoods of Siena—the famous contrade—each of which has its own history, symbols, and traditions. We’ll end up at the impressive Piazza del Campo, with its distinctive shell-shaped layout. Here stand the Palazzo Pubblico and the imposing Torre del Mangia, and the square is world-renowned as the venue for Siena’s traditional Palio. We’ll continue on to the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Tuscany’s most important religious monuments. The ornate black-and-white marble façade and the lavish interior decoration reflect the power and prosperity of the medieval city. There will be free time for coffee, shopping, and a leisurely stroll through the pedestrian streets of the historic center. We will then depart for the Chianti region and visit a traditional winery nestled in the characteristic Tuscan landscape. During the visit, we’ll tour the production and aging facilities and learn about the grape varieties, the winemaking process, and the distinctive characteristics of the region’s wines. This will be followed by a tasting of selected wines, paired with local products such as cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, and traditional dishes. Our next stop is the fairytale town of San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most distinctive and recognizable medieval towns. As we approach, we’ll catch sight of the distinctive stone towers that form the town’s unique skyline. We’ll pass through the medieval gate and walk along Via San Giovanni, among traditional shops and stone buildings. We’ll arrive at Piazza della Cisterna, the impressive triangular square with its distinctive stone well, and continue on to Piazza del Duomo, the Palazzo Comunale, and the medieval towers. There will be free time to stroll, take photos, shop for local products, and sample the famous white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Late in the afternoon, we’ll depart for Montecatini Terme. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, and you’ll have free time to relax, have dinner, or take a stroll along the city’s illuminated pedestrian streets.

Today gives you the opportunity to enjoy Montecatini Terme at your own pace or to take part in a magical optional excursion to one of the most impressive regions in Italy, the famous Cinque Terre. Perched atop the sheer cliffs of the Italian Riviera and bathed by the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, these colorful villages create a setting of unique natural beauty. The traditional houses, small vineyards, picturesque harbors, and narrow streets make up one of Italy’s most recognizable scenes. Early in the morning, we’ll depart from our hotel in Montecatini Terme and head to La Spezia, the seaside town that serves as the main gateway to the Cinque Terre and the famous Gulf of Poets. Upon arrival, we’ll board a boat and set out on a unique sea journey along the stunning coastline. From the sea, we’ll enjoy the best panoramic view of the famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, which seem to cling to the sheer cliffs. As the boat glides parallel to the coast, we’ll admire the small coves, the rocky slopes, the terraced vineyards, and the colorful houses that stretch all the way down to the sea. We’ll disembark at Monterosso al Mare, the largest town in the area. Monterosso is divided into an older and a newer part and boasts the largest beach in the Cinque Terre. We’ll walk through the historic center, the picturesque alleys, and the seaside area, and there will be free time for lunch by the sea. You can try authentic focaccia, pasta with the signature Ligurian pesto, fresh seafood, and local wine, all while soaking up the unique atmosphere of one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside villages. We’ll then board the boat again and head to the enchanting Portovenere, one of the most romantic and atmospheric villages on the Italian Riviera. Portovenere is built on the tip of a rocky peninsula and is distinguished by its tall, colorful houses that form a natural wall in front of the harbor. We’ll walk along the seaside promenade and pass through the old gate into the narrow streets of the historic center. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the Church of St. Peter, which is built on the cliff, at one of the most impressive spots in the area. From here, we’ll enjoy a unique view of the open sea, Palmaria Island, and the rugged Ligurian coastline. There will be free time for a stroll, coffee, shopping, and photos before we board the boat again for our return to La Spezia. After the cruise, we’ll meet our bus and head back to our hotel in Montecatini Terme. We’ll arrive in the evening and have free time to relax and have dinner.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for western Tuscany and the historic city of Pisa. Upon arrival, we’ll head to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, one of Italy’s most recognizable architectural complexes. This impressive site is dominated by the Cathedral, the circular Baptistery, the monumental Camposanto Cemetery, and, of course, the world-famous Leaning Tower, which serves as the Cathedral’s independent bell tower. We’ll learn about the history and unique architecture of these monuments, and there will be free time for photos, shopping, and exploring on your own. Those who wish to climb the Leaning Tower must have made a reservation in advance for a specific entry time. We will then depart for the beautiful city of Lucca, one of the most atmospheric and best-preserved cities in Tuscany. Its historic center is surrounded by fully preserved Renaissance walls, which have been converted into a large elevated promenade encircling the old town. We’ll enter the historic center and stroll through the quiet cobblestone streets. We’ll see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Church of San Michele in Foro, and the famous Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which retains the elliptical shape of the ancient Roman amphitheater. We’ll continue on to the shopping street Via Fillungo and the distinctive Guinigi Tower, atop which trees form a small elevated garden. There will be free time for lunch, coffee, shopping, or a short stroll along the city walls, enjoying the view of the rooftops, towers, and churches of the old town. Early in the afternoon, we’ll return to Montecatini Terme, where we’ll get to know our host, this historic spa town, a little better. The town developed around the thermal springs and features elegant buildings, large gardens, and architectural elements characteristic of the Belle Époque. We’ll walk along the central Viale Verdi and view the exterior of the impressive Tettuccio Baths complex, with its grand arcades, gardens, and distinctive decor. There will be free time for coffee, dessert, shopping, or a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian streets and through the shops of the spa town. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy your last evening out in Montecatini Terme by choosing a traditional trattoria or one of the town’s elegant restaurants.

After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’ll say goodbye to Montecatini Terme and head toward Emilia-Romagna and historic Modena. Modena is known for its artistic and culinary traditions, as well as for the famous traditional balsamic vinegar produced in the region and aged for years in special wooden barrels. Upon our arrival, we’ll begin our walking tour at Piazza Grande, the historic heart of the city. We’ll see the impressive Romanesque Cathedral and the famous Ghirlandina Tower, which, together with the square, form Modena’s UNESCO-recognized historic complex. We’ll stroll through the well-preserved historic center, pass by the Palazzo Comunale, and arrive at the traditional Albinelli Market, a place brimming with local products, cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, and balsamic vinegar. There will be time for coffee, a light lunch, and shopping for traditional products. We’ll then depart for cosmopolitan Milan, Italy’s financial and commercial capital and one of Europe’s most important cities for fashion, design, and culture. We’ll start with the impressive Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the famous Milan Cathedral. It is the city’s most important symbol and one of Italy’s most elaborate Gothic structures. Next to the cathedral, we’ll visit the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its glass dome, mosaic floors, historic cafés, and luxury shops. Walking through the arcade, we’ll reach Piazza della Scala, home to the famous Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. The combination of the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala makes for the classic tour to discover the heart of Milan. There will be free time for coffee, shopping on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the shopping streets around the historic center, or a leisurely stroll through the elegant Brera district. Late in the afternoon, we’ll head to Bergamo Airport for our return flight. Arrival at “Macedonia” Airport, filled with unique sights and experiences from Florence, Montecatini Terme, enchanting Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, and the most beautiful cities of northern Italy.

Notes: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without any omissions.