Lori Threatt
Relaxed Escapes Travel Consultants 737-228-3680
UT RFSA Treasures of Tuscany
Oct 1, 2025 to Oct 10, 2025
Italy
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Day 1 DEPART THE USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Florence, Italy. -
DAY 2 FLORENCE, ITALY
Upon arrival in Florence, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Florence. Flights should arrive by 3:30pm. Explore your new surroundings, then join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meal: D
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Day 3 FLORENCE, ITALY
Walk in the footsteps of great rulers, artists, and philosophers as you discover this historic city with your local guide on the included walking tour. Walk through the main square and see the monuments and statues in Piazza della Signoria in the heart of the city. Visit the famous Accademia Gallery where you get an up-close view of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David – undoubtedly the world’s most famous sculpture. See the cathedral and famous bronze doors of the Baptistery in Duomo Square. During your free time, shop along the famous Ponte Vecchio – a medieval stone-arched bridge spanning the Arno River, stroll through the Mercato Centrale, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Meal: B
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Day 4 LUCCA / PISA
Discover two of Tuscany’s famous cities on today’s excursion. Stroll through Lucca with your local guide to see what is hidden within its medieval walls. Unique piazza’s, including Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on an ancient Roman amphitheater, the Cathedral of San Martino, Church of San Michel and Basilica of San Frediano are all in the heart of the city. Continue by coach to Pisa to witness its iconic landmarks: Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Your local guide will explain the history of this beautiful little town as you walk through the square, admiring the beauty and architecture of another of Tuscany’s medieval cities. Return to the hotel in Florence for the evening at leisure. Meal: B
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Day 5 SAN MINIATO
A local experience awaits as you take part in a truffle hunt! Head for the hills of San Miniato by coach where you’ll meet up with the truffle hunters and their dogs. Learn all about the world of truffles from the different types and how to search for them to how they are grown and cooked. The training of the dogs is also shared as part of the experience. After the hunt, visit the truffle hunter’s house for a welcome toast, then enjoy tasting the San Miniato truffle at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel in Florence after this unique adventure. Meals: B, L
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Day 6 FLORENCE / SAN GIMIGNANO / SIENA
It’s time to depart Florence and travel to another area of Tuscany…Siena. En route, visit the walled, hilltop-town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers, Duomo, and numerous art treasures. Today’s treat will be the hands-on pasta-making class where your host will explain the origins of Tuscan cuisine and lead you through the process of kneading, pulling and cutting the dough and preparing the sauce with aromatic herbs, and local ingredients. After dining on your homemade creation for lunch, top it off with dessert from one of San Gimignano’s famous gelateria’s, Dondoli, whose owner has won numerous awards for his Gelato which uses Italian-grown ingredients. Learn the difference between ice cream and gelato and sample a few flavors during the visit. Arrival in Siena concludes the day. Meals: B, L
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Day 7 SIENA
During this morning’s guided walking tour of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, become acquainted with its artistic masterpieces including the cathedral complex and the Piazza del Campo – home of the famous Palio horse race. After the orientation of the town, meander through its charming lanes, lined with shops of ceramics and other local products, climb the bell tower, or simply relax during your free time. Meal: B
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Day 8 PIENZA
Journey by coach along one of the most panoramic roads of Tuscany on your way to the renaissance town of Pienza. Along the way, enjoy photo stops to capture the magnificent scenery and landscapes of the Crete Senesi. Upon arrival in Pienza, visit a local organic farm, meet the owner, and learn how the world-famous Pienza sheep cheese is made. Explore the farm with the owner, see the stables and aging rooms of the cheese, along with a demonstration of the process of this ancient art. A highlight of the visit may be the tasting of the product during the light lunch at the farm. The guided walking tour of Pienza will have you admiring the architectural jewels of the main square, Piazzo Pio II, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home of the town’s main monuments and cathedral. Return to Siena for the evening at leisure. Meals: B, L
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Day 9 SIENA / AREZZO / FLORENCE
Departing Siena, travel to Arezzo, a city of ancient Etruscan origins. Discover the highlights during a guided walking tour, seeing the Corso Rossellino with the Piccolomini Palace, Piazza Pio II housing the Cathedral and Town Hall, Piazza Grande – the most notable medieval square in the city, and the Church of San Francesco. Enjoy one final cultural activity with a visit to a century-old hamlet, surrounded by acres of organic land. Learn the processes for making extra-virgin olive oil and wine and enjoy tastings of these local products in their underground cellar. Return to Florence for a farewell dinner and final overnight. Meals: B, D
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Day 10 FLORENCE / USA
After a cultural immersion into the history, lifestyle, scenery, and cuisine of Tuscany, it’s time to bid “arrivederci” to Italy as you transfer to the Florence airport for your flight home. Meal: B
Tour Operator: Mayflower Tours and Cruises
ACCOMMODATIONS
- Days 2 – 5 Hotel Albani, Florence
- Days 6 – 8 NH Siena or similar, Siena
- Days 9 – Hotel Albani, Florence
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities
- Optional Round Economy trip international airfare available at $1,700 per person
- Airline fees including but not limited to baggage fees, advanced seat selection fees, cancellation or change fees, and upgrade fees
- Trip Protection - Strongly Encouraged, the optional cost is provided on the registration formWe offer the Allianz Group Advantage trip protection plan.
- Activities and excursions listed as optional
- Transfers from your home to your local gateway airport.
- Optional Pre and Post Tour Accommodations (pre and post-nights available as an add-on)
This active program requires you to be in reasonably good health, free from infectious disease, to be able to load and unload from buses and other modes of transportation independently, and to travel without preventing delay or requiring the assistance of fellow travelers or tour director.
The tour requires a considerable amount of walking over longer distances, unpaved and uneven surfaces or cobblestones, and potentially up steep inclines and stairs. You must have the ability to tolerate potentially varying climates and higher altitudes. Travelers requiring any form of assistance, including travelers with physical disabilities, sight, hearing or mobility impairments, are required to notify Relaxed Escapes prior to booking the tour. We, along with the Tour Operator will review the requirements with you to determine the level of assistance you may need to ensure the tour is suitable for you. If you require mobility and/or health assistance, you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for assisting you at your own expense. Our tour operator will make reasonable efforts to serve travelers with mobility limitations but is not responsible for any denial of services by suppliers or venues we may visit. The Tour Operator's, tour managers, tour directors, guides, drivers or other tour, hotel, transfer or ship personnel are not able to provide individual services such as assisting with walking, pushing a wheelchair, carrying a buffet food tray, assisting with getting on or off the motor coach or other vehicles.
While portage service is provided for one (1) checked bag during the tour, you are responsible for retrieving your bag at the airport baggage claim and getting it out to the motor coach waiting for us at the airport. In addition, you are responsible for handling your own carry-on bag throughout the tour.
INTERNATIONAL ADA REQUIREMENTS
Hotels, transportation providers, sea and river cruise operators outside of the United States are not required to comply with ADA requirements, and may not have ramps, wide entryways, handicap-accessible hotel rooms, or elevators/lifts to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters. If you need special assistance, contact Relaxed Escapes before making your reservation to discuss if your needs can be accommodated.
PASSPORT AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
A valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months beyond the end date of this trip is required (i.e. have an expiration of Mar 1, 2025 or beyond). Upon registration, you agree to provide a copy of your passport. Please note a photocopy or electronic image of your passport is required.
Travelers planning overseas trips are responsible for knowing the rules for entering the countries they want to visit. A good source of up-to-date information about passport validity is the U.S. Department of State's travel website (travel.state.gov), which lists entry requirements by country. Would-be travelers should also consult the Italy embassy websites.
Name or birthdate corrections, after the final payment due date or after tickets have been issued, will result in additional fees being assessed.
CANCELLATION PENALTIES
All cancellations or traveler-requested changes will incur a $55 cancellation/ change fee payable to Relaxed Escapes in addition to the tour operator's cancellation penalties as reflected in the Cancellation Fee schedule below.
| 91 days or more prior to departure | Deposit amount retained by Mayflower, plus $55 per person cancellation fee payable to Relaxed Escapes |
| 90 to 45 days prior to departure | 20% of tour cost retained by Mayflower, plus $55 per person cancellation fee payable to Relaxed Escape |
| 44 to 15 days prior to departure | 30% of tour cost retained by Mayflower, plus $55 per person cancellation fee payable to Relaxed Escape |
| 14 to 1 day prior to departure | 50% of tour cost retained by Mayflower, plus $55 per person cancellation fee payable to Relaxed Escape |
| Day 1 of departure or early departure from tour | 100% of tour cost retained by Mayflower, plus $55 per person cancellation fee payable to Relaxed Escape |
| No refund on unused portions of the tour |
Exclusions: Mayflower Cruises & Tours reserves the right to alter its refund and cancellation policy when a substantial amount of cancellation or postponement of travel is attributable to conditions resulting from an act of God, natural or man-made disaster, fire, government action, civil disorder, war, hostilities between nations, or unavailability of transportation through no fault of Mayflower Cruises & Tours.
This active program requires you to be in reasonably good health, free from infectious disease, to be able to load and unload from buses and other modes of transportation independently, and to travel without preventing delay or requiring the assistance of fellow travelers or tour director.
The tour requires a considerable amount of walking over longer distances, unpaved and uneven surfaces or cobblestones, and potentially up steep inclines and stairs. You must have the ability to tolerate potentially varying climates and higher altitudes. Travelers requiring any form of assistance, including travelers with physical disabilities, sight, hearing or mobility impairments, are required to notify Relaxed Escapes prior to booking the tour. We, along with the Tour Operator will review the requirements with you to determine the level of assistance you may need to ensure the tour is suitable for you. If you require mobility and/or health assistance, you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for assisting you at your own expense. Our tour operator will make reasonable efforts to serve travelers with mobility limitations but is not responsible for any denial of services by suppliers or venues we may visit. The Tour Operator's tour managers, tour directors, guides, drivers, or other tour, hotel, transfer, or ship personnel are not able to provide individual services such as assisting with walking, pushing a wheelchair, carrying a buffet food tray, assisting with getting on or off the motor coach or other vehicles, etc.
While portage service is provided for one (1) checked bag during the tour, you are responsible for retrieving your bag at the airport baggage claim and getting it out to the motor coach waiting for us at the airport. In addition, you are responsible for handling your own carry-on bag throughout the tour.
INTERNATIONAL ADA REQUIREMENTS
Hotels, transportation providers, and sea and river cruise operators outside of the United States are not required to comply with ADA requirements, and may not have ramps, wide entryways, handicap-accessible hotel rooms, or elevators/lifts to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters. If you need special assistance, contact Relaxed Escapes before making your reservation to discuss if your needs can be accommodated.
RESPONSIBILITY
Relaxed Escapes Travel Consultants is not responsible for penalties or fees associated with canceled bookings for ANY reason. We strongly encourage travelers to buy a travel protection plan to protect their investment and provide travel medical coverage. An insurance quote is provided as a part of this registration process.
By booking this trip, all guests in your party are subject to our current Terms and Conditions. Terms are subject to change without notice.
Available Packages
Double Occupancy Land Tour (Per Person)
Available until
June 25, 2025
- available
$4,199.00
Deposit: $250.00 per person
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Double Occupancy Hotel Room price includes $100 travel savings when booked by 11/30/2024.
The price increases to $4,299.00 if the deposit is received after 11/30/2024.
Clients who choose to book their own International airfare will not receive Florence airport transfers to and from hotels.
- Guided Tour per itinerary
- $100 of proceeds goes to the University of Texas Retired Faculty and Staff Association.
Single Guaranteed Share* Land Tour (Per Person)
Available until
June 25, 2025
- 4 left
$4,199.00
Deposit: $250.00 per person
-
Double Occupancy Hotel Room includes $100 travel savings when booked by 11/30/2024.
The price increases to $4,299.00 if the deposit is received after 11/30/2024.
Client who book their own International airfare will not receive Florence airport transfers to and from hotels.
- Guided Tour per itinerary
- $100 of proceeds goes to the University of Texas Retired Faculty and Staff Association.
Single Occupancy Land Tour
Available until
June 25, 2025
- 4 left
$6,048.00
Deposit: $250.00 per person
-
Single Occupancy Hotel Room includes $100 travel savings when booked by 11/30/2024.
The price increases to $6,148.00 if the deposit is received after 11/30/2024.
Clients who choose to book their own International airfare will not receive Florence airport transfers to and from hotels.
- Group Tour per itinerary
- $100 of proceeds goes to the University of Texas Retired Faculty and Staff Association.