September 20 - 27, 2026

Exclusions:

1. Airfare (unless booked through tour)
2. Travel Insurance (unless chosen)
3. Pre or Post hotel accommodations (can be added to tour)
4. Gratuities

Itinerary:

• Day 1 (Montecatini Terme):   Depart from your hotel at 4:00 PM for an orientation tour of Montecatini Terme. Discover the town’s rich history of restorative waters and baths dating back to Roman times, and see why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your hotel is centrally located amid the town’s elegant architecture and close to shopping and restaurants. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group at the hotel this evening. (D) 

• Day 2 (Pisa & Lucca):    Visit the medieval town of Pisa to see the famed Leaning Tower and its neighboring buildings in the marvelous Piazza dei Miracoli: the grand white marble cathedral and the amazing round baptistry. Next, go to Lucca, a beautiful walled city with cobblestone streets where you’ll have time for independent exploration and lunch. You might choose to visit some of the hundred churches for which this small city is known, admire the medieval architecture of the towers, or buy a souvenir from the shops specializing in artisanal paper, ceramic, jewelry, and leather products. Back in Montecatini, your evening will be free to explore and dine as you wish. (B) 

• Day 3 (Florence & Accademia Gallery):    Discover the wonders of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a walking tour. Marvel at iconic sights like the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria in the city center. Next, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo’s David up close on a visit to the Accademia Gallery. Take free time to soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful city before an early dinner at a local restaurant with your group. (B, D) 

• Day 4 (Montecatini & Fattoria il Poggio Farm):    Your morning and early afternoon will be free to spend in Montecatini Terme as you wish. Perhaps you’ll relax in your hotel’s outdoor swimming pool or take the short walk to the funicular to Montecatini Alto, a small walled town on the hill above Montecatini Terme. This evening, visit Fattoria il Poggio, an ‘agriturismo’ farm that embodies the spirit of sustainability. Explore the vineyard and olive grove, savor wine and olive oil tastings, and sit down with your group for traditional, home-cooked cuisine. (B, D) 

• Day 5 (Cinque Terre):    Embark on a full day visiting the Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque fishing villages perched on the Italian Riviera, accessible only by train and hiking trails. Take in the sights of fishing boats in the harbors and lemon trees on the hillsides, and stroll the streets with their stone houses, medieval churches, and small boutiques. Board the train between villages and enjoy free time to explore and relax as you wish: savor lunch in one of the local restaurants, explore the shops, or indulge in gelato on the harbor. Return to your hotel in Montecatini for dinner. (B, D) 

• Day 6 (San Gimignano, Siena & Castello di Verrazzano):    Start your day with a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano and behold its captivating skyline, adorned with its iconic medieval towers. Continue on to Siena and immerse yourself in this medieval walled city on an orientation walk with your tour director, followed by time for independent exploration. Conclude the day with a tour, tasting and a gourmet dinner at Castello di Verrazzano, a renowned vineyard producing Chianti Classico wine. (B, D) 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How Much is the deposit and when is final payment due?
  • A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is due at the time of booking with final payment due on July 01, 2026.
• Do I need a passport or Visa for this tour?
  • Passports are required and should be valid for at least 6 months past the return of the tour.
  • Europe is implementing the ETIAS but may not be online yet. You will be informed if required. 
• What airport should I use to fly into and back from?
  • The closest airport is Florence (FLR)
  • If you book your own flights but require transportation to Montecatini, it can be arranged through CIE (fee applies).
  • You can also book the flights and transportation through the tour. 
• Am I required to purchase travel insurance for this trip?
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling. This insurance not only provides trip coverage but also provide medical coverage.
  • Insurance can be purchased at the time of booking or can be purchased separately.  
• Can this tour accommodate someone with special needs?
  • Please discuss any physical assistance requirements or special accommodations needed with Explorer's Travel Advantage at the time of booking to review if the tour is right for you.
  • The coaches are not equipped to handle wheelchairs so you must be able to climb 3-4 steps into the coach.
  • Motorized scooter cannot be accommodated on this tour.
  • Please keep in mind that this tour is visiting historic sites that may not be easily navigated with a wheelchair.
  • If you will need assistance with a wheelchair or walker, please be sure your travel partner is available to assist.  
• What Hotels are we staying at?
  • You will only be unpacking once for this trip. The following hotel is usually utilized. If this hotel is not available, CIE will make every effort to accommodate the tour in a hotel of similar category.  Click on the hotel below to learn more.  All hotels used are 3 stars and higher with excellent guest reviews.
  • Possible accommodations include:
    • Grand Hotel Croce Di Malta

Cancellation policy: CIE Tours