Classic Tuscany: Florence, Siena & Cinque Terre

This Tuscany Escorted Tour offers a wonderful opportunity for Irish holidaymakers to experience the very best of one of Italy’s most famous regions. Based in the elegant spa town of Montecatini, you are perfectly positioned to explore world-renowned cities and beautiful coastal landscapes while having a comfortable, familiar base to return to each evening. This is a thoughtfully organised holiday that balances guided discovery with well-deserved downtime, ensuring you see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Your journey begins with a flight to Pisa, followed by a short transfer to Montecatini. This town was a favourite of the composer Giuseppe Verdi and remains a delightful spot for a stroll, with its Art Deco architecture and leafy parks. Throughout the week, you will stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Panoramic on a half-board basis, meaning your breakfast and evening meals are looked after, letting you focus on the sights. The hotel is situated in a quieter part of the town, providing a peaceful environment for a good night’s rest, yet it remains within easy walking distance of the main shops and the historic funicular railway.

One of the standout days of this Tuscany Escorted Tour is the trip to Florence. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, the city is an open-air museum. You will enjoy a guided walk through its historic heart, taking in the gothic beauty of Santa Maria Novella and the Piazza della Signoria. You’ll see the famous Ponte Vecchio, where tiny jewellery shops have lined the bridge for centuries. Another highlight is the full-day excursion to the Cinque Terre. Rather than navigating steep, narrow paths on foot, you will see the colourful cliffside villages from the water on a scenic boat trip from Portovenere, providing the best possible vantage point for photographs of these dramatic landscapes.

History enthusiasts will especially appreciate the visit to Siena and San Gimignano. Siena is famous for its medieval brick buildings and the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, while San Gimignano is instantly recognisable by its distinct skyline of medieval towers. To truly round off the authentic Italian experience, we have included a wine tasting in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, allowing you to sample local produce in a relaxed setting. Between these structured excursions, you will have plenty of free time to enjoy Montecatini at your own pace. You might choose to visit the thermal spas or take a short train journey to nearby Lucca to walk along its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. With a dedicated tour manager on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish, this is a straightforward, factual, and excellent value way to discover the heart of Italy.