Italy's Versilian Coast, the Cinque Terre & Island of Elba

Italy’s Versilian Coast, the Cinque Terre & Island of Elba

A new tour based on Tuscany’s Versilian Coast, our excursions take us into the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, to historic cities and quaint villages and the Mediterranean island of Elba.

8 days from £369

Holiday Highlights
• Pisa – home to the Leaning Tower
• Elba – breathtaking beauty
• Florence – gem of the Renaissance
• Cinque Terre – the stunning five lands

Your holiday at a glance
Day 1 Local departure by coach then onwards overnight towards Italy.
Day 2 Afternoon arrival at our hotel in Tuscany for a five-night stay. D
Day 3 Lucca and Pisa. B,D
Day 4 Elba. B,D
Day 5 Florence. B,D
Day 6 Cinque Terre. B,D
Day 7 Free time before leaving for the overnight journey north. B
Day 8 Arrive Calais and return home.
Included Meals: B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Excursions and Visits
Lucca and Pisa (optional). We begin in the beautiful, walled town of Lucca, famous for its quaint narrow lanes and lovely piazzas. Hidden behind imposing walls, the town still follows the layout set by the former Roman colony founded in 180BC. The afternoon is spent in Pisa, famous, of course, for its Leaning Tower. Seeing really is believing when regarding this unique landmark. There will be time at leisure to discover the sights of this spectacular city.
Elba (optional). We head to Piombino for the ferry to Elba. Lying only 10 km. from the mainland, Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, with an area of 224 sq. km and was the place to which Napoleon was famously exiled in 1814. Visit the historical town of Portoferraio, where you can see the Medici Fortress and the Palazzini di Mulini (Napoleon’s winter residence). Our tour will allow you to sample island life and admire the breathtaking history and scenery of this beautiful island.
Florence (included); Guided Sightseeing in Florence (optional). The Renaissance city of Florence is a living museum. 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). Get more out of your day in Florence by joining our local guide on a fascinating sightseeing tour. Travel by coach up to the hills for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside, then return to the city, where your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights.
Cinque Terre (optional). We stray off the beaten tourist track, and explore the Cinque Terre (literally meaning ‘five
lands’). The Cinque Terre is made up of the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al
Mare, 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 head firstly by coach to La Spezia to join the train to Riomaggiore,
from where we take a one kilometre walk through the stunning ‘Via dell’ Amore’ to Manarola. Rejoining the train, we head to Monterosso, with time here before we return to La Spezia, via a leisurely cruise along the coastline, stopping in
Portovenere.

Your hotel
You’ll 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 has a restaurant and bar and all bedrooms have T.V. and telephone. Please note: July 5 departure will stay at the 4-star Hotel Ariston in the spa town of Montecatini Terme, which is situated 75 miles south of Lido di Camaiore.

What's Included?
• FREE local joining points
• Travel by executive coach
• 5 nights’ accommodation with breakfast & 5 evening meals
• Excursion: Florence

Upgrade to Silver Service for luxury coach travel and enjoy these added benefits
• EXTRA legroom for your added comfort
• Porterage at your hotel

Prices are per person, based on two sharing
Extras • Optional excursions