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Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

From under the Tuscan sun to the Italian Riviera... discover the stories behind the brilliance of Renaissance painters and sculptors from an art historian in Florence... prepare pasta with a chef and learn the finer points of olive oil tasting...  For the culturally curious, this journey through Italy is a feeling that you've become much more savvy after an art history briefing. It's walking through the medieval alleys of Siena... or bicycling atop the walls of Lucca. It's laughter. It's sharing vino made from grapes in the vineyards you've just walked through and kicking back. It's about becoming a part of day-to-day Italy... and new views on life... Learn to cook Italian-style... enjoy the beauty of nature along the Italian Riviera... explore Cinque Terre villages overlooking the sea, connected by walking trails... and go off-the-beaten-track for an Italian cultural connection unlike any other.

Countries Visited

Italy

Cities Visited

Cinque Terre , Florence , Genoa , Siena

  1. Day 1
    Welcome to Florence

    Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Helvetia & Bristol. A transfer is included from the Peretola Airport to the elegant Helvetia & Bristol. Join us this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner.


    Meals:   Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Santa Croce & the Uffizi Galleries

    Michelangelo's shadow looms large in Firenze. Sightseeing begins today with an early-opening, private morning visit of the 15th-century Basilica di Santa Croce. Dubbed the "Temple of Italian Glories," Florence's answer to London's Westminster Abbey is filled with the tombs of major Italian legends – including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, Machiavelli, and more, along with a statue that inspired the Statue of Liberty. Florence's Renaissance heart makes yours beat a little faster as you ramble through it with your Florentine guide, then discover some of the city's masterpieces on a guided visit to the fabulous Uffizi Galleries – without crowds; the Uffizi is Europe's oldest art gallery, founded by the Medicis to display their countless treasures, today housing some of the world's most beloved art. Today you'll understand how art and history are inextricably intertwined in Florence. 


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch
  3. Day 3
    A day in the Tuscan countryside

    Your day begins with exploration of the Sienese countryside south of Florence with a local guide; you'll view some of the prettiest landscapes in Tuscany boasting rolling hills, vineyards, and hilltop towns, and visit the charming Renaissance town of Pienza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This evening, join us for a special apericena at your hotel in the Wine Cellar, dating back to the 13th century.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Carrara Marble & on to Cinque Terre National Park

    Awaken in beautiful Siena; accompany your local guide to discover Siena's many architectural treasures on a walking tour – including its black-and-white Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. You'll see the Piazza del Campo – where the famous Palio bareback horse race has been held twice every year for centuries – Palazzo Salimbeni, Palazzo Tolomei, Torre di Mangia, Santa Maria della Scalla and more. Spend the afternoon exploring as you please, or join us at Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo to view the world's first secular fresco, Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, followed by free time.


    Meals:   Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    Cooking, cycling and tastings

    Head to the walled town of Lucca for either a bicycle* tour led by a local guide or a guided walk. This medieval city's surviving Renaissance-era, red-brick walls shut out traffic and the modern world… leaving a peaceful community that still revolves around its original Roman street plan, encircled by a delightful, tree-lined promenade. And because it's topographically flat – unlike most Tuscan towns – Lucca is a cyclist's dream. One of the best ways to explore this historically powerful and culturally rich city is by bicycle... and, led by your local guide, you'll do just that – down its narrow lanes… across its ancient piazzas… even along the top of its massive walls. At a local agriturismo, enjoy a hands-on lesson with local chefs, an olive oil and wine tasting, and a pasta-making class.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch
  6. Day 6
    Cinque Terre National Park

    Weather permitting, travel by ferry to Monterosso al Mare, one of five remote fishing villages strung like jewels along the coast – Cinque Terre National Park, "the five lands." They're now linked to the outside world by rail, but for centuries were accessible only by sea… or on foot, the best way to appreciate life in what is truly a world of its own. Enjoy lunch and some time to explore, and then head north by a local train. Arrive in the small town of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera for a two-night stay.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch
  7. Day 7
    Portofino and a garden visit

    Ferry this morning to the small fishing village of Portofino, revered by artists and writers for its stunning Mediterranean setting; if you wish, walk up the steep climb to Castello Brown for amazing views overlooking the port. This afternoon, enjoy a docent-led visit at La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey renowned for its stunning gardens overlooking the sea. Join us this evening for a farewell reception at your hotel, followed by dinner.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Arrivederci, Italy

    Tour ends: Genoa. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Imperiale Palace Hotel to Genoa Airport, Peretola (an approximate 60 minute drive), or Genoa train station, or you can post-stay in Genoa (ask at booking). Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.


    Meals:   Breakfast

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Inclusions

From under the Tuscan sun to the Italian Riviera... discover the stories behind the brilliance of Renaissance painters and sculptors from an art historian in Florence... prepare pasta with a chef and learn the finer points of olive oil tasting... 

For the culturally curious, this journey through Italy is a feeling that you've become much more savvy after an art history briefing. It's walking through the medieval alleys of Siena... or bicycling atop the walls of Lucca. It's laughter. It's sharing vino made from grapes in the vineyards you've just walked through and kicking back. It's about becoming a part of day-to-day Italy... and new views on life... Learn to cook Italian-style... enjoy the beauty of nature along the Italian Riviera... explore Cinque Terre villages overlooking the sea, connected by walking trails... and go off-the-beaten-track for an Italian cultural connection unlike any other.

  • Small groups from 22 - 26 guests for a more personal travel experience
  • Private, early-opening visit to Florence's Basilica di Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and more
  • In Florence, explore the fabulous Uffizi Galleries on an after-hours guided visit
  • Learn to cook Italian style when you join local chefs in Lucca for a hands-on lesson in pasta making with a wine and olive oil tasting
  • Spend two nights along the Italian Riviera at an elegant hotel that was once a private villa, a perfect setting to enjoy the magnificent scenery in the region.
  • Explore Cinque Terre National Park's coastal paths amidst breathtaking views
  • If you wish, join us for a bicycling tour atop Lucca's well-preserved walls
  • Enjoy a docent-led visit at La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey renowned for its stunning gardens overlooking the sea.
  • Attend a wine and olive oil tasting in Tuscany

Health and Safety Protocols for Tauck Tours

Traveling with Peace of Mind
Our commitment never wavers – to earn your trust by always doing the right thing. As we explore the world together again, this will be more important than ever as we adapt to living and traveling in the presence of COVID-19.

Tauck is 97-years young this year, and our ability to weather many storms over the decades is a result of our values and beliefs – as a family and as a family-owned and led company. In addition to the guiding light of these values, our extensive experience, local knowledge and global support network help to ensure your safety on every Tauck journey. Building upon our bedrock of award-winning guest care, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for your return following the COVID-19 hiatus in travel. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our internal Global Response Team and, most importantly, with feedback from thousands of our guests, we have redefined how we will conduct our experiences as we resume travel.

Tauck is Prepared for the Unexpected
For decades, Tauck has operated in over 70 countries in all 7 continents. Over this time, our staff and network of supplier partners have always been there to support our guests and team on the road. Our guests travel with a comprehensive, built-in support system that starts with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and extends to our network of partners around the world, including hoteliers and transportation companies.

At the core of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to the unexpected is our Global Response Team - a group of over 50 employees across all departments who stand ready to spring into action around the world. This team has plenty of experience, from weather events, high and low water on rivers, earthquakes, volcanic ash, civil unrest and work stoppages. They have also dealt with past virus outbreaks including the SARS and Zika viruses.

The Tauck Travel Well Pledge
Before we operate tours and cruises, all Tauck employees, our supplier partners and our guests will take Tauck’s Travel Well Pledge.

As a company, we will follow our enhanced protocols with diligence and rigor; review them frequently as the landscape changes and always make common-sense decisions grounded in purpose and pride. We embrace these new and necessary measures to combat COVID-19 and will do our very best to provide the Tauck care we have been honored to deliver for 97 years.

OUR NEW HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Consistent with our commitment to the well-being of our guests, we are implementing enhanced health and safety protocols. These protocols may vary by geographic regions and will certainly evolve over time, as science and society respond to new realities:

Tauck Staff
Prior to interacting with guests, each member of Tauck’s field staff is trained in enhanced protocols and participates in a personal health screening.

Once on tour, our Tauck Directors and supporting staff are responsible for maintaining these protocols with a special focus on cleanliness and physical distancing. They will relay critical information regarding requirements, advise when protocols are mandatory – such as wearing a face covering in group settings – and help facilitate guest care through communication with appropriate parties should a guest become ill on tour. All Tauck staff will adhere to the same requirements.

Guest Responsibility
When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. Guests will pledge to follow the direction of the Tauck staff and adhere to health and safety protocols.

Guests are expected to wear face coverings in all group settings, to wash their hands frequently and to adhere to supplier and government regulations. While supplies of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available, guests are asked to bring such personal items for their own comfort.

Small is BIG
For many years, Tauck has emphasized and invested in more choices of activities, resulting in smaller groups for activities like sightseeing and events. This is consistent with our mantra that “Small is Big” – small groups and smaller ships with fewer guests.

We initially focused on these elements to improve the guest experience. Yet today they take on an additional dimension; small group experiences and more personal space are critical in providing the peace of mind our guests expect. Accordingly, we are offering even more small group experiences and limiting guest numbers across all of our journeys.

We have been working diligently with our partners to be prepared to welcome you back when the time is right.
Tauck has worked meticulously with our global supplier partners to plan for every itinerary following the hiatus in travel. All partners, whether they be a hotel, museum, small ship/riverboat, restaurant or other partner, have been thoughtful about how to provide a Tauck experience in this environment.

And while it's impossible to list all of the enhanced health and safety protocols for the hundreds of Tauck partners across the globe, we would like to share a representative sample of what you can expect:

Hotels
Our hotel partners all have world-class health and safety protocols. However, these guidelines may vary depending on local situations and regulations. Here are some typical examples:

  • Upon-arrival, health questionnaires and temperature checks may be required. Some hotels may even require daily temperature scans.
  • Social distancing may be required in public areas, bars and restaurants.
  • High-touch areas such as railings, door handles and elevators will undergo enhanced cleaning.
  • In-room measures may include removal of tent cards and magazines. Common use items, such as coffee makers and minibar amenities may be on demand.
  • High-touch areas, such as light switches, thermostats, remote controls and door handles will be subject to enhanced and frequent cleaning.
  • Guests will have the option to determine housekeeping frequency.
  • All hotel staff will undergo daily health screenings.

Ships and Riverboats
We have worked closely with our cruise partners to ensure the best possible health and safety protocols and to ensure the care and service you expect from Tauck:

  • Guests on cruises and river journeys will be required to complete a health questionnaire and will undergo a temperature check prior to boarding. In some instances, our ship partners will conduct daily temperature checks.
  • Face coverings and physical distancing will be required in most public spaces for guests and crew alike.
  • Meals may be offered at staggered times and self-serve buffets will be eliminated.
  • In-cabin measures include removing common use items. Coffee makers, minibar amenities and housekeeping will be on demand at guest discretion.
  • Ship staff will undergo daily health screenings.
  • All vessels will have medical staff onboard.

Sightseeing and Local Activities
Many of our experiences are exclusive and/or private and that’s important in taking care of you. Whether it be a guided tour, a visit to an iconic museum or private home, a musical performance, or any other special Tauck activities, we are applying the same rigor to health and safety protocols:

  • Tauck listening devices will be sanitized thoroughly and frequently.
  • Sightseeing is being adjusted to ensure proper physical distancing.
  • Admission times at venues may be altered to ensure no crowding.
  • Paper tickets, handouts and the like may be eliminated.

Dining
Tauck has always been known for a la carte dining; having more freedom to decide when and with whom to dine now has more value than ever. Additionally, our partners whether they be hotels, ships, special venues or restaurants, are raising their already rigorous hygienic standards. Here are some examples:

  • Waitstaff will likely be wearing face coverings and gloves.
  • Seating will be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing.
  • Self-serve buffets will be eliminated. Common use menus will no longer be used unless sanitized.

On-Tour Transportation
Keeping on-tour transportation safe is a major focus of our team who has worked with hundreds of partners to ensure continuity in health and safety protocols:

  • On motorcoaches and other on-tour ground transportation, such as airport transfers, guest should expect physical distancing and will be required to wear face coverings.
  • Prior to each trip, our motorcoaches, vans, airport transfer vehicles and on-tour aircraft will undergo a deep sanitizing process.
  • Luggage may also be sanitized at each movement.
  • Drivers will wear gloves and face coverings during all guest-facing interactions.
  • Drivers will frequently clean handrails, door handles, arm rests, tables, seats, air conditioning/HVAC units, restrooms and overhead storage areas.

Our Supplier Partners are ready for you
Tauck is proud to have worked closely with our partners around the world, many of them for decades, to deliver the quality, comfort and safety you expect. Whether it be hotels and resorts, riverboats and small ships, restaurants, event venues or transportation companies, their meticulous health and safety protocols reflect their leadership and well-earned respect in the travel industry. The following are some select health and safety protocols. We will update these on a regular basis.

In addition to our supplier partners, we have also been actively engaged with global travel organizations to standardize health and safety protocols throughout the travel industry. TourCare is one example:

TourCare are health and sanitation guidelines developed by the tour industry's major global associations: the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the European Tourism Association (ETOA). Tauck, and our supplier partners, meet and exceed these guidelines that require members to adhere to the highest standards in the industry.

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Accommodations

Grand Hotel Continental

Imperiale Palace Hotel
Grand Universe Lucca
Helvetia & Bristol

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Questions & Answers

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
4
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
4

Ratings based off 2 reviews - currently showing 2 reviews with comments only

overall, tour was excellent altho' should have done it a few months earlier as it was quite warm/hot and florence was full of students. altho' have been to florence before, was disappointed there was no "grand tour" of the florence area from firsole to highlands across the arno and we had to take the hop-on, hop-off for the grand tour/overview. the rest of this tauck tour was excellent/first class with respect to group size (16), hotels, food, special events/visits and the fact we spent 2-3 nights on the same hotel. that said, having taken tours with other operators, one probably needs to decide if one wants longer tours with more locations visited at about the same cost but, clearly, with lower quality, larger group (32-40), and more hotel changes.

Tauck is the premiere of traveling experiences, high end but well worth the money. The ease and efficiency with which Affordable Tours put this package were exceptional.

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