Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Cagliari via Amsterdam.
Upon arrival at our hotel, we take a short orientation tour of the city, then gather for an aperitif and our Welcome Dinner.
Today we get to know this beautiful city on a guided tour of Castello, Cagliari’s ancient district that was originally home to wealthy nobility. After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, we have some free time to explore the historic centre and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Saline Conti Vecchi (salt mines) to discover the story of Sardinia’s “white gold.” Dinner tonight at a lovely restaurant near Poetto beach.
We discover the unspoiled Sulcis region and its incredible scenery before heading to the island of San Pietro. We visit Sant’Antioco, an “island within an island,” the charming fishing town of Carloforte, and enjoy a Sardinian lunch of red tuna with local wine. Dinner tonight is in Cagliari’s historic centre.
Our first stop is Barumini, where we visit Su Nuraxi,a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-known example of Bronze Age defensive complexes known as nuraghi. We continue to Tharros, an ancient Phoenician-Roman port with temples, necropolises, a small amphitheatre and a Roman forum and aqueduct. We continue to the fortress city of Alghero for dinner and a 2-night stay.
We take a guided tour of this Catalan city, which was founded in the 14th century. The lovely historic centre, dominated by impressive ramparts, is home to the Church and Cloister of San Francesco and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Dinner is a sampling of regional dishes at a local restaurant.
The morning is free to explore. In the early afternoon, we depart for Castelsardo, a seaside town where we visit Doria Castle and see artisans weaving palm baskets in a tradition dating back to the Benedictine era. We transfer to Olbia for dinner and an overnight stay.
We explore Olbia and the famous Costa Smeralda and Gallura Regions, with a visit to a local winery for a tasting of wonderful Vermentino wine. Lunch is on a local farm, with free time in Olbia before boarding our overnight ferry to Livorno on the Tuscan coast.
We board our coach to nearby Pisa to see the famous leaning tower and Square of Miracles and enjoy a coffee in a charming café. We then head to our hotel in Montecatini Terme, with free time to explore before dinner.
Today we visit Vinci to see the museum dedicated to the works of the town’s famous son, Leonardo Da Vinci. After a baking demonstration and tasting at a local bakery, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore.
Learn about Italy’s rich food heritage with a visit to Greve in Chianti, where we enjoy a delicious lunch in a charming wine shop, then visit a local winery for a tour and tasting.
Join in on an authentic cooking lesson in a rustic farmhouse, sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients, preparing a traditional Tuscan meal, and exploring the farm and orchard before enjoying the fruits of our labour for dinner.
Today we visit the famous marble quarries where the materials for Renaissance masterpieces were sourced. We have a chance to taste the famous lardo di Colonnata, a white fat bacon aged in marble. We continue on to Lucca, with free time for lunch, then take a guided tour of this well-preserved walled city.
A free day to explore the local area, or perhaps take the local train to nearby Florence. Our Farewell Dinner tonight is at a local farm in the Montecarlo wine region.
We transfer to Florence and fly home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
