Tower of Pisa
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Montecatini
Stay in the heart of Montecatini
Lucca
Visit delightful Lucca
Tuscany probably won’t be the first thought when you plan to travel during the winter or Christmas time. Fortunately, there is an abundance of things to do, places to see, and local traditions to discover. A truly ‘must-visit’ destination, this beautiful corner of Italy will introduce us to the spa town of Montecatini, the university city of Siena, and the cultural cities of Florence, Lucca and Pisa.
Extras
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Pisa Airport, we’ll proceed through immigration, collect our luggage and transfer to our hotel in Montecatini. In the evening we can join other Solos guests for a welcome drink and dinner.
A full day of sightseeing takes us to the city of Siena with its maze of steep, narrow streets. Nestling in the Tuscan Hills, this vibrant university city is also one of the greatest art centres of Italy, with a profusion of fine architecture. In the afternoon we will return to Montecatini.
Today we will go to Florence, picturesquely situated on both sides of the River Arno. We will explore the cultural sites and soak up the atmosphere of ‘la Bella’ (the beautiful), so-called by the Italians. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio wander through the Piazza della Signoria and marvel at the astonishing abundance of art treasures and magnificent statues this ‘city of art’ is famously known for. In the afternoon we will return to Montecatini for Tuscan dinner with music.
Today we will visit Lucca and Pisa. Lucca is a colourful and ancient city rich in cultural heritage with an urban centre completely enclosed by fortifying walls. This fascinating city has many churches, monuments and gardens to explore. We’ll then move on to Pisa, where we can see the famous Leaning Tower. In the evening we will return to Montecatini and for Tuscan dinner with music.
Christmas day! After breakfast at the hotel, today is free for you to explore Montecatini as you wish. If you fancy, you can visit the New Year’s Day Concert in the Terme Tettuccio which is free of charge.
At 13:00 hour we will gather and enjoy Christmas day lunch at our hotel. The Italian Christmas day lunch last approx. 4 hours so come prepared as you will be allowed to really tuck in on Christmas Day. Lunch is the main meal in Italy on Christmas day and is marked with traditional Italian Christmas food and dishes that Italians eagerly await all year.
After breakfast today is free for you to explore Montecatini as you wish.
This elegant spa town provides our base for the week and is linked by funicular rail to Montecatini Alto, with splendid views over the Tuscan landscape. Both are charming and surrounded by gently rounded hills quilted with woods, olive trees and vineyards.
After breakfast at the hotel, today is free for you to explore Montecatini as you wish.
This elegant spa town provides our base for the week and is linked by funicular rail to Montecatini Alto, with splendid views over the Tuscan landscape. Both are charming and surrounded by gently rounded hills quilted with woods, olive trees and vineyards.
After breakfast we will transfer to Pisa Airport for our return flight home.
The hotel is set in the heart of the thermal town of Montecatini, only a stone’s throw from the famous spas, which can be reached by a pleasant stroll through the park.
Facilities at this hotel include a restaurant and bar. An indoor pool can be enjoyed by hotel guests (not open in winter months).
The rooms have a safe, hairdryer, satellite TV, air-conditioning, telephone and a minibar.
The transfer time from Pisa Airport to your hotel is approximately 1 hour.
We include 3 full days of sightseeing: Florence with a guided tour included; Lucca with a guided tour included, an excursion to Pisa and a trip to Siena with a guided tour included.
Please note
*Subject to availability and bookable locally. Prices will be advised locally.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of minimum £30.00 (approx. €36) per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Dressing in layers to allow for changes in temperature is recommended. Casual daytime lightweight layers are recommended. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart, casual wear for the evenings.
This tour includes visits to some of Italy’s most popular sites, where there is an added risk of pickpockets – so caution is advised as far as money and jewellery. Your local guides will advise on care in the most crowded sites.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11 °C | 2 °C |
| February | 12 °C | 3 °C |
| March | 16 °C | 5 °C |
| April | 19 °C | 8 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 12 °C |
| June | 29 °C | 16 °C |
| July - August | 32 °C | 18 °C |
| September | 27 °C | 15 °C |
| October | 21 °C | 11 °C |
| November | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| December | 11 °C | 3 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
