Discover the delights of Tuscany through wine and olive oil tastings, a cooking class and by visiting scenic cities such as Siena, San Gimignano and Orvieto in a small group not to exceed 10 guests.
Note: This tour not recommended for guests with walking difficulties due to the amount of walking, steps and cobbled surfaces.
DAY 1
Upon exiting Customs in the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Grand Hotel Palace for a 3:00PM check in. The hotel enjoys a privileged location on the famous Via Veneto, the Dolce Vita street - just a five-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.
After you settle in, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 2
Following breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will enjoy a panoramic drive into the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Along the way, you will stop at a farm and olive oil mill that the Gonnelli family has owned since 1585. Following an enlightening tour of the estate including a visit to the old Museum of Santa Tea and the cellars of the farm where oil is extracted, you will be treated to a taste of premium extra virgin olive with bruschetta and receive a parting gift.
Continuing, you will check into Villa La Massa, a country estate that is now a luxury hotel that overlooks the Arno River just outside Florence. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own. If you would like to explore Florence, just hop on the complimentary shuttle that the hotel operates until 8:00pm.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to San Gimignano for a guided walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its architecture. One of the first sights will be Piazza Duomo, whose three medieval buildings face one another, forming a triangle. The Romanesque cathedral here is revered for its fine frescoes.
In time, you will make your way to the Azienda Agricola La Lastra winery to learn how it produces organic Tuscan wines. The guide will explain each step, leaving you with a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the vineyard ecosystem and the environmentally friendly production process.
You will also visit the historical cellar to discover the chemical-physical and microbiological processes that make for a quality production. A wine-tasting and light lunch follows.
You will then drive to Siena, a glorious and immensely scenic city of winding narrow streets that cling to steep hillsides. It boasts an unmatched, enchanting medieval atmosphere with buildings surrounding the central, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo that symbolizes Siena’s golden age.
While walking through the atmospheric city center, you can expect to visit the Duomo and enjoy free time for shopping. Be sure to stop at a bakery for a Ricciarelli, an almond-flavored macaroon-type biscuit that originated in Siena in the 14th century.
Following the tour of Siena, you will return to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive through the gorgeous Chianti region to Castello del Trebbio, a historical estate near Florence. Following an enlightening tour of the family-owned castle and the wine cellars, you will participate in a hands-on cooking class.
The chef will teach you how to prepare three Tuscan courses from scratch, the last of which you will be served for lunch. The dish will be paired with four wines that Castello del Trebbio produces.
Afterwards, you will return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure with dinner on your own. If you wish to explore nearby Florence, a shuttle service will be available from the hotel.
DAY 5
Following breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will drive to Orvieto, a small city perched atop a massive limestone outcrop. Once a citadel of the Etruscans, Orvieto still looks medieval, as there has not been much new construction since the 14th century. The city overlooks vineyards that primarily produce a dry white wine made from Trebbiano grapes.
You will enjoy free time to explore Orvieto, during which you might dine on your own, browse the shops lining the picturesque lanes and alleyways, and relax in a plaza while taking in the delightful medieval atmosphere.
In time, you will drive to the port of Civitavecchia, where you will embark the ship.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON —ONE EXTRA NIGHT IN ROME, INCLUDING A PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR:
Discover the must-see attractions in the Eternal City of Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Upon arriving, you will be met at the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Rome for a 3:00pm check in. Rooms cannot be guaranteed to be available before this time. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own. Overnight in Rome.
Following breakfast in the morning, you will meet your personal Rome guide in the hotel lobby and begin an enlightening exploration of Rome. Each booking will have their own private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide.
Your tour will start at Rome’s most iconic monument, the Colosseum. Once inside, it will be easy to imagine the magnificence of ancient Rome. Standing at one of the viewpoints, you will gaze out over the enormous arena that once featured 76 entrances, marble seats and subterranean passages where animals and other apparatus were hidden from view.
Not far away, you will drive past the imposing Arch of Constantine, which was erected to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius during the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the largest of the Rome’s triumphal arches.
You will then visit the Roman Forum, the religious, political and commercial center of the Roman Empire. Originally a swamp, the area became the center of Roman public life at the end of the 7th century BC. For the next 1,000 years, the Senate and emperors enriched it with monuments, temples, arches of triumph and columns. Your visit will take you to the remains of the Basilica Emilia, the Temple of Vesta, the Via Sacra, the Temple of Venus and Rome, and the Arch of Titus.
Following free time for lunch on your own, you will tour the Vatican and its museums. As you walk through one room after another, you will be awed by the size and scope of the incredible collections displayed in the Tapestry and Geographical Maps Galleries and in the Candelabra Gallery.
You will then arrive at and visit the Sistine Chapel, which holds an invaluable collection of masterpieces by Botticelli, Signorelli, Perugino, and, of course, Michelangelo Buonarroti, who spent four grueling years painting the chapel ceiling.
Later, after crossing the vast expanse of St. Peter’s Square, you will pass through Bernini’s Colonnade and into Christendom’s largest church—St. Peter’s Basilica. To realize its enormity, look at the metal markers on the floor inside that show the comparative lengths of other churches and cathedrals.
In the 17th century, Bernini created the gilded papal canopy that is suspended over the altar where the Pope celebrates Mass. Bernini also designed the splendid gilt-and-bronze throne in the apse.
Before returning to your hotel, you will also have time to view one of the best-known pieces of sculpture in the world, the Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece in white marble. Overnight in Rome and the following day (Day 2 of the program) you will begin the Tale of Tuscany itinerary.
This add on needs to be requested in conjunction with the A Tale of Tuscany Program and cannot be done on its own.
An extra night in Rome without this private tour is also available upon request and space availability at the hotel.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
Optional Add-on— Extra night with private Rome tour
•You will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals will be on your own the day you arrive.
•On Day 1 of the Tale of Tuscany program, which is the day after you arrive and when other guests are typically arriving for the program, you will meet your local Rome guide in the lobby of your hotel for a private 8-hour tour of Rome. Meals other than breakfast will be on your own. Gratuities to driver and guide are not included. Please check with your cruise reservations agent for pricing details.
DAY 1 - for guests without any extra nights
After arriving at the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, you will proceed through Customs and transfer to the Grand Hotel Palace (or a similar hotel) for the evening. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Drive to Florence
12:00pm Tour the Gonnelli farm and olive oil tasting
2:00pm Drive towards Florence
3.00pm Arrival at the Villa La Massa hotel
Remainder of the day at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at Villa La Massa or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Drive to San Gimignano
9:30am Tour the city’s historical center
11:00am Drive to Azienda Agricola La Lastra winery
11:30am Tour the winery and enjoy a wine tasting
2:30pm Drive to Siena
2:45pm Tour Siena
4:45pm Drive to your hotel
6:30pm Arrive at your hotel
Remainder of the day at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at Villa La Massa or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Drive to Castello del Trebbio
9:30am Tour Castello del Trebbio
10:30am Begin the cooking lesson
1:30pm Drive to your hotel
2:30pm Arrive at your hotel
Remainder of the day at your leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at Villa La Massa or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Check out and drive to Orvieto
10:30am Free time in Orvieto
1:30pm Drive to the port of Civitavecchia
3:30pm Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation
Expected weather
April — 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius)
May/June/September — 78° Fahrenheit (28° Celsius)
July/August — 86° Fahrenheit (30° Celsius)
November — 59° Fahrenheit (15° Celsius)
What to bring
Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
Local currency
The Euro is the local currency, but U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks are also accepted.
Electricity
220 volts. We suggest bringing a travel adaptor for your electric devices.
Hotel addresses
Rome
Grand Hotel Palace
Via V. Veneto 70, 00187 Roma
Telephone: +39 06 47871
Florence
Villa La Massa
Via della Massa 24, 50012 Candeli, Firenze
Telephone: +39 055 62611
* If a hotel is substituted due to an unforeseen situation, it will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified. If you don’t receive a change notification, then you will stay at the hotels listed above.
4-night Program includes:
•1 overnight in Rome at the Grand Palace Hotel —classic room accommodations including breakfast on Day 2
•3 overnights in Tuscany at Villa La Massa—standard room accommodation including breakfast daily
•Touring and entrance fees as per the itinerary
•Transfers
•Farm and mill visit and olive oil tasting on Day 2
•Wine tasting and light lunch on Day 3
•Lunch with self-cooked meal, including wine tasting on Day 4
4-night Program with optional 1 extra night and private Rome tour add-on includes:
•2 overnights in Rome at the Grand Palace Hotel —classic room accommodations including breakfast
•Rome - 8-hour private sedan with guide including entrance fees to sites listed in description
•3 overnights in Tuscany at Villa La Massa—standard room accommodation including breakfast daily
•Touring and entrance fees as per the itinerary
•Transfers
•Farm and mill visit and olive oil tasting on Day 2 of the land program
•Wine tasting and light lunch on Day 3 of the land program
•Lunch with self-cooked meal, including wine tasting on Day 4 of the land program
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes:
•Meals or services not mentioned above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Optional add on: extra night with private Rome tour. This can be added at an additional expense and is based on space availability at the hotel in Rome
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
