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Tuscany, the Cinque Terre<br />
& the Riviera of F<strong>low</strong>ers<br />
Enjoy the simple pleasu<strong>res</strong> of Italy on this classic tour, which combines the historic and<br />
scenic delights of Tuscany with a relaxing stay on the glorious Riviera of F<strong>low</strong>ers. Admire<br />
the leaning tower of Pisa, find sanctuary in the spa town of Montecatini Terme, explore the<br />
enchanting Cinque Terre, walk among the open air museum that is Florence, discover the<br />
hidden city of Lucca, and then check in at our favourite seafront hotel in Diano Marina –<br />
it’s the perfect end to our Italian experience!<br />
Day 1: London – Turin<br />
We take the Eurostar service from London to<br />
Paris, where we change trains and join the TGV to<br />
Turin in northern Italy.<br />
Day 2: Pisa<br />
After a leisurely breakfast we take the train<br />
to Pisa, on a route that offers views of the<br />
Mediterranean Sea while passing through lovely<br />
<strong>res</strong>orts. Our coach takes us from the station<br />
into the historic centre of Pisa, known as the<br />
‘Piazza dei Miracoli’ which translates to ‘Square<br />
of Miracles’, where you will find the Baptistery<br />
of St John, the cathedral and the famous Leaning<br />
Tower. After some free time to admire the<br />
surroundings, we travel by coach to Montecatini<br />
Terme for our four-night stay.<br />
Day 3: Montecatini Terme<br />
Enjoy a day at leisure in Montecatini Terme –<br />
Italy’s most famous spa town, tucked away in<br />
the heart of Tuscany. It has a wonderful air of<br />
the belle époque period about it, with stunning<br />
architecture and a central park. The historic<br />
funicular railway takes you up to the hill town<br />
of Montecatini Alto for panoramic views of the<br />
area.<br />
Day 4: The Cinque Terre<br />
Today we explore one of Italy’s most enchanting<br />
coastal regions, the Cinque Terre. These five<br />
villages perch on sheer cliffs which overlook the<br />
sea and are surrounded by hills and vineyards.<br />
We explore four of the villages, making our<br />
first stop in Manarola where you can explore<br />
the tiny harbour, piazza and colourful houses,<br />
before taking a local train to Riomaggiore. We<br />
are then taken by boat to the ancient fishing<br />
village of Monterosso. You can take a dip in the<br />
azure sea and enjoy a delicious Liguarian lunch<br />
(not included) in one of the <strong>res</strong>taurants, before<br />
we continue to Vernazza to explore the narrow<br />
lanes and steep stairways known as ‘carruggi’.<br />
We continue by rail along the coast to La Spezia,<br />
before returning by coach to our hotel.<br />
The Cinque Terre<br />
Day 5: Florence<br />
The capital of Tuscany, Florence, is our<br />
destination by rail today. Florence is like an<br />
open air museum, so the best way to explore is<br />
by walking through the cobbled streets, freely<br />
admiring the piazzas and palazzos which were<br />
designed by illustrious artists such as Brunelleschi<br />
and Michelangelo. You can join our guided tour<br />
to get your bearings and see some of the main<br />
sights, before spending the afternoon at leisure.<br />
Day 6: Lucca & the Italian Coast<br />
Lucca is arguably one of Tuscany’s best-kept<br />
secrets, hidden by ancient ramparts and gardens<br />
that surround the old city. Explore Anfiteatro<br />
Square; climb the Guinigi Tower which has<br />
an ancient oak tree growing on top; wander<br />
along the typical antique dealers’ street. In the<br />
afternoon we return to Pisa and take the train to<br />
Diano Marina for a relaxing four-night stay in our<br />
seafront hotel.<br />
Day 7 to 9: The Italian Riviera of F<strong>low</strong>ers<br />
For the next three days you can relax and soak<br />
up the sun in Diano Marina. Enjoy miles of sandy<br />
beach, coastal walks and the old town; you can<br />
even visit the nearby medieval village of Cervo –<br />
with its combination of cobbled alleys, terraces,<br />
arches and rooftops, it’s a delightful place to<br />
explore. We also offer an optional excursion to<br />
San Remo and Dolceacqua. San Remo is Italy’s<br />
answer to the French <strong>res</strong>ort of Monte Carlo,<br />
where you can explore the atmospheric old town<br />
and the ports filled with luxurious yachts. The<br />
hilltop village of Dolceacqua enjoys a picture<br />
perfect setting, with the Nervia river running<br />
through its heart and the spectacular medieval<br />
bridge described by Claude Monet as “a jewel of<br />
lightness”.<br />
Day 10: Diano Marina – London<br />
After checking out of our hotel we are taken by<br />
coach to Nice and join the TGV to Paris or Lille<br />
for our Eurostar connection to London.<br />
YOU R HOLIDAY<br />
INCLUDES<br />
• Return Eurostar from London to Paris<br />
or Lille<br />
• TGV from Paris to Turin and Nice to<br />
Paris or Lille<br />
• One night’s bed and breakfast in<br />
Turin<br />
• Four nights’ half board<br />
accommodation in Montecatini<br />
Terme<br />
• Four nights’ half board<br />
accommodation in Diano Marina<br />
• Services of our Tour Manager<br />
Plus the fol<strong>low</strong>ing excursions:<br />
• Visits to Pisa and Lucca<br />
• Free day in Montecatini Terme<br />
• Tour of the Cinque Terre<br />
• Florence by rail and guided walking<br />
tour<br />
• Scenic Italian coast train journey<br />
.........................................................................<br />
Optional excursion available:<br />
• San Remo and Dolceacqua.................£25<br />
10<br />
DAYS<br />
FROM<br />
£1059<br />
DATES & PRICES<br />
Tour code: RETRF10<br />
10 September 2017...............................................£1059<br />
Single room supplement..................................... £120<br />
Travel Insurance<br />
Please call for details<br />
All prices shown are per person<br />
PROVISIONAL TRAIN TIMES<br />
Outward journey<br />
Departs St Pancras 09.17<br />
Arrives Turin 20.18<br />
Day 2: Departs Turin 10.50<br />
Arrives Pisa 14.51<br />
Return journey<br />
Departs Nice 11.04<br />
Arrives St Pancras 20.02<br />
YOUR HOTELS<br />
Hotel Dock Milano, Turin or similar<br />
In Turin we stay at the Hotel Dock Milano or<br />
similar, which offers comfortable facilities.<br />
Hotel Brennero e Varsavia, Montecatini<br />
Terme<br />
This traditional hotel is family run. It’s in the<br />
perfect location being only a short walk from<br />
the heart of Montecatini Terme, and has all the<br />
modern comforts needed. Guestrooms have an<br />
en suite along with air conditioning, TV, safe and<br />
hairdryer. There’s also a living area, bar, TV room<br />
and <strong>res</strong>taurant where you can enjoy Tuscan and<br />
international dishes.<br />
Hotel Palace, Diano Marina<br />
This 3 star hotel is perfectly located in front of a<br />
sandy beach with the old town easily reached<br />
along the promenade. All of the bedrooms are<br />
equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV,<br />
balcony, safe, hairdryer, telephone and Wi-Fi.<br />
Enjoy sea views from the <strong>res</strong>taurant, which<br />
serves a range of dishes There is also a sauna<br />
and Jacuzzi, and a rooftop terrace where you<br />
can admire the views across the bay.<br />
12 To book call us on 01858 438 328 and quote <strong>R617</strong> or visit us at www.arenarailholidays.co.uk