Tuscan Treats

Welcome to the birthplace of the Renaissance and the romantic capital of Tuscany. After meeting the group at our hotel, we'll get to know each other over a delicious welcome meal. Stay: Hotel Roma (or similar) (D)

Our journey will begin with an in-depth walking tour of Florence. A local guide will bring the city alive as we stroll by the likes of the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica and the Ponte Vecchio. After lunch, we'll set a course for lovely Lucca – where cobbled streets, red-roofed buildings, fascinating history and fine architecture await us. This evening we'll be free to explore Lucca at our leisure. Stay: Hotel La Luna (or similar) (B)

A rocky coastline dotted with candy-coloured villages – today, we'll turn our attention to the awe-inspiring Italian Riviera! After winding our way along this sublime stretch of shoreline, we'll find ourselves in Cinque Terre: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having spent some time getting to know the area with our expert Tour Leader, we'll return to Lucca for an evening spent at our leisure. Stay: Hotel La Luna (or similar) (B)

Infamous and impossible to miss, the Leaning Tower of Pisa makes for a staggering first port of call today. There will be plenty of time for photographing this iconic landmark as we explore the Campo dei Miracoli at our own pace.

After a leisurely lunch, our attention will turn to the magnificent medieval ramparts of Volterra. We'll spend some time exploring this mysterious town before discussing the day's events over an evening meal together. Stay: Hotel San Lino (or similar) (B/D)

Today we'll make tracks to San Gimignano: home to a magnificent piazza, meandering stepped streets and some beautifully preserved architecture. While we're here, we'll sample some exquisite creations of a local gelato maker – before we're treated to an indulgent Tuscan wine tasting. Before the day concludes, we'll pay a visit to medieval Siena – an open-air museum of Gothic architecture and home to the magnificent Duomo.

After taking in the town's historic sights on an orientation tour, we'll journey onwards to Pienza – our home for the night. Stay: Hotel Corsignano (or similar) (B)

Pienza's timeless charm and enchanting rural backdrop makes for a serene spot to spend this morning exploring at our leisure. Later, we'll sample some handcrafted cheese and world-class wines at a delightful local shop with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. This evening is ours to spend as we wish. Stay: Hotel Corsignano (or similar) (B)

After breakfast, it's all aboard the mini-coach as we wind our way through the delightful Chianti countryside on our way to a regional cookery class. After learning some local recipes from our host, we'll have the chance to tuck into our creations for lunch. Buon appetito! The afternoon will be ours to enjoy at our leisure before we reconvene for a final dinner together. Stay: Villa II Palagio (or similar) (B/L/D)

Before returning to enchanting Florence, we'll stop off at a local oil mill for a guided tour and olive oil tasting. All in all, it's a fitting end to a tour celebrating the natural beauty and culinary traditions of Tuscany. (B)