Tour begins: 3:00 PM, Hotel Plaza Lucchesi. A transfer is included from the Peretola Airport to the elegant Hotel Plaza Lucchesi, a historic property overlooking the Arno River in the center of Florence since 1860... where your room will have a view featuring the river or the Duomo and Santa Croce. A twisted maze of narrow alleyways... and your Tuscany travel adventure begins. Florence's Renaissance heart makes yours beat a little faster as you ramble through it with your Florentine guide. Stroll along the Arno and check out Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo. See, touch and feel the mark of Michelangelo and Brunelleschi in stately palazzi and beautiful basilicas, and tour the new Opera Duomo Museum. Cocktails and canapes on your hotel's rooftop terrace (weather permitting) offer a warm and tasty welcome tonight... along with 360-degree views of the city! Then it's a short walk to a local Florentine restaurant for a true Tuscan welcome dinner. The venue is lively, the conversation stimulating... you have arrived in Italy!

For centuries, the arts have flourished and received encouragement in Florence. Join a local guide this morning begins with a walking tour along the cobbled streets of Florence, in the neighborhood of old San Niccolo and the Oltrarno area. The area is home to Florence's rich artisan traditions, boasting local cafes, bistros, and small craft studios. Enjoy beautiful views of the historic center from the Arno River and meander through the narrow medieval streets to take in the local flavor. Following an afternoon exploring as you wish, join concert pianist Gregorio Nardi at his Palazzo Bargellini, where you'll enjoy a personal tour, a recital on a Steinway grand piano, lively discussions on history and local politics, and an aperitivo. Your evening is free to dine as you please.

Travel by ferry to Monterosso al Mare, one of five remote fishing villages strung like jewels along the coast - Cinque Terre National Park, the five lands. They're now linked to the outside world by rail, but for centuries were accessible only by sea or on foot, the best way to appreciate life in what is truly a world of its own. If you wish, join us for one of the world's most spectacular coastal hikes, through terraced vineyards overlooking the sea from Monterosso to Vernazza - the pearl of Cinque Terre. If not, you'll take a walking tour with a local guide. Spend the afternoon in Vernazza, and fall in love with village life indelible seascape memories or perhaps a visit to a sidewalk cafe, alive with the flavors of local wines, citrus, olives, and the catch of the day. Return late day to Portovenere, where the evening is free to spend as you please.

Awaken in beautiful Siena and spend the morning exploring as you wish; your Tauck Director can suggest museums, galleries and other points of interest, as well as great spots to enjoy lunch on your own. Later, accompany your local guide to discover Siena's many architectural treasures on a walking tour - including its black-and-white Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. You'll see the Piazza del Campo - where the famous Palio bareback horse race has been held twice every year for centuries - Palazzo Salimbeni, Palazzo Tolomei, Torre di Mangia, Santa Maria della Scalla and more. After some time to explore on your own, cap your Tuscany travel adventure with cocktails and canapes in an ancient wine cellar, followed by a memorable dinner of Tuscan specialties in an absolutely magical spot under the setting Tuscan sun.