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 Cradle of Renaissance. The names of the towns here have a musical ring to them, there is so much art everywhere that you could never see it all, and the wines made here are renowned throughout the world. Discover the unparalleled magic of Tuscany on scenic hikes through the Mediterranean countryside, on a visit to a Chianti winery, and at delectable trattorias. Stand in awe beneath Pisa’s Leaning Tower, wander along the city walls of Lucca and lose yourself in landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined lanes, and silvery olive groves. Tuscany isn’t just a place - it’s a feeling.
What is it about Tuscany that makes everyone fall in love with it so quickly? Is it the dome of
the Florence Cathedral, Botticelli’s masterpiece "Primavera" or the Campo in Siena? The city walls of Lucca or the Field of Miracles in Pisa? We’ll find out – in a laid-back atmosphere between excursions, visits to trattorias and hikes. Between rolling hills, cypresses, and olive
trees.
• Discover the best of Tuscany
• Relaxing hikes in the Chianti and San Gimignano regions
• Charming hotel with a luxurious pool
• Florence (Firenze) - a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine.
• Pisa's iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture
Day 1
Welcome to beautiful Montecatini!
It’s the perfect place to start your unforgettable gay holiday. The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the station, but you can take a taxi if you’d like (not included).
Once you’ve settled in and explored the hotel grounds, you’ll get to meet your fellow travellers and your guide over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta , Montecatini Terme
Day 2
Take a deep breath and switch to relaxation mode.
Today, the coach takes you on a leisurely ride through the romantic landscapes of the Chianti region. Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and set off on foot (2.5 hours, easy to moderate) through picturesque vineyards and past viewpoints overlooking the vast realm of the black rooster - the emblem of the Chianti Clasico wine region. At lunchtime, delicious Tuscan pasta awaits you at a traditional winery - including a Chianti wine tasting (of course!).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme
Day 3
It’s a quick train ride to the heart of Florence where life is as vibrant today as it ever was!
You’ll stroll through the bustling market hall where you’ll inhale the unmistakable aromas of Tuscany between stands selling fennel, salami, pecorino cheese, and herbs.
Together with your guide, you’ll walk from Piazza della Signoria with its Palazzo Vecchio to Ponte Vecchio, where you’ll find traditional Florentine jewellery shops overlooking the idyllic Arno.
Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the iconic dome of the Florence Cathedral.
With your reservation in hand, you’ll then go past the queue and straight into the Uffizi Gallery where Botticelli, Da Vinci, and others are waiting to inspire you. Later you’ll return to Montecatini for another savoury dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme
Day 4
By train, you’ll reach the medieval city of Lucca with its historic city walls that still surround most of the old town.
Strolling through the Lucca Cathedral, San Michele, and the amphitheatre, you’ll find yourself immersed in a medieval world with a distinct modern flair.
In the afternoon, you’ll meet Lucia who will take you on another invigorating hike (2 hours, moderate) from Montecatini through idyllic Tuscan gardens to the neighbouring village. After exploring the natural wonders of this magical place, a rustic dinner awaits you at the village trattoria among the locals.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme
Day 5
Siena - a place of beauty straight out of a film. Even James Bond couldn’t resist the magnificence of this once-of-kind place.
You’ll admire the awe-inspiring black and white cathedral, the Campo - for many the most beautiful square in the world (!) - and still have time to wander through the romantic, twisting alleyways. Make sure to stop at Nannini’s and try their famous sweets. You’ll end the day back at the hotel where another delectable dinner awaits you. Have a glass or two of Chianti as you reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far on your gay adventure in Tuscany.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme
Day 6
Off to San Gimignano!
There you’ll marvel at the town’s medieval skyline - towers and more towers as far as the eye can see. These impressive structures were built by noble and merchant families to display their wealth and power.
At Piazza della Cisterna, you’re invited to enjoy Sergio’s award-winning gelato, while the Collegiate Church lures you in with its colourful frescoes. At lunchtime, you’ll enjoy an array of homemade Tuscan specialities. With your hunger stilled, you’ll go hiking (2 hours, moderate) through rolling hills to the best places to get views of San Gimignano.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme
Day 7
Keep your camera handy and get ready to be blown away! Scattered across a lush green field, you’ll be mesmerised by the "white wonders" of Pisa: the towering Pisa Cathedral, the ornate Pisa Baptistery, the Campo Santo and, of course, the world-famous Leaning Tower (from the outside). Once you’ve had your fill of this unforgettably fantastic place, it’s off to the sea. Take a stroll, have a gelato or perhaps a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Later, you’ll take the cable car up to Montecatini Alto where you’ll enjoy one last dinner together with your travel mates overlooking a sea of endless lights – the perfect way to end an unforgettable gay holiday.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, Montecatini Terme
Day 8
The time has come to say "goodbye" – but who are you kidding? You know you’ll be back sooner than later! Once you’ve visited Tuscany, you’re hooked for life.
Included: • Breakfast
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