Day 1
Overnight stay in Troyes
We board our ferry to Calais and stay overnight at the Mercure Troyes Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2
En-route visit to Mâcon & overnight stay in Grenoble
We continue our journey, stopping in historic Mâcon for some free time, and enjoy an evening stay in Grenoble.
Day 3
En-route visit to Asti & arrival in Montecatini Terme
We continue to our hotel in Montecatini Terme, stopping along the way in Asti, the city that has leant its name to the other famous Italian sparkling wine!
Day 4
Montecatini & Andrea Bocelli at Teatro del Silenzio*
After breakfast at our hotel, we enjoy free time to explore Montecatini at leisure. The beautiful Tuscan village is one of the largest spa towns in the area, renowned for its curative waters. Take a look at the Parco delle Terme di Montecatini, an oasis of thermal waters, stunning Art Nouveau architecture and gardens. Close to our hotel is also a contemporary art gallery called the MO.C.A, which displays works of Joan Miró and Claes Oldenburg.
Later on, we enjoy an early dinner at our hotel before boarding the coach to Andrea Bocelli's hometown of Lajatico for the highly anticipated concert. Take a look at the many statues by world-renowned artists by the lake before taking your seat to enjoy the performance in the most magical of settings, the Teatro del Silenzio, surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills.
*Please be advised there is a downhill slope from the coach park to the Teatro del Silenzio and an uphill walk back to the coach after the event.
The amphitheatre is open-air and should the concert not be able to go ahead due to incremental weather, or any other unexpected event outside of our control, it is scheduled to take place the following evening. This may mean an alteration to the itinerary. In the unlikely event of both nights being cancelled, the ticket cost is not refunded by the organisers.
Day 5
Pisa & Lucca
The delights of Pisa await, one of Tuscany’s most popular destinations. Here we have time to explore the history hidden around every corner of this ancient city as well as the chance to take in Pisa’s must-see sights, including the world-famous leaning tower and the marble cathedral. Another highlight in the Piazza dei Miracoli is the Baptistry, renowned for its spectacular acoustics and stunning architecture.
Later we travel to the city of Lucca, celebrated for its intact Renaissance walls enclosing a cobbled centre in classic Roman grid-iron fashion. During our time here we can soak up the welcoming atmosphere that this Italian city has to offer: take a stroll on the tree-lined pathways along the tops of the ancient ramparts, visit the house museum of the great opera composer, Giacomo Puccini, or seek out a side street restaurant and enjoy the delicious cuisine on offer.
Day 6
Optional excursion to Florence (£39pp)
On our optional excursion, we take the opportunity to spend a day in Florence, one of Italy’s most charming cities. Just some of the highlights include Michelangelo's David sculpture in the Galleria dell'Accademia, Palazzo Vecchio, which dates back to the Medici rule, and the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s lovely ‘Old Bridge’, which is still occupied by gold and silversmiths today. The true icon of the city, the Duomo, is a real sight to behold, featuring a terracotta-tiled dome, a green and pink-hued marble exterior and an impressive bell tower by Giotto.
Day 7
Overnight stay in Grenoble
We check out of our hotel in Italy and travel to the Mercure Grenoble Hotel, arriving in time for dinner.
Day 8
Overnight stay in Troyes
Continuing the journey home, we check back into the Mercure Troyes Hotel in France's Champagne region, with a light evening meal included.
Day 9
Return Home
Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.