Tuscan Riviera, Florence & Pisa

Tuscany is undoubtedly one of Italy's most beautiful regions with an enviable reputation for delicious cuisine, glorious wines, rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards, historic cities, medieval hilltop towns and a long and varied coastline - the stuff of perfect picture postcards. Join Crusader on this memorable holiday exploring many of the classical sights and cities - marvel at the treasures of Florence, the gems of Lucca and mystical Pisa. Your holiday base is on Tuscany's Versilia Coast in the seaside resort of Marina di Pietrasanta, home to some of the area's best beachesnnNB This tour will involve a good amount of walking during the included excursions. Given the historic nature of the towns and cities, these excursions may not be suitable for wheelchair / mobility vehicle users. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.Making Italian memories
DAY 1 After joining your holiday coach, you will travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Continue into France and the overnight hotel stop near Dijon. BBnnDAY 2 Head south today via the autoroutes of France before crossing into Italy and your overnight stop at the 3* Hotel Panorama in Cambiano, close to Turin. A set 3-course dinner is included this evening with mineral water, 1/4l house wine and coffee. DBBnnDAY 3 After breakfast, board the coach to head into the centre of Turin for a 2-hour included walking tour with a local English speaking guide (head sets included). The tour begins at Piazza Castello, the beautiful square considered the heart of this elegant city where 2000 years ago the Palazzo Madama was built. The Piazza Castello is surrounded by the Royal Palace, the Royal Theatre and the magnificent Church of San Lorenzo and is close to the Cathedral, the Holy Shroud Chapel and the Palatina Roman Gate archaeological area. Stroll along Via Roma with its elegant arcades to reach the 17th century Baroque Piazza San Carlo, one of the best known squares of the city with its cafes, shopping, stunning architecture and twin churches that guard its entrance (no entrances are included). This afternoon continue down to the coast of Tuscany to arrive at your holiday base, Marina di Pietrasanta for your 6-night stay with a welcome drink and porterage on arrival. Wine and water are included each evening with dinner (choice of main course). A typical Tuscan 4-course dinner will be served one evening. DBBnnDAY 4 - 8 At leisure in Marina di Pietrasanta with three included excursions and two full days at leisure.nnMarina di Pietrasanta has an enormous expanse of beach which stretches for 5 kilometres along the coast. The town itself is strung along the coast with plenty of shops, restaurants, pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias. The historic old town of Pietrasanta is about 5km inland and is a real gem. A local bus service operates to Pietrasanta (ask the hotel for details), a fascinating town that resembles an open-air contemporary sculpture museum. The old town is a creative, lively place dotted with quaint art galleries and the magnificent Piazza Duomo is the perfect spot for an inspirational stroll. You may also like to hop on a local bus to attractive Forte dei Marmi, an upmarket little town overlooking the Mediterranean great for a potter around high-end boutiques, chic restaurants and trendy beach clubs. The well-known market is held in Forte dei Marmi every Wednesday (08.00 - 13.30) in Piazza Marconi where you might be able to pick up bargain designer clothes, leather goods and household items. Alternatively head along the coast by local bus to popular Viareggio with its art deco architecture and long promenade.nnINCLUDED EXCURSIONSnFlorence - 'City of Art & Cradle of the Renaissance'nTruly one of Italy's greatest and most beautiful cities - romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible! The historic centre is quite compact, so it is easy to visit on foot. A local English-speaking guide will show you the best of the main sights (no entrances included - pre-booking may be required) from the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, the shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria and the palazzo Vecchio. After the walking tour there will be free time to explore on your own, perhaps visit the Uffizi Gallery and see the Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Giotto or the Academy of Fine Arts, home to Michelangelo's DavidnnPisa & Lucca - Escorted by local guidenWorld famous for its medieval bell tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy's most familiar images. Set in Campo dei Miracoli, the older part of the city, the tower's famous lean has now been halted and it is possible to go up for a better view (entrance not included). Continue to the lovely walled city of Lucca, with its imposing Renaissance walls, cobbled streets and stunning piazza as well as the breathtaking Cathedral. A kind of Florence in miniature, Lucca begs to be explorednnCinque Terre - Escorted by local guidenThe breath-taking Cinque Terre (the 'Five Lands') is a unique and rugged stretch of dramatic coastline, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the location of five delightful fishing villages, wedged between the cliffs and the sea. Each town is unique in character, all with a jumble of pastel houses packed onto the cliffs with dreamlike settings overlooking the glittering sea. Artisan shops, eateries and cute cafes are tucked away in the pretty lanes and piazzas. Visit several of these incredibly scenic villages today, starting by coach to La Spezia to meet your local guide. After time to explore continue by ferry along the coast via Vernazza, Monterosso and Portovenere. Return to La Spezia by boat to meet your coach and head back to the hotelnnDAY 9 It's arrivederci to Italy as you travel northwards through Tuscany to your overnight hotel in Switzerland where clear air, mountains and lakes awaits. Overnight at the spectacularly located Seeblick Höhenhotel overlooking Lake Luzern. Buffet dinner with mineral water and tea / coffee is included tonight. NB Crusader guestrooms are located in the chalet-style Waldhaus, a flat 2-minute walk from the main hotel. DBB DBBnnDAY 10 After breakfast continue to the final continental stopover near Saarbrücken, Germany. BBnnDAY 11 Travel back through France today to Calais for the return crossing to England

What's Included
- Hotel for 6 nights with breakfast and dinner with wine & water- Tuscan dinner one night in the hotel- Porterage & welcome drink at resort hotel only- 2 overnight hotels with bed and breakfast- 2 overnight hotels with dinner, bed and breakfast- 3 included excursions as stated- Guided walking tour of Turin- Guided walking tour of Florence- Local guide to escort excursions to Pisa & Lucca / Cinque Terre- Local Italian tourist tax- Boat ticket for Cinque Terre dayFriendly 3* Hotel
HOTEL IL CARAVAGGIO, MARINA DI PIETRASANTAnThis modest, friendly 3* hotel is located on a quiet street approx. 30 metres from the sea with its own private pathway to the beach. Surrounded by beautiful gardens of Scots pine, the hotel's exterior is characteristic of its 1960s build with its interior well maintained and updated. Relax on the shaded veranda or on the panoramic sun terrace equipped with sun loungers. There is a bar and restaurant, serving classic Italian dishes and regional specialities. There is a lift and free WiFi is available in public areas of the hotel. Guestrooms are comfortable, bright and feature air-conditioning, safe, TV and hair dryer. Rooms with balcony are on request (subject to availability and supplement)