13 Nights - 14 days in Tuscany - Piedmont and the Island of Elba What can be better than going for a mid-march drive in tranquil sun drenched Tuscany when the popular Camellia blossoms are blooming. To fully appreciate this unique region the accommodation we use is located on a Tuscan country estate, which promises both relaxation and culinary exploration. Our daily excursions provide a welcome contrasting program to the beautiful artistic cities of this region as we will get to know Tuscany from a different perspective. The breathtaking Alps, the blue Piedmontese Lakes, the picturesque petite towns designed in the medieval era, the smooth Monferrato hills with their amazing viticulture tradition - and the endless rice fields in the region of Vercelli. There is much to see in Italy s second largest province and we still have to experience the Olympic city of Turin, famous for its majestic palaces, long covered arcades and perfectly designed squares. The Island of Elba better known for its temporary resident Napoleon and perhaps lesser known for its stunning views and charming landscapes. Franklin & Frobisher Travel Service. 1 Water Street. Box 436. Little Current. Ontario. Canada. POP 1PO. Tel 613 544 7857. Sburnett@kingston.net
Day 1 Arrival Switzerland Overnight Lake Constance region of Eastern Switzerland. Day 2 Switzerland Casino di Terra Our first day s drive over the summit of the San Bernardino Pass at 6.678 feet above sea level is a fitting introduction to this Alpine country - after which we enter Canton Tessin and descend into Italy past Lake Lugano at Chiasso. The Italian Autostrada allows us to make good time as we bypass Milan and head for Parma, Bologna and Prato. Early this evening we will arrive in the Tuscan hill town of Casino di Terra. Day 3 Camellia blossoms in Lucca Northern Tuscany After breakfast our Agri guide will be anxious to introduce us to the most beautiful camellia flowers in Northern Tuscany as we enjoy a relaxing walk through the town of Sant Andrea di Cómpito. Here we will explore the extraordinary varieties of camellias in their different shapes, sizes and colors. Following this visit we will stroll through the lovely renaissance city of Lucca, which is shielded from the outside world by a robust city wall that protects the historic center of this ancient Tuscan trading center. You will have time to explore old Luca and walk the city rampart or just enjoy la dolce Vita Italian style. Day 4 Pisa Today we will again be accompanied by a historical guide in both Pisa and its surrounding countryside. Pisa has more to offer than the Leaning Tower and its cathedral. On this city tour you will get to know the breathtaking colonnaded pavements of the Borgo Stretto and the amazing Piazza die Cavalieri or Knight s Square. It has to be emphasized that we will allow plenty of time for an excellent local Espresso. Day 5 San Gimignano- Medieval Walled Town in the Province of Siena in Tuscany Crossing the Tuscan hills we will continue to San Gimignano, the medieval walled town in the Province of Siena. From a considerable distance you will be able to see the elegant towers that San Gimignano is so famous for. Thanks to the strategic location on the route of the Pilgrims this city is rich in art treasure and stunning Romanesque, Mediaeval and Gothic architecture. We have time to stroll through then old-town and explore San Gimignano with a historical and architectural guide. Of particular interest are the magnificent viewscapes and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Day 6 Volterra Alabaster and Pasta Rich in salt, copper and alabaster the area around the city of Volterra belongs to the most interesting historical area of Tuscany - with views over the medieval city ramparts into a cultured landscape as far as the distant ocean. We have time to stroll around Volterra and meet an artist applying Alabaster. In the afternoon we will visit a local pasta maker to see how Italians make their national staple and the emerging industrial processes of this wonder food. Day 7 Procchio The Island of Elba Today we explore the Etruscan Port of Piombino which lies at the confluence of the Ligurian Sea and The Tyrrhenian Sea - and where we board the one hour ferry to the island of Elba. The hotel offers its guests a comfortable and relaxing stay in a typical island atmosphere. Overnight Proccio Island of Elba Day 8 Exploring the Island of Elba Today we will meet our local historical guide and explore the history and topography of Elba. After the Treaty of Fontainebleau the French Emperor Napoleon was exiled to the Island of Elba and although he was allowed to keep a substantial number of personal bodyguards, the British Navy patrolled the straits you have just crossed, to ensure that he remained in exile. There is so much to see on this famous island including the picturesque mountain villages, the great variety of vegetation, tiny fishing villages, the turquoise sea and the culture of this famous island. Overnight Procchio Island of Elba Day 9 Elba Piedmont Barolo After breakfast we return by ferry from Portoferraio to Piombino on the mainland. Next stop Piedmont, the land of wine, truffle and castles, described as the land on the edge of the mountain. Piedmont is stylish and has an air of luxury and comfort. Barolo is both our overnight destination and the name for the famous local Nebbiolo grape from which the famous Barolo Red is derived.
Day 10 Turin Turin or Torino in Italian is best known for its Fiat brand of cars and the local soccer team in the Italian league. However this tour of the city is going to change your mind as Turin offers a great variety of unique architecture which is just not comparable elsewhere. After our tour there will be enough time to go shopping and stroll through the covered arcaded paths or just enjoy a delicious local espresso. Day 11 La Morra Barolo Area In the morning we will visit the hillside vineyards located in La Morra, which is a region of tiny hamlets such as Annunciata, Santa Maria, Rivalta, and Berri - with time free to stroll around in the old town of Alba. Afterwards we will continue along the wine route where world famous grapes such as Barolo and Barbaresco thrive. In one of the small wineries we will be invited to enjoy a delicious snack and a taste of their local produce. Day 12 Asti Monferrato In Asti the traditional market takes place every Wednesday and a stroll in the fruit, vegetable and goods market is a treat for the eyes and the nose - even if you are not shopping for your kitchen. We have purposely left free time for lunch and in the afternoon we will motor across the smooth hills of Monferrato into the ancient sulphurbath town of Acqui Terme. Day 13 Risotto Vercelli In the region of Vercelli we will visit a country estate where rice is cultivated on strict organic principles. To begin with we will sample a Risotto meal, after which we will discuss the various varieties of this staple rice. After our luncheon visit we have to bid good bye to Piedmont and start our journey back to Switzerland via Milan, Chiasso where we cross the Italian-Swiss border and then re climb the San Bernardino Pass. Overnight-stay in the Lake Constance region of Eastern Switzerland. Day 14 flight back from Zurich After breakfast we will transfer to Zurich s Kloten Airport for the flight home
Included features Bus Transport in our custom designed luxury bus 13 Nights accommodation in superior three star and four star hotels 1 Night Lake Constance region 5 Nights Tuscan Country Estate 2 Nights Proccio Island of Elba 4 Nights Barolo 1 Night Lake Constance region Guided all-day excursion to view the camellia blossom Guided tour of Lucca and Pisa Guided walk in San Gimignano Guided city tour in Turin Admission fee Collegiata Santa Maria Assunta Tour of Pasta factory Ferry tickets Piombin Portoferraio / Portoferraio Piombino Risotto meal inclusive wine and coffee Guided tour on organic rice farm wine tasting Barologebiet with snack All street, toll and parking fees, taxes Sightseeing features mentioned in the itinerary Luggage service Dinner and breakfast daily while on this holiday Fresh fruit or refreshments during the trip Complete street fees, tolls and parking cost, taxes All toll and parking fees and local taxes Not included: Admissions for sightseeing not mentioned Additional meals and all beverages Gratuities Documents required: Valid passport Currency: Swiss Francs. Euros Recommended travel dates Mid March April to October Edited Nov 15 2012