Thu, April 4: Depart Indianapolis for Rome, Italy. Enjoy a multiple night stay in the heart of Tuscany’s most famous resort spa town, Montecatini Terme.

Fri, April 5: Following an overnight flight, arrive Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport, Rome. Meet your Tuscan Tour Guide and transfer to Montecatini Terme by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany’s rolling hills is your home for the next 7 nights, Hotel Francia & Quirinale, a proud family-owned property since 1920 in prestigious, yet quiet downtown. Enjoy a rich Benvenuto with a taste of fine Italian wine and authentic delicacies to celebrate your first day under the Tuscan Sun! (Meal: Welcome Dinner)

Sat, April 6: Start every morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on the day’s journey. Begin today by venturing off-the-beaten-path to notably one of the most stunning cities in Tuscany, Lucca. Famous for its many towers and well-preserved walls dating back 500 years, Lucca is must-visit for lovers of architecture, tradition, and history, starting with the center of political power, Piazza Napoleone, the city’s main square dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte by his sister Elisa. Home to one of the oldest remains of Roman civilization, Lucca’s Piazza Anfiteatro is a symbol of vitality and energy, though once a platform of entertainment and deadly combat. Savor a lunch experience and wine tasting in a farmhouse structured with romantic stone nearly as old as the land that hosts it! (B,L)

Sun, April 7: Today, visit Florence, the capital of the Italian Renaissance. Founded as a Roman military colony in the first century, Florence has achieved preeminence in commerce, finance, learning, and most especially the arts with captivating works of immeasurable worth, declaring the Historic Centre of Florence, an UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Experience a symbol of the Renaissance and a fine representation of the city itself on an expert led tour of the Academy Gallery, showcasing Michaelangelo’s Sculpture of David. The balance of the day will be yours to further explore the world-renowned masterpieces of art, rustic cuisine and incredible boutiques before returning to Montecatini Terme. (B)

Mon, April 8: Following a day of historic art and cultural inspiration, set out for the mountainous host of the notable stone that inspired the likes of Michaelangelo, the Carrara Marble Quarries of the Apuan Alps. A journey to Carrara will unveil a unique encounter between the wonders of nature and the effort of men to extract the ‘most prized white marble’ in the world. The victor’s reward can be seen in many fine structures of Italy, the Roman Empire and countless works even outside her borders. Travel along the steep marble road that played host to James Bond’s Quantum of Solace car chase, arriving Quarry 83, “Canalgrande Alto”. Discover the stages of marble extraction and processing from ancient to modern as you witness the local quarrymen execute their trade with use of massive, earth-moving machines, which more resemble toy trucks amongst the monumental quarry of “white gold” that dominates the scene. Indulge in the tastes of the territory with a unique Apuan fare lunch at il Poggio Restaurant, a rendezvous point along the marble block journey for quarrymen still today. (B,L)

 Tue, April 9: Explore historic sites in the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, including the Piazza dei Miracoli, or “Field of Miracles”, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.  Considered sacred by the Catholic Church, this magnificent square, holding a UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration, is  dominated by four great religious edifices, the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, Tower, and Cemetery. Be prepared to capture your famous Leaning Tower of Pisa photo before conquering the 300 marble stairs for an awe-inspiring view of the City and Arno River. Discover the fourth jewel in the Field of Miracles glittering crown, Pisa’s Baptistery, the largest in Italy and an exquisite example of Pisan Romanesque architecture still in existence. Tonight, make your way through the quiet countryside to learn the secrets of simplicity in traditional Tuscan cuisine. Partake in a cooking class with chef Matteo featuring local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations, then indulge in a freshly prepared feast. (B,D)

Wed, April 10: The day is yours to immerse yourself in authentic local flavor. Take this opportunity to explore the boutiques, enjoy a spa day, tour your favorite region, indulge in more fine dining, or perhaps choose an optional excursion to Cinque Terre, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean, dotted with terraced vineyards, a string of fishing villages and a rugged coastline. (B)

 Thu, April 11: Today, visit the first Neolithic settlement and surprisingly less frequented medieval hilltop town of Volterra. Revel in the ruins of the original Etruscan civilization whose charm and allure complement her peculiar urban layout. Discover the ancient traditions of alabaster as their material of choice, making Volterra, the ‘City of Alabaster’.  Embrace the timeless vitality of this underrated gem on a walking tour featuring a Roman Theatre and impressively well-preserved Etruscan wall. Return for your final night in Montecatini Terme. (B,D)

Fri, April 12: This morning, travel to Milan where even a short jaunt will play to its world-wide fame as a designer’s magnate. Along the way, stop for lunch in Langhirano, home to the world-renowned Prosciutto di Parma ham. Identify the exclusive process responsible for Prosciutto di Parma’s award-winning flavor, you be the judge! Continue to Milan, and check into your home for the final two nights of the journey, the NH Collection Hotel. (B,L)

Sat, April 13: Explore the historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks of Milan. Visit the majesty of the Duomo Cathedral and the impressive collection of musical curios of La Scala Theatrical Museum. Take time to discover the rich culinary scene and shopping extravaganza at one of Milan’s major landmarks, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with the remainder of the afternoon free for personal discovery before coming together for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Sun, April 14:Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport, the time has come to bid Arrivederci to this joyous journey! (B)