Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Florence, Italy. Upon arrival in Florence, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Tuscany. Flights should arrive by 3:00 p.m. Explore your new surroundings, then join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meal: D Today’s adventure begins with a discovery of the walled, hilltop-town of San Gimignano. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its medieval towers, Duomo, and numerous art treasures. While there, you’ll sample the award-winning Gelato, made by Mr. Dondoli, from the best ice cream shop in town! Nearby is the typical, Tuscan hill-town of Volterra.

From Etruscan origins, this charming town houses many remains from past centuries, including its well-preserved walls, city gates, and a historical center. It also affords expansive views of the surrounding area. A lunch of local specialties is prepared for you at a family-run farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. Meals: B, L, D Travel through the marvelous Chianti Valley, with its colorful, hilly landscape, for a treat of a different kind! Arrive at a historic castle for a hands-on pasta-making class where the chef reveals secrets and tips of preparing delicious Italian cuisine.

After the lesson, relax in the atmosphere and enjoy a lunch consisting of the dishes you just created. Local immersion continues as you visit a farmhouse for a tour of their wine cellar and vineyard, sampling the homemade wine along with other local specialties of olive oil and tasty treats. Meals: B, L, D Depart by train for Florence, the breathtaking capital of the Italian Renaissance. Walk in the footsteps of great rulers, artists, and philosophers as you discover this historic city with your local guide on the included walking tour. Visit the famous Accademia Gallery where you get an up-close view of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David - undoubtedly the world’s most famous sculpture. See the cathedral and famous bronze doors of the Baptistery in Duomo Square.

During your free time, shop along the famous Ponte Vecchio – a medieval stone-arched bridge spanning the Arno River; stroll through the Mercato Centrale; admire the artwork of the Piazza della Signoria, the main square in the heart of the city. After a day in this artistic town, return to the hotel by train. Meals: B, D The day begins as you travel to Pisa to visit its iconic landmarks: Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Your local guide will explain the history of this beautiful little town as you walk through the square, admire the architecture, and see the historic walls of this medieval city. You’ll have free time for lunch on your own before departing by coach to the picturesque Tuscan village of Lari in the Pisan hills.

Home to Europe’s smallest and most authentic pasta factory, learn all about the product as it is transformed from grain to the delicious staple Italy is known for! Continue on to the seaside town of Sestri Levante with its colorful buildings and seafront promenade for the next three-nights’ accommodations. Meals: B, D As one of the most picturesque coastal areas, Cinque Terre (meaning ‘five lands’) is located on the outskirts of Tuscany and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in what is now a national park, with the waterfront a protected marine area, these colorful villages and cozy harbors continue to attract visitors.

Upon arrival you’ll discover the beauty of the rugged coastline and charming hillside towns of Monterosso, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each village has its own unique character and amongst the variety of ancient churches, castles, town squares and cafés found throughout, a common thread is the friendly locals who are happy to greet you! Meals: B, D After a leisurely morning, stroll through the historic fishing village on your way to a local restaurant for your cooking class. Learn how to make the most classic dish of the area, pasta al pesto Genovese, from a traditional recipe. This fragrant yet simple pesto sauce enhances any pasta, as you will agree when you indulge in a dish of Trofie al Pesto for lunch.

This afternoon, visit the glamorous Italian Riviera, playground of the rich and famous. Travel by coach to Rapallo and board a ferry to visit the charming villages of Portofino and Santa Margherita. As you traverse the waterways, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of the area with the colorful villas along the coastline and fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the quaint harbors. While in port, soak up the local flavor as you relax at a café or meander through the streets browsing in the shops. Return to the hotel this evening for a final dinner with your traveling companions. Meals: B, L, D Following a morning at leisure, depart by coach for the Florence area. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before your return home. Meal: B After a cultural immersion into the history, lifestyle, scenery, and cuisine of Tuscany and the Italian Riviera, it’s time to bid “arrivederci” to Italy as you transfer to the Florence airport for your flight home. Meal: B

Itinerary subject to change.