Southern italy
Saturday 27th December
We meet at Malta International Airport at 10:45 for the Ryanair flight to Bologna, which departs at 12:45 and arrives at 14:35. We then travel by coach to Montecatini Terme. Check-in at a 4-star hotel in the town centre. In the evening, a short walk with the group leader and dinner at the hotel.
Sunday 28th December
A beautiful excursion takes us to Portofino, in the Liguria region. Our first stop will be Santa Margherita Ligure, where we’ll explore the historic city centre. We’ll see the 17th-century Baroque Basilica, the castle, and enjoy a guided walk along the seafront promenade, lined with al fresco cafés and restaurants. Then, we board a boat (extra charge) to Portofino, one of the jewels of the Italian Riviera. We walk along the charming port, admire the beautiful yachts, quaint boutiques, and colourful scenery. For those interested, a walk up to Castello Brown and St. Martin's Church is optional. Later, we take another 30-minute boat ride to Rapallo, famous for its palm-lined promenade, the colourful bay, and the Rapallo Castle.
Monday 29th December
Together we explore the majestic city of Florence. We’ll see the famous Florence Cathedral (Duomo), with the option to climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views. We’ll also visit the Baptistery, Giotto’s Campanile, the Cathedral interior, the Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Free time is provided for shopping and personal sightseeing.
Tuesday 30th December
After breakfast, we head on an exciting excursion to Pisa and Lucca. Our first stop is Pisa, where we’ll tour with the leader and see the famous Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli, Cathedral, and Baptistery in the Campo Santo area. There will be time to buy souvenirs. Afterwards, we continue to Montecarlo, known for its fine wine and olive oil. Here, we’ll stop for an optional Tuscan Tasting Lunch, including regional wine, cold cuts, and other local flavours (not included). Dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday 31st December
Breakfast and free time to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Montecatini. Later, those interested can join the group leader to visit Montecatini Alto (optional cable car ride, extra cost), located atop twin hills. On one side we’ll find Rocca di Castello Vecchio, Church of St. Peter (Montecatini’s original church), and the Campanaria Tower; on the other side, the Clock Tower and Baroque-style Carmelite Church. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the charming main square, with its restaurants, wine bars, and cafés. Return to the hotel.In the evening, we celebrate with a special dinner at the hotel, including live music, water, wine, and champagne. A festive and joyful night to welcome the New Year!
Thursday 1st January – Happy New Year!
Join us for a visit to the renowned Tuscan towns of Siena and San Gimignano. Our excursion starts with Siena, where we’ll see the Cathedral, the main square, and the majestic Palazzo Comunale. We continue to San Gimignano, a place rich in culture and nature. There, we visit the Duomo, Palazzo del Popolo, and the Town Hall, with free time for individual exploration. Return to Montecatini.
Friday 2nd January
Breakfast and transfer by coach to Lucca, an elegant and refined city. We’ll visit places of interest including the Cathedral of San Martino and the unique Piazza Anfiteatro. After some free time, we head to Pisa Airport to check in for our return flight, which departs at 16:55 and arrives in Malta at 18:35.
