10 DAY TUSCANY, CINQUE TERRE & THE LAKE DISTRICT

See why the reputation of Tuscany precedes it - beautiful scenery, amazing food, excellent shopping and plenty of time to pamper yourself.

DAY 1: Arrive Rome

Welcome to Rome, a city full of amazing sights, spectacular shopping and beautiful people. After check-in, there’s time to unwind and perhaps to people-watch from one of the many sidewalk cafe?s. This evening enjoy some Italian wine and good company as you meet your fellow Gutsy Women travelers and Travel Director and enjoy a relaxed dinner in an elegant restaurant on the Via Veneto – start to enjoy some of that ‘Dolce Vita’! (D)

DAY 2: Rome

Experience the fabulous history of Rome with an expert local guide today, seeing the ancient Forum, Circus Maximus and the Colosseum, infamous setting of gladiatorial combats! In the afternoon stroll along the Via del Corso and shop for Italian fashion and shoes, or try out the Caffe Greco and ogle at the wonderful boutiques along the Via Condotti at the foot of the romantic Spanish Steps. This evening, don’t forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this, the Eternal City! (B)

DAY 3: Rome to Montecatini

This morning travel north into Tuscany where you'll visit one of Europe’s true gems, Siena, reputed to have the most perfect medieval square in existence. Then on to Etruscan San Gimignano, often referred to as the medieval ‘Manhattan’ of Italy, with its many 14th Century towers and an excellent place to sample the local chianti wines! Your final stop is the Francia e Quirinale hotel in the historic spa town of Montecatini. (B,D)

DAY 4: Montecatini

After breakfast, depart for Florence where you'll join a local guide for a walking tour. Marvel at the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, with the beautiful statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of the city government for centuries, and then visit the Accademia museum to see the original statue of David by Michelangelo. Enjoy some free time during which you can visit the San Lorenzo market, stroll across the famed Ponte Vecchio or find a restaurant and enjoy a light Tuscan lunch. This evening, drive out to an authentic Tuscan restaurant for a 'Gutsy Encounters' dining experience of traditional local produce amongst the olive groves. (B,GI-D)

DAY 5: Montecatini

Your day begins at a fruit and vegetable market where you'll buy fresh ingredients from the fantastic array of locally grown produce. Then travel to the I Tre Pini restaurant where you'll participate in the preparation of lunch. Then enjoy the mouth-watering fruits of your labor as you feast on Tuscan dishes such as 'Pappa al Pomodoro' and 'Fettucine alla Chiantigiana', washed down with local wines! Return to Montecatini for a free afternoon and evening. Perhaps enjoy a ‘passegiata’ (evening walk) before trying out some of the town’s elegant bars and cafes and getting to meet the locals. (B,CLL)

DAY 6: Montecatini

The morning is yours to spend as you wish. As everyone sometimes needs a little pampering, perhaps visit the most celebrated of the city's spa facilities, the Terme Tettuccio. Indulge in one of the many therapies on offer, including thermal baths, massages and facials using the area's invigorating mud. Later a drive through countryside of unparalleled beauty takes you to the world-famous restaurant at the Villa San Michele in hilltop Fiesole, just outside of Florence. From the restaurant's loggia you'll be in Tuscan heaven, overlooking a panorama of terracotta roofs and softly undulating hills punctuated by the impressive Dome of Brunelleschi's Cathedral. Feast your eyes as well as your palate, as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine in all of Europe produced by the chef of this superb restaurant! (B,HL)

DAY 7: Montecatini to Santa Margherita

Drive along the splendors of the Tuscan coast today and into the remote area known as the Cinque Terre. The sight of five small villages suspended on the cliff- tops overlooking the seas will take your breath away. Travel by train from village to village and have time to stroll along the Via Dell’Amore – the 'Path of Love'. The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean are all around you, as are the brightly colored villas which line the hills descending into the fishing harbors – a real contrast to Florence and the countryside – but just as spectacular! (B,D)

DAY 8: Santa Margherita to Milan

Next stop is Milan, the fashion and design capital of Italy and, many say, the world. Join local guide for a tour of the main sights including the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, reputedly the oldest shopping mall in the world. Spend the afternoon shopping for high quality Italian fashion, shoes and handbags. (B,D)

DAY 9: Milan

Your last taste of Italy is one of the best as you enter the spectacular Lake District and visit Como on the lake of the same name. Some of the most opulent villas and gardens line the shores of this breathtaking lake and you will be able to see some of them on a lake cruise. Afterwards you’ll have time to wander the cobble-stoned streets of Como town before returning to Milan. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a traditional restaurant, look back on the wonderful experiences of the last week and plan your next Gutsy Women trip with your new friends. (B,FD)

DAY 10: Depart Milan

This morning after breakfast, laden with all your Italian shopping bargains, it's time to bid farewell to Italy and return home with wonderful and enduring memories. (B)

Hotel Francia e Quirinale - Montecatini

Regina Elena - Santa Margherita Ligure

Hotel Romanico - Rome

NH Touring Hotel - Milan