Tuscany & the Viareggio Carnival 2012 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class with a light snack and drinks. On arrival we transfer to the Hotel Mercure Gare de Lyon, close to the famous Bastille Opera House. You are free for dinner this evening, and afterwards why not wander along the banks of the Seine and admire the imposing façade of Notre Dame Cathedral shining out over the water, lit by hundreds of twinkling spotlights? Alternatively, you could take a stroll down the magnificent Champs Elysées and indulge in a spot of window-shopping. (E)

From Paris, we travel by high-speed TGV down through France and over the border into Italy to Milan. We continue on to Florence and ultimately Montecatini Terme, our home for the next five nights, where we stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Vittoria. Delightful Montecatini, set in the rolling Tuscan hills, was built around its mineral water springs, and visitors can relax in the old style grandeur of the town, take a stroll in the park or enjoy a spa treatment in one of the hotels. (B,D)

We journey today by Standard Class rail to the magnificent city of Florence and enjoy a morning guided tour of the city's many treasures. We visit the spectacular Duomo, with its distinctive orange-tiled dome rising up above the heart of the city, and the unique Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, constructed in 1345. This remarkable structure is home to 43 jewellers' shops and goldsmiths, their window displays glinting with precious gems. The afternoon is free for you to discover Florence at your own pace. The Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world and burial place of Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli and Gallileo, is well worth a visit. (B,D)

Viareggio comes to life this time of year with its colourful carnival featuring elaborate parades, unique masks, artists, performers and flamboyant costumes. The carnival has been held for well over a century and is a much-loved local tradition. Huge paper mâché floats glide down the street to the cheerful cries of the crowds, and the whole city is alive with the festival spirit. The day is free for you to enjoy the parades and assorted festivities at your own pace - there is something around every corner! The first Viareggio carnival parade was held in 1873, when some wealthy middle-class men decided to organize a parade of floats adorned with flowers. A number of local citizens, as a sign of protest, decided to put on masks in order to show their refusal of the high taxes they were forced to pay. (B,D)

Today is free to discover Tuscany further, either to revisit one of the nearby towns, or to venture further afield. Alternatively, visit Montecatini Alto, set on top of the hill with incredible views over the surrounding countryside and some lovely restaurants on its main square, where you can relax with a hot drink and watch the world go by. For those feeling slightly less energetic, you can just enjoy the hotel's facilities, or maybe indulge in a spa treatment or two. (B,D)

This morning we set out by rail (Standard Class) to Pisa and we enjoy a guided tour walking through the delightful Old Town to the Field of Miracles, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower and the marvellous white marble Duomo and Baptistry. We continue by train this afternoon to Lucca, the medieval city still fully encircled by its 16th century walls. This unspoilt gem features splendid Renaissance architecture interspersed with historic buildings dating from the Middle Ages. We have some time to explore at leisure, and why not take a stroll around the wide walkways along the top of the ancient ramparts, or climb the Guinigi Tower, complete with an oak tree growing out of the top? (B,D)

Today we take the train via Florence, enjoying some breathtaking views of the Italian countryside, to Turin. Here we overnight at the 4-star Hotel ATA Concord. Our afternoon arrival means you have some free time to explore before dinner; giving you the opportunity to take a stroll around the city or to visit some of Turin's
many parks. (B,D)

We travel by TGV to Paris, where we transfer by coach across the city. We continue on by Eurostar in Standard Premier Class to St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

The Viareggio Carnival features elaborate parades, performers in typical 'burlamacco' masks and flamboyant costumes. Huge papier-mâché floats glide down the promenade and the whole city is alive with music, animation, games and entertainment.