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This tour is certainly easy paced with three nights each in Monte Carlo, the elegant spa town of Montecatini, and lakeside Como. There are half day excursions in each centre, but still leaving plenty of free time to explore

Name of Tour:Easy Pace Monte Carlo, Tuscany & Lake Como
Duration: 10 Days
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Itinerary

DAY 1 – SUN – ARRIVE COTE D’AZUR
On arrival at Nice Airport there are complimentary transfers along the coast to the tour hotel in Monaco. The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in before joining your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Le Meridien Beach Plaza. (D)

DAY 2 – MON – MONACO SIGHTSEEING
Explore Monaco which has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Walk with your Tour Director through the Old Town to see the Royal Palace, where the Grimaldi family lives, the yacht-filled harbour and the Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit to see the Monte Carlo Casino. This afternoon perhaps take a scenic excursion along the Riviera? (BB)

DAY 3 – TUE – NICE & ST PAUL DE VENCE EXCURSION
The day is set aside to enjoy a taste of the jet-set. Visit Nice, one of the liveliest cities in France, with its host of attractions. Take a stroll in the shady gardens, relax on the beach or browse in the exclusive boutiques. Visit the medieval town of St Paul de Vence, perched high on a hill top. This was a source of inspiration for artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne, and you will understand why as you wander through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the panoramic views over Provence. (BB)

DAY 4 – WED – MONACO – MONTECATINI
Cross into Italy and drive along the ‘Flower Riviera’, following the autostrada through tunnels and bridges. Stop in the town of Pisa, once one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean. Its wealthy merchants dedicated some of their wealth to build a fine cathedral and baptistery, but today it is the belltower which attracts most notice by leaning four metres from the perpendicular. Tonight, stay in Italy’s most fashionable thermal spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – THU – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
A short drive leads you to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. See the lofty Cathedral and baptistery, Giotto’s 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world), the ‘Gates of Paradise’, Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture, and visit one of the great art galleries to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David. In the afternoon, you may wish to discover more of the art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries or explore more of this fascinating city before returning to the hotel. Consider joining a Tuscan dinner party at night. (BB)

DAY 6 – FRI – LUCCA EXCURSION
A short drive leads to the delightful medieval town of Lucca, its churches, squares and palaces perfectly preserved within its encircling ramparts. See the birthplace of Puccini, who wrote the tragic opera ‘La Boheme’, and the bronze statue dedicated to him. After time to explore, return to Montecatini. During the afternoon, maybe opt for an excursion to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, renowned for its many tall fortress towers, or pamper yourself with a massage and beauty treatments at one of the resort’s health spas? (BB)

DAY 7 – SAT – MONTECATINI – LAKE COMO
Drive northwards this morning through the dramatic scenery of the Appenine mountains to the fertile plains in the Po valley. Visit Milan, the commercial capital of northern Italy, to see the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the famous La Scala opera house. From here, continue to the spectacular Italian Lake District and your hotel in a lakeside resort overlooking spectacular Lake Como.
Hotel: Grand Cadenabbia. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – SUN – COMO & LUGANO EXCURSION
Today your Tour Director will show you the resort of Como, dominated by its marble cathedral set in the narrow streets of the old town. Later, cross into Switzerland to fashionable Lugano, beautifully located on the shores of its lake amid spectacular mountains. Time here to stroll in the gardens and browse in the exclusive shops with the chance to buy delicious Swiss chocolate or even that exclusive Swiss watch! (BB)

DAY 9 – MON – LAKE COMO AT LEISURE
Today is free to relax and enjoy enchanting Lake Como, considered the jewel of the Italian Lakes for its superb mountain setting. Maybe take the ferry across the lake to Bellagio and see why George Clooney fell in love with this part of Italy? A visit to nearby Villa Carlotta with its beautiful terraced gardens is a must! Tonight join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 10 – TUE – COMO
The tour ends after breakfast with complimentary transfers from the hotel to Milan’s Malpensa Airport. (BB)

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