Rome (Civitavecchia)

Discover some of the most captivating villages in Tuscany and in the UNESCO World Heritage site Val D’Orcia, followed by an enlightening exploration of the landmarks that are synonymous with Florence.

NOTE: This program includes walking over varied ground types including cobbled streets. As such, this program is not recommended for guests with walking difficulty or who require use of a wheelchair, walker or cane.

DAY 1

After disembarking the ship in Civitavecchia and meeting the guide, you will depart for Orvieto, one of the most striking and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a huge block of tufo volcanic stone, overlooking the cypress-dotted Umbrian plains. In some ways, it hasn’t changed enormously since becoming a papal stronghold after Clement VII took refuge there when Rome was sacked in 1527.

Orvieto exudes history, especially in the wonderfully preserved, pedestrian-only heart of town. There you will visit the Piazza Duomo and the Orvieto Cathedral, an example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture so impressive that it has become a symbol of the town. More than 100 architects, sculptors, painters, and mosaicists helped built the cathedral, which took almost four centuries to complete.

Free time follows, during which you might walk through the backstreets and browse the shops, especially for handicrafts such as Etruscan-style pottery.

Continuing on, you will transfer to the Fonteverde, an elegant hotel in San Casciano dei Bagni, an ancient village in lush Val d’Orcia, a valley known for its mineral-rich thermal waters. The atmosphere at the hotel – which is built on a mineral spring – is reminiscent of a Tuscan palace. The natural beauty, rolling hills and vineyards of the surrounding Val d’Orcia park couldn’t be more magnificent.

After checking in, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure, with dinner served at the Restaurant Ferdinando I.

DAY 2

Following breakfast, you will travel into Val D’Orcia, a valley so aesthetically beautiful that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site for exemplifying a Renaissance agricultural landscape. Its vineyards, olive groves, castles and medieval villages are all in perfect harmony there.

You will pause to explore Bagno Vignoni, a village near the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route. The waters in the village have been used since Roman times for thermal purposes. Even today, water said to have healing properties flows into the enormous 16th-century pool in the village’s Piazza delle Sorgenti.

Continuing on, you will drive to San Quirico d'Orcia, another beautiful and charming medieval town in the valley. The historical center of the village is particularly picturesque. The guide will point out and describe the most outstanding attractions, which will likely include churches and chapels. You will have time to grab some lunch on your own.

Afterwards, you will drive through the wine region that produces Brunello di Montaclino, one of Italy’s most renowned red wines. You will have the opportunity to sample this flagship wine in the cellars of Castiglion del Bosco, a winery whose vineyards primarily grow Sangiovese grapes for Brunello di Montaclino.

In time, you will return to the Fonteverde hotel, where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

DAY 3

Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will drive to Florence for an enlightening guided walk through the historical city center. Highlights include seeing the Santa Maria del Fiore – better known as the Duomo – and the Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence since the Middle Ages.

The massive Palazzo Vecchio with its high fortress-like walls dominates the piazza. There you can see a copy of Michelangelo’s ‘David’. You will also have time to meander about Santa Croce Square and snap photos of the Ponte Vecchio, the 14th-century bridge that spans the River Arno. During free time, you might stop for lunch and browse the shops.

In the mid-afternoon, you will drive toward Livorno, where you will join the ship.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

8:00am Disembark in Civitavecchia and drive to Orvieto

10:00am Walking tour of Orvieto

12:00pm Free time in Orvieto

1:30pm Drive to San Casciano dei Bagni

2:30pm Check in at the Fonteverde hotel

Afternoon at leisure

8:00pm Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Overnight at the Fonteverde hotel

DAY 2

AM Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Drive to Bagno Vignoni

10:00am Visit Bagno Vignoni city center

11:30am Depart for San Quirico d’Orcia village

12:00pm Walking tour of San Quirico d’Orcia and time for lunch on own

1:45pm Depart for Castiglion Del Bosco Winery

2:30pm Wine tasting in the cellar

4:00pm Depart for the hotel

5:30pm Arrive at the hotel

Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own

Overnight at the Fonteverde hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at the hotel

8:00am Check out and drive to Florence

10:30am Guided walking tour of Florence

12:30pm Free time for lunch and shopping

3:00pm Depart for Livorno

5:00pm Arrive at the pier to board the ship

Expected Weather

November — 59° Fahrenheit (15° Celsius)

What to Bring

Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring good walking shoes, a hat, bathing suit for the thermal pools at the hotel, weather-appropriate clothing, and sunglasses.

Local Currency

The Euro.

Electricity

220 volts. Bring a universal travel adaptor for your electric devices.

Documents

A valid passport is necessary.

Hotel

Fonteverde

Località Terme, 1, 53040 San Casciano dei bagni SI

Telephone: +39 0578 57241

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•2 nights at Fonteverde hotel (Classic Room) including breakfast

•Touring and entrances per the itinerary

•Dinner at the hotel on Day 1

•Wine tasting and cellar tour at Castiglion del Bosco winery or similar venue

Program Excludes for guests:

•Meals or services not mentioned above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel, and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.