Florence (Firenze)

Embark on an exclusive winter escape through Florence and the heart of Tuscany, where you’ll experience timeless elegance, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Begin your journey in Florence with priority access to Renaissance masterpieces and Tuscan cuisine, then travel through the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia to picturesque Pienza for artisan shopping and local pecorino tastings. Discover Montepulciano’s festive Christmas market and indulge in noble wine at La Cattedrale winery, all while enjoying warm hospitality and immersive cultural moments. Whether you seek romance, culture, or the joy of Italian hospitality, this thoughtfully curated itinerary promises unforgettable memories in Tuscany’s most enchanting settings.

Notes:

•This program begins in Florence and ends in Civitavecchia where you will board the ship. You must arrive into Florence for the start of the program.

•Due to the amount of walking over uneven and/or cobbled streets and narrow lanes, this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions and if you use a walker, cane, scooter or wheelchair.

•If you have any food intolerances or special dietary needs, please contact the Regent Reservations Team at least 95 days prior to your departure. It is important that your land program extension reflects these details so our local vendors can ensure smooth and enjoyable dining experiences.

DAY 1 – December 18, 2026

Upon exiting Customs in the Amerigo Vespucci - Firenze Airport (FLR), you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to St. Regis Florence Hotel.

Situated along the Arno River with views of the Ponte Vecchio and the scenic Tuscan hills, The St. Regis Florence has represented elegance and refined hospitality since the 18th century, attracting discerning guests and luxury travelers in Florence, Italy.

Note: A private van or SUV will be used to transfer couples or parties of two between the airport and the hotel. Vans hold a maximum of four pieces of large luggage (total) plus one carry-on sized bag per person. A sedan will be used for solo guests, which can hold 2 large suitcases and a carry-on. If you will have more luggage, a larger vehicle may be required for additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 14 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required. Transfers are with driver only.

Check in is at 3:00pm and the remainder of the day is yours to settle in at your leisure.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2 – December 19, 2026

Following breakfast at the hotel, your journey begins in the historic center, where every street and square tells a story. Marvel at the grandeur of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi’s magnificent Dome, admire the elegance of Giotto’s Bell Tower, and learn about the mysteries behind the Baptistery’s celebrated Golden Gates. As you walk through medieval streets, you’ll reach Piazza della Signoria, an open-air museum of sculptures, and continue to the romantic Ponte Vecchio with its glittering goldsmith shops.

The experience continues with the visit to one of Florence’s iconic museums: the Accademia Gallery, where you can admire the majestic “David.” Thanks to priority entrance, you’ll skip the lines and make the most of your time.

Midday, enjoy a well-deserved break with a delicious three-course Tuscan lunch. Savor regional recipes prepared with fresh local ingredients and paired with quality wine in a cozy, authentic atmosphere.

After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Florence at your own pace—browse artisan boutiques, shop for leather goods, capture breathtaking photos, or simply relax in one of the city’s historic cafés.

This full-day experience offers the perfect balance of culture, gastronomy, and leisure, making it ideal for those who want to truly connect with the spirit of Florence.

Afterwards you will return to your hotel.

End your day with a delightful dinner in a traditional Tuscan restaurant, where warm hospitality and authentic flavors create a truly memorable experience.

DAY 3 – December 20, 2026

After breakfast and check-out, meet your tour leader and depart from Florence. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tuscan hills as you drive toward the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia and the Renaissance town of Pienza.

You will have free time to explore its charming streets, admire the stunning views over the countryside, and shop for local specialties. Also enjoy a local pecorino cheese tasting.

After lunch, travel to Montepulciano, a medieval hilltop town renowned for its noble wines. Here, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience at La Cattedrale Winery, where you will sample prestigious Nobile di Montepulciano wines and learn about local winemaking traditions.

La Cattedrale or The Cathedral is like a time capsule – this is where the Ricci family started to make wine back in 1337. Today, following the local tradition, they refine about half of their wines in the historical cellar, aiming to keep the history of Montepulciano alive.

From the courtyard of Palazzo Ricci, an equestrian staircase leads to the first iconic room of the winery – the Wine Cathedral. With its three naves, tall pillars, vaults and arches, this silent, majestic room is a sacred wine temple.

Following the tasting, enjoy free time to stroll through Montepulciano’s delightful Christmas Market, set within the town’s historic center and castle area. Discover artisan products, festive decorations, and seasonal treats.

In the late afternoon, drive to your hotel for check-in. Located in an enchanting hilltop village, Hotel Monteverdi Tuscany will surely delight. A traditional Tuscan dinner will be served at the hotel, concluding a full day immersed in culture, landscapes, and flavors.

DAY 4 – December 21, 2026

After a leisurely breakfast and check-out, drive to the port of Civitavecchia where you will begin your cruise. The drive will take approximately 2.5 hours.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive at Amerigo Vespucci - Firenze Airport (FLR) and proceed through Customs

You will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where you will spend the evening

Check-in is at 3:00pm.

Meals are on your own today

Overnight at the St. Regis Florence or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

AM Breakfast at your hotel

10:00am Meet your guide at the hotel and start the walking tour of Florence, including the visit to the Accademia Museum

1:00pm Lunch in a local restaurant

2:30pm Free time

4:30pm Return to your hotel

7:00pm Dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight at the St. Regis Florence or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at your hotel

8:30am Hotel check-out

9:00am Meet your tour leader and depart the hotel

9:30am Stop in Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a panoramic view over Florence

10:00am Drive toward Val D’Orcia

11:30am Arrival in Pienza - Explore the historic center and Pecorino cheese tasting

1:00pm Leave Pienza and drive to Montepulciano

2:00pm Reach Montepulciano and enjoy a guided tasting of Nobile di Montepulciano and other local wines

3:30pm Explore Montepulciano and its charming Christmas Market

5:30pm Drive to your hotel

6:00pm Hotel check-in

8:00pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Hotel Monteverdi Tuscany or similar hotel

DAY 4

AM Breakfast at your hotel

10:00am Hotel check out and transfer to the pier

12:30pm Arrive at the pier for embarkation

Expected weather:

December brings cool, crisp weather with daytime highs averaging 12°C (54°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping to 3°C (37°F). You can expect a blend of sunny days, possible rain, fewer crowds, and festive holiday lights. Be sure to wear layers, a warm coat, and waterproof clothing.

What to bring:

Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring good walking shoes, a warm hat, coat, mittens and scarf as well as sunglasses, a camera and your chargers.

Local currency:

The Euro is the local currency, but U.S. dollars and travelers’ checks are also accepted in some places.

Electricity:

220 volts. We suggest bringing your own universal travel adapter if you bring electric devices.

Documentation:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Italy.

ETIAS Authorization (Started in 2025):

Non-EU visitors from visa-exempt countries (including U.S. and Canadian citizens) will need an ETIAS travel authorization prior to arriving into any European Union nation.

Accommodation:

Florence

Hotel St Regis

Piazza Ognissanti, 1, 50123 Firenze FI

Phone: +39 055 27161

Montepulciano

Hotel Monteverdi Tuscany

Via di Mezzo, 2, 53047 Castiglioncello del Trinoro SI

Phone: +39 0578 268146

*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.

Program includes:

•2 nights at the St. Regis Hotel Florence including breakfast – Run of the House room

•1 night at the Hotel Monteverdi Tuscany, including breakfast – Run of the house room

•Tours and entrances per the itinerary

•Transfers as indicated in the itinerary

•1 lunch

•2 dinners

•1 pecorino cheese tasting in Pienza

•1 wine tasting in Montepulciano

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program excludes:

•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, and gravel or 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. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: 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. Land 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. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.