Tuscan discovery

If you’re not quite ready to make it to Italy for a European spring sojourn, then perhaps an autumnal Tuscan trip sounds appealing. Combine a Mediterranean cruise with four nights in Tuscany for an earthy, Italian experience.

Fly Qantas to Pisa airport and be transferred to your San Gimignano hotel, but not before you enjoy an exclusive climb up the famous Leaning Tower.  As you settle into your hotel on the edge of the Piazza della Cisterna, you will see this medieval town is dominated by 13 towers.

After a dinner of local specialities and a good night’s rest, it’s off to market to take in the buzz and browse the produce on offer. Don’t be afraid to ask for a taste before you tour the town at your leisure.

Florence is the next beautiful city on your agenda and your historian guide will accompany you on a walking tour of Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and of course, the Ponte Vecchio. No trip to Florence would be complete without a visit to the Galleria dell’ Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David.

Before you join your Mediterranean cruise, enjoy a short drive to the medieval town of Siena, the site of Tuscany’s celebrated Palio festival. After a day of sightseeing, a Tuscan dinner will be served in a rustic, hillside restaurant, with plenty of music and wine to enjoy.

Your seven days at sea will take you away from Italy to experience the pleasures of France, Spain and Tunisia, ensuring you sample the best each country has to offer. Excursions through Villefranche Sur Mer, Valencia, Ibiza and Catania are just some of the options available. For more details of this cruise, visit MSCCruises.com.au.

This fantastic value package departs Australia on 9 October 2012, with Qantas Airlines from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. Prices are from just $4798 per person. For more details visit the MSC Cruises website or call 1300 028 502.