Discover Tuscany WITH ALEX POLIZZI
Enjoy the Renaissance charms of fabulous Florence with the popular TV presenter, explore Tuscany’s beautiful countryside and stay in five-star luxury on our exclusive new 10-day trip to Italy
If you adore Italy and want a unique insight into one of its most beautiful and beguiling regions then this is your chance to join fellow readers and our special guest – the popular TV presenter Alex Polizzi – on an exclusive new 10-day trip to Tuscany. Alex, star of The Hotel Inspector, will be your guide to some of Florence’s unforgettable sights, including the Piazza del Duomo, with Brunelleschi’s remarkable cupola, the superb Franciscan basilica of Santa Croce and the nearby Piazza della Signoria, one of the city’s most photogenic civic spaces. After an extended break in this inspirational destination, you will spend three nights exploring the irresistible Tuscan countryside, with visits to Siena and either Lucca or Pienza, depending on your departure dates.
THE HIGHLIGHTS SEE THE BEST OF TUSCANY
You’ll be staying in Florence, the magnificent Tuscan capital, for six nights and will have plenty of time to marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia, walk over the iconic Ponte Vecchio and enjoy a taste of la dolce vita in Florence’s many trattorias, gelaterias and wine bars. You’ll also take a day trip to the atmospheric hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the ‘medieval Manhattan’ of Tuscany, and drink Chianti in Chianti. You will then visit Siena, home of the iconic Palio horse race and enjoy a walking tour taking in the magnificent Duomo. You will spend three nights in either Lucca (June departure) or Pienza (September departure). Those in Lucca will enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the Tuscan city, including visits to the striking cathedral and San Giovanni church. A stay in Pienza will include a day trip to the fortified hill town of Montalcino, as well as lunch at the beautiful La Foce estate.
MEET ‘THE HOTEL INSPECTOR’
In Florence, you will be joined by Alex Polizzi, granddaughter of the hotelier Lord Forte, for two days of this exclusive trip. Alex trained at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong and worked for Marco Pierre White at the Criterion, as well as Rocco Forte Hotels around the world, before presenting The Hotel Inspector on Channel 5. She feels a close connection to Italy, having explored her Italian heritage for two popular television series: Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy and Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands. Alex will accompany you on a private walking tour of some of her favourite places in Florence and join you for a special drinks party and dinner, after which she will give an exclusive talk about her life, career and love for this extraordinary region. Alex says: ‘I love Italy and return several times a year – Florence is one of my favourite cities. I’m looking forward to joining you there.’
STAY IN STYLE
Throughout your time in Florence, you will be staying in style at the elegant and luxurious Montebello Splendid, a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the city. In Lucca (June departure), you’ll stay at the small family-run Albergo San Martino, situated inside the city walls. In Pienza (September departure), you will stay at the four-star Relais II Chiostro di Pienza, a former Franciscan convent dating back to the 13th century.
‘I love Italy and return several times a year – Florence is one of my favourite cities. I’m looking forward enormously to joining you there.’