Gems of Tuscany Tour & Italy, France, Spain Cruise

Your exploration of Tuscany and the Mediterranean begins at London St Pancras by meeting the Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager before a Eurostar journey to Paris. Travelling in Plus class, we're served a light meal at our seats as we travel to the French capital.

Changing trains in Paris, we continue our journey by First Class rail across France, passing the Italian Alps on our way to the northern city of Turin, where we spend the night. After checking in to our hotel in the heart of Turin's historic centre, we gather for a three-course dinner at a nearby restaurant.

• Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

After breakfast, your morning is free to explore the nearby attractions of Turin.

Shortly after midday, we walk to the railway station for our First Class journey to Florence. On arrival, we are transferred by coach to Montecatini Terme, our base for the next seven nights. This picturesque spa town is set in Tuscan countryside and split into two parts. The lower town is known as Montecatini Terme, while on the hill above us is the Old Town of Montecatini Alto.

Our beautiful family-run hotel is in Montecatini Terme and has been offering guests a warm welcome for many generations. After some free time to settle in, we gather for dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's nothing like the feeling of waking up in Tuscany, and today you are free to see more of Montecatini Terme independently.

Heading out into the town, you may wish to visit the 18th-century Terme Tettuccio, where you can sample the different healing waters and look around its lavish Liberty architecture, marble-lined pools, fountains and Art Nouveau tiles.

The historic quarter above us, Montecatini Alto, is an enchanting place to explore, and can be reached by a funicular railway, which runs late into the evening. Here, you can find piazzas, pavement cafés and two charming Romanesque churches. Montecatini Alto also offers an excellent choice of eating places, from relaxed osterias to traditional ristorantes.

• Breakfast

Today is a holiday highlight as we travel by rail to the Renaissance city of Florence. We enjoy a guided tour of the city's treasures, including the red-tiled Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, the famous 14th-century bridge.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Apart from breathtaking buildings and pretty piazzas, the city is the world capital of Renaissance art, which you can find in its many galleries, churches and Medici palaces. If you're planning to visit the Uffizi gallery it is important to book ahead.

We make our return journey by train then walk the short distance to our hotel where we dine together this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we travel by rail to the walled city of Lucca, where you are free to explore for two hours. There's an included option to hire a bicycle for a gentle ride along the ancient ramparts.

Lucca is also a pleasure to explore on foot. The maze-like centre has an impressive Duomo and the Piazza Anfiteatro, formerly a Roman amphitheatre. We regroup for a leisurely three-course lunch in a local trattoria.

This afternoon we continue by rail to Pisa, where we tour the famous Field of Miracles to view the iconic Leaning Tower and Romanesque Duomo. We return to Montecatini Terme by train at the end of the afternoon, where you are free to dine independently.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today begins with a coach excursion into the Tuscan countryside, among ochre-coloured hills, dotted with cypresses and secluded farmhouses.

Our destination is San Gimignano - an extraordinary medieval hill town known for its many towers that has led to it being dubbed the 'Medieval Manhattan'. We have free time over lunch and into the afternoon to explore this absolute gem of a Tuscan town.

Later this afternoon, we visit the Renaissance-era Il Borgo Machiavelli, set in around 600 acres of glistening vineyards and olive trees. Once home to Niccolò Machiavelli, we look around the museum and the cellar before a holiday highlight. In a glorious setting, we indulge in drinks and dinner in quintessential Tuscan surroundings.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's another opportunity to get to know Montecatini Terme at your own pace.

If you haven't already discovered it, you could visit Montecatini Alto, the medieval old town. Here, you can admire views across the Tuscan hills and wander among the ancient townhouses, churches and medieval walls before choosing a café in which to enjoy lunch. Another appealing option is to make the most of the frequent rail service to visit the coastal resort of Viareggio (50 minutes), the city of Bologna (two hours), or possibly to revisit Florence or Lucca.

For dinner this evening you are spoilt for choice for places to eat, in both Montecatini Alto or the town centre.

• Breakfast

Another highlight of the holiday awaits today as we drive to medieval Siena, where a labyrinth of narrow streets opens out onto sun-kissed piazzas.

Starting at the Santa Barbara Fortress, our guided tour takes us past the Duomo, with statues by Donatello and Michelangelo. Our tour ends at the city's most famous sight, the incredible Piazza del Campo - a grand, shell-shaped piazza that is the site of the world-famous Palio horse races, an extraordinary event which the city has celebrated since the 17th century. After our tour, there's time to wander Siena's ancient streets independently.

We return to our hotel at the end of the afternoon and this evening we gather for dinner to mark our final night in wonderful Tuscany.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we travel by coach to Viareggio, where we board the train to Civitavecchia.

On arrival, you are transferred to your Azamara ship, where you say farewell to your Tour Manager and are welcomed by the friendly and attentive crew. With a smaller capacity than most other ocean and sea cruise ships, these vessels can get closer to ports than their counterparts allowing for a more immersive experience. Once settled in, make use of the ship's enticing facilities, including an outdoor pool, spa and gym.

All meals and a house drink package are included on your cruise, and you can enjoy dinner as you set sail into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Find out more about your ship here:

• Azamara Journey
• Azamara Onward

• Breakfast, Dinner

Throughout the cruise, you can enjoy a selection of optional excursions at each port of call (payable onboard). Today, you dock in Livorno, where your ship stays here overnight, providing ample opportunities to discover the city.

This historic port on the western coast of Tuscany is often called the 'gateway to central Italy', providing great access the region.

Returning to the ship this evening, enjoy world-class cuisine in one of the six restaurants, before savouring a cocktail ahead of the night's onboard entertainment.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With a full day in Tuscany before your 8pm departure, you can unwind and use the ship's facilities. Browse the onboard boutiques or enjoy a game of shuffleboard. Head to the sun deck to unwind or take a dip in the outdoor pool.

Heading out into Livorno, explore the city's history while strolling past the canals of the charming New Venice district, located around the 14th-century Old Fortress.

Back onboard this evening, enjoy dinner in the restaurants which offer a different menu each day.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Having left Italy last night, you arrive in the tiny principality of Monaco this morning. A sovereign state of just under one square mile, Monaco boasts some of the planet's most expensive real estate.

Famous for its luxury lifestyle, Monte Carlo is home to grand boulevards, designer boutiques and the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino. You might step inside to admire its ornate interiors or simply take in the atmosphere of the surrounding Place du Casino.

Down by the harbour, admire the opulent yachts moored in Port Hercule, or explore the winding streets of Monaco-Ville, the old town, where you'll find the Prince's Palace and scenic gardens with views across the Mediterranean.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the oldest city in France, Marseille* has a timeless spirit and a vibrant energy. Founded by Greek settlers in around 600 BC, the Vieux Port district is a great place to explore and indulge in fine food and drink.

Take a stroll around this atmospheric district lined with fishing boats and quaint cafés, perfect for soaking up the city's mediterranean charm. You might also choose to visit the impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde, which offers panoramic views over the city and coastline, or explore Le Panier, Marseille's oldest neighbourhood, with its narrow streets, street art and artisan shops.

*Please note: on the 22nd October 2027 departure, we will dock at Nice today.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nestled between Marseille and Toulon, the port of Sanary-sur-Mer* is located on the Côte d'Azur and is considered to be the sunniest town in France, with a beautiful coastline dotted with small beaches.

Explore the palm-lined harbour with yachts bobbing in the brilliant-blue water or step into its cobbled backstreets to uncover timeless scenes and local handicrafts. At the Musée Frédéric-Dumas, you can learn about the history of scuba diving which was pioneered in this area by Dumas and his close friend, Jacques Cousteau.

Back on board this evening, enjoy dinner and entertainment as you sail overnight towards Spain.

*Please note: on the 22nd October 2027 departure, we will dock at Marseille today.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Having sailed across the Mediterranean overnight, you reach the Costa Brava port of Palamós this morning.

Separating a sandy beach and a marina, the rugged headland of Palamós is lined by narrow alleyways called carrers. Enjoy a quintessential slice of Catalan culture while walking through this historic port, dotted with ornately decorated churches, or visit the Fishing Museum to gain an insight into the seafaring traditions.

This evening, return to your Azamara cruise ship for your final evening aboard. Enjoy dinner and the onboard entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge, indulge in a cocktail at the sociable Discoveries Bar or relax with a good book in the Drawing Room.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the dazzling sights of Tuscany to the azure waters of the Mediterranean, this combination of signature GRJ escorted tour and Azamara cruise began with seven nights exploring the towns and cities of one of Italy's most cherished regions. Rich with Renaissance history and grand medieval architecture, the views of Florence's Duomo, Pisa's Leaning Tower and San Gimignano's majestic skyline have revealed Tuscany's timeless charm. Setting sail from Rome around the coasts of Italy, France and Spain, you encountered famed resorts and hidden gems, while cruising in luxury on an Azamara ship.

Arriving in Barcelona this morning, enjoy breakfast before disembarking. After you say farewell to the friendly crew, you are transferred to Barcelona airport ready for your flight to the UK, where your holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast