The Flavors of Tuscany with Whistler’s Knoll 2027

September 21, 2027

– October 1, 2027

11 Days

Join Fox World Travel and Globus Vacations on The Flavors of Tuscany with Whistler’s Knoll, a thoughtfully curated journey through Italy’s most beloved regions. Montecatini serves as your home base as you explore the art, history, and culinary traditions of Tuscany and beyond. Experience medieval Lucca on a guided walking tour, visit Pisa’s famed Square of Miracles, and enjoy relaxed countryside meals showcasing authentic local flavors. Travel into the Chianti Valley to explore charming villages and historic estates, then head to Vinci to learn about the life and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci while sampling regional specialties at a local bakery. Scenic drives through vineyard-lined hills lead to Bolgheri and the Etruscan Coast, with time to enjoy tastings and coastal views, followed by a visit to Parma to discover the traditions behind Parmesan cheese and prosciutto. Spend time in Florence exploring its iconic sights, including Michelangelo’s David, and stroll the medieval streets of San Gimignano before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey through one of Italy’s most flavorful regions.

Daily Itinerary

An exciting journey is ahead as we board our overnight flight at Chicago O’Hare to Florence, Italy. Or meet us in Italy if you have booked your own flights.

Arrive Florence, Italy where those traveling on group air will be transferred to your hotel in Montecatini. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Dinner

Visit Lucca, a stunning showcase of medieval architecture and layer upon layer of rich history and culture. Marvel at the beautiful art and tapestry collections at the baroque Palazzo Mansi National Museum, then take a guided walking tour around the Old Town with its fine, intact Renaissance-era wall, cobblestone streets, and café-lined piazzas. A lively café-crawl snack brunch is included, followed by a main course at a local restaurant. Then, your Local Guide will introduce you to the stunning ornamental gardens and grand arched ceilings of Palazzo Pfanner. Travel to the to the historic university city of Pisa to visit the celebrated Leaning Tower of Pisa, before proceeding to the “Square of Miracles” which is partly paved and partly grassed and is dominated by four great religious edifices, the “Duomo”, the “Campanile”, the “Baptistry” and the “Camposanto.” This evening, enjoy dinner in the delightful Tuscan countryside, featuring authentic traditional dishes using the finest local ingredients.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cradled between the provinces of Florence and Siena, the Chianti Valley is the heart of Tuscany and has been hailed for its exceptional wines since the 13th century. Your journey today takes you to Greve, with time to visit the village and to enjoy lunch at a charming wine shop. Complete the day with the visit of a historic Tuscan estate known for its Chianti wine production.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This day is yours to do as you please. You could choose to explore more of the city on your own, to relax and shop for souvenirs, or to join an exciting optional excursion.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, head out into the lush, rolling landscape of the Montalbano hills. Pass terraced grape vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees on your way to the quaint village of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, learn all about the Renaissance master at the museum dedicated to his life and many areas of interest from painting, sculpting, and inventing, to anatomy, music, and cartography! Round up the morning with the visit of a local bakery. Learn how bread is made and enjoy a light lunch with an opportunity to sample local products such as focaccia bread, sandwiches, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil. Return to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel through the vineyard-dotted countryside and along cypress-lined Viale dei Cipressi for your fascinating entrance into enchanting Bolgheri. With its red-brick castle and atmospheric Old Town, it’s not hard to believe Bolgheri jumped right off the pages of a storybook. There’s time here to visit one of the wine cellars and taste Bolgheri’s celebrated Super Tuscan reds. First created in the 1980s, many wine experts believe these now rival French Bordeaux. Later, stop at nearby Castagneto Carducci, known for its splendid panoramic views of the Etruscan Coast. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the chance to sample the local liqueur.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart after breakfast for a drive through the rolling hills of Emilia Romagna to the city of Parma. Your Tour Director will guide you on a walk through the streets of Parma followed by a visit to a Parma Ham Farm. Then enjoy a visit to a Parmesan Cheese Farm before returning to Montecatini for an evening at your leisure.

Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Florence for guided sightseeing including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure with your Tour Director on hand to assist with optional excursions.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast journey through the Tuscan countryside to magnificent walled San Gimignano, named for a bishop who saved the city from Attila the Hun! You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Middle Ages as you glimpse what life must have been like more than 700 years ago. Legend has it that in the 12th century, rival families here began building towers to flaunt their power and wealth. The result was the construction of 72 towers for an impressive medieval skyline and the town’s modern nickname: “Medieval Manhattan”. Enjoy free time to admire some of the remaining towers, to explore the ancient streetscapes, or shop for local specialties such as saffron, Vernaccia white wine, and “Golden Ham.” Return to Florence to celebrate with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our Italian adventure ends today. Enjoy breakfast before your group transfer to the Florence Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels, tour itinerary, and tour inclusions are subject to change.

Tour Highlights

Ride through the lush Montalbano hills to Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci with a visit to the museum dedicated to his life.
Travel to the Chianti Valley and the town of Greve with lunch and visit to a wine shop, followed by a visit to a Tuscan estate known for its Chianti wine production.
Visit to Lucca and its stunning showcase of medieval architecture. Visit the baroque Palazzo Mansi National Museum and a walking tour of Old Town and the stunning gardens of Palazzo Pfanner.
Visit the historic city of Pisa with its iconic Leaning Tower.
Travel through the vineyard-dotted countryside to enchanting Bolgheri. Your visit to this storybook town includes a visit to a wine cellar known for their Super Tuscan reds.
Walking tour of Emilia Romagna with visits to the Parma Ham Farm and Parmesan Cheese Farm.
In Florence, visit the Accademia Museum and the statue of David.
Florence city tour to include the Signoria Square, and Ponte Vecchio.
Tuscan countryside drive to the walled city of San Gimignano with free time to explore its medieval streets.

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group, offering peace of mind as you travel! *

Hotel Accommodations

7 nights in Montecatini at the Palazzo Belvedere or similar
2 nights in Florence at the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo or similar (including all hotel taxes, fees, and luggage handling of one bag per person)

Dining

Daily Breakfast
5 lunches
3 dinners

Transportation

Round trip air from Chicago to Florence, Italy on air and tour package (including air taxes and fees)
Round-trip airport/hotel motorcoach transfers in Italy (when purchasing air and tour package)

Pricing

Air and Tour Package

Airfare from Chicago (ORD) Included
Guided Tour & Inclusions
Airport Transfers in Destination

$7,153.00

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy

Tour Only Package

Purchase Your Own Air
Guided Tour & Inclusions

$5,558.00

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy

Important Information

To book this exciting trip, please call the Appleton Office 920-739-9779.

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Final Payment: No later than June 19, 2027

Requirements: Valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from return date

Not Included: ETIAS Visa (when implemented), Airline flights on land-only packages, airline luggage fees if applicable, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Terms: Minimum of travelers is required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour may still include a professional, local guide in destination. Hotels, experiences, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Air is non-refundable after ticketing. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier`s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays, or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Cancellation Penalties:

From date of deposit to June 19, 2027: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Professional Fee

June 20 – July 16, 2027: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

July 17 – August 16, 2027: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

August 17, 2027 to 0 days prior to travel: No refunds

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.