Hotel Ambasciatori Palace

If you want to explore further afield on your summer holiday, then many of Tuscany's best towns are close by. Fill your days with trips to Florence, Siena and Pisa. Don't forget the lesser-known places too. You can escape the crowds in little towns like Fosdinovo and Collodi.

While it's easy to get around by train to some of the major cities and towns, you can't beat putting on your walking boots and heading out into the hills. There are some fantastic countryside views to be found.

In July, don't miss the Lucca Summer Festival, a huge outdoor concert for music lovers. It's a great event for dancing the night away. Or, if books and food are more your speed then try out the annual Food and Book Festival in Montecatini Terme in May.

Discover the biggest medieval town in Tuscany, Siena. Visit the unique Cathedral, piazza del Campo and Accademia Musicale Chigiana. Take a beautiful drive through the Tuscan vineyards and olive-groves to San Gimignano. The famous town of the towers dates back to the Etruscan period. You'll also have the opportunity to try some of the region's best wines.

Details: Departs on Thursday and Sundays. The pick-up and drop off point for this excursion is the Tourist Information Office located in the centre of town. This is a short walk away from all of our hotels.

Accessibility: Not suitable for guests with limited mobility and accessibility requirements.

Visit the home town of the Medici family and look out for works by incredible Renaissance artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael as you explore Florence on a walking tour with our local guide. The tour lasts around two hours and is followed by an introduction to the Uffizi Gallery (payable locally), where you can discover even more great works of art. 

Details: Departs on Fridays. The pick-up and drop off point for this excursion is the Tourist Information Office located in the centre of town. This is a short walk away from all of our hotels.

Discover some of the most picturesque seaside villages in the Mediterranean. You'll see the UNESCO protected coastline from the water on a boat trip. Explore the colourful fishing villages of Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso and have free time for shopping or even a swim. Don't forget your camera!

Details:

• Departs on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• The pick-up and drop off point for this excursion is the Tourist Information Office located in the centre of town. This is a short walk away from all of our hotels.
• Discounts available for guests aged 65+ when booked locally.
• This excursion is only bookable locally between 20-27 May 2025.

Accessibility: Not suitable for guests with limited mobility and accessibility requirements. 

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Visit a family-run wine estate for a guided wine tasting with the experts. Try the best Chianti wines accompanied by tasty Tuscan snacks like bruschetta, cured meats, and local extra-virgin olive oil. During the excursion you’ll also have time to explore the medieval village of Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.

Details: Departs on Mondays and Wednesdays. The pick-up and drop off point for this excursion is the Tourist Information Office located in the centre of town. This is a short walk away from all of our hotels.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Cook up a storm! Learn how to make home-made Italian pasta like ravioli or gnocchi and discover the secret to the perfect tiramisu. You’ll then enjoy the food you’ve prepared accompanied by a glass of Tuscan wine.

Details: Departs on Mondays. Return taxi transfers to the Tuscan Farmhouse are payable on the spot locally for an additional fee (approx. €55 per person). You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Take a special guided tour of an olive oil farm to learn how the delicious extra-virgin olive oil is produced. Explore the 200-year-old olive groves on the terraces above Montecatini and enjoy fantastic views over the spa town while you try the finest quality olive oil and herbal tea with olive leaves.

Details: Departs on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.