Marilyn Foster: Veni, Vidi, Vici: Come see and conquer Tuscany in 2023
Located in the hills of Tuscany, Montecatini Terme is known for its ancient healing thermal waters. Seven nights will be spent in this charming town on the Tuscany tour allowing for easy travel to many major tourism sites.
Ever thought of strolling through the scenic vineyards of Tuscany or learning to cook paella in Valencia, Spain? Or spending New Year's Eve 2022 celebrating in a Paris cabaret, my friend? Maybe you can see yourself strolling on the storied white sand beaches of Phuket in Thailand which sounds mighty nice right now. You can easily make these thoughts a reality when you travel with the Chamber Travel Club. There seems to be quite the pent-up demand for international travel now that all the testing impediments have been lifted, and I am finding that when a new Chamber Travel Club trip is announced, it’s almost sold out right away. There are just so many seats a tour operator can book on each trip, so if you are thinking about traveling internationally next year, book the trip! In my last articles, I wrote of the amazing Spain tour that captured the attention of quite a few travelers. So much interest, in fact, that we had to request more space. And, the Thailand discount of $200 pp has been extended until Aug. 3. What an amazing price this tour is. I’m particularly excited about our newest trip announcement that will surely be a winner for those who love wine, amazing Northern Italian cuisine, art, history, and breathtaking scenery. We are going to explore Tuscany and what a trip this is going to be! Tuscany is the cradle of the Renaissance and known all over the world for art and culture that defines Italy. The first piece of good news is that you will be avoiding the crowded airport in Rome, instead flying into Florence which is only about an hour or so north of Montecatini Terme. Here you will spend seven nights in the same hotel in this famous spa town popular since the time of the Romans for the healing thermal waters. Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, this charming town will serve as the base for daily excursions. The second piece of great news is we will be enjoying this renowned wine region during the traditional harvest time. The tour departs Reno on Sept. 13, returning on Sept. 21 and our first dinner is an introduction to the wines of the region followed the next day visit a local winery. You’ll visit the charming walled city of Lucca, the birthplace Giacomo Puccini, the most famous composer of all time. It was here he created his most famous operas including Madame Butterfly, Tosca, and La Boheme. Every picturesque alley in Lucca waits to be explored and photographed. You’ll visit Borgo a Mozzano and the famous medieval Devil’s Bridge also known as the Ponte della Maddalena so named because the builder called upon the devil when he found he could not complete the bridge himself. Your guide will regale you with endless stories. You’ll be able to take a selfie at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, step back in time in the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Gimignano, and tour fabulous Florence to include a visit to Michelangelo’s David followed by a walking tour of the many wonderful sites in this artistic city. Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without a cooking class! While you will be guided through much of Tuscany, there will be some time on your own to do what you wish — or take an optional excursion to the colorful Cinque Terre, the five medieval fortified fishing villages overlooking the Italian Riviera. Another option is to travel south to gothic Siena, home to the famous Palio horse race conducted in the center square. Or, just enjoy a spa day. Whatever you decide, we urge you to see and conquer! The Collette Vacations price of $3,649 per person double includes r\t air from Reno, seven nights first-class hotel, 10 meals to include three dinners, touring, and more. Details can be found by logging on to www.carsoncitychamber.com and scrolling to the Travel Club page. While there, peruse all the travel offerings. Want to stay longer or go earlier? That, too, can be arranged! Or, simply call 775-882-1565. I love traveling with the Chamber Travel Club and have made many wonderful travel friends. I just returned from enjoying Colorado and will venture to Mackinac Island with another group in early October. One is never too old to enjoy seeing the world. Marilyn Foster is so happy to be able to enjoy traveling again and always has a trip or two preplanned. She will be 93 in mid-January and has so much yet to see.
