The weather in Italy couldn’t have been more glorious when I traveled with Trafalgar to see the sights of Rome and Tuscany in September: blue-sky days and comfortable temperatures. But the temperate climate only enhanced what is a marvelous vacation any time of year.

This trip is wonderfully relaxing: after one night in Rome and morning sightseeing in the capital city, we traveled by motorcoach to the Tuscan hills and a grand hotel in Montecatini for six nights. What a pleasure to spend a long time in one room without having to unpack my suitcase multiple times!

From Montecatini, which has marvelous marble spa baths that date back to the fourteenth century, we took several day trips to neighboring towns. It was a delight to drive through the scenic Tuscan countryside, with its vineyard, cypress trees, villas and rolling hills. We visited many open-air food markets, which was a great way to learn about everyday life in Tuscany.

The ancient town of San Gimignano took us back to another age with its many medieval towers and winding, narrow streets. I enjoyed my authentic Italian meal on the Piazza del Campo in Siena—I imagined myself watching the famous horse race, “The Palio.”

With two full days at leisure in Montecatini, I had many optional excursions to choose from. I particularly enjoyed a boat ride on the Italian Riviera. We ferried past Cinqueterre, five little villages built right on the rocks between the beach and a hill. For many centuries, these charming villages were only accessible by donkey!

And what’s a trip to Italy without admiring its famous art? From the leaning tower of Pisa to the galleries and churches in Florence, it surrounds you. Seeing historic works of art from some of the world’s most amazing artistic geniuses can’t help but turn any visitor to Italy into an admirer of fine art.