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The Enviroment:
Miracles of Tuscany and Liguria
Itnerary 9 days
Day 1 Arrival at Florence airport, where you will be met by your tour escort and transferred to Hotel 4**** (3 nights), located in the center of the historic district of Lucca, the most beautiful city in northern Tuscany Afternoon free for your own explorations and shopping.
Day 2 Lucca is rich in history – Roman origins, medieval and renaissance power and wealth. This morning our local guide will walk us through these eras, from Imperial times to the Lucca of the 1800’s, a century that began with the reign of Elisa Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon. We’ll explore the walls and fortifications, the piazzas and palazzos of Lucca’s many transformations. Afternoon visit to two lovely renaissance villas north of the city.
Visit The Teatrino of Vetriano, the smallest theatre in the world. FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano
Day 3 Today we head to the hills above Lucca, through olive groves, vineyards and small hamlets for a 7 kilometer walk along the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrim route from northern Europe to Rome. Mid-route
we’ll stop for an olive oil tasting at a 17th century farmhouse. A refreshing lunch with local wines at a village bar/café follows. Afternoon free in Lucca.
Day 4 a.m. departure for a fascinating guided tour of the marble quarries and a sculpture studio at Carrara, home of Italy’s famous white marble - the source of many of Michelangelo’s most famous creations. We’ll have lunch in the mountains high above Carrara in the village of Colonnata, known for its unique production of lard. Then, the spectacular Cinque Terre – we’ll be staying in Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost of the
five villages. The hotel (3 nights) perched on a cliff with lovely gardens and extraordinary sea views.
Day 5 This morning we’ll ride the train back to the first village, Riomaggiore, and do a two hour walk through Manarola to Corniglia. Explore Corniglia, have lunch and return by train to Monterosso or continue your hike
on to Vernazza (90 minutes). Rest of the afternoon and evening on your own.
Day 6 After a short morning coach trip to Rapallo, we’ll board a ferry for scenic voyages to San Fruttuoso, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. At San Fruttuoso we’ll visit a most interesting 9th century abbey. In Portofino, you can admire the yachts in the beautiful harbor, climb to the castle, visit the gardens, walk to the lighthouse, or enjoy overpriced shopping. Santa Margherita is a lovely seaside resort, with garden villas and grand hotels. Evening free back in Monterosso.
Hotel Abbadia di San Giorgio Liguria - Moneglia
Visit FAI Abbazia di San Fruttuoso - Camogli - Portofino
Day 7 Morning visit with local guide to the Square of Miracles at Pisa, the most amazing architectural complex in the world. After climbing the Leaning Tower and lunch, we’ll head for the olive covered hills east of
Pistoia to Hotel Il Convento or simila (two nights), an early 19th century monastery. Late afternoon trip to the historic district where you’ll have time on your own before a food and wine pairing dinner at Pistoia’s fines restaurant.
Day 8 A.M. departure to Florence where we’ll meet our local guide for the Michelangelo Sculptures Tour, which includes visits to the Accademia and Bargello museums. Afternoon free for your own explorations before returning to Pistoia. Farewell dinner in the hotel refectory.
Hotel in Florence 5***** Helvetia&Bristol Royal Demeure Group
Day 9 End of tour - transfer to Florence aeroport.
Included:
- pickup at Florence airport; - 8 nights, 4 star hotel accommodations; - all breakfasts, 3 dinners & 2 lunches; - full-time professional tour escorts; - all ground transportation; - drop-off at Florence airport or train station
Plus:
- walking tours with local guides in Lucca, Pisa & Carrara; - Teatrino di Vetriano; - Villa Grabau & Villa Reale; - olive oil tasting in Petrognano; - 7 km Northern Hills Medieval Walk; - artists’ studio and marble quarry visits at Carrara
- Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre; - boat trip to Portofino; - San Fruttuoso Abbey; - Il Duomo, Baptistery & the Leaning Tower at Pisa; - Michelangelo Sculptures Tour in Florence, including the Accademia museum &
the Bargello |
