Magical Tuscany & Liguria - 7 Days

Start your charming journey with with pick-up at 7:15 am from meeting point in Hotel St. Martin. Traverse through the captivating provinces of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany until you reach the enchanting town of Montepulciano—an immaculate medieval jewel immersed in a rich tapestry of history and artistry. Montepulciano is celebrated for its esteemed "nobile" wine, which can be acquired from the town's esteemed wine houses. Additionally, this town plays host to an annual jazz and wine festival every July. Take some unhurried hours to explore Montepulciano at your own pace, partake in complimentary wine tastings at various establishments, and relish in leisurely moments for shopping and lunch (not included).
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Subsequently, embark on the next leg of your adventure to the scenic town of Pienza, often hailed as the crown jewel of the Val d’Orcia region. Revel in free time to meander through this alluring town, meticulously crafted by Pope Pius II—a humanist pope—intending to embody the quintessential Renaissance town. As the day progresses, arrive in Montalcino, the elevated town that lends its name to both the region and its renowned wines. Here, you can amble along the fortress walls, the very site where valiant soldiers of the Republic of Siena made their last stand against Florence during medieval conflicts.
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The journey continues with an exclusive wine-tasting experience at Enoteca la Fortezza. Established in 1980, Enoteca la Fortezza proudly stands as one of Montalcino's earliest wine bars. Revel in the nuanced flavors of Brunello di Montalcino wine, including Rosso di Montalcino, 2017 Brunello di Montalcino, and 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. These exquisite wines are complemented by local culinary delights and the renowned Pecorino cheese. Finally, make your way to Siena for an overnight stay, culminating a day filled with unparalleled experiences and cultural immersion.

Commence your day with a delectable breakfast served at the hotel. Subsequently, venture into the captivating Chianti hills, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring panoramas of verdant forests, endless rows of vineyards, and charming medieval hamlets. The delightful town of Greve, celebrated for its triangular-shaped piazza and as the hometown of the renowned sailor, Verrazzano, awaits your exploration. Take pleasure in leisurely moments discovering local boutiques and vibrant market stalls.
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Later, embark on a brief drive to Poggio al Sole, where a guided tour of the cellars awaits. Immerse yourself in a guided tasting session featuring some of the finest wines, accompanied by a delightful lunch highlighting gastronomic specialties crafted from locally sourced Tuscan ingredients. Delve into the winery's history and gain insight into the art of organic winemaking, tracing the captivating journey of these wines from grape to bottle.
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After a satisfying lunch, devote your afternoon to the nearby medieval hill town of San Gimignano, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the charming town, indulging in a selection of medieval treats such as ricciarelli (almond biscuits) and panforte (a rich and luscious fruit cake). Take your time to explore the town at your own leisurely pace before returning to Siena for a tranquil overnight stay.

After a delightful breakfast, get ready for an enthralling experience as you meander through the enchanting medieval lanes of Siena. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of splendid palaces and the magnificent Piazza del Campo, renowned globally as one of the most beautiful town squares, famous for hosting the ancient 600-year-old horse race, "Il Palio." Following this captivating visit, relax during a scenic drive to Florence, where you'll have the liberty to explore the "Cradle of the Renaissance."
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Florence, with its roots tracing back to Etruscan-Roman origins, flourished during the Middle Ages as an independent "commune" and later witnessed a cultural renaissance. Discover the city's richness through historical monuments, churches, and architectural wonders, including the awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Fiore, affectionately known as the Duomo. Be prepared to be captivated by the magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Just a few steps away, you'll encounter the campanile tower, partly designed by the renowned artist Giotto, and the Baptistery, adorned with bronze doors famously named the "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo. In the heart of the city, explore the renowned Piazza della Signoria, the imposing Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the majestic Basilica of Santa Croce. Revel in leisurely moments strolling along Florence's cobblestone streets at your own pace before proceeding to Lucca.
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Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at the hotel, where you'll enjoy a tranquil overnight stay, marking the end of a fulfilling day.

After a delightful breakfast, set out on a captivating walking tour to explore one of Tuscany's most cherished and artistically enriched cities: Lucca. The numerous attractions of Lucca bear witness to its ancient history, and as you traverse the fortified walls, you'll find yourself in the heart of this enchanting destination, often dubbed the "city of one hundred churches" for its plethora of religious buildings, each showcasing magnificent examples of various Italian architectural styles. Over a two-hour guided tour, delve into the city's key monuments and squares along its charming narrow streets.
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Highlights include visits to Piazza di San Michele, adorned by the exquisite Church of San Michele in Foro, the majestic Basilica of San Frediano, the iconic Clock Tower, and the Guinigi Tower. You'll also have the opportunity to admire the historic Piazza Anfiteatro, the well-preserved city walls, and the splendid Cathedral of San Martino. As you bid farewell to Lucca, your next stop is Pisa, offering ample time to explore the renowned Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, marvel at the Leaning Tower (exterior visit), explore the Baptistery (exterior visit), and appreciate other significant monuments. Optionally, take a delightful stroll to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the esteemed Scuola Normale, one of the world's most prestigious universities. Enjoy leisurely moments in this picturesque town before continuing your journey to the next destination, La Spezia, where you'll spend the night.

Breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a memorable excursion to one of the Mediterranean's most unspoiled and expansive regions: the Cinque Terre, embracing the enchanting villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. A visit to the "Cinque Terre" is akin to entering a realm where five small, picturesque villages harmoniously nestle between the rugged coastline and verdant hills. These cliffside villages, surrounded by lush landscapes, boast some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean.
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Connected by historic mule tracks and, until recent times, accessible solely by rail or sea, the Cinque Terre is a captivating destination where every corner reveals something unique. From the vibrant palettes of the houses to the winding paths, and from the terraced vineyards and olive groves to the exquisite local cuisine, this region stands out as one of Italy's most breathtaking. Our journey commences with a bus ride to Levanto, followed by an exploration of the Cinque Terre aboard specially designated local trains, providing ample free time to relish a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we return to La Spezia, where you'll enjoy another serene night.

Commence your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for a scenic bus ride to Rapallo. Upon arrival, indulge in a leisurely stroll toward the expansive harbor, adorned by a charming medieval castle repurposed as an exhibition space. Beyond the harbor, a network of captivating old streets unfolds in a distinctive grid pattern, offering a glimpse into Rapallo's rich Roman heritage. Departing from Rapallo, embark on a picturesque boat journey to explore two enchanting destinations nestled within the Gulf of Tigullio.
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Our first destination is Santa Margherita Ligure, affectionately known as "La Perla del Tigullio," a town embraced by the sea and cradled by mountains. Take in the picturesque port and the presence of numerous luxury hotels. Following this, a brief boat ride transports you to the glamorous town of Portofino, celebrated for its elegance. The city boasts upscale boutiques, and its vibrant streets in the city center create an enchanting atmosphere. Shaped like a crescent moon, this seaside village's beauty has been extolled across the centuries by writers and poets, including Guy de Maupassant. Portofino is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Liguria!
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In the afternoon, we return to Rapallo and later embark by bus for Sestri Levante, where you'll relish a wine and local food tasting experience. After this delightful encounter, we make our way back to La Spezia, where you'll spend the night

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as your tour with us comes to a close. End of our services.