Tuscany to Cinque Terre: Wines, Villages & Unforgettable Walks

Arrive in Florence at any time. Meet your CEO and fellow travellers in the evening at a welcome meeting.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Optional Experiences

• Medici Chapels Visit: Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family. (9-32 EUR per person)
• Ponte Vecchio Visit: Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
• Piazzale Michelangelo Walk: Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

Start the day off with a walking tour of Florence seeing all of the famous sites like the Centro Storico, Giotto’s bell tower, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi. It’s onwards to the Cinque Terre region. On the way the group will stop in Lucca for a guided walk through this medieval town.

Included Experiences

• Florence Orientation Walk With a local guide: Head out for a walk through the heart of Florence with a local guide.
• Lucca Guided Walking Tour: Discover medieval Lucca on foot with a guided walking tour. Stroll atop the 17th-century city wall, still fully intact! Visit the 12th-century Duomo of San Martino. Pass by the Guinigi Tower and see Puccini’s birthplace.

Enjoy breakfast before taking a short train ride to the village of Monterosso, the starting point for today’s activities. From here, you may opt to take a scenic hike along the breathtaking coastal trails of Cinque Terre. Enjoy the free day to explore at your own pace. You might sign up for a hands-on food-making class, book a relaxing boat trip, or wander along other coastal and inland paths that showcase one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of Italy. Spend the morning discovering the five iconic towns of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre:Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza. If you choose not to participate in the optional hike, your Cinque Terre National Park pass will still be available, allowing you to explore all five towns independently by train and on foot.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend the day in your own paradise. Stroll the beaches, walk along the coastal paths, find a delicious restaurant overlooking the water. Or if you'e feeling more adventurous find a boat tour or go kayaking in the sea. No matter what the medieval fortresses and buildings covered with vines and vibrant colours will make this day memorable.
• Monterosso to Vernazza Hike: The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza winds through olive orchards and vineyards and is rocky in places, but offers superb views of the bay. Moderate Elevation Gain: 200m
• National Park Pass and Unlimited Train Ticket: Use the included Cinque Terre National Park pass and unlimited train ticket to explore this stunning stretch of coastline by train. Travel easily between the five villages, taking in breathtaking views, colorful cliffside towns, and the sparkling Ligurian Sea along the way.

Optional Experiences

• Pesto Making Class: Learn the art of cooking with this traditional Ligurian sauce.
• Cinque Terre Inland Hike: Venture onto one of the inland and much higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland. The views are not constant, thanks to the trees, but when you come across a vantage point the panorama is truly breathtaking. Fewer tourists venture up here so the villages are unspoiled and retain a lovely sense of tranquility.
• Cinque Terre Boat Trip: Take in the beauty of Cinque Terre’s five colourful villages while cruising along the Ligurian Sea. Witness the steep hillsides and terrain covered in olive groves and grape vines.

A full free day to enjoy the marvels of Cinque Terre. Opt to visit the town of Portovenere or join a pesto-making demonstration in Manarola. You could also spend some time shopping, wine tasting, cafe-hopping, and beach walking if you’re craving more relaxing vibes. Kayaking, boat tours, and hiking are always available.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend the day walking, shopping, beach lounging, or traveling to Portovenere, the "sixth" town in Cinque Terre.

Optional Experiences

• Visit Portovenere: Travel to Portovenere, known as the "sixth" Cinque Terre town. This picturesque coastal village overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia and is known for its natural beauty and charming historic center. Spend time exploring the area before returning to La Spezia in the late afternoon.
• Cinque Terre Inland Hike: Venture onto one of the inland and much higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland. The views are not constant, thanks to the trees, but when you come across a vantage point the panorama is truly breathtaking. Fewer tourists venture up here so the villages are unspoiled and retain a lovely sense of tranquility.
• Pesto Making Class: Learn the art of cooking with this traditional Ligurian sauce.
• Cinque Terre Boat Trip: Take in the beauty of Cinque Terre’s five colourful villages while cruising along the Ligurian Sea. Witness the steep hillsides and terrain covered in olive groves and grape vines.

After breakfast, travel to North Chianti region. En route the group will stop in Pisa briefly to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After, continue driving through the stunning Tuscan area and enjoy an included dinner tonight with the group in North Chianti.

Included Experiences

• Visit Pisa: Wander the area and take photos to your heart's content. Opt to enter the Pisa Cathedral, or enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Wake up in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. In the morning, hike the stunning trails around Villa Pitiana and immerse yourself in the beauty of the region. In the afternoon enjoy an included wine tasting and delicious dinner with the group.

Included Experiences

• Hike Villa Pitiana: Explore the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany on a picturesque hike that begins from your accommodation. Enjoy the serene vistas as you walk through lush olive tree plantations. Terrain: gentle slopes, smooth asphalted roads, and well-maintained pathways. Elevation gain: 197m
• Free Time: Explore the area on your own during a free day. Enjoy the Tuscan hillside villages and find a cozy cafe to grab a bite to eat or opt for a bike tour around town.
• Wine Tasting: Enjoy a wine tasting at the agriturismo. Learn about the local grape varieties, wine making process, and have a sample (or two).

Travel to Florence by private vehicle. Tour ends upon arrival at the train station.