dossier

Highlights of Tuscany

Day 1: Arrive in La Spezia
We meet you at Pisa airport and take you to the lively coastal town of La Spezia (75 mins) where we spend the next three nights. Time for a stroll before a welcome drink and dinner.

Day 2: Portovenere & the Poets’ Gulf 6km/4mi/2.5hr
This morning we charter a small boat to the nearby island of Palmaria, now a nature reserve. Here we follow a circular path around the island and are rewarded with spectacular views of the Gulf of Poets and nearby islands. After a picnic lunch we head back to explore the charming seaside town of Portovenere. Set in a beautiful sweeping bay (great swimming), and once the haunt of Byron and Shelley, it boasts an impressive C16 castle and several mediaeval churches.

Day 3: Cinque Terre Walk  8km/5mi/3.5hr
Today we discover the heart of the beautiful Cinque Terre following the Via dell’Amoreto Manarola. Then past farmers working their precipitous vine terraces with “funicular” railways to reach Volastra where we’ll picnic by the small chapel. We descend to Comiglia for a well deserved swim before returning by ferry to enjoy stunning views over the five lands.

Day 4: La Spezia to Florence
After breakfast we set off for Florence (75 mins), stopping off at Pisa along the way to see the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the extraordinary 14CTrionfo della Mortefrescoes in the Camposanto.  Then Florence: you can visit the Uffizi gallery and Bargello, Duomoand Baptistery (pay locally).  There’s plenty of time to relax on a café terrace or hunt for bargains in one of the city’s leather markets before returning to our central hotel where we stay for 2 nights.

Day 5: Florence and Fiesole
Free time in Florence in the morning perhaps taking in the Boboli Gardens, then a short trip to Fiesole, originally an Etruscan settlement (part of the city wall and Roman theatre remain).

Day 6: Florence to San Quirico d’Orcia
Today we head south to the village of San Quirico d’Orcia, stopping for coffee in the mediaeval fortified village of Monteriggioni, then lunch in Pienza. Time for a swim in the hotel’s pool before dinner.

Day 7: Etruscan Walk  10km/6mi/5hr or 17km/10mi/7hr
It’s like stepping back in time today as we walk south through truly unspoilt countryside, taking in fabulous views of Tuscan hill villages, castles and ruins, before arriving at the thermal spa town of Bagno Vignoni where we have lunch. The hot spring basin here was an important Etruscan site, and consecrated to the Nymphs by the Romans. There’s the option to spend the afternoon at the thermal swimming pool and take the bus back to your hotel.

Day 8: Siena
For many, Siena is simply the most beautiful city in Italy. We start at the Campo to admire probably the most harmonious town square in the world. The market is on this morning which gives a lively bustling atmosphere. Then we visit the Civic Museum and 14C Cathedral. On our way back we enjoy a spot of wine and olive oil tasting at the Neri’s farmhouse in the heart of the Sienese countryside.

Day 9: Towers of San Gimignano
Today, San Gimignano, one of Europe’s best-preserved mediaeval citadels. The town is famous for its towers, built by quarrelsome neighbours to outdo each other. We climb the highest for a spectacular view. Then on to the immaculately preserved Mediaeval town of Lucca where we spend the next 2 nights. Time to explore its Roman streets, Mediaeval walls and Forum before dinner.

Day 10: Grotta del Vento & the Apuan Alps 6km/4mi/3hr
A short drive north, to reach the majestic splendour of the Apuan Alps. We visit the Grotta del Vento, one of Europe’s most extensive cave networks to discover the alabaster draperies, emerald green underground lakes, limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then a woodland path lined with sweet chestnuts, beech and oak trees takes us to a woodland stream where we picnic. Then past Sorgente delle Turritewhere there is an old water mill, then fantastic views over the chain of Alps as we descend to the tiny village of Fornovalasco, and return to Lucca.

Day 11: Leave Lucca
We take you to Pisa airport after breakfast.