Spoil yourself with traditional Tuscan life, for which even everyday pursuits are an art form. Then savor delicious seafood while contemplating the magnificent coastal sunsets. Enjoy cycling or walking in the fertile Tuscan farmlands in the heart of the Chianti. Surrounded by the cypress trees and olive groves that make Tuscany an agrarian wonderland you lose your sense of time amongst fields of red poppies and sunflowers. Then transfer to the Cinque Terre coast for hikes along the magical secluded stretch of the Italian Riviera that harbors five isolated pastel fishing villages.
Day 1 & 2: Making of Wine, Olive Oil & Honey: In the heart of the Chianti Classico region, near an ancient market town, we spend two nights on a beautifully restored farmhouse/winery. We bicycle or walk along the country roads and trails lined by oak groves, vineyards and farmlands as we pass through the tiny villages of the region and occasionally stop to sample the Chianti Classico. Visit an ancient abbey highlighting the craft of wine, honey and olive oil production as it has been refined there for centuries, then a private winery tour ends a perfect day.
Day 3: Etruscans & Medieval Towers: Soft colorful landscapes featuring fine lines formed by the numerous vineyards, gently rolling hills and fields of sunflowers are unforgettable. We visit the Etruscan tombs of 700 B.C. and the charming wine making towns in Chianti before our first glimpse of the medieval skyscrapers of San Gimignano and a chance to try, the world's finest gelato. We dare you to find better.
Day 4: Italy’s Most Beautiful Square: Our day's activity takes us to Siena, ancient arch-rival of Florence. At the home to the "Palio" horse race and what many think is the most beautiful square in the world, we discover a unique blend of Medieval & Renaissance treasures amongst colorful cafes and shops. Our trail crosses through serious wine country, passing several abandoned farmhouses and hamlets. Our destination is the famous Castello di Brolio, once home of the Iron Baron before being taken over by the Ricasoli wine family in the 11th century. It was their formula that defined Chianti wines for the region.
Day 5: Turquoise Sea & Marble Mines: During our transfer we tour Pietrasanta and the studios of the many international sculptors that gather here or Pisa's Leaning Tower. Then from Carrara, capital of the marble trade, we climb the roads covered in white marble dust to take a closer look at the surreal mines and break for lunch at a tiny miner's village that commands spectacular views of the region. Arriving at the blue green Mediterranean we stretch our legs along a beautiful coastal path before enjoying and excellent seafood feast.
Day 6: The Five Fishing Villages: We transfer to the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore, to hike into a region whose beauty is accented by colorful fishing ports surrounded by steeply terraced vineyards and olive & lemon groves--beautifully striking. Hike within the five villages at your preferred pace and distance.
Day 7-8: Camogli Loop & Portofino National Park: From one of the world's most picturesque towns, Camogli, we hike through lush gardens and olive groves as we make our way along a trail carved into the cliffs that leads us into another charming village only accessible by foot or boat. Along the way we explore an ancient Abbey and the "Christ of the Depths," an underwater seafarers' honorarium before our trail leads us into the justly renowned village of Portofino. We transfer on day eight to Sestri Levante station
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
* Outstanding Tuscan farm/winery stay, 3-star inns & (3) nights coastal 4-star w/ breakfast
* (5) full course dinners & (1) picnic lunch
* Wine tastings & winery tour
* Private Siena City tour, tour Etruscan tombs & visits to important hamlets & Abbeys
* Visit marble mines of Carrara & option to visit Pisa's leaning tower
* See all 5 village of Cinqueterre, Portofino & more
* Bike Rental, accessories, route notes, maps and sag snacks and water
* All tour transfers including meet/depart, van support while biking and luggage transfer
* All boats & trains on Cinqueterre
* Multi-lingual guides
* All entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
Also see tour packages in:
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Italy
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