Itinerary , 7 days/6 nights
The beaches and the cliffs of the Etruscan Coast, a less known corner of the most classical Tuscany, where the scents of the Mediterranean scrub, of wild sage, the vineyards that produce one of the most famous wines in the world, will intoxicate you. And again, the strong flavours of a fish-based cooking, a fish soup that is unique in its ingredients and in its preparation. The wine-food-culture trail ends up with an oil tasting session in the Tuscan California, once the land of the Etruscans.
Day 1
Departure from Pisa by coach. Visit of the city along the banks of the river Arno, the world-famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the city centre with Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Clock Tower, Santa Maria della Spina.
Lunch with tasting of Tuscan bruschetta and certified wines at Vicopisano.
In the afternoon, tour of Vicopisano, the chartherhouse in Calci, the Romanesque basilica with the opposing apses in San Piero a Grado. Free dinner.
Day 2
Visit of Livorno, the picturesque district of Venice, the Medicean fortresses, the seafront, the Fattori Museum.
Free lunch. In the afternoon, boat excursion through the canals of the picturesque district of “Venice” and excursions on the hills up to the sanctuary of Montenero. In the evening, dinner with “cacciucco” a famous spicy fish soup with a tasty sauce poured over toasted garlic bread.
Day 3
The morning of the third day is spent visiting the holiday resort of Castiglioncello, surrounded by a huge pinewood, with beaches and coves. Lunch with fish dishes in a restaurant along the coast.
In the afternoon, transfer to Casale Marittimo, a small mediaeval village offering a magnificent view of the hills sloping down to the coast. Snack with local cakes. Free dinner.
Day 4
Free morning. Optionally, spa treatments at Grand Hotel Tombolo, where the visitors will stay for the night. In the afternoon, tour of Bolgheri with tasting of the wines of the Etruscan Coast. Dinner with traditional meat dishes, cheese and dressed pork products matched with excellent local wines.
Day 5
The first part of the day is spent visiting one of the most prestigious wine makers of the area, near Castagneto Carducci, tasting of wines from Val di Cornia. Free lunch. Free afternoon. In the evening, typical dinner in a local farm.
Day 6
Tour of the archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia to discover the mysteries of the Etruscan civilisation.
Lunch with Tuscan appetisers. In the afternoon, excursions to the archaeological area of Pitigliano and Sovana with a stop in an oil mill for a tasting of extra-virgin olive oil in the so-called Tuscan California. Farewell dinner in a farm.
Day 7
Free morning. End of tour and transfer to Pisa airport
Information
Accommodation: 6 nights in 3- 4 or 5 star hotels (2 nights in Pisa, 4 in Castagneto Carducci)
Price includes: 6 nights in a double room in 3- 4 or 5 star hotels, on a B&B basis, all transfers as described in the itinerary, tour guide and/or tour leader, admissions to museums-monuments, 7 meals, information materials.
Not included: anything not covered under “Price includes
Price starting at euro 1.300 per person
