Days: 7 days/6 nights
A match between the typical seaside flavours of Versilia and the more pungent ones of the land of Val d’Orcia, where the wind that in morning runs towards the sea comes back, warmer, to the land in the evening. On the hills, secluded villages and monuments of extraordinary charm overlook oak woods, olive groves and vineyards, where the great wines of these regions of Tuscany are produced.
Day 1
Departure from Pisa or Florence for Lucca. Accommodation in a hotel in Lucca. Lunch in a typical restaurant and tour of the city, whose walls are still perfectly preserved today, with a historical centre of incomparable beauty: the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Martin with the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, one of the most significant works of Italian sculpture of all times, the tower of Palazzo Guinigi and the breath-taking Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. In the afternoon, wine tasting at a wine-maker in Montecarlo di Lucca. Free dinner.
Day 2
After breakfast visit of a place usually not allowed for tourists : right into the heart of the Apuan Alps, the ‘Carrara Marble Mountains’.
With special permits our Jeeps drive you directly into the marble quarries high above sea level. Breathtaking views down to the nearby shore up to Portovenere the ‘entrance’ of the 5 Terre on one side, on the other the highest summits of this rocky chain of mountains.
You will remember this day for the rest of your life!
After the tour you cannot miss a tasting of the lardo (speck) from Colonnata , worked and stored in murble basins.
Return to the hotel dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 3
Departure for Val d’Orcia and accommodation in a hotel at San Casciano dei Bagni. Tour of the historical city centre: the Basilican church dating back to 1000 AD. Free lunch. In the afternoon, tour of the village of Celle sul Rigo, with its thirteen-century tower and breath-taking views. Relax at the spa of the hotel and dinner.
Day 4
Visit of the spectacular fortress of Radicofani, offering an unforgettable view of the whole valley of
Val d’Orcia and the castle. The tour continues in San Quirico d’Orcia, with its Romanesque-style Collegiate
Church. Free lunch. In the afternoon, tour of Bagno Vignone, with its wonderful watering square and the
park of the mills, carved into travertine rock and fed by spa waters. Return to the hotel and dinner.
In the afternoon, tour of Bagno Vignone, with its wonderful watering square and the park of the mills, carved into travertine rock and fed by spa waters. Return to the hotel and dinner.
Day 5
Visit of Pienza, whose name means “Pius’s city”: no doubt, of the designs that Piccolomini thought of after becoming Pope, the design of his ‘city’ was the only one to be completed. Free lunch. In the afternoon, visit of a local cheese factory, then transfer to Montepulciano, famous for the huge proportions of its Renaissance buildings and Vino Nobile wine. To end the day on a cheerful note, visit of and wine tasting at a wine maker. Return to the hotel and dinner.
Day 6
All day is spent in relaxing activities, with optional spa treatments, including the ‘Etruscan bath.
Day 7
Breakfast and end of tour, with optional transfers to the airport in Pisa and/or Florence.
Information
Accommodation: 6 nights in 3 , 4 or 5 star hotels (2 nights in Lucca, 4 in San Casciano dei Bagni)
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. Registration fee and compulsory insurance not included.
Not included: anything not covered under “Price includes
Price starting at euro 1.400 per person
