Tuscany & Cinque Terre

Welcome to Tuscany, internationally renowned for its wineries tucked amongst the gently rolling hills. Meet your trip leader and your fellow travelers and kick off your tour with a Tuscan-wine tasting lunch at a historic winery in the Chianti region, where you’ll savor a wine tasting paired with local specialties. In the afternoon, the group will head to charming Lucca for a guided tour of your first stop. Here, you will explore Lucca’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls and charming historic center with cobbled streets and Romanesque churches, before settling into a trattoria for a special welcome dinner.

Today, you’ll travel to Volterra, a charming hilltop town rich in Etruscan history and artisan tradition. Here, you’ll visit a local alabaster workshop, where skilled craftsmen shape this luminous stone into delicate sculptures and decorative pieces. Watch the artistry unfold and gain insight into a centuries-old craft that has made Volterra renowned throughout Tuscany and beyond. Next, you’re off to Pisa to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower, a world-famous architectural wonder standing beside the stunning Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery in the grand Piazza dei Miracoli. Admire the intricate Romanesque details and snap a classic photo with the tilting tower.

Begin your day with a fascinating tour of the marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo once sourced stone for his masterpieces. The scale and beauty of the quarries are truly awe-inspiring. Afterward, travel toward the coast to the charming seaside town of Sestri Levante, nestled along the Italian Riviera. With its pastel-colored buildings, stunning beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.

Enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the breathtaking Ligurian coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and colorful seaside villages. Your first stop is Camogli, a picturesque fishing town known for its charming harbor, pastel buildings, and authentic local flavor. Stroll the narrow streets or sip coffee with a sea view before continuing to the glamorous village of Portofino. Famous for its luxury yachts and elegant boutiques, Portofino also offers waterfront cafés perfect for soaking up the Riviera charm.

Spend the day touring the vibrant beauty of the Cinque Terre, a string of five colorful villages clinging to the rugged cliffs of the Ligurian coast. Each village offers its own charm to discover, with quaint harbors, fresh seafood, and picture-perfect streets. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at pesto-making with a local expert, learning to craft this iconic sauce using fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. It’s a flavorful way to taste Liguria’s rich heritage, as you’ll see yourself when you feast on the fruits of your labor at lunch.

Today, journey to the lively port city of Genoa, a hidden gem of the Italian Riviera bursting with history, character, and charm. Max, co-owner of Ciao Andiamo and a proud Genovese, will personally introduce you to his hometown’s rich culture and vibrant energy. Stroll through the historic center—Europe’s largest medieval old town—where winding alleyways reveal Baroque churches, bustling markets, and Renaissance palaces. Discover Genoa’s maritime legacy, sample local street food like focaccia and fresh pesto, and experience the city through the eyes of a local. With Max as your guide, Genoa truly comes alive.

Today, dive into Genoa’s vibrant food scene guided by Max, co-owner of Ciao Andiamo, who will share local flavors and hidden gems, including a traditional Genovese lunch at one of his favorite restaurants. Be part of the famiglia as Max takes you to his favorite places in town. Wander through lively markets filled with olives, cheeses, and Ligurian specialties before settling in at a cozy café for a sweet canestrello cookie paired with espresso. This delicious journey offers an authentic taste of Genoa’s culinary heart.

Arrivederci! Today, your tour comes to a close – but not before one last wine tasting in Piedmont along the way to Milan for your flight back home. Or if you wish to extend your stay, you can continue on to your next Italian destination, be it the Dolomites, the Lakes, or another one of the country’s many treasures.

We bid you arrivederci and buon viaggio!