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Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast
Tour Description:
From under the Tuscan sun to the Italian Riviera, embark on a journey that fills your senses with art, cuisine, wine, and the best of nature – from rolling Tuscan hills with vineyards of grapes and olives to the magnificent Mediterranean Italian Riviera, lined with fragrant gardens along a picturesque coastline... And you are suddenly, you are living la dolce vita...
Our 8-day journey brings extraordinary experiences, from nature to knowledge. Bicycling atop the walls of Lucca... or walking through the medieval alleys of Siena. It's laughter. It's sharing, such as vino made from grapes in the vineyards you've just explored. It's about becoming a part of day-to-day Italy... learning to cook Italian-style... savoring the extraordinary beauty of nature from Portofino along the Mediterranean's Italian Riviera... exploring villages of Cinque Terre National Park, overlooking the sea... and going off-the-beaten-path for an Italian cultural connection unlike any other.
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Dates & Pricing
| Tuesday 07 May 24 — Tuesday 14 May 24 | Starting at $6,990 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 09 May 24 — Thursday 16 May 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 16 May 24 — Thursday 23 May 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 21 May 24 — Tuesday 28 May 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 23 May 24 — Thursday 30 May 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 30 May 24 — Thursday 06 Jun 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 06 Jun 24 — Thursday 13 Jun 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 13 Jun 24 — Thursday 20 Jun 24 | Starting at $8,040 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 03 Sep 24 — Tuesday 10 Sep 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 05 Sep 24 — Thursday 12 Sep 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 10 Sep 24 — Tuesday 17 Sep 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 17 Sep 24 — Tuesday 24 Sep 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 19 Sep 24 — Thursday 26 Sep 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 24 Sep 24 — Tuesday 01 Oct 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 26 Sep 24 — Thursday 03 Oct 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 01 Oct 24 — Tuesday 08 Oct 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 03 Oct 24 — Thursday 10 Oct 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 08 Oct 24 — Tuesday 15 Oct 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 10 Oct 24 — Thursday 17 Oct 24 | Starting at $7,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 15 Oct 24 — Tuesday 22 Oct 24 | Starting at $6,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingFrom under the Tuscan sun to the Italian Riviera, embark on a journey that fills your senses with art, cuisine, wine, and the best of nature – from rolling Tuscan hills with vineyards of grapes and olives to the magnificent Mediterranean Italian Riviera, lined with fragrant gardens along a picturesque coastline... And you are suddenly, you are living la dolce vita...
Our 8-day journey brings extraordinary experiences, from nature to knowledge. Bicycling atop the walls of Lucca... or walking through the medieval alleys of Siena. It's laughter. It's sharing, such as vino made from grapes in the vineyards you've just explored. It's about becoming a part of day-to-day Italy... learning to cook Italian-style... savoring the extraordinary beauty of nature from Portofino along the Mediterranean's Italian Riviera... exploring villages of Cinque Terre National Park, overlooking the sea... and going off-the-beaten-path for an Italian cultural connection unlike any other.
Highlights
Small groups from 22 – 26 guests for a more personal travel experience
Private, early-opening visit to Florence's Basilica di Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and more
In Florence, explore the fabulous Uffizi Galleries on an after-hours guided visit
Learn to cook Italian style when you join local chefs in Lucca for a hands-on lesson in pasta making with a wine and olive oil tasting
Spend two nights along the Italian Riviera at an elegant hotel that was once a private villa, a perfect setting to enjoy the magnificent scenery in the region.
Explore Cinque Terre National Park's coastal paths amidst breathtaking views
If you wish, join us for a bicycling tour atop Lucca's well-preserved walls
Enjoy a docent-led visit at La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey renowned for its stunning gardens overlooking the sea.
Attend a wine and olive oil tasting in Tuscany
ITINERARY
ITINERARYWelcome to Florence
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Helvetia & Bristol. A transfer is included from the Peretola Airport to the elegant Helvetia & Bristol. Join us this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner.
Santa Croce & the Uffizi Galleries
Michelangelo's shadow looms large in Firenze. Sightseeing begins today with an early-opening, private morning visit of the 15th-century Basilica di Santa Croce. Dubbed the "Temple of Italian Glories," Florence's answer to London's Westminster Abbey is filled with the tombs of major Italian legends – including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, Machiavelli, and more, along with a statue that inspired the Statue of Liberty. Florence's Renaissance heart makes yours beat a little faster as you ramble through it with your Florentine guide, then discover some of the city's masterpieces on a guided visit to the fabulous Uffizi Galleries – without crowds; the Uffizi is Europe's oldest art gallery, founded by the Medicis to display their countless treasures, today housing some of the world's most beloved art. Today you'll understand how art and history are inextricably intertwined in Florence.
A day in the Tuscan countryside
Your day begins with exploration of the Sienese countryside south of Florence with a local guide; you'll view some of the prettiest landscapes in Tuscany boasting rolling hills, vineyards, and hilltop towns, and visit the charming Renaissance town of Pienza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This evening, join us for a special apericena at your hotel in the Wine Cellar, dating back to the 13th century.
Carrara Marble & on to Cinque Terre National Park
Awaken in beautiful Siena; accompany your local guide to discover Siena's many architectural treasures on a walking tour – including its black-and-white Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. You'll see the Piazza del Campo – where the famous Palio bareback horse race has been held twice every year for centuries – Palazzo Salimbeni, Palazzo Tolomei, Torre di Mangia, Santa Maria della Scalla and more. Spend the afternoon exploring as you please, or join us at Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo to view the world's first secular fresco, Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, followed by free time.
Cooking, cycling and tastings
Head to the walled town of Lucca for either a bicycle* tour led by a local guide or a guided walk. This medieval city's surviving Renaissance-era, red-brick walls shut out traffic and the modern world… leaving a peaceful community that still revolves around its original Roman street plan, encircled by a delightful, tree-lined promenade. And because it's topographically flat – unlike most Tuscan towns – Lucca is a cyclist's dream. One of the best ways to explore this historically powerful and culturally rich city is by bicycle... and, led by your local guide, you'll do just that – down its narrow lanes… across its ancient piazzas… even along the top of its massive walls. At a local agriturismo, enjoy a hands-on lesson with local chefs, an olive oil and wine tasting, and a pasta-making class.
Cinque Terre National Park
Weather permitting, ride a ferry along the coast to one of five remote fishing villages strung like jewels along the coast – Cinque Terre National Park, "the five lands." They're now linked to the outside world by rail, but for centuries were accessible only by sea… or on foot, the best way to appreciate life in what is truly a world of its own.Enjoy lunch and some time to explore, and then head north by a local train. Arrive in the small town of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera for a two-night stay.
Portofino and a garden visit
Ferry this morning to the small fishing village of Portofino, revered by artists and writers for its stunning Mediterranean setting; if you wish, walk up the steep climb to Castello Brown for amazing views overlooking the port. This afternoon, enjoy a docent-led visit at La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey renowned for its stunning gardens overlooking the sea. Join us this evening for a farewell reception at your hotel, followed by dinner.
Arrivederci, Italy
Tour ends: Genoa. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Imperiale Palace Hotel to Genoa Airport, Peretola (an approximate 60 minute drive), or Genoa train station, or you can post-stay in Genoa (ask at booking). Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
