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2008 
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To see the Cinque Terre villages perched on the cliff tops above the Mediterranean and discover the hidden magic of Monterosso was like stepping back in time. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Vickie Regan, Zurich, Switzerland
'Charming Italia’ in Spring or Autumn
Lucca and Pisa in Tuscany and Cinque Terre, Liguria
The Itinerary
This tour of Tuscany offers you a memorable experience into the heart of Italian lifestyle, regional food and wines and enchanting towns and countryside. In our small escorted tour group we will share with you the culture, history, landscape and traditions of two unique regions of Italy - Lucca, Tuscany and Cinque Terre, Liguria. We explore the untourist path and open doors to the essence of Tuscany and the magic hidden behind the tourist trail……….. and we have time to really appreciate and enjoy our destinations - the Italian way.
Lucca - the Medieval Walled City
Upon arrival at Pisa Galileo Galilei airport you will be met by your hosts and transferred to your hotel, the beautifully restored Villa Bottini, inside the walls of the historic city of Lucca. We spend time exploring this charming (pedestrians only) city with its gracious villas, palaces and tree-lined medieval walls. We'll dine in restaurants known for their traditional Lucchese food, wine and hospitality, take our evening ‘passeggiata’ (stroll) down the high street with it's ancient shop fronts and merchandise on a par with Florence and if you're a music lover you can enjoy a not to be missed evening of Puccini music in the Basilica San Giovanni. Lucca's ancient Roman foundations are still visible in the Amphitheatre and in the Romanesque basilicas. Its remaining medieval ‘campanile’ (bell towers) are evidence of the many wealthy merchants who built them. As you stroll or cycle around the walls you have extraordinary views of this beautifully preserved city and its traditionally elegant daily life.
Cinque Terre - the Ligurian coast
Our waterfront hotel in the Cinque Terre is in the charming old fishing village of Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost of the Cinque Terre (five lands). The village is protected by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves and its beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystal-clear water, make this one of the most charming villages on the Ligurian Riviera.
From Monterosso we will travel by motor launch to the other 4 villages that are built along a sheer rocky coastline with terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea, and take a guided walk along the centuries old footpaths and mule tracks about 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea. Each village has its own character, and hidden magic as you will discover - and they are only a few minutes apart by train or boat if you don’t feel like walking. 
We will spend a day in enchanting Santa Margherita and visit Portofino with its fortress castle and characteristic, painted small village. Dining on traditional Ligurian fare you can try seafood pasta or risotto and when we visit Portovenere you can try a much loved favourite – a pan of anchovies and potatoes, with local DOC wines.
The Majesty of old Pisa
Leaving Cinque Terre we return back to the Pisani Hills for our last night which we spend in our beautifully restored hotel offers a comfortable, relaxed environment. Enjoy the extensive gardens, take a swim in the pool or stroll through the grape vines and olive trees to explore the village. Discover the majesty of the ancient Maritime Kingdom of Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli inside the fortress walls with its magnificent Medici Cathedral and its famous ‘leaning’ bell tower.
On our last night we celebrate all things deliciously Italian at a Tuscan farewell dinner.
At the end of our tour you will be transferred to Pisa Galileo Galilei airport for your ongoing destinations.
'Charming Italia' Tour |
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What |
(10 days/9 nights) |
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When |
2009 - date to be advised |
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What's Included |
mostly 4 star accommodation, most meals, all transport and tour guides |
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Where |
Lucca, and Pisa in Tuscany and Cinque Terre in Liguria |
| Who should come |
Everyone who wishes to experience the good life ............'la bella vita' - the Italian way! |
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