Tuscany
Tuscany is a charmed land, equally blessed by the genius of man and nature,
and often by the combined efforts of both. Think of the vineyards: rows of baby
green vines that manage somehow to march in arrow-straight formation up the
gently rolling hillsides, bounded by single files of darker green cypress trees,
snaking sandy roads leading to rust-colored farmhouses and moss-coated castles,
symmetrically rounded hilltops surmounted by towns so homogeneous as to seem
one single building. Every inch of land has been sculpted, first by the elements
and then by generations of inhabitants whose goals were always twofold: make
the land produce as much as possible, make the land as beautiful as possible.
Tuscany enchants us today because it holds together as a region, from the tiniest
hamlet to Florence the Magnificent. For the living proof, take a short walk
one day along the sides of the Belvedere in Florence: you will leave behind
the traffic and suddenly find yourself strolling down quiet lanes bounded by
tall stone walls, cypress trees and creamy-colored villas.
Pienza
Head south through sun-kissed Tuscany to Pienza and indulge in delicate wines and savory Tuscan dishes! Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pienza was rebuilt and was once called Corsignano. This historical village is the birthplace of Pope Pius II who even during his time enjoyed the spectacular views of Italian Renaissance gardens and grand Gothic architectural designs. Pienza was the envy of all Italian cities. Lively, sculpted and awe-inspiring for many of its visitors then and now. Travelers can stroll through the cobbled lanes of Corso Rossellino, enter into the grandeur of the Duomo or stroll through the garden of Val d'Orcia.
Volterra
A distinct shadow of Etruscan past, Volterra is perched at an elevation of almost 2,000 ft/609 m. It was one of the original neolithic settlements in the area, dating back to the ninth century B.C.
Its Duomo offers visitors the chance to see baroque paintings, terra-cotta nativity figures in the Lady Chapel (Cappella dell'Addolorata) and carved portraits of Volterra's Saints.
Palazzo dei Priori is the Gothic town hall and one of the oldest standing structures of its genre in Tuscany. Florence's Palazzo Vecchio was modeled after Volterra's.
To explore the town's Etruscan past, visit Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, one of the world's best-curated collections of Etruscan treasures. For more ancient ruins, Teatro Romano contains Tuscany's best-kept ancient Roman remains, including theaters, baths and the original gateway to Etruscan Volterra, Porta all'Arco.
Volterra also has a Civic Museum, which serves as the town's main art and culture gallery, exhibiting vast collections of paintings by local artists from the 12th to 17th centuries. The building itself is a splendid representation of Renaissance architecture, and there is a nicely manicured courtyard inside.
Cinque Terre
Explore the ruggedly beautiful Ligurian villages of Cinque Terre. With their steep-walled coastal cliffs, the villages of these "Five Lands" are perched high above the sea, commanding spectacular views. Accessible by boat, railway or on foot, Cinque Terre has remained relatively isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, which has helped to retain the medieval look of the "Five Lands." San Pietro, a 13th-century church, stands above a grotto named after Lord Byron. Part of the structure dates back as far as the 6th century. Brightly painted with black and white stripes, this striking landmark can be spotted from far out at sea. From the terrace enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia and the hills of Cinque Terre.
Excursions
Cinque Terre from Livorno - 9 hours
Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Livorno port.
This pleasant driving through a wonderful portion of coast of the Italian Riviera to Riomaggiore is about 2hours.
Five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria, two promontories lying at each extremity, thousands of miles of dry valleys, cultivated into vineyards, five southerly villages castled up on spurs of stone or disposed in clusters in very small inlets. These are the Cinque Terre (Five lands), recognized as National Park in 1999 and as UNESCO protected territory in 1997, as a system of naturalistic and environmental interest. This zone is characterized by the presence of precipitous slopes cultivated into vineyards by a system of terracing, the only evidence of transformation operated by the laborious human activity on the territory.
The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore form the renowned Cinque Terre. We know, from archaeological findings, that man has inhabited this stretch of coastline since very early times. Jewelers and decorated shells are some of the traces left behind by prehistoric man.
You will meet your private English speaking hiking guide in Riomaggiore and learn how to move from one village to the other by train, boat or through a pleasant walk.
Unforgettable places for an unforgettable day
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Livorno Port
Highlights:
- Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore
Tour Duration: 9 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: medium/high
Inclusions:
· Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
· 4 hour expert English-speaking hiking guide
· Train and boat tickets
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
Lucca
A lovely and unspoiled walled city, Lucca once enjoyed a position of power in Italy second only to Florence. Today, it's famous as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, as well as for its silks and olive oil, and it has become a favorite spot for artists and writers.
When in Lucca, do what the locals do: Enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the town's best sights. Spend some time walking along the city's ramparts, 3 mi/5 km long and wide enough to have grassy lawns and an occasional park bench. In town, take a walk down the medieval streets, stopping at the 14th-century Duomo San Martino to see Nicola Pisano's Descent From the Cross and the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, who witnessed the Crucifixion, and is one of medieval Europe's most famous relics.
Walk down the Via Fullungo, which cuts through the middle of town leading to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a former oval Roman theater now lined with buildings. The original amphitheater retains its structure 6 ft/2 m below the road, with remains still visible in the buildings and shops surrounding the plaza.
Although you can see Lucca in half a day, you may want to linger to soak in its tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the many fine restaurants.
Florence
The creative explosion of the Italian Renaissance happened right here, leaving petite Florence more art treasures than most national capitals. View the masterworks of local heroes like Michelangelo and Botticelli, visit countless unforgettable basilicas, then climb up into Brunelleschi's soaring dome to watch the sun set among cypress-clad Tuscan hillsides.
Tuscany is a charmed land, equally blessed by the genius of man and nature,
and often by the combined efforts of both. Think of the vineyards: rows of baby
green vines that manage somehow to march in arrow-straight formation up the
gently rolling hillsides, bounded by single files of darker green cypress trees,
snaking sandy roads leading to rust-colored farmhouses and moss-coated castles,
symmetrically rounded hilltops surmounted by towns so homogeneous as to seem
one single building. Every inch of land has been sculpted, first by the elements
and then by generations of inhabitants whose goals were always twofold: make
the land produce as much as possible, make the land as beautiful as possible.
Tuscany enchants us today because it holds together as a region, from the tiniest
hamlet to Florence the Magnificent. For the living proof, take a short walk
one day along the sides of the Belvedere in Florence: you will leave behind
the traffic and suddenly find yourself strolling down quiet lanes bounded by
tall stone walls, cypress trees and creamy-colored villas.
Head south through sun-kissed Tuscany to Pienza and indulge in delicate wines and savory Tuscan dishes! Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pienza was rebuilt and was once called Corsignano. This historical village is the birthplace of Pope Pius II who even during his time enjoyed the spectacular views of Italian Renaissance gardens and grand Gothic architectural designs. Pienza was the envy of all Italian cities. Lively, sculpted and awe-inspiring for many of its visitors then and now. Travelers can stroll through the cobbled lanes of Corso Rossellino, enter into the grandeur of the Duomo or stroll through the garden of Val d'Orcia.
A distinct shadow of Etruscan past, Volterra is perched at an elevation of almost 2,000 ft/609 m. It was one of the original neolithic settlements in the area, dating back to the ninth century B.C.
Its Duomo offers visitors the chance to see baroque paintings, terra-cotta nativity figures in the Lady Chapel (Cappella dell'Addolorata) and carved portraits of Volterra's Saints.
Palazzo dei Priori is the Gothic town hall and one of the oldest standing structures of its genre in Tuscany. Florence's Palazzo Vecchio was modeled after Volterra's.
To explore the town's Etruscan past, visit Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, one of the world's best-curated collections of Etruscan treasures. For more ancient ruins, Teatro Romano contains Tuscany's best-kept ancient Roman remains, including theaters, baths and the original gateway to Etruscan Volterra, Porta all'Arco.
Volterra also has a Civic Museum, which serves as the town's main art and culture gallery, exhibiting vast collections of paintings by local artists from the 12th to 17th centuries. The building itself is a splendid representation of Renaissance architecture, and there is a nicely manicured courtyard inside.
Explore the ruggedly beautiful Ligurian villages of Cinque Terre. With their steep-walled coastal cliffs, the villages of these "Five Lands" are perched high above the sea, commanding spectacular views. Accessible by boat, railway or on foot, Cinque Terre has remained relatively isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, which has helped to retain the medieval look of the "Five Lands." San Pietro, a 13th-century church, stands above a grotto named after Lord Byron. Part of the structure dates back as far as the 6th century. Brightly painted with black and white stripes, this striking landmark can be spotted from far out at sea. From the terrace enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia and the hills of Cinque Terre.
Excursions
Cinque Terre from Livorno - 9 hours
Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Livorno port.
This pleasant driving through a wonderful portion of coast of the Italian Riviera to Riomaggiore is about 2hours.
Five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria, two promontories lying at each extremity, thousands of miles of dry valleys, cultivated into vineyards, five southerly villages castled up on spurs of stone or disposed in clusters in very small inlets. These are the Cinque Terre (Five lands), recognized as National Park in 1999 and as UNESCO protected territory in 1997, as a system of naturalistic and environmental interest. This zone is characterized by the presence of precipitous slopes cultivated into vineyards by a system of terracing, the only evidence of transformation operated by the laborious human activity on the territory.
The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore form the renowned Cinque Terre. We know, from archaeological findings, that man has inhabited this stretch of coastline since very early times. Jewelers and decorated shells are some of the traces left behind by prehistoric man.
You will meet your private English speaking hiking guide in Riomaggiore and learn how to move from one village to the other by train, boat or through a pleasant walk.
Unforgettable places for an unforgettable day
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Livorno Port
Highlights:
- Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore
Tour Duration: 9 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: medium/high
Inclusions:
· Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
· 4 hour expert English-speaking hiking guide
· Train and boat tickets
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
A lovely and unspoiled walled city, Lucca once enjoyed a position of power in Italy second only to Florence. Today, it's famous as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, as well as for its silks and olive oil, and it has become a favorite spot for artists and writers.
When in Lucca, do what the locals do: Enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the town's best sights. Spend some time walking along the city's ramparts, 3 mi/5 km long and wide enough to have grassy lawns and an occasional park bench. In town, take a walk down the medieval streets, stopping at the 14th-century Duomo San Martino to see Nicola Pisano's Descent From the Cross and the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, who witnessed the Crucifixion, and is one of medieval Europe's most famous relics.
Walk down the Via Fullungo, which cuts through the middle of town leading to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a former oval Roman theater now lined with buildings. The original amphitheater retains its structure 6 ft/2 m below the road, with remains still visible in the buildings and shops surrounding the plaza.
Although you can see Lucca in half a day, you may want to linger to soak in its tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the many fine restaurants.
The creative explosion of the Italian Renaissance happened right here, leaving petite Florence more art treasures than most national capitals. View the masterworks of local heroes like Michelangelo and Botticelli, visit countless unforgettable basilicas, then climb up into Brunelleschi's soaring dome to watch the sun set among cypress-clad Tuscan hillsides.