Amber Road Tours

Tuscany-Liguria

9 days/8 nights

• Day 1

  Arrival at Florence airport, where you will be met by your tour escort and transferred to Hotel Ilaria (3 nights), located in the center of the historic district of Lucca, the most beautiful city in northern Tuscany (see map). Afternoon free for your own explorations and shopping. Alternatively, you could hop on one of the hotel’s bicycles to explore the city or ride the 4 kilometer ramparts that encircle Lucca. At 7pm welcome meeting & aperitifs, followed by dinner at one of Lucca’s best restaurants, La Buca di Sant’Antonio.

• Day 2

  Lucca is rich in history – Roman origins, medieval and renaissance power and wealth. This morning our local guide will walk us through these eras, from Imperial times to the Lucca of the 1800’s, a century that began with the reign of Elisa Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon. We’ll explore the walls and fortifications, the piazzas and palazzos of Lucca’s many transformations. Afternoon visit to two lovely renaissance villas north of the city.

• Day 3

  Today we head to the hills above Lucca, through olive groves, vineyards and small hamlets for a 7 kilometer walk along the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrim route from northern Europe to Rome.  Mid-route we’ll stop for an olive oil tasting at a 17th century farmhouse. A refreshing lunch with local wines at a village bar/café follows. Afternoon free in Lucca.

• Day 4

  A.M. departure for a fascinating guided tour of the marble quarries and a sculpture studio at Carrara, home of Italy’s famous white marble - the source of many of Michelangelo’s most famous creations. We’ll have lunch in the mountains high above Carrara in the village of Colonnata, known for its unique production of lard. Then, the spectacular Cinque Terre – we’ll be staying in Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost of the five villages. Our hotel is the Porto Roca (3 nights) perched on a cliff with lovely gardens and extraordinary sea views.

• Day 5

  This morning we’ll ride the train back to the first village, Rio Maggiore, and do a two hour walk through Manarola to Corniglia. Explore Corniglia, have lunch and return by train to Monterosso or continue your hike on to Vernazza (90 minutes). Rest of the afternoon and evening on your own.

• Day 6

  After a short morning coach trip to Rapallo, we’ll board a ferry for scenic voyages to San Fruttuoso, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. At San Fruttuoso we’ll visit a most interesting 9th century abbey. In Portofino, you can admire the yachts in the beautiful harbor, climb to the castle, visit the gardens, walk to the lighthouse, or enjoy overpriced shopping. Santa Margherita is a lovely seaside resort, with garden villas and grand hotels. Evening free back in Monterosso.

• Day 7

  Morning visit with local guide to the Square of Miracles at Pisa, the most amazing architectural complex in the world. After climbing the Leaning Tower and lunch, we’ll head for the olive covered hills east of Pistoia to Hotel Il Convento (two nights), an early 19th century monastery.  Late afternoon trip to the historic district where you’ll have time on your own before a food and wine pairing dinner at Pistoia’s finest restaurant.

• Day 8

  A.M. departure to Florence where we’ll meet our local guide for the Michelangelo Sculptures Tour, which includes visits to the Accademia and Bargello museums. Afternoon free for your own explorations before returning to Pistoia.  Farewell dinner in the hotel refectory.

• Day 9

  End of tour - transfer to Florence.