Explore this beautiful area before the major crowds move in. From ancient Walled towns to colourful fishing villages hugging a rugged coastline connected By walking paths through terraced vineyards. This UNESCO protected region Illustrates how people lived and worked a rugged but extremely beautiful landscape.

Our Program

• 2 nights Lucca
• 5 nights Monterosso (in the 'Cinque Terre')
• 2 nights Santa Margherita

May 14 It is suggested to fly into Pisa - there are frequent shuttles throughout the day into Lucca Our program begins in Lucca, referred to as Tuscany's most graceful walled town, set inside a swathe of Renaissance walls fronted by gardens and huge bastions. We will settle into our hotel (for 2 nights) and enjoy a welcome dinner tonight in at a local restaurant.

May 15 Lucca - This morning we have a walking tour of this amazing city whose structure is and has remained 'Roman-medieval'. It has a fascinating story to tell from its prominence as a major Roman 'municipum', its growth from the middle ages to the renaissance as a major silk marketing town to its feast of classic architecture and famous sons like Puccini. The afternoon and evening are free to wander the maze of streets and explore on your own and to enjoy a walk along the 60 metre wide, tree-topped battlements.

May 16 Today we move over to the coast to Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”) The area is named for five tiny villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore -wedged into a series of coves between sheer cliffs; their comparative remoteness, and the dramatic nature of their postion on a stunning coastline, make them a principal scenic highlight of the whole Italian Riviera. We will spend the next 5 nights at our base: Monterosso. Our hotel is in the 'oldtown' overlooking the beach and the Mediterranean. Dinner is included at our hotel tonight.

May 17 This morning we will take the Cinque Terre train (30 min.)to Riomaggiore where we will explore and enjoy a coffee break before walking (20 min.)to the village of Manarola. Here we will have time for exploring and lunch, then walk (40 minutes) to the next village of Corniglia. After time for exploring we will take the train back to Monterosso.

May 18 This morning we will take the train and bus to Lerici, an upwardly mobile resort of garden villas, seafront bars, trattorias and gift shops. From here we will take the ferry across the “Golfo dei Poeti” (named for it's association with the writers and poets who fell in love with this place, Petrarch, Shelley, Byon & D.H. Lawrence among them. After visiting here we will take the ferry across to Portovenere, an ancient, narrow laned village on the very tip of the bay with breathtaking views. We will have time for lunch here before continuing on the ferry back to Montorosso (viewing the villages as they look from the water).

May 19 Bus up to Sanctuario di Soviore - 465 metres above Monterosso is the most ancient Marian sanctuary in Liguria and built over an original building from the VIII century. From its square on a clear day you can enjoy a view of the mountains of Corsica to the south and the Alps to the west. We will make the walk down through a Pine Forest path marked with signs of the “Via Crucis” along the mule track to Monterosso. (about 1½ hrs) Afternoon free. Dinner is at our hotel tonight.

May 20 This morning is free to personally explore Monterosso, even the 'new town' is 500 years old. You can also take one of the many marked hikes up into the vineyards. We will meet at 3:00pm to take the train to Vernazza (another option is for anyone who would like to Vernazza and meet us there. We will spend the rest of the afternoon in Vernazza and walk back to Montorosso. Dinner is at our hotel tonight.

May 21 Today we move further north to Santa Margherita for the next two nights Here most of the architecture is of liberty style and the amount of 'trompe l'oile' on the beautiful turn of the century buildings is amazing.

May 22 Today we are going to Portofino. (the most exclusive harbour and resort town in Italy. For those who would like we will also continue around the coast to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso named after a 3rd century saint - then back to Portofino for the rest of the afternoon. Tonight we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

May 23 Our program finishes after breakfast. We are within a short taxi trip to Genoa for departing trains for flights and will be happy to assist with further arrangements.

As a fully licensed travel agency we are happy to assist in arranging your flights and any other custom arrangements either before or after this program.

This program is set up for arrival into Pisa airport and departure from Genoa. It also works easily with Florence. We can arrange a two or three night program in Florence which connects directly with Lucca by 45 minute direct train service.

COST : $1986.00 CAD /$1655.00 USD per person sharing twin room

Included features:

• transportation as outlined in itinerary
• Accommodation
  
  • 2 nights Lucca
  • 5 nights Cinque Terre
  • 2 nights Santa Margherita
• Included meals - 9 Breakfasts - 7 Dinners
• Guided walks as outlined in the itinerary
• Fully escorted by Rose Tomassini

Single supplement on request