Itinerary

Day 1  Arrive in La Spezia

We meet you at Pisa airport and take you to the lively coastal town of La Spezia (75 mins) where we spend the next three nights. Time for a stroll before a welcome drink and dinner .

Day 2  Portovenere & the Poets’ Gulf 6km/4mi/2.5hr

This morning we charter a small boat to the nearby island of Palmaria, now a nature reserve. Here we follow a circular path around the island and are rewarded with spectacular views of the Gulf of Poets and nearby islands. After a picnic lunch we head back to explore the charming seaside town of Portovenere. Set in a beautiful sweeping bay (great swimming), and once the haunt of Byron and Shelley, it boasts an impressive C16 castle and several medieval churches.

Day 3  Cinque Terre Walk  10km/6mi/4.5hr

We discover the heart of the beautiful Cinque Terre following the Via dell’Amore to C12 Manarola where pretty pastel colored houses cling vertiginously to the dark hillsides, their balconies affording stunning views across the turquoise bay. Then past farmers working their precipitous vine terraces before ascending to Cormiglia for lunch. On to Vernazza for a well deserved swim before returning by ferry to enjoy stunning views over the five lands.

Day 4  La Spezia to Florence

After breakfast we set off for Florence (75 mins), stopping off at Pisa along the way to see the Leaning Tower , the Duomo, and the extraordinary 14C Trionfo della Morte frescoes in the Camposanto.

Hotel Cosimo de Medici ***
Florence, Days 4+5

The hotel is beautifully decorated, with rooms in individual styles - some are traditionally Tuscan while others are funky and modern. Although just off the main Via Nazionale, only 2 minutes’ walk from the central station and 5 minutes from the Duomo, the hotel faces an internal courtyard for peace and quiet. All the rooms are triple glazed, and all have air- conditioning so there is absolutely no reason not to have a good night’s sleep! There is no restaurant at the hotel, but there is plenty of choice nearby.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5  Florence

For many, the great art city of Florence is the most beautiful city in the world. Explore the Uffizi, Duomo and Baptistery (pay locally) or cross to the quieter side of the Arno at the Boboli Gardens.

Day 6  Florence to San Quirico d’Orcia

We leave Florence late morning, stopping in C12 Monteriggioni for lunch. We then continue south to the medieval village of San Quirico d’Orcia - C12 collegiate church and formal renaissance gardens.

Hotel Palazzuolo ***
San Quirico d’Orcia, Days 6+7+8

This is a large hotel with smart, modern air conditioned bedrooms and a pleasant dining room, lots of sunny terraces and a large swimming pool surrounded by grassy sunbathing areas with lovely views. All of the Hotel Palazzuolos 42 rooms are en suite with as shower, television, air conditioning, refridgerator and telephone.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 7  Etruscan Walk  11km/8mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/6hr

It’s like stepping back in time today as we walk south through truly unspoilt countryside, taking in fabulous views of Tuscan hill villages, castles and ruins, before arriving at the thermal spa town of Bagno Vignoni where we have lunch. The hot spring basin here was an important Etruscan site, and consecrated to the Nymphs by the Romans.

Day 8  Siena

For many, Siena is simply the most beautiful city in Italy. We start at the Campo to admire probably the most harmonious town square in the world. Then we visit the Civic Museum and 14C Cathedral. On our way back option to enjoy a spot of wine and olive oil tasting (small charge, pay locally) at the Neri’s farmhouse in the heart of the Sienese countryside.

Day 9  Towers of San Gimignano

Today, San Gimignano, one of Europe’s best-preserved mediaeval citadels. The town is famous for its towers, built by quarrelsome neighbours to outdo each other . We climb the highest for a spectacular view. Then on to the immaculately preserved Mediaeval town of Lucca where we spend the next 2 nights. Time to explore its Roman streets, Mediaeval walls and Forum before dinner.

Hotel La Luna ***
Lucca, Days 9+10

The Hotel La Luna is tucked away in a quiet little street just off the main pedestrian route through the historic centre of the town. The hotel has 29 rooms, all en-suite with, air conditioning, satellite television, minibar, hair dryer and direct telephone.

Day 10   Grotta del Vento & the Apuan Alps  5km/3mi/2hr

A short drive north, to reach the majestic splendour of the Apuan Alps. We visit the Grotta del Vento, one of Europe’s most extensive cave networks to discover the alabaster draperies, emerald green underground lakes, limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then a woodland path lined with sweet chestnuts, beech and oak trees takes us to a woodland stream where we picnic. Then past Sorgente delle Turrite where there is an old water mill, then fantastic views over the chain of Alps as we descend to the tiny village of Fornovalasco, and return to Lucca.

Day 11  Leave Lucca

Note: While our guides remain at our clients’ disposal during the tour, local laws in Italy forbid them to guide groups in art cities’ historical centres, or in museums and art galleries. On all days, the timings given are for the actual walks, rather than the complete day trip.

WALKING DETAILS

This holiday is a mixture of sightseeing and gentle walking, with minibus assistance for all transfers. The walks take place on easy coastal paths, quiet roads and valley paths. There are no challenging ascents or descents but walking boots are essential.

For extra nights we recommend Florence or Lucca.

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