Liguria & tuscany tour: May 12-25, 2022

Day 1: Thursday, May 12 Meet in Pisa at the hotel for a get together before heading out for dinner together and an evening stroll to see the famous leaning tower lit up at night. 

Day 2: Friday, May 13  Piombino On our way to Piombino we will stop in the seaside with time for a stroll and lunch on your own. We will then head to Paolo's winery for wine tasting and snacks followed by dinner together in Piombino.

Day 3: Saturday, May 14  Piombino Today we will tour the archeological park with the ancient Etruscan sites before heading up to Populonia where we will have time to explore and have lunch on our own.  After we return to Piombino in the afternoon, the rest of the day and dinner is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Day 4:  Sunday, May 15  After a visit to the site of Punto Falcone where the World War 2 military bunkers are, we will head to Campiglia Marittima. After an orientation to the town we will have time to explore and enjoy lunch on our own. After lunch we will head to the cork forest for a stroll and finish in Suvereto for a coffee break. We will arrive at our countryside hotel and have dinner together.

Day 5:  Monday, May 16 This morning we will head over to the hilltop town of Sasseta.  After a walk in the area we will return to our hotel for a picnic lunch, relaxation and then dinner together. 

Day 6: Tuesday, May 17 Livorno This morning as we head north we will stop to stroll on the Cypress road and hang out in Bolgheri. There will be time to explore, have lunch and taste some of the famous wine from the area.  In the afternoon we will end up in Livorno, have time to walk by the sea and have dinner together. 

Day 7: Wednesday, May 18 Livorno We will take a morning boat tour of the canals of Livorno and go shopping at the central market for our picnic lunch with local goodies that we can enjoy in a nearby park. The afternoon and evening are free to explore and dine on our own. 

Day 8: Thursday, May 19 Fosdinovo Today we head up the coast and will stop in the Beverly Hills of Tuscany, Forte dei Marmi.  We will pick up bikes and head to Carrara.  There will be time for lunch on our own before our private tour of the famous Carrara marble quarries.  In the afternoon we will arrive in Fosdinovo and have dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Friday, May 20 Fosdinovo  We will walk a part of the ancient pilgrimage path of the Via Francigena.  We will stop to admire a local medieval fortress before exploring the charming town of Sarzana.  In the afternoon we will take the local bus back to Fosdinovo. 

Day 10: Saturday, May 21  Portovenere On our way to Portovenere there will be plenty to see.  We can stop by Lerici and walk along the sea to San Terenzo and explore before we arrive in Portovenere.

Day 11: Sunday, May 22 Cinque Terre We are off by boat to the Cinque Terrre. We will stop all together in Manarola for a fabulous pesto making demonstration at Nessun Dorma.  In the afternoon we can choose to hike, soak up the beach vibe, or take the train to the other villages. 

Day 12: Monday, May 23 Cinque Terre Today we are on our own to explore the area. An optional hike will be set up for the morning. Just make sure you are back in town by the evening for a get together to sample local wines before we head out for dinner on our own. 

Day 13: Tuesday, May 24 Pisa In the morning we will head back to where we started, Pisa. We will enjoy a guided tour of the historic naval museum with the remains of ancient Roman boats. In the afternoon we will be free to explore this vibrant university town before gathering for our last dinner together. 

Day 14: Wednesday, May 25 Arrivederci ! After breakfast it is time to say goodbye.