Upon early afternoon arrival in Lucca by individual means, guests will proceed to the hotel for check-in. Accommodation will be arranged in the designated rooms, followed by a program briefing conducted by a member of our team.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Beyond the scheduled program activities, participants have the option to partake in additional guided tours in Italian. One such tour includes a morning visit to Pistoia. This historic town, established post-Roman era, evolved into a free Municipality by 1117. Its rich history is characterized by strategic defensive walls erected between the 6th and 8th centuries. Notably, in the 1300s, Florence played a role in the city’s reconstruction efforts after prior destruction.
In the morning, guests will transfer for an outdoor guided tour of the Garfagnana region, located within the province of Lucca. The journey traces the Serchio River from Lucca into the Garfagnana, ascending to altitudes showcasing ancient chestnut forests dating back to the Middle Ages. The tour includes stops at Borgo and Mozzano to view the remarkable Devil’s Bridge, a medieval architectural marvel spanning the Serchio River. The exploration continues to Barga, a well-preserved medieval town featuring a Romanesque cathedral with panoramic vistas of the Apennine Mountains and the Apuan Alps.Following a leisurely lunch break, participants will visit the Fortezza delle Verrucole, a meticulously restored medieval Tuscan castle offering panoramic views of the surroundings. The tour proceeds to explore the mill and spelt processing plant, unveiling the craftsmanship behind local jam production. Concluding the day with a guided tour of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, guests will have the chance to view the Ariostesca Fortress, once home to the renowned poet Ludovico Ariosto during his governorship of the Garfagnana province in the 16th century. The evening culminates in a traditional “Garfagnina” dinner, celebrating local culinary delights.
Return to the hotel for overnight accommodations.
The morning commences with an outdoor guided tour of Lucca, renowned for its artistic heritage. Highlights include a stroll along the ancient 16th-century walls enveloping the historic center, visits to notable landmarks like the medieval San Francesco church, the Roman Amphitheater-inspired Piazza Anfiteatro, the Guinigi Tower, and the Museum Complex of the Cathedral and Church of San Giovanni. Free time is allocated for shopping excursions.
Afternoon activities entail an outdoor tour of the Ville Lucchesi, opulent summer residences of Lucca’s noble families and esteemed guests. The itinerary features notable estates such as Villa Torrigiani, Villa Bernardini, Villa Grabau, and Villa Mansi, each offering unique architectural and scenic splendor.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Embark on an exclusive tour of the renowned Carrara marble quarries situated in the majestic Apuan Alps. These quarries have supplied the world with exquisite marble since ancient times, serving as the foundation for iconic sculptures and architectural masterpieces. Participants will embark on a 4×4 Jeep expedition to explore the famed marble basins of Fantiscritti, Miseglia, and Torano. For groups exceeding 24 individuals, a selection will be made between continuing in a 4×4 Jeep or opting for a Minivan excursion. Both groups will visit the “Galleria Ravaccione” quarry and the active Lazzareschi quarry to observe marble extraction techniques. Concluding the day with a visit to a Larderia di Colonnata, guests will indulge in a tasting of the renowned “Lardo di Colonnata IGP” and learn about its traditional aging process. After a leisurely lunch break, guests have free time for personal exploration and shopping.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Embark on a boat excursion departing for La Spezia in the morning. The boat tour, encompassing stops at all Cinque Terre towns, includes visits to Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso, renowned for their picturesque landscapes and cultural allure. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break, followed by a stroll in Portovenere.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Partake in a personalized experiential day tailored to individual preferences (additional costs apply). Activities range from excursions and trekking to caving, canyoning, cycle tourism, adventure parks, and tastings.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Embark on an outdoor guided tour of Pisa, delving beyond the iconic Leaning Tower to explore the city’s rich maritime heritage along the Arno River.
Guests have the option to partake in a chocolate tasting excursion at a local shop (additional costs apply). Free time is allocated for personal exploration and shopping.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Check-out and commence the return journey to respective destinations.
Thank you and farewell!