Tuscany & Cinque Terre Gourmet & Culture Small Group Tour

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.

One of Tuscany's most attractive and best-preserved towns, Lucca is a must-see for those exploring the region. While Lucca works as a day trip, it's best experienced as a base from which to explore the surrounding area, by foot, bike, or private transfer. Predating the Roman empire, Lucca's long history is visible in its Roman ruins (including a plaza shaped like the amphitheater it was built on), as well as its medieval and gothic towers, villas, and churches. The town's four kilometers of preserved city walls, which still encompass the historic center, are one of its chief attractions. Walking along the top of the walls, you can experience history while getting your bearings and figuring out where to go next. The hometown of Giacomo Puccini, Lucca draws many opera lovers, who come to visit his villa and see regular performances of his works. In July and August, the neighboring town of Torre del Lago hosts a festival devoted to Puccini. For those with more modern tastes, Lucca's center hosts a series of concerts by major international rock groups, held from the end of June into July.

Manarola is one of the 5 small towns of the Cinque Terre, and definitely one of the most charming. It is built on a rock, 70 metres above sea level; the village is all ups and downs, with steep narrow alleys, most of which lead to the sea. It is very nice to hike uo the top of town and visit the church, which in the past used to be a post to watch out for potential pirate raids. The view from the tiny harbor is definitely stunning: picturesque multicoloured houses facing the sea, a tiny square and the many boats all around. There isn't a real beach in Manarola, however some of the best deep-water swimming spots of the area are here.

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.