This one-of-a-kind itinerary combines the best of Tuscany's countryside with the scenic coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Starting at USD $8,950 per person (6-12 travelers).
Tuscan Villages & Cinque Terre
Enjoy the best of both worlds, from the Tuscan countryside to the mesmerizing Cinque Terre.
11 Days/10 Nights (2 Nights in Florence + 4 Nights in Lucca + 4 Nights in Tuscan Villa)*
Now you can have it all on this itinerary that combines Tuscany's most scenic hilltop towns and the coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, with and many other unforgettable stops in between. Savor traditional dishes, memorable wines, take fun cooking classes, and connect with Tuscany's friendly local culture. This exciting journey begins in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Find your passion, connect with locals, live like an Italian.
Among the many destinations included, explore fascinating villages such as Pienza, Bolgheri (home of "Super Tuscan" wines), Lucca, San Gimignano, Pisa, Portovenere, and many more. One of the many highlights of this tour is exploring the fabulous Cinque Terre, a magical coastline which is home to the famous five fishing villages perched on the side of a steep mountain. See the prestigious Carrara marble quarries, where beautiful white marble has been sourced since Roman times for palaces, statues, and temples in Rome, all the way to the Renaissance when Michelangelo chose the block that would become the “David”. Precious slabs still continue to be distributed to all corners of the earth today.
Continue this magical journey in a classic Tuscan Villa where you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery as you experience the soul of Tuscany’s villages and wine country.
*All hotels Nada's Italy works with are centrally-located luxury boutique hotels of the highest quality standards and amenities, which we regularly inspect and evaluate. For specific information about accommodations selected for this tour, please contact us with your travel dates.
Overview
- EXPLORE: Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza), Florence, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, Pienza, Montepulciano, Portovenere, Carrara, Pietrasanta, Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci.
- Enjoy the laid-back Tuscan lifestyle with a small group of 6-12 travelers.
- Savor delicious home-made meals in family-owned trattorias with regional specialties.
- Stay in luxury boutique hotels in historic districts and villas overlooking the romantic hills of Tuscany.
- Walk through the Renaissance streets of Florence with an expert local guide.
- Discover the small hilltop Tuscan villages such as Bolgheri, Pienza, Montefioralle, Montepulciano, and many more.
- Visit the Medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano and browse its local artisan and craft shops.
- Visit a Medieval Castle winery, its ancient underground cellar, and enjoy its velvety red wines.
- Explore the fascinating Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
- Take a fun cooking class with a local chef and learn to make traditional Tuscan dishes.
- See Pisa's Leaning Tower and explore the charming piazzas of Lucca.
- Visit the stunning Carrara marble quarries in the Alpi Apuane mountains.
- Learn about Pecorino cheese & olive oil, meet local artisans, and see a 1,000 year-old wine cellar.
Friday | Day 1 | Benvenuto: Welcome!
Welcome to Italia! Tonight you will rest in a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Florence and relax after a long trip overseas. Regain your energies so you can start the trip of a lifetime in one of the world’s most beautiful cities!No meals included.
Saturday | Day 2 | The Splendors of the Renaissance
After check-out, our expert local City Guide will walk us through the picturesque streets of Florence, as we glimpse into the history of its main sites such as the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge), Piazza della Signoria, among many others. Trace Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo’s footsteps through the elegant streets, squares, and shopping areas of this fascinating outdoor museum called Florence. We'll then head towards the coast of Tuscany, where we'll stop in the charming town of Lucca. Enjoy some free time to explore the winding streets, ornate churches, and the circular “Piazza Anfiteatro”, which traces the foundation of an ancient Roman Arena. Get to know your fellow travel companions during our "Welcome" group dinner with local specialties & wine.Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Sunday | Day 3 | Pisa, Marble, and Pietrasanta
First stop of the day: Pisa. Go ahead, take the photo “holding” the tower and check it off your list. If you’re brave, why not attempt to climb up the tower? Meet up with the group and enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant.Then take a private panoramic tour of the famous Carrara quarries, known around the world for their beautiful white Italian marble. To end this fabulous day, take a walk around Pietrasanta, a lovely village along the coast, where you’ll have free time to enjoy dinner on your own.Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Monday | Day 4 | Cinque Terre & Portovenere
Morning departure to the fascinating Cinque Terre, five fishing villages that have become a World Heritage protected site, and a legacy left by man’s enduring spirit of adaptation to nature’s erratic forces, and the strenuous reliance on sea and land for survival. We’ll stop to take photos of the most beautiful views of these five hamlets, built into the sheer rocky coast, a small strip of roughly edged mountains dropping sharply into the sea. Visit Manarola, We will stop for lunch in Monterosso, then visit Vernazza, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore this lovely seaside community.To end the day, we'll take a panoramic boat ride (weather permitting) to Portovenere. The ancient Portus Veneris is believed to date back to the middle of the first century B.C. its name refers to a temple to the goddess Venus which was sited on the hilltop where the church of Peter the Apostle now stands. Take a group walk through Portovenere and then enjoy some free time to soak up the magical atmosphere of this vibrant Mediterranean village. Don't forget to shop for the local specialty: fresh basil Pesto. We’ll gather to enjoy a group dinner in a family trattoria with tasty local dishes from the region of Liguria.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Tuesday | Day 5 | The Etruscan Coast: Bolgheri & Castagneto Carducci
Today we’ll be exploring what is known as the “Etruscan Coast”, where charming villages crown the hilltops and boast amazing views of both the countryside as well as the sea. Our first stop is Casale Marittimo which is sheltered on a hill that dominates the valley of the River Cecina. Next off to Castagneto Carducci, a hilltop town with a Medieval heart that still beats today throughout its maze of cobblestone streets, picturesque alleyways, small piazzas, and terracotta rooftops. Enjoy some free time to explore its shops and “food boutiques”, along with wine bars and gelaterias.Enjoy a group lunch in a local favorite trattoria with traditional home-made dishes and crostini with mixed toppings.
We'll then drive to a local winery for a private tour and tasting. This coastline is now one of the most high-level wine producing areas in Italy, where wines have gained world recognition under the category of “SuperTuscans”, whose vines grow on softly-shaped hills, gently caressed by the zesty sea breeze.
Our next stop is Bolgheri, an ancient village situated in the heart of the Etruscan Coast, famous for the Viale dei Cipressi, a spectacular 3-mile long “driveway” lined with century-old cypress trees, leading up to the Castle. Free time to shop and explore this village with wine bars at every corner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Wednesday | Day 6 | Tuscan Passion
After check-out, we’ll drive to the Tuscan countryside, where you’ll settle into a classic countryside Villa for the next four nights. Along the way we will stop in Lucca. We will meet a local guide for a walking tour of this charming town completely surrounded by massive walls, on top of which lay a greenway adorned with spectacular trees. Enjoy some free time to explore the winding streets, ornate churches, and the circular “Piazza Anfiteatro”, which traces the foundation of an ancient Roman arena. You’ll have time to savor lunch on your own in Lucca. Why not rent a bicycle during your free time and explore Lucca as one of the locals? Depart to the lovely Tuscan Country Side Villa. Have YOUR PASSPORT ready for check-in. From the patio bar of this luxury villa, you'll be able to admire a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Tuscan hills, nestled among vineyards and olive orchards. Enjoy a Benvenuto dinner in the Villa’s dining room, with organic Tuscan dishes, made from the freshest ingredients of the villa's own vegetable garden.
Meals included: breakfast, dinnerThursday | Day 7 | Pienza, Montepulciano and Pecorino Cheese
Departure for the Val D'Orcia where you will find some of the most scenic views of Tuscany from the top of the walls of the small, quaint village of Pienza, considered the “Jewel of the Renaissance” by Pope Pius II. Have a group lunch in a family osteria with local specialties, and then enjoy some free time to explore and take photos.We will stop at the highest hilltop town of Tuscany: Montepulciano, land of the elegant Vino Nobile wine.Take a group walk through town, stopping to meet some of the town's local artisans and wine makers.
For dinner, you’ll enjoy a tasty home-made dinner at a family-owned trattoria, paired with the local Vino Nobile.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Friday | Day 8 | Chianti Classico & Medieval San Gimignano
We'll visit the nearby village of Greve in Chianti, where you can explore local shops and have some gelato.Take a panoramic drive to the heart of the Chianti Classico hills, where we'll take a tour of a boutique winery and its ancient underground cellars, followed by group lunch and wine pairing. Next on the list is one of Tuscany's most unique destinations: Medieval San Gimignano. This one-of-a-kind walled village appears to be ‘frozen’ in time and will make you think about knights in shining armor, evil counts, and a damsel in distress on top of one of its towers. Enjoy some free time to explore and shop for colorful hand-made crafts as master artisans from all over the region come here to showcase their bright hand-painted pottery, carved olive wood items, hand-made jewelry, linens, and much more. After your return to the villa, the group will gather for dinner at a family owned trattoria.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Saturday | Day 9 | Cooking like a Tuscan
Learn about local cuisine during and get your hands dirty during a fun cooking class in a private villa, followed by lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool/ take a walk/ rest/ enjoy life at the Villa, then get ready for dinner at a family owned trattoria nearby.Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Sunday | Day 10 | Florence
After check-out from the villa, we'll drive back to Florence, where you'll be able to enjoy a full day in the Renaissance city at your leisure.
Meals included: breakfast
Monday | Day 11 | Arrivederci! Until we meet and eat again!
Hopefully you will stay longer in this gorgeous country and explore other regions. Thank you for choosing Nada’s Italy for your Italian adventure. We hope you'll be back soon and experience more parts of this colorful culture with us! Until next time, beautiful Italia says Arrivederci!Meals included: breakfast
What's included in the Tuscan Villages & Cinque Terre package:
- 2 Nights in Florence + 4 Nights in Lucca + 4 Nights in Tuscan Villa. A trip totaling 11 Days/10 Nights (Depart US on Thursday and return on Monday).
- This tour begins and ends in Florence.
- Small group travel: maximum of 12 travelers per group.
- Fully escorted day trips with professional private drivers and full-time service of English-speaking Italian Nada's Italy Tour Director.
-
Meals included: all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners (included meals are shown at bottom of the description for each day.)
- Beverages included: bottled water, soft drinks (in limited amounts), coffee, and choice of ed or white wine while at group lunches and dinners.
- Destinations Included: Cinque
Terre (Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza), Portovenere, San Gimignano, Carrara,
Colonnata, Pietrasanta, Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Casale Marittimo,
Greve in Chianti (Chianti Classico district), Pienza, Montepulciano,
Lucca, Pisa, etc (itinerary and destinations may vary depending on the time
of the year and weather conditions.)
- Unique Experiences: wine tours at boutique wineries in Tuscany, cooking class at private villa, tour of Carrara marble quarries and stop in artisan shop to see how marble is carved, pecorino cheese tasting, visits to traditional artisan shops, walking tour of the Historical Highlights of Florence with an expert local City Guide.
- Private Transportation for day trips and transfers in comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes Executive vans (does not include: transfer from and to the airport, airfare, or any other personal travel expenses).
- A+ Rated Customer Service With Nada's Italy you can rest assured that your travel experience will be completely stress-free. Your personal Journey Coordinator will
assist you with any additional services you may need, provide expert
packing and travel advice, and answer any questions you may have before
your trip.
- Return Traveler Program: receive up to $800 credit per person towards any future trips you take with Nada's Italy!
- No bag limit (many tour companies have a 1-bag limit per person).
- Taxes & Fees: Local VAT taxes and government fees, City Tax, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, parking fees.
- Staff & restaurant tips (additional gratuities can be given at the sole discretion of each individual traveler).
What's Not Included in Tour Package
Trip price does not include airfare and anything that is not specified to be included. Price does not include any personal related expenses or travel-related expenses outside of the scheduled itineraries. The food & wine that is included is what is presented during meals.
Before you sign up, please note the following:
>
The
first day of this tour is Friday (you will need to book your flight from
the USA on Thursday to get to Florence on Friday). The last day of this
tour is Monday (arrival in the U.S. is the same day of departure on your
way back). Some tours start and end in different cities, make sure to
book your flights accordingly.
> Airfare is not included.
Nada's Italy can assist with Business and First Class airfare. Please
let us know if you need information about arrival and departure airport
for this tour.
> Reminders, hotel information, and arrival
instructions will be sent only by email, please make sure we have your current email address.
> Transfers
to and from the airport are not included in the tour rate. Please
contact us if you'd like to add transfers to your tour package.
> You
must be in good physical condition to sign-up for this trip! There will be a lot of
walking uphill, downhill, walking over uneven pavement, and standing for
extended periods of time. An average walking tour is about 2-3 hours without sitting.
> Even though tips to staff and
restaurants are included, it is suggested that you put aside
approximately $100 (US) in combined gratuities for your driver &
Tour Director for your trip (and any voluntary additional restaurant
gratuities are at your discretion).
> Nada's Italy strongly
recommends that you purchase Travel Insurance for your trip. For
suggestions on policies and a quote, please contact us.
> You should know that
air conditioning in Italy, as well as WIFI connection, are not always as
reliable as they are in the United States.
> The hotel
staff
assigns rooms to guests, some rooms may include stairs. A view is not
guaranteed. As Nada's Italy works mainly with luxury historic inns and
small upscale boutique hotels, rooms differ in size and layout. In
general, Italian bedrooms and bathrooms are smaller compared to US
standards. Each room has its own en-suite
bathroom with shower and/or tub, hair-dryer, and basic toiletry set. Please
contact us if you have specific requests/needs.
> It is your
responsibility to obtain the required documents to travel to Italy,
please verify with your own country's travel laws and government
agencies. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
> In
the unlikely event your tour does not reach the minimum participation
requirement of 6 travelers, we will work with you to choose another
available tour or tour date. We will do our best to make the transition
as smooth as possible.
> Add extra nights and extend your stay in this amazing country. Contact us for a quote (subject to availability).
> Please note: while we do our best to adhere to our published
itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the Tour Leader
due to weather conditions and any other unforeseeable circumstances.
> Unless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, land only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by departure date and are subject to change without notice. Nada’s Italy reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update rates, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.
Signature Extensions
The Soul of The Amalfi Coast
Feed your wanderlust with this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension to the Amalfi Coast. Explore Sorrento’s bustling streets and enjoy breath-taking views of the Gulf of Naples. Visit the awe-inspiring coastal villages, including Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano, then discover the ancient city of Pompeii.
The Soul of Florence
Explore the gorgeous city of Florence on this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension with a deep dive into the masterpieces of the Renaissance. Learn about Florentine culture and local cuisine. Take a day-trip to the romantic Tuscan countryside and visit charming medieval hilltop towns and wineries, making this the perfect finish to your fabulous journey.
The Soul of Venice
Treat yourself to an unforgettable trip to Venice on this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension. Discover Venice’s history, traditions, culture, and visit its most famous sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. You’ll also cruise in the Venetian Lagoon by private boat and visit the charming island communities of Murano and Burano.
The Soul of Rome
With so much to see and experience, this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension to one of the world’s most beautiful cities is sure to take your breath away! Discover Rome's world-renown ancient sites, magnificent artwork, and vibrant local culture the way only Nada's Italy can deliver.
The Soul of Paris
Complete your grand adventure with this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension to Paris, the City of Lights, with its iconic architecture, elegant boulevards, and high-end boutiques. Take a day trip outside Paris to discover the Palace of Versailles and its wonderful gardens, savor delicious Parisian cuisine and enjoy all this magnificent city has to offer.
The Soul of Barcelona
The spirit of Spain and Catalonia’s bright Mediterranean culture and lifestyle will be the highlight in this private 4-Day Signature Tour Extension. Get immersed in Barcelona's lively atmosphere and rich cuisine on a tasty culinary tour in the old fishing district. Be a part of the excitement in its bustling local markets, explore world-renown sites and the waterfront, combining all with the best tapas.
What Our Clients Say
Our Tour was Indeed a Treasure!
It could not have been more perfect! Our guide, Cristina, was so passionate and knowledgeable at every destination we visited. The amount of "tour" time and time on our own was just right. The hotels were all comfortable and we loved that we ate at small, family owned restaurants. Nada's Italy is the only way to see Italy!
Harry & Nina
Happy!
What a fantastic time we had on the Italian Treasures trip with Alice! We had a blast with new friends, learned a ton of Italian history, drank a lot of wine & ate spectacular food every meal! It was a once in a lifetime trip! We are hoping to have a weekend getaway with our new friends in the states it was so much fun! Chris & Dave Kohlhagen
Chris
Perfetto!
We have been on 3 Nada's Italy Tours of Italia. Each one was spectacular in EVERY respect. The first was with Nada herself in Tuscany. Wow. I will share photos later. The second was to Bologna/Modena/Parma/ Roma. The most recent was the Sizzling Sicily Tour. Perfetto !!! Nada, her Marvelous Office Staff, Guides, Drivers, and Tour details are all First Class, Fantastic, and Wonderful. I am always proud to invite my Friends, Family, Staff, and Patients on our Trips. Grazie Mille to Everyone at Nada's Italy !!! BTW, Nada's Olive Oil is wonderful too and delizioso !!!
Vincent
Nada's Italy Does It Right.
Nada's Italy provides you with an effortless and amazing experience while traveling in a small group setting. Best way to see Italy and not feel like a tourist.
Scott
Fabulous Job!
Nada's did a fabulous job for us! The most knowledgeable and personable guide in Florence made the old city live for us. And the quality of lodging, transportation, and logistics was simply top-drawer! Use Nada's. You will be happy you did!
Colin