11 Days/10 Nights (2 Nights in Florence + 4 Nights in Lucca + 4 Nights in Tuscan Villa)*
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
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
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, dinnerMeals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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
What's Not Included in Tour Package
>
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Nada's Italy offers a wonderful opportunity for learning and fun. We had a terrific experience and would definitely go on another tour with this company.
Margie
Nada is simply the very BEST!!! If you are going to Italy, rather WHEN you go to Italy, work with Nada, why deal with all the planning and details on your own when you can talk to someone who truly KNOWS Italy!!!!
Ben
Had so much fun on this tour. I'd never done a guided tour before and was a little reluctant but boy was it worth it! Saw and did so many things I'd never have thought of on my own. Well organized, well run, fantastic time had! Would do again!
Eric
This has to be the best tour we have taken in ALL of our travels!! Period!! In our group of 12 we became very good friends and Nada was absolutely the best tour host ever! She is a very caring person and an excellent host who has a knack for understanding the culture and helping tour participants to blend into that culture. The food was fantastic; our Tuscan tour was fantastic, and it was the perfect blend of learning, eating wonderful food, drinking killer wine, history, personal camaraderie, and learning about a different culture. We have taken many small group tours with many different groups from Road Scholar to Overseas Adventure Travel, and STILL Nada's small group Italy tours tops our list of memories, good times, and great personal interactions. We will definitely go on another tour with her. After our tour we have remained in contact with Nada, who is one of the finest people I have ever met. This is no favorable review for a friend. If you have any questions about our tour and experience, I would be happy to give you the details. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. I give it the highest recommendation. Happy Travels! Dale Warren
Dale
Our charming and gifted teacher guided us through the ages in Italy, as we went from Rome to Florence to Venice. We stayed in classy little hotels that were convenient to the city life, ate the treats of Italy at wonderful little restaurants, and had "surprises" along the way. A special treat for us was the guides asking a priest in the Vatican to bless us on our 50th anniversary. There was personal attention to each of the travelers, and we all want to take our next tour of Italy with her.
Nancy & William