Tuscany & Cinque Terre LIGURIA
their crafts, including art restoration specialist Bettina Schindler-Pratesi who gives new life to old ivory, bone and mother-of-pearl. It is only fitting that we then pay our respects to Michelangelo, who is buried at the Basilica of Santa Croce along with Galileo, Rossini and other illustrious Italians. Join our local guide for a stroll through colorful Mercato Centrale, sampling traditional Florentine street food... lampredotto sandwiches… fresh fruit... porchetta… gelato… a feast for the senses. Tonight you are hosted by the grandson of a former Florentine mayor, concert pianist Gregorio Nardi, and his wife Annegret, at Palazzo Bargellini for a private evening that includes a tour, a recital on a Steinway Grand piano, lively discussions on history & politics, and an aperitivo. Meals B
4. THE WAY TO CINQUE TERRE
Your first Culturious road trip twists and turns its way toward the Mediterranean Sea; en route, see the huge mountains of white marble at Carrara; take a tour aboard a 4 x 4. Changing landscapes, continue to the seaside villages of Cinque Terre and Portovenere on the Gulf of Poets; it’s not hard to see why this Roman-Byzantine town was named for the goddess Venus. Cruise from Portovenere, where colorful houses cascade along a hillside against the azure sea, guarded by the black-and-white-striped Gothic church of San Pietro perched above, to the village of Monterosso. Meals BD
5. DISCOVERING “THE FIVE LANDS”
Your villa is perched on a hillside overlooking Monterosso al Mare; perhaps an early morning dip off the private beach of Porto Roca? Fragrant with lemon trees and calla lilies, Monterosso is one of five remote fishing villages along the coast. Cinque Terre, “the five lands,” are now linked to the outside world by rail, but for centuries were accessible only by sea… or on foot. If you wish, hike with us through terraced vineyards overlooking the sea from Monterosso to Vernazza, the “pearl of Cinque Terre.” If not, travel by train, a thrilling experience unto itself. Along the way, fall in love with village life… the remainder of the day is free to do as you please. Meals B
6. A TASTE OF TUSCANY
Drive through the Tuscan Hills to nearby Lucca. Tuscany is all about the food; a hands-on lesson with local experts in the art of making fresh pasta at Fattoria Colle Verde, one of the region’s foremost wineries and olive oil producers, is enlightening. Do a little virgin olive oil tasting… a little Tuscan wine tasting… and more than a little pasta tasting at lunch. Take a short walk after lunch through olive groves and across rolling hills, or head straight to the walled city of Lucca. Meals BL
7. LUSCIOUS LUCCA
Medieval Lucca’s red-brick walls shut out the modern world. And because it’s topographically flat, Lucca is a bicyclist’s dream. Today you’ll ride down narrow lanes… across ancient piazzas… even along the top of its massive walls! If you’re not interested in bicycling, there’s so much to see and do in town. This evening, we’ll take you to a local winery just outside of town for a wine tasting... sip Prosecco, sample a canapé... and dine on Tuscan specialties in an absolutely magical spot… under the setting sun. Meals BD
8. ARRIVEDERCI, TUSCANY Tour ends: Florence. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Ilaria to Peretola Airport in Florence. Allow three hours for flight check-in. Meals B
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Monterosso al Mare
Cinque Terre Portovenere Lucca Florence TUSCANY ITALY Carrara
8 DAYS FROM $3,490 PLUS AIRFARE
(7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 3 Dinners) BEGINS FLORENCE
Apr 16, 23 May 7, 14, 21 Jun 4, 11 Aug 27 Sep 3, 10, 19, 24 Oct 8, 15
Go to
www.culturious.com for up-to-the-minute space availability. Additional dates may become available as these sell out.
PRICE PER PERSON
Double $3490 Single $4169 Triple $3287 Group Size: 20
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Ask about our private group departures, additional hotel nights before or after your tour and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Product at
www.culturious.com
Some days include 2-4 miles of walking up steep hills or on uneven terrain and easy biking on relatively flat roads. The pace is up to you – take part or take a pass – either way you’ll enjoy your journey.
You may be required to sign Tauck’s liability waiver for participation in certain activities.
FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONS Night 1,2,3 Gallery Hotel Art Night 4,5 Night 6,7
Hotel Porto Roca Hotel Ilaria
www.tauck.com 11 Florence
Monterosso Lucca
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