Garfagnana Experience

In the morning transfer for a guided tour [only outdoors] of the Garfagnana, a region of the province of Lucca.

Following the Serchio from the surroundings of Lucca towards the Garfagnana, we will climb to a height such as to meet the first chestnut woods, a crop documented in this area since the early Middle Ages.

To understand the territory and discover unique realities of their kind, immediately a surprise!! [ ticket included in the fee ]: from here we will start our guided tour.

During his visit, he will stop in Borgo a Mozzano where we will be able to admire the beautiful Ponte del Diavolo, an exceptional example of medieval architecture that connects the two banks of the Serchio river. Continuation for the visit [external only] of Barga, an interesting medieval center still well preserved: visit of the Romanesque cathedral, located in a panoramic position with a view of the Apennine mountains and the Apuan Alps and recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Free lunch.

In the afternoon we will reach the Fortezza delle Verrucole, which we will visit [ticket included in the fee]. It is one of the most beautiful examples of a medieval Tuscan castle as well as a perfectly successful conservative restoration. Already in the distance its walls seem to order the passer-by to pay homage to its power. Once at the top we enjoy the panoramic view of the whole surrounding area.

Another surprise!!... he will welcome us soon.

After that we will reach a mill.

We will visit the mill and the spelled processing plant, discovering the processing of fruit for the preparation of typical jams.

We continue with the guided tour of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. We will visit [exterior only] the Rocca Ariostesca which in the sixteenth century hosted the poet Ludovico Ariosto for three years, who had been appointed governor of the province of Garfagnana.

Walk on the "Via dell'Ariosto" in the city center.

Typical "Garfagnina" dinner with a tasting of the products of the local cuisine.

Return to the hotel, overnight.

In the morning guided tour [outdoors only] of the elegant and refined Lucca, a splendid city of art. We will start with a very pleasant walk along the famous sixteenth-century walls, shaded by large trees, which enclose the ancient center of the city.

We will also visit the medieval church of San Francesco, with the large thirteenth-century mosaic on the facade century, the astonishing Piazza Anfiteatro, modeled on the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater from the 2nd century AD, the Guinigi Tower, the Museum Complex of the Cathedral and Church of San Giovanni, the typical street of antique dealers and the Churches of San Michele in Foro and San Frediano.

Free time for the shopping streets.

Free lunch.

In the afternoon guided tour [only outdoors] of the Ville Lucchesi in the immediate surroundings of the city, summer residences of the most important noble families of Lucca and of distinguished foreign guests.

Including: Villa Torrigiani, with a scenographic façade and a very beautiful and well-kept garden; Villa Bernardini, with the lemon house and the greenery [real stage of a theater]; Villa Grabau to admire the remains of the ancient villa retouched in the 19th century but which retains all the main characteristics of a villa in Lucca, the 19th century frescoes and the beautiful park. Villa Mansi built by the famous architect F. Juvarra.

Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

The marble quarries of Carrara, famous throughout the world for its precious marble obtained from the majestic Apuan Alps, rich in marble basins, since the imperial age up to the present day have given art, design and industry the raw material for the creation of famous masterpieces of sculpture and architecture.

An exciting Exclusive Tour to discover the famous quarries and the world of quarry men: an adventure that leaves its mark! The Marble Quarries in a 4x4 Jeep! from 8 seats each. with guide (Over 16 people max 24 people)
Transfer to 4×4 jeeps that will take us to discover the most extractive marble basins famous in the world Fantiscritti, Miseglia, Torano. Three hours to discover this magical place where Michelangelo found the block that gave birth to his famous Pietà.
if the group exceeds 24 participants, part of the group will have to choose for:

The Marble Quarries in Minivan! from 8 seats each. with guide
(Over 16 people max 24 people)
We will immediately head to the heart of the marble basins to visit the "Galleria Ravaccione" quarry, a guided tour of just under an hour in what is called the "Cathedral of Marble" where the extraction techniques, machinery and history of this precious material will be illustrated.
The Group will then head towards the square of the exclusive Lazzareschi quarry, an active open-air quarry, to discover how the marble is extracted from the mountain.

For both groups: We will finish with a tasting directly in a Larderia di Colonnata to find out how and why the famous "Lardo di Colonnata IGP" is left to mature for a long time, an ancient food so dear to the quarry men who are able to provide them with the energy necessary for such a tiring job.

Free lunch.

In the afternoon, free time for individual visits and shopping.

Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

In the morning departure for La Spezia. Arrival at the port and boarding on the boat (ticket included) which makes stops in all the towns of the Cinque Terre.

We will visit:
a) Riomaggiore, the easternmost, picturesque, situated on the steep sides of the valley of a covered stream;
b) Vernazza, with the small port, the church overlooking the sea from a cliff, steep stairways, narrow alleys, arcades and loggias overlooking the village, perhaps the most beautiful of the lands;
c) Monterosso, the westernmost, located in a basin, enclosed by a series of terraced hills sloping down towards the sea, where olive trees, lemons and above all grapes are grown. It preserves the structure and colors of the ancient fishing village.

Free lunch.

In the afternoon a walk in Portovenere.

Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

In the morning guided tour [only outdoors] of Pisa. This city is much more than the famous Leaning Tower and deserves a longer visit than the irreplaceable stop at the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO heritage site. Ancient Maritime Republic, Pisa is a city born and raised along the axis of the Arno.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: CHOCOLATE TASTING

In addition to the visits and excursions included in the program, it is possible to make some optional excursions always with authorized guides.
During the visit we could decide to stop at a chocolate shop for a delicious chocolate tasting [costs not included in the fee].

Free lunch.

In the afternoon, free time for individual visits and shopping.

Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight.