The Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

Your exploration of the Italian Riviera, a beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy’s northwestern corner, starts today! After flying to Pisa, we will drive you to your hotel in Lido di Camaiore, close to the small town of Marina di Pietrasanta, in neighbouring Tuscany. It is the perfect spot from which to explore, and the surrounding area is known for its sweeping sandy beaches. There is one a few steps from your hotel, so why not take a stroll before we get together for a welcome drink and dinner this evening

Today we include a visit to Carrara to see how the area's beautiful white and blue-grey marble is quarried. You'll visit the quarry itself, where the shimmering marble is a spectacular sight, and a marble workshop. Here you'll see how this high-quality material, which was used to create some of the most remarkable buildings in Ancient Rome, is used in sculpture today. We also include a visit to the marble museum, where you'll see statues, archaeological finds and machines used to process marble.
Later, we'll head to the Cantine Lunae Winery, owned by five generations of the same family. Here we'll learn about the centuries-old wine-making techniques which are still in place and enjoy a tasting of a few different wines. These will be paired with a lunch of local food including cheeses, salami and the traditional flatbread focaccia.

Spend today at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel or exploring Marina di Pietrasanta at your own pace. If you head into town, you’ll find a lovely selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, perfect if you fancy a stroll and leisurely lunch.
Alternatively, why not join our full-day optional excursion by coach. You’ll visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower, one of four buildings which make up the cathedral complex known as the Field of Miracles. We’ll tour the complex with a Local Guide and learn more about the famous tower that took 176 years to complete and began to lean shortly after construction began. After the tour, you’re free to enjoy lunch in Pisa if you wish and then we’ll head to Lucca. This historic, walled city boasts some of Italy’s finest examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture amidst its cobbled streets and pretty piazzas. We’ll explore together on a walking tour and discover highlights including the Roman amphitheatre and beautiful cathedral, where the Volto Santo relic – a wooden sculpture of Christ – is said to be kept. Enjoy some free time to make your own discoveries in Lucca before we make our way back to the hotel.

Today's included full-day excursion by coach and train takes you to the enchanting area known as the Cinque Terre. This translates as Five Lands and refers to the five fishing villages perched precariously on rugged cliffs high above the Mediterranean Sea. One of the world’s most photographed regions, the views here are simply stunning – so be sure to bring your camera!
As we explore with a Local Guide, we’ll see pretty, pastel-coloured houses clinging to steep dramatic cliffs, and fishing boats bobbing around in tiny harbours. We will admire ancient churches and cobbled piazzas and take in the spectacular views out to sea. Then, you’ll have free time in the village of Vernazza to do just as you please. Maybe soak up the sun on the little beach, linger over a glass of wine or dine alfresco by the waterfront, the choice is entirely yours.

Enjoy some free time today. You could explore the area surrounding your hotel, spend a lazy day on the beach or relax by the swimming pool.
Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion, which begins in the beautiful village of Portovenere, sat atop a rocky peninsula in the 'Gulf of Poets', an area once very popular with writers such as Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence. Highlights are a picturesque harbour lined with brightly coloured houses, the stunning church of San Pietro and an impressive stone-built castle. Next, you'll head to the beautiful seaside town of Lerici, home to an imposing castle, a small historic centre and a crescent-shaped piazza.

After breakfast, join us on today's included tour. We'll start by exploring the hidden hamlet of San Fruttuoso. Nested in a small bay, surrounded by a lush forest, there are no roads to this off-the-beaten-track destination. Instead, we’ll arrive by boat and then step inside the charming 10th-century abbey, located right beside the crystal-clear sea.
Next, we’ll venture to Portofino, which we’ll also reach by local boat service along a pretty coastal stretch. What used to be a tiny fishing port is today the Italian Riviera's most exclusive resort, offering designer boutiques and a fine selection of cafés and bars. You’ll have free time here to make your own discoveries and could perhaps take a stroll among the snaking streets to the Church of St Giorgio. From here, the views across the bay are quite spectacular. Another option is to explore the area surrounding the Piazzetta, Portofino’s main square overlooking the harbour.
You'll also visit the picturesque seaside resort of Santa Margherita, which is home to a lovely palm-fringed harbour that's a magnet for small yachts.

Spend today at leisure exploring or enjoying the facilities at your hotel. You could take a dip in the swimming pool or perhaps book a relaxing treatment at the spa.
Alternatively, if you want to discover even more, why not join an optional excursion to Genoa. This large port city, with its twisting maze of narrow streets, is famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and its maritime history spans centuries. Your guided tour will take you past a diverse mix of contemporary, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, grand palaces and a host of museums and galleries. Now you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please in Genoa.

Your holiday comes to an end today and after breakfast, we'll drive you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.