Tastes of Tuscany – An Italian Indulgence
Tuscany is the buzz word for Italian food and wine. We immerse ourselves in the lives of local Italians in the compact medieval town of Lucca. Quaint cobbled streets and a wall that remains intact from the region’s turbulent history give you a sense of timeless Italian life. Saluté!
Far from the tourist hordes we may truly become Italian for a brief moment in time. We are living as locals as we stay in private apartments with kitchens and facilities. Our local bar on the corner is a perfect meeting place for our morning café. Nearby is our regular Enoteka, a great place to congregate over an aperitivo and snacks before dinner or our evening’s entertainment. We will enjoy visits to local wineries, a Tuscan cooking class and dine in a restaurant in Piemonte’s undiscovered gem, Priocca. This is the home of the fabled ‘tartufo’ (truffles). We have some wonderful friends who will also host us at an organic winery. Lunch on the hill sampling Barbera and Nebbiolo flavours is unforgettable. Cap it off with visits to Florence, Pisa, the Cinque Terra and Rome and you will leave with an experience to savour. Saluté!
"This trip wins on all aspects! For me it was the distinct variation in cuisine from place to place that brought delight. Visiting markets, selecting foods from the deli, eating at a pizzeria or trattoria truly identified each part of Italy. Tasting a Florentine Steak for the first time or sampling the wines and oils from each terrain created a new sensation for the palate.
A highlight was the cooking class learning the art of simple yet tasty cuisine from a local renowned chef. Enjoy!"
Jennie Russell, Australia
| 12 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 26th October 2024 | (Saturday to Wednesday) |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | AUD$2890 | |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR TAPAS Y VINO – A SPANISH INDULGENCE AND/OR OUR CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TOURS*** |
Day 1 - Arrive Torino Arrival day (no activities planned). We enjoy dinner in one of your favourites in the city centre Day 2 - Torino (Priocca day trip) Today we head in to the heart of Piemonte, Italy’s best kept secret. This region is home to possibly the best soil in Italy. Grapes such as Barbera and Nebbiolo grow perfectly in these conditions and we are the beneficiaries. Our table awaits in one of the many countryside eateries for a delightful lunch. We then meander to the gorgeous village of Priocca and are exclusive guests of our good friends at the Hilberg-Pasquero winery on the hills overlooking the town. We will sample their wines and enjoy an easy afternoon under the trees with the rolling hills as a backdrop. This winery is completely organic and is winning awards all across Europe for it authentic flavours. Annette and Michele are marvellous hosts Day 3 - Torino to Lucca Today we head south by train through northern Italy and plan to arrive early afternoon in our base for our immersive Tuscan experience. Lucca is the only mediaeval town remaining in Italy with the walls completely intact. Our accommodation inside the old historic centre provides us with access to lovely walks and the many wonderful food and wine experiences that are on offer. We settle in for our first meal together inside the walls Day 4 - Lucca We hire bikes and take a gentle pedal around the walls then enjoy the quiet ambiance of the back streets. A picnic on the walls is a great way to spend the early afternoon. This evening we enjoy a wine tasting and antipasti before a stunning recital of Lucca’s favourite son, Giacomo Puccini Day 5 - Lucca (Colle Verde Lunch) Heading for the hills above Lucca we visit the gorgeous winery of Colle Verde. We sample wines and experience a demonstration on the process of making olive oil. Lunch is taken on the deck. Maybe there is a chance for a swim if the weather is favourable or just perhaps a short wander through the vineyard is preferred Day 6 - Lucca (Florence day trip) A morning train takes us into the heart of one of Europe’s most amazing cities. Florence oozes history and culture. We have a scheduled booking at the astonishing Uffizi Gallery to view the grandest collection of Italian masters. Also we will call in on Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “The David”. A walking tour will give you bearings for an afternoon of exploration. We meet for an early dinner (by Italian standards) and indulge in the regional favourite, ‘Bistecca Fiorentina’. An evening train takes us back to Lucca Day 7 - Lucca (Pisa half day trip) Today we travel in the morning to Pisa. We have time to climb the Leaning Tower and enjoy the many sights in the “Place of Miracles”. We return for a free afternoon lovely Lucca Day 8 - Lucca We have scheduled a free day to charge the batteries and enjoy our home town of Lucca. There will be options available from active pursuits to an easy day of exploration or relaxation Day 9 - Lucca (Cinque Terra day trip) One of our rare early starts we catch transport to the seaside villages on the “Cinque Terra”. We have time to walk between some of the villages. Lunch will probably be taken in the harbour of Manorola or Vernazza. Meeting up in Monterosso we complete the day with antipasti and perhaps an early prosecco in one of the seaside cafes. We return to Lucca early evening Day 10 - Lucca (Tuscan cooking class) Today we are to enjoy a wonderful Italian cooking class hosted by our local chefs. We will prepare simple Italian favourites as well as some unique Tuscan specialties. Roll up your sleeves as this is a very interactive experience. Make sure you have the most important ingredient in hand. A glass of ‘Chianti Classico’ Day 11 - Lucca to Rome A sad farewell to Lucca we board our train to Rome. Arriving in time for a half day walking tour. We will visit the major sights such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, the Pantheon and of course the Roman Forum. A farewell dinner gives a chance to reminisce about wonderful Italian experience Day 12 - Rome - Departure day You are free to depart today at your leisure or alternatively Global Drift can arrange extra accommodation in amazing Rome, the City of Seven Hills |  |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single EUR€95 | Details |
| Double EUR€125 |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR TAPAS Y VINO – A SPANISH INDULGENCE AND/OR OUR CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TOURS***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.