Day 3 - Tues, May 20

After breakfast drive to La Spezia to catch a ferry to visit what is arguably the prettiest of all the coastal towns in Liguria. A colorful huddle of old fishermen's homes greet those who visit the picturesque, seaside town of Portovenere. Leisurely strolls through winding, narrow streets will disclose spectacular seascapes of emerald waters lapping along the town's rocky shoreline (approximately a one-mile, partly uphill walk). Lunch oyo. Enjoy a wine tasting en route back to Viareggio. Dinner in Casa Piero.

Day 4 - Wed, May 21

After breakfast visit the endearing city of Lucca, hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls. Its cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades make it a perfect destination to spend the day and with a ratio of 1 shop per every 3 inhabitants it's a great place for shopping. In the morning go for a walk to see the town's main sites (approximately a two-mile walk). After lunch oyo you can decide to go on an additional walk to explore the town further, or enjoy free time to either go shopping, ride bikes around the tree-lined city walls, or catch a museum. Return to Viareggio. Free time to go for a stroll, shop, ride a bike or go for a dip in the sea before dinner at Casa Piero.

Day 5 -Thurs, May 22

After breakfast, visit the Cinqueterre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, five ingeniously constructed fishing villages set amid a dramatic coastal scenery. Take a fast train to reach Monterosso, the town furthest north. After visiting this charming village hike to Vernazza, the next town over (approximately an 1,5 hr hike). Free time to get a bite to eat. Take a ferry down the coast to admire the scenery from out at sea to reach Riomaggiore, the southernmost town. Take a train back to Viareggio with a change in La Spezia. Dinner in one of the many great restaurants in Viareggio.

Day 6 - Fri, May 23

Within 20 minutes from Casa Piero you can reach mountain trails to mountains up to 6,000 ft in altitude. After breakfast reach one of the small mountain villages from where most trails start from and hike to the summit for a spectacular birdseye view overlooking the coast. On clear days you can see as far as Corsica. Return to Casa Piero for dinner.

Day 7 - Sat, May 24

After breakfast visit Florence, cradle of the Renaissance and a city that needs no introductions. Go on a walk to see some of the extraordinary art and architecture the city is packed with (approximately a three-mile walk). Lunch oyo. On returning to Viareggio have dinner in Casa Piero.

Day 8 - Sun, May 25

After breakfast we are off to Pisa! See what is perhaps one of Italy’s most famous symbols: The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Admire the other stunning buildings that make up this majestic piazza. Be surprised to discover how many other noteworthy sights there are to see in this charming and lively university town. Lunch oyo. When we return home you'll take part in a second hands-on cooking class preparing farewell dinner.

Day 9 - Mon, May 26

After breakfast departure from Pisa international airport or Florence airport if group departs on the same flight.