Sun., Sept. 23 - Day 4

After breakfast at the villa take part in a hands-on cooking class making a complete Ligurian meal. In the afternoon discover charming Sarzana, go for a stroll in the picturesque old town center and see the town's castle. Return to villa for dinner.

Mon., Sept. 24 - Day 5

After breakfast drive through mountain roads, crossing medieval towns and castles perched high on cliffs and reach the mountain village of Pontremoli where you can try their local specialty 'testaroli'. It could also be possible to plan a nature walk in the mountains. Alternately we can visit another town along the coast. Dinner back at villa.

Tues., Sept. 25 - Day 6

After breakfast reach the first town of the Cinqueterre closest to us. Walk around the first town then take a train to the next town over. After visiting this town we will hike to the following village where you'll get breathtaking views of the cliffs that plummet into the turquoise sea, and the terraced hills of vineyards and olive groves. Visit the third town and have lunch. After lunch take a train ride to the next town over. Visit Vernazza what is perhaps the prettiest of all five towns. Take a last train ride over to the furthest north and the largest of the five towns with its beautiful beach and charming town center. Catch a boat back to the first of the small towns to see all of the Cinqueterre by sea. Return to villa for dinner.

Wed., Sept. 26 - Day 7

After breakfast take part in a second, hands-on cooking course to have a full-course meal to be had for lunch. In the afternoon visit what is arguably one of the prettiest of the historic fisherman's villages on the Ligurian coast, Portovenere, one of poet Byron's favorite haunts, perched dreamily in the Gulf of Poets. Return to villa for dinner.

Thurs., Sept. 27 - Day 8

After breakfast stretch your legs visiting the interesting historical center of Carrara followed by a drive up the mountains to gawk at its spectacular marble quarries. Try the specialty from this area, pork fat back cured in marble vats. Have it thinly sliced on warm rosemary-scented focaccia: heavenly! The next stop is Pietrasanta (optional), a lovely town with a great central square. It is the home to artists from around the world some of whom you’ll be able to see at work when you peek into the many marble sculptor shops and bronze casting studios spread throughout the town. Pietrasanta also holds very interesting art shows exhibiting the work of top contemporary artists. On our return to the villa stop in Luni for a wine tasting at one of the many great vineyards in this area. Return to villa for dinner.

Fri., Sept. 28 - Day 9

After breakfast take part in the last cooking class. In the afternoon visit nearby Lerici, where Magnolia, yew and cedar trees grow in the public gardens. The small town is an exclusive retreat of terraced villas clinging to cliffs along a beach where Byron and Shelley sought inspiration. From Lerici, a scenic 3km coastal stroll leads northwest to San Terenzo, a seaside village with a sandy beach and Genoese castle. The Shelleys lived in the waterfront Villa Magni before Percy found his death when he drowned along the coast in the early 1820s. Return to villa for farewell dinner.

Sat., Sept. 29 - Day 10

After breakfast departure from Cristoforo Clolombo airport in Genoa.

We recommend you book a flight that departs around noon (11am – 1pm). There will only be one transfer to the airport therefore if you remain within our suggested time slot you can avoid having to wait at the airport for a long time if your flight departs very late or having to reach the airport by your own means if your flight departs very early.