In medieval times, the word ‘terra’ (land) meant ‘village.’ This is the origin of the name of this beautiful area: Cinque Terre (Five Villages). The inhabitants of these places had agricultural origins and lived on the hills. They came down to the coast once the Saracens had finished invading, when the sea became safe; they populated the villages at the mouths of the rivers along the shore. Cinque Terre’s landscape is harsh and wild and the coast reflects this. High cliffs dropping down into the cobalt blue depths of the sea, hiding minute coves at Riomaggiore and Vernazza, or tiny ports like Manarola.

The Cinque Terre, is recognized by UNESCO as a ‘World Heritage Site’, and is a national park and protected marine area.

After meeting your driver on the pier for your Livorno excursion, you will set off on the 60 minute drive to La Spezia. Here you will meet your professionally trained local guide and begin your exploration of Cinque Terre. You will proceed by public boat or by local train, depending on the current weather conditions, to the village of Monterosso.

Beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and plentiful small hotels and restaurants make Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages (population 1,730), the busiest in midsummer. The village center bustles high on a hillside. Below, connected by stone steps, are the port and seaside promenade, where there are boats for hire. The village is encircled by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, and by a forest of scrubby bushes and small trees. The medieval tower, Aurora, on the hills of the Cappuccini, separates the ancient part of the village from the more modern part. The medieval center of Monterosso has remained perfectly preserved with its tower-houses and ‘carrugi’ (narrow alleys). The remains of the walls and defense system are a testament to the town’s numerous sea battles. The castle, overlooking the sea, and the Aurora Tower, the only one standing out of the thirteen towers built in the 17th-century, help paint the picture of this tempestuous time.

Departing from Monterosso, you will head to Vernazza. This tiny resort is located at the mouth of a river and is naturally protected from the threat of the sea by a rocky promontory, making it the only major landing point in the Cinque Terre. Vernazza has always had a strong political and economical importance, which is witnessed by the style of its houses and streets, decorated with loggias and refined arcades, giving it the appearance of a noble and elegant village located on a steep cliff.

Following Vernazza, you will make your way to Riomaggiore. Nestled between two steep terraced hills that descend in abrupt cliffs to the sea, the historic borough of Riomaggiore strikes visitors with its tall vertically built colourful houses. While strolling amidst the tight network of alleyways, the village’s archways and staircases offer charming shifts of light and shade. All of the houses have two entrances: one at the facade on the street level, the other at the rear at the level of the higher road. In the 1500s, these structures guaranteed an escape route in case of Saracen attacks. After a delightful day exploring the picturesque Cinque Terre, you will be returned to the port.

This charming tour is perfect for those who have already visited Florence and Pisa, and want to see what the true Tuscan countryside has to offer.

Board your comfortable transportation for a relaxing, scenic ride through the beautiful countryside of Tuscany as you make your way to Volterra. This small hillside town dates back to Neolithic times and was used as the setting in Stephanie Meyers wildly popular Twilight series. Everything you have ever imagined Tuscany to be will come to life as you experience first-hand the beauty and charm of this part of Italy, like nowhere else on earth.

Stand in the Piazza dei Priori and be greeted by the clocktower and imposing Palazzo dei Priori, Volterra’s massive 13th century town hall. Admire the remnants of the Roman theater and the centuries-old 2,500-year-old Etruscan wall built when the town was an affluent exporter of prized materials throughout the Mediterranean basin. One of these materials, alabaster, is still carved today by skilled artisans famous for their beautiful alabaster works. Other highlights include the Pinacoteca Comunale, an art museum displaying 13th and 14th century works.

From here you will make your way to San Gimignano, stopping at a local farmhouse to learn about Tuscan wines, participate in a wine tasting, and enjoy a light lunch of traditional Tuscan fare.

As you begin to approach San Gimignano, you will see what the town is known for, the watchtowers. Arrive and immediately be seduced by its charm, a small walled medieval town internationally famous for 14 watchtowers that still stand today. These towers were a display of power and prosperity in medieval times, and today make fantastic photos of a Tuscany that harkens back in history. Be in awe of the historical significance as you stand in the shadows of these towers which make a statement and testament to their strength.

Walk in the footsteps of history through the streets lined with a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque architecture and check out the piazzas in the heart of the town. Conclude your time in the Tuscan countryside with a homemade gelato (at your own expense) during your ride back to port.

This very popular tour sells out fast, book now and don’t miss out on discovering the true flavor of Tuscany.

Escape the crowded 50-person cruise line tours on this exclusive Best of Florence and Pisa tour. With a group size maximum of only 30 guests (and often less) you will enjoy a very personalized excursion experience.

At the beginning of your excursion leaving from Livorno, you will be met by your driver after a short shuttle ride from the pier, and then climb aboard your air-conditioned vehicle for the 30-minute drive to Pisa.

Upon arrival in Pisa, you will walk from the parking area to the Field of Miracles, where you will have free time for photos. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes each way. You will have approximately 1 hour in Pisa to see sites like the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery on your own. Admission to the sites is not included in the price of your tour.

Your guide will then lead you to your transportation and bid you farewell before you and your driver depart to Florence. As you leave the flat plains near the sea, you will start to drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Upon arrival in Florence, you will drive to the city’s historical area, which is predominately pedestrian. During your first stop on your walking tour, you will be able to view the Piazza del Duomo. The Florence Duomo is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore and is typical of Italian Gothic architecture. Arnolfo di Cambio designed the present building. The Cupola remained unfinished, and was finally completed in 1436. It is the most characteristic feature of the Florentine skyline, symbolizing a great cultural tradition and the city’s civic awareness. You will also see the outside of the Baptistery adjacent to the Duomo.

You will continue your walking tour at the Piazza della Signoria, which has been the political heart of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day. The piazza is named after the most important monument there, Palazzo della Signoria, designed in 1298-99 for the seat of the Republican government and which was later to host the Gonfaloniere of Justice and the Priors of the Arts.

Close by the Piazza della Signoria you will visit the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge, which crosses the Arno at its widest point. It dates back to Roman times and has been re-built on several occasions. After the flooding of 1333, it was re-constructed with a double row of shops, passing from a defensive type of architecture to the current public one. In 1565, the east-facing Vasariano Corridor above the shops was built and the back-shops were added in the 17th century, giving the bridge its modern-day structure.

You will then have approximately 45 minutes to have a quick lunch on your own or do a little shopping.

After the break, you will have a quick visit to the Square of Santa Croce (Holy Cross), one of Florence’s largest squares, and traditionally one of the city’s main arenas for ceremonials and festivities. At the far end, you will be able to see the exterior of the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the largest churches in the city, and the burial place of many of Florence’s most illustrious citizens including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Vittorio Alfieri, and Gioacchino Rossini.