You’ll start your journey in La Spezia and make your way to Livorno, which was founded by the Florentine Medici family in the late 16th century to support its flourishing port. You will be greeted by the city’s two impressive fortresses as well as the quiet canals, sleepy churches and buildings in the old Venezia quarter that belonged to the wealthy European merchants of the time. You will also find churches that belonged to the Dutch, Greek, Armenian and British communities of the 16th-19th centuries, as well as the impressive modern Synagogue built on the grounds of the original in what was one of the most important Jewish communities in Italy.

While in Livorno, pop into the large indoor food market, then stroll along the spectacular waterfront with great views of the sea from Terrazza Mascagni. Walk through the quarters of Ardenza and Antignano, then make your way up the hill to the Sanctuary of Montenero to view its fascinating church, monastery, and snap some stunning photos of Livorno below.

Continue along the rocky Romito coastline to the wine-producing area of Bolgheri. Long a mecca for wine lovers, this charming village is where Marquis Incisa produced the very successful Sassicaia wines which have since gained international fame and influenced his neighboring winemakers. While in town, tour the cellars and sample wines at one of Bolgheri’s prestigious wineries before enjoying a delicious Tuscan lunch.

From there you will visit another of Bolgheri’s wine makers before heading to the medieval hilltop village of Castagneto Carducci, with its castle belonging to Count Gherardesca whose noble family have been landowners here for centuries.

Book this small tour now and get ready to step back into medieval Italy with this fascinating tour of Livorno and Bolgheri.

Your expedition starts at the well visited medieval town of Pisa, home to the University of Pisa founded in 1343. Stop for photographs in the Field of Miracles then marvel at Pisa Cathedral’s Leaning Tower. This freestanding bell tower was built over a period of 199 years beginning in 1173 and actually started to tilt early on during construction due to an unequal soil foundation. The tilt was partially corrected in the later stages but the tower still leans about 3.99 degrees, resulting in the top of the tower displaced a little over 12 feet from its center. While in Duomo Square you will also see the Pisa Baptistery of St. John, an ecclesiastical building made out of marble and three brass doors containing relief sculptures that Michelangelo named the Gates of Paradise. Take a walk along the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the political center in medieval times with a stunning facade designed by Giorgio Vasari.

Your adventure continues to the medieval town of Lucca where you will visit the Cathedral of San Martino that contains the Holy Face of Lucca crucifix. Legend has it this venerated wooden relic was a copy of the original sculpted by Nicodemus, a Pharisee who helped prepare and bury Jesus’ body after His crucifixion. While in town, see St. Michele’s Church and stand in Via Fillungo, the main street in the city that is lined with numerous shops. Gaze up at the Clock Tower as well as the oak-topped Guinigi Tower, a marvelous example of Romanesque Gothic architecture.

You will also visit a charming little town with generous views of Lucca. Relax in one of the wineries and sample some the region’s wines cultivated on the Sangiovese grapes as well as other local varieties. You will also enjoy a tasting of premium extra virgin olive oil and other local products.

Sign up today and get ready to experience the history, majesty and beauty of medieval Pisa, Lucca and Wine Experience.

The first stop on your tour is the well visited, famous medieval town of Pisa, home to the University of Pisa founded in 1343.

Stop for photographs in the Field of Miracles then marvel at Pisa Cathedral’s Leaning Tower. This freestanding bell tower was built over a period of 199 years beginning in 1173 and started to tilt early on during construction due to an unequal soil foundation. The tilt was partially corrected in the later stages but the tower still leans about 3.99 degrees, resulting in the top of the tower displaced a little over 12 feet from its center.

While in Duomo Square you will also see the Pisa Baptistry of St. John, an ecclesiastical building made from marble and three brass doors containing relief sculptures that Michelangelo named the Gates of Paradise.

Take a walk along the Piazza Dei Cavalieri, the political center in medieval times with stunning facades.

From there you will travel through the Tuscan countryside to Florence and pass under the famed Porto Romana gate built into the 13th century walls of the city. See Pitti Palace, a massive Renaissance palace and palazzo originally used as a residence by ruling families and a power base by Napoleon and today is a large gallery and museum.

Walk behind the palace to visit Boboli Gardens decorated with ancient sculptures. On the terrace at Piazza del Michelangelo you will receive an impressive overview of Florence.

The Piazza della Signoria offers impressive sculptures plus the grand Palazzo Vecchio, or town hall. This square is also the gateway to the Uffizi Gallery, a prominent museum that houses several paintings from the masters including Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli and Raffaello.

During this tour you will also see the amazing Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower as well as the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Stroll through narrow streets and past the Arno River as your guide shares interesting tidbits and secrets about Florence’s history. Cross the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, the most photographed landmark in the city.

Sign up now and spend an unforgettable day in the cultural and historical heart of two of Italy’s most cherished and visited cities.