Culinary Quests

(Half day) -- In the afternoon you can meet with your guide at the hotel for an excursion to Camogli, a city of ancient maritime traditions, famous for its colorful, typical Ligurian tower-houses overlooking the bay.  In Camogli you will visit an ancient workshop where you will see how the famous under-salt anchovies are prepared.  Minimum of 2 persons required.  Discounted rates for groups of 4 or more.

(Half-day) - Genoa is a spectacular Mediterranean city still unknown to many visitors to Italy.  It is not showy and its distinct mysterious character is revealed only by walking in the small passageways and alleys, discovering its sights, sounds, scents and people.  With our friendly guide you will visit:  Palazzo Ducale, the Palaces of Rolli (a UNESCO World Heritage Site ), which are the wonderfully ornate and very original private residences belonging to the city’s aristocratic families who, in 1576, began hosting the distinguished guests of the Republic of Genoa, via Garibaldi also known as the “Strada Nuova”, the small square of Saint Mathew, and San Lorenzo Cathedral.

Next you will visit the old port for a visit of the “Lanterna”, symbol of Genoa and the most important lighthouse of the city.  The Lanterna is a 77-metre-high tower made of two blocks, square in section, roughly of the same height, and both with a projecting terrace.  The Lanterna has welcomed vessels and boats and guided them safely into the harbor for centuries. The Lanterna, as we see it today, was built in 1543; unofficial sources, however, date back to 1128 the building on this site of the first tower intended to assist navigators.

Price includes 1st class train ticket from/to Genova, half-day guided visit to Genova.

Minimum of 2 persons required.  Discounted rates for group of 4 or more.

(Half-day)  -- A journey discovering the southern area of Liguria, the Poets Gulf.  The Poets Gulf is a small area located along the Mediterranean coast. It holds the secrets of many poets and artists who came to live here. Shelley, Lord Byron, Wagner and Montale have all been inspired by the beauty and the romantic scenery of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and the small cliff-top villages facing the sea.  Portovenere, ( Port of Venus ) an enchanting village built by the Romans, is the southern door of the Cinque Terre area.  Portovenere is perhaps the most fascinating and brightest pearl of the gulf of La Spezia.  It is a unique and beautiful town, very different from the other seaside towns along the Riviera. The most enchanting way to see Portovenere is to approach it by sea, rounding the small peninsula on which stands the romantic church of San Pietro; however, the road which arrives in Portovenere from La Spezia also offers enchanting views.  Portovenere and its archipelago, which includes the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  In Portovenere we will taste local anchovies and the typical DOCG wines of this area such as: 5 Terre, Colli di Luni and Colline di Levanto.

Price includes private excursion by car or minivan and driver,  half-day guide, and wine tasting in Portovenere.

Minimum of 2 persons required.  Discounted rates for group of 4 or more.

(Full day) - Lucca, the aristocratic jewel case of Tuscany, is a fascinating town that excites with healthy table delights and beautiful walks.  You will meet your guide in Lucca for your full day excursion.

Unlike some larger Tuscan towns that have been overrun by tourists, Lucca remains a remarkably authentic and charming town filled with locals.  Much of the city is a pedestrian zone – making it a true delight to explore.  The elegance of the architecture unites perfectly with the typical businesses that you can find in every angle of Lucca. The green spaces are one of the characteristics of Lucca: the beautiful plane trees that run round the inside track of the ancient walls of Lucca, which are today completely practical to explore either on foot or by bicycle, for a circular course of about 4 kilometres.

Leaving the town you can see the Lucchese hills and the aristocratic Lucchesia Villas.  Also Lucca has always been the capital of Extra Virgin Olive Oil; a protagonist that you will find in all recipes, elating every typical Lucchese dish with its own perfume. The olive defines the landscape of this splendid town, defining the landscape of this splendid township, a very powerful territory marker and testimony of the agriculture civilization of these places. 

Driving south to Pisa you will stop for the lunch in a gorgeous farmhouse where you will taste a typical “farmer lunch” and visit the wine cellar, the olive oil mill and the aromatic garden. Then you will arrive in Pisa and enjoy a short visit of the town’s most famous monument – the Leaning Tower.  

Price includes private excursion by car or minivan and driver, full-day guide for Lucca and Pisa , tickets for the Leaning Tower, and lunch in the farmhouse.

Minimum of 2 persons required.  Discounted rates for group of 4 or more.

(Full day)  -- A journey in Tuscany discovering two gems: Lucca, the  aristocratic , walled town will enchant you with its elegant well preserved historic centre.  You will meet your guide in Lucca and she will lead you also to the most famous pastry shop where you will taste some typical cakes. Then you travel on to Pietrasanta, the small town on the way back to Santa Margherita that will amaze you with its historic and artistic centre.  The amazing Apuan Alps just behind the village keep watch over the famous marble quarries that have transformed the village in a world-known centre of art.  Pietrasanta loosely translates to ‘saint stone,’ which is an apt name for the town filled with workshops where expert artisans turn raw marble blocks into the masterpieces of the most famous sculptors in the world.  In Pietrasanta  your guide will suggest a local Trattoria where you can taste some local delicacies such as Lardo di Colonnata slices on toast bread, local seasoned cheeses, mushroom soup and more.

Price includes private excursion by car or minivan and driver, full-day guide in Lucca and Pietrasanta.

Minimum of 2 persons required.  Discounted rates for group of 4 or more.

(Full-day) -- A journey discovering the southern area of Liguria : the Poets Gulf.  The Poets Gulf  is a small area located along the Mediterranean coast.  It holds the secrets of many poets and artists who came to live here.  Shelley, Lord Byron, Wagner and Montale have all been inspired by the beauty and the romantic scenery of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and the small cliff top villages facing the sea.  La Spezia is a typical sea town, with its wide streets and bright seafront houses, surrounded by palms and gardens.  Your guide will lead you through the secret places of this small city, secluded as most of the Ligurian cities are.  Portovenere (Port of Venus ), an enchanting village built by the Romans, is the southern door of the Cinque Terre area.  Portovenere is perhaps the most fascinating and brightest pearl of the gulf of La Spezia.  It is a unique and beautiful town, very different from the other seaside towns along the Riviera. The most enchanting way to see Portovenere is to approach it by sea, rounding the small peninsula on which stands the romantic church of San Pietro; however, the road which arrives in Portovenere from La Spezia also offers enchanting views.  Portovenere and its archipelago, which includes the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.  In Portovenere we will taste local anchovies and the typical DOCG wines of this area such as : 5 Terre, Colli di Luni and Colline di Levanto.  

Price includes private excursions by car or minivan and driver,  full-day guide, wine tasting in Portovenere.

Minimum of 2 persons required.  Discounted rates for group of 4 or more.

(Full day tour and overnight in Florence)  --

Day 1 - Private departure on your own to Florence by train, half-day tour, overnight in Florence

In the afternoon you will meet your guide in Florence for a walking visit of the most important Florence masterpieces including the 14-Century Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewelry shops since 1552 when Duke Cosimo I issued an edict for jewelers to replace all of the butcher shops previously lining the landmark.  Next you will visit Piazza della Signoria and the seat of the Florentine city and county government.  Take in the immense Palazzo Vecchio where Dante Alighieri was an alderman in 1300.  You won't believe the formidable size of your next Florence landmark, the Duomo, or main cathedral, famous for Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's colorful bell tower and the carved bronze Baptistry doors.

Overnight in Florence at the 4 star Hotel Cavour, in the very heart of the historic centre, just few steps from Piazza della Signoria.

Day 2 - Half-day tour in Florence

After breakfast at your hotel, you will start today’s visit of Florence with a gastronomic tour of the most ancient food open air market in Florence : Sant’ Ambrogio market.  This is the market of Florentine people, where you will see all the fresh vegetables as well as the typical cheeses, cold cuts, and spices used in the Tuscan cuisine.  Next you will enjoy a program on Florence Artisan Chocolate and a Historical Cafe Tour.  You will taste and experience the world of hand-made chocolates from artisan producers and charming, historic cafes in the heart of Florence.  Your first stop will be a small artisan chocolate maker who creates amazing chocolates using only the highest quality cacao.  You will have time to sample all you want as your guide describes what you are sampling and offers suggestions for what to try next.  After meandering through the back streets of this timeless area of Florence, you reach a historic cafe that represents a kind of cross between old and new.  The cafe, besides wonderful hot or cold drinks, prepares and serves an inventive, sweet-tooth menu including everything from crepes and gelato to biscotti cookies and a wonderful chocolate soup.  Your guide will describe the era when these cafes first became popular and recount stories of famous people who have sipped a cappuccino in this place.  The cafe culture is a vestige left over from the time that Florence was the capital of Italy and these streets were filled with government officials, aristocrats, and intellectuals. The cafes were an important place to meet, discuss, debate and deal over an espresso and a decadent sweet.

Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.

Price includes 2 half-day guided visits of Florence as per program, 1st class train tickets from Santa Margherita Margherita Ligure to Florence (one-way), one night in the 4-star Hotel Cavour, including breakfast.

Minimum of 2 persons required.  Price is based on double occupancy. Single supplement of $132 USD is required for single occupancy.  Discounted rates for group of 4 or more.