L U C C A, I T A L Y
Known for the beautifully intact 16th century Renaissance walls that surround it, Lucca is one of Italy's most charming towns. The town center is quaint, yet and bubbling with cafes, trattorias, and markets. Unlike many other Tuscan villages, Lucca is flat making it both bikeable and walkable. It's also very accessible. International airports in Florence and Pisa are an hour away with the stunning Tyrrennian coastline and Cinque Terre all within close reach. Volterra, Pisa aren't far and there are many wineries to explore in the area.
THE GETAWAY
With the charming Renaissance gem of Lucca as your home base, explore nearby Greve in Chianti and take a day trip to Le Cinque Terre. Enjoy a cooking class, a wine tasting in a castle and lunch at one of Tuscany's most famous chefs, Dario Cecchini.
ACCOMMODATION
The hillsides surrounding Lucca are dotted with fabulous villas to rent. Either stay in town or in one of the area's gorgeously renovated holiday homes.
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
CHIANTI & PANZANO
Stop in the gorgeous village of Greve in Chianti to meet the vintner and tour his family-owned castle vineyard before trying some of his wines. Afterwards, head to lunch at eighth-generation family butcher and Chef's Table's Dario Cecchini's Antica Macelleria - Officina della Bistecca. Dario is quite a character and offers a fun, fascinating, not to mention unforgettable experience. Don't worry if you're vegetarian, a vegetarian menu is available.
LUCCA
You'll have a guided tour of the remarkable town of Lucca, famous for the 16th century well-preserved wall surrounding it. Also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini, you'll have the chance to visit Casa Puccini, a house museum. After the tour you'll have plenty of time to lunch, wander, stroll and shop.
LE CINQUE TERRE
Spend the day enjoying the 'five lands' or as they're better known: Le Cinque Terre. These stunning villages, perched on steep craggy cliffs, are some of the most picturesque, panoramic views in all of Italy. We'll visit several of them with a local guide ready to steer you in the direction of the best spots each town has to offer.
COOKING CLASS
What trip to Italy would be complete without a cooking class?
Learn how to create authentic Italian sauces that are both tasty and easy to make. Something to recreate back home for friends and family.