Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

Day 2 Lunae Winery & Carrara

Today starts with a visit to Cantine Lunae Winery in historic Luni, where you’ll explore a museum showcasing traditional wine-making tools and techniques. Following the visit, we’ll enjoy a tasting of their wines paired with local delicacies like cheeses, salami, and Ligurian focaccia. In the afternoon, we head to Carrara for a guided tour of this charming town known for its marble traditions. From there, we continue to Fantiscritti, where we’ll visit the Ravaccione Gallery, an underground marble quarry carved into the mountain. Travelling by minibus and on foot, we’ll venture 800 metres into the mountain to see marble extraction firsthand. The day concludes with a visit to the Walter Danesi Museum, where you’ll discover the rich history of marble quarrying from ancient Roman times to the present, a truly immersive experience that brings Carrara’s famous marble to life.

Day 3 Marina di Pietrasanta - at Leisure

Spend today at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel or exploring Marina di Pietrasanta at your own pace. If you head into town, you’ll find a lovely selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, perfect if you fancy a stroll and leisurely lunch.

Alternatively, why not join our full-day optional excursion by coach. You’ll visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower, one of four buildings which make up the cathedral complex known as the Field of Miracles. We’ll tour the complex with a Local Guide and learn more about the famous tower that took 176 years to complete and began to lean shortly after construction began. After the tour, you’re free to enjoy lunch in Pisa if you wish and then we’ll head to Lucca. This historic, walled city boasts some of Italy’s finest examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture amidst its cobbled streets and pretty piazzas. We’ll explore together on a walking tour and discover highlights including the Roman amphitheatre and beautiful cathedral, where the Volto Santo relic – a wooden sculpture of Christ – is said to be kept. Enjoy some free time to make your own discoveries in Lucca before we make our way back to the hotel.

Day 4 San Fruttuoso, Portofino and Santa Margherita

Today’s full-day excursion takes us along the stunning Ligurian coast, beginning with a drive to Rapallo, where we board a motorboat to the hidden bay of San Fruttuoso. Here, you’ll have time to explore before visiting the remarkable 8th-century abbey, set in a peaceful cove between sea and hills. We then continue to the iconic village of Portofino. With its colourful waterfront, elegant boutiques and relaxed charm, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch and take in the scenery. In the afternoon, we make our way to Santa Margherita Ligure for a short visit, before returning to Rapallo and heading back to the hotel by coach.

Day 5 Marina di Pietrasanta - at Leisure

Enjoy some free time today. You could explore the area surrounding your hotel, spend a lazy day on the beach or relax by the swimming pool.

Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion, which begins in the beautiful village of Portovenere, sat atop a rocky peninsula in the 'Gulf of Poets', an area once very popular with writers such as Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence. Highlights are a picturesque harbour lined with brightly coloured houses, the stunning church of San Pietro and an impressive stone-built castle. Next, you'll head to the beautiful seaside town of Lerici, home to an imposing castle, a small historic centre and a crescent-shaped piazza.

Day 6 Cinque Terre – Riomaggiore, Manarola & Vernazza

After breakfast, join us on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colourful villages and dramatic coastline. We’ll travel by train with our expert guide, starting in Riomaggiore, where brightly painted houses cling to steep hillsides above the sea. From here, we continue to Manarola – a picturesque village full of charm and breathtaking views. Our final stop is Vernazza, often considered the most beautiful of the five villages. You’ll have free time here to explore at your leisure – perhaps enjoy lunch by the water, browse the small shops, or simply soak in the views. Later, we return by train to La Spezia, where our coach will be waiting to take us back to the hotel.

Day 7 Marina di Pietrasanta - at Leisure

Spend today at leisure exploring or enjoying the facilities at your hotel. You could take a dip in the swimming pool or perhaps book a relaxing treatment at the spa.

Alternatively, if you want to discover even more, why not join an optional excursion to Genoa. This large port city, with its twisting maze of narrow streets, is famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and its maritime history spans centuries. Your guided tour will take you past a diverse mix of contemporary, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, grand palaces and a host of museums and galleries. Now you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please in Genoa.

Day 8 Pisa - UK

Your holiday comes to an end today and after breakfast, we'll drive you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.