12 day Mediterranean Cruise and Italy
(22 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Bill Macina
New York, NY
Tuscany Travel Agent Expert
Embark on an unforgettable journey with your friends to the picturesque landscapes and cultural wonders of Tuscany, Italy. From the rolling vineyards of Chianti to the historic cities steeped in art and history, this travel guide ensures an immers...
Embark on an unforgettable journey with your friends to the picturesque landscapes and cultural wonders of Tuscany, Italy. From the rolling vineyards of Chianti to the historic cities steeped in art and history, this travel guide ensures an immersive and delightful experience in the heart of Italy.Day 1: Arrival in Florence - Art and Architecture Arrive in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, and dive straight into the city's rich cultural tapestry. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Stroll through the charming streets, discovering local trattorias and gelato shops.Day 2: Chianti Wine Region - Savoring Tuscany's Finest Embark on a day trip to the renowned Chianti wine region. Explore the vineyards and olive groves, and indulge in wine tastings at traditional wineries. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a countryside estate, savoring Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines. Take in the scenic views of rolling hills and historic villages that define the Chianti landscape.Day 3: Siena - Medieval Splendor Venture to Siena, a city that captures the essence of medieval Italy. Explore the historic Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place, and visit the stunning Siena Cathedral. Wander through the narrow streets, discovering hidden gems and quaint cafes. In the evening, dine in a traditional osteria and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.Day 4: San Gimignano - Towers and Tuscan Charm Visit the enchanting town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers that punctuate the skyline. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic center, sampling local delicacies in the charming squares. Climb to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.Day 5: Pisa - Iconic Leaning Tower Take a day trip to Pisa to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower. Explore the Campo dei Miracoli, home to the Cathedral and Baptistery, before striking the classic "holding up the tower" pose. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the Arno River, indulging in Pisan cuisine.Day 6: Tuscan Cooking Class - Culinary Delights Immerse yourselves in Tuscan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Learn the art of making pasta, risotto, and classic Tuscan dishes from a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor during a delightful lunch. In the evening, savor a dinner at a traditional trattoria, accompanied by local wines.Day 7: Relaxation in the Tuscan Countryside and Departure Spend your last day unwinding in the tranquil Tuscan countryside. Choose between exploring local markets, taking a leisurely hike, or simply lounging by a pool with panoramic views. Depart with hearts full of laughter, memories, and the unique charm of Tuscany lingering in your minds.Conclusion: Your Tuscan adventure with friends promises a perfect blend of art, history, culinary delights, and the warm hospitality that defines this charming region of Italy. From the vibrant streets of Florence to the rolling hills of Chianti, every moment spent with your friends in Tuscany is sure to be a treasure that lasts a lifetime.
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We arrived on June 25th at Milan, Italy. From the airport we rented a car and proceeded to La Spezia. We stayed for 4 nights in La Spezia. La Spezia was used as a base to explore the magnificent towns that are called Cinque Terre. These are very picturesque towns that are located on the coast. There is local train service that brings you to all of these towns.
On June 8th we proceeded to the port of Genoa to board an MSC cruise ship for a 12 day Mediterranean cruise. The first and second day were at sea. The first port was the magnificent port of Valletta, Malta. Valletta is a fascinating multicultural town . The St. Johns Co-Cathedral is a must see.
On day four we stopped at the port of Gythion, Sparta, Greece. At Gythion we explored Greek ruins and also the many shops there.
Day five was at sea.
Day 6 and 7 at the port of Ashod, Israel. Here we took two extensive excursions that visted the Holy Land, sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Day 8, Limassol, Cyprus. We took an excursion that brought us to archaeological sites an olive producer and a winery.
Day 9 Heraklion, Greece on the island of Crete. We took and excursion to see the sites in the city and also visited Knossos palace and the old market.
Day 10 at sea.
Day 11 Sorrento, Italy. A beautiful and charming city. We explored the city on our own and understood why everyone wants to return to Sorrento.
Day 12 we returned to Genoa and proceeded to Siena by rental car. We stayed in Siena for three days. We explored this city with its magnificent Cathedral and other historic sites. We also took a side trip to Siena.
After Siena we returned home.