Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, Portofino & Tuscany

Accommodation

The family owned 3 star Hotel La Pace in Forte dei Marmi is typical of the 3 star hotels we use on this holiday. The hotel is set in its own grounds and is close to the seafront. You will be warmly welcomed in this family-owned hotel and enjoy comfortable, well appointed accommodation with all bedrooms having an en-suite bathroom, TV and telephone. The hotel has a cosy bar and the continental breakfasts and three course evening dinners are taken in the hotel's dining room, which serves both Italian and international cuisine.

For a small supplement of £175 per person you can upgrade to a 4 star hotel such as the Hotel Zen in Marina di Pietrasanta, which have additional facilities for your comfort and enjoyment.

Please note that on certain dates or with high demand, we may use alternative hotels of the same 3 and 4 star category in our featured resorts of Lido di Camaiore, Marina de Pietrasanta or Forte dei Marmi on this delightful coast.

Not all 4 star hotels have a pool.

Excursions & Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Italy

On arrival at Pisa airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel on the Mediterranean Riviera, where we stay for seven nights with dinner and breakfast included every day.

Days 2 to 7

During our stay we have arranged a programme of four fabulous full day excursions, all taken at a leisurely pace. There are also two days at leisure when you can relax in the comfortable surroundings of our hotel or explore our resort and nearby attractions.

Florence - Included

The cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is recognised as the art capital of the world. Built along the banks of the River Arno and surrounded by the Tuscan hills, it is here where you will find some of the finest sculptures, works of art and architecture including the magnificent Cathedral and Baptistry with its ‘Gates of Paradise’, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Ponte Vecchio. We have arranged a sightseeing tour of the city as soon as we arrive, conducted by a local guide, to enable you to get the most from your visit. The afternoon is then at leisure. Florence has an excellent shopping centre with a large range of Italian fashion, leather goods and shoes in the shops and boutiques.

Pisa & Lucca - Included

Pisa is world famous for its instantly recognisable landmark, the Leaning Tower, which stands at a seemingly impossible angle in the Square of Miracles. No matter how many pictures you have seen of the tower, the reality will take you by suprise and will leave you wondering why it hasn’t toppled over! Next to the leaning tower is the Cathedral and the Baptistry, which are built out of the white Carrara marble. Lucca, birthplace of Puccini, is a perfectly preserved medieval town, hidden behind its splendid Renaissance ramparts. It is a small, graceful town which makes it ideal for exploring on foot and a walk along the ramparts will reward you with lovely views of the narrow streets, elegant Palaces and Romanesque churches. The town is also noted for its medieval squares, particularly the unusual oval shaped main Piazza, which was originally a Roman amphitheatre.

Cinque Terre - Included

A highlight of any holiday to Italy's Mediterranean Riviera is a visit to the Cinque Terre - one of the best-kept secrets of the Riviera and one of the most unspoiled areas of the Mediterranean. The Cinque Terre is about as beautiful a coastline as you’re likely to find anywhere in Europe. In medieval times the name “terra” (land) meant village and today Cinque Terre refers to the five colourful fishing villages which are perched precariously above the sea along this stunning stretch of coast, with their hidden coves nestling at the foot of dramatic cliffs. Inaccessible by road, the villages are linked together both by rail and via a hillside footpath which winds through Mediterranean lemon groves, olive trees, orchards and terraced vineyards, with spectacular vistas every step of the way. If you prefer a more relaxing visit, we have included a ticket for the local train, which stops at each village. Whichever way you choose to visit the Cinque Terre, you will see some of Italy’s most inspiring scenery.

Portofino & Santa Margherita - Included

Portofino, once a tiny fishing village, now the Italian Riviera’s most exclusive resort, needs little introduction. Portofino’s harbour is filled with the yachts of the rich and famous and its pedestrianised streets are lined with stylish restaurants and chic designer boutiques. Not to be missed is a walk up to St. George’s church and on to the lighthouse, from which there are some fabulous views. Neighbouring Santa Margherita dates back to Roman times and is another old fishing village turned seaside resort. In the latter half of the 19th century Santa Margherita drew visitors from all over Europe, who stayed in the elegant hotels and villas which line the promenade.

Day 8 - Fly back to the UK

Its "arrivederci" to Italy today, returning to Pisa airport to catch your flight back home after a fabulous week on Italy's Mediterranean Riviera.