Tour Type:

Private Group Tour

Comfort Rating:

Premier

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

10 Days

Explore two of our favorite areas on the Italian peninsula and enjoy some of the best Italy has to offer in scenery, culture, food and wine.
First we’ll experience Tuscany, where the magical allure has remained strong for almost three millenia. Within this compact region you’ll find an amazing variety of nearly everything Italian…food, wines, history, and scenery. You’ll enjoy 4-Star accommodations, private guides, hands-on culinary classes taught by expert local cooks, vineyard tours and tastings at some of the area’s finest wine estates, historical tours, marvelous landscapes, and plenty of free time to wander, get lost, and soak up the ambiance of the area.
From Tuscany we’ll journey to the fabled Italian Riviera. Sprinkled with fishing villages, beach towns, and even an ancient port, this coastline is considered the jewel of Italy. Our tour will take you to some of the best-known…and least-known gems of this exquisite region. 4-Star boutique hotels with sea-view rooms, private guides, and the magic of the region set the tone for your journey. You’ll roll up your sleeves and learn to cook local dishes from some of the best in the area, you’ll watch talented artisans keeping age-old traditions alive, and you’ll meet an abundance of local folks who are happy to share their day with you. From the magical cliffside towns of the Cinque Terre to the peaceful medieval villages of the Ligurian coast, from the historic city of Genoa with it’s 100-year-old food shops, to the elegance and beauty of the Portofino Peninsula…you’ll fall in love with the landscape, the towns, the cuisine, and most of all, the people!

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Day 1 - Florence

Arrival in Florence airport and private group transfer to your centrally located 4 Star hotel.
Check in and relax.
Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance, and rightfully so. The 14th century
explosion of creative talent that ended the Dark Ages and forever changed the world, was born
and matured in this beautiful, magnificent city. Some of the greatest names in history called
Florence home: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Dante, Giotto, and the infamous
Machiavelli.

Florence is known as a pedestrian-friendly city, with all of the major museums, palazzos, and
squares located within easy walking distance. The friendly ambiance of this genteel Tuscan
capital will set you at ease as you wander along its cobblestoned streets lined with shops and
restaurants.

This afternoon you’ll meet your local Florentine guide for a 3 hour tour of Florence. They’ll lead you on
a private journey of exploration throughout the city, where you’ll marvel at the fascinating story of
Florence, both past and present. You’ll end with a visit of San Lorenzo Market followed by dinner
inside the Market.

Day 2 - Cooking Class in Florence and Botteghe Tour

After breakfast you’ll embark on a pleasant walk of about 20 minutes to reach your private
kitchen located in San Frediano, the most authentic quarter of Florence . Before starting to
cook your personal chef will accompany you in a unique “botteghe walking tour“, a short
shopping walk in one of Florence’s most authentic neighborhoods, avoiding the tourist packed
markets. Together with your chef you’ll hunt for produce visiting our small family run butcher,
vegetable stall and a “not-to-be-missed” cheese shop, before heading back to the school for
your lesson. Your class lasts approximately 3.5 hours, the course is hands on. You will prepare a
four course menu, using the best seasonal products and learn the secrets of making fresh
handmade pasta. Wine is also included. After the lesson you’ll be able to relax and dine with
the recipes you prepared.

Afternoon is free to wander Florence and get lost. World class museums, art, and shopping
abound. You’re free for dinner tonight, so keep your eyes open for the perfect trattoria.

Day 3 - Chianti & Siena

After breakfast at the hotel you’ll check out and board your private coach for your day
exploring the charming Chianti region. Following the Chiantigiana Road you’ll stop in Greve in
Chianti for a wine and salami tasting at the famous butcher Falorni. Then on to Panzano in
Chianti and stop for lunch at Dario Cecchini’s “Solo Ciccia “ restaurant for lunch and wine. Time
permitting you’ll be able to wander a bit in these quaint towns. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in
Siena and accommodation at your 4 Star hotel:

When you combine the history of Siena with the current traditions of its inhabitants, you'll find
that Siena is arguably one of the most fascinating, one of the most unique, and one of the most
vibrant cultures in all of Europe! The Senese have kept alive the customs of their ancestors, and
in fact live it every day. To understand all of the history and customs, we'll have a private
guided tour of the city by one of its citizens. As you explore the city you'll marvel at the huge
span of history represented in its architecture, from the Romans to the Renaissance to the
Goths, Siena is a landscape of all the civilizations that have dominated here.

Tonight we’ll have an excellent dinner at one of our favorite local out-of-the-way ristorante,
featuring local specialties.

Day 4 - The Valdorcia, Pienza & Montepulciano

This morning we head south for an unforgettable excursion into southern Tuscany. Our first
stop will be Montepulciano, a lovely medieval village perched on the top of a small mountain,
the slopes of which are covered with vineyards dedicated to producing the unique grape
Prugnolo Gentile. It’s walls are perfectly preserved and from them you can enjoy great views of
the Orcia valley hills. Here you’ll enjoy some free time to wander the cobblestone streets and
explore the town. Be sure to stop in one of the many wine shops and underground cellars to
sample their famous vintage Nobile di Montepulciano, a full-bodied red and one of the great
wines of Italy. This afternoon our explorations continue in the town of Pienza, true symbol of
Renaissance. Walk in the narrow romantic streets of this tiny village, home to Pope Pius II and
perfectly representing the Quintessence of Tuscany over five hundred years later.

Our culinary adventures today aren’t complete, though. A visit to the Pienza area isn’t
complete without seeing just how their marvelous cheeses are made! We’ll spend the rest of
the day with a local farm and cheese maker in the Pienza countryside where we’ll learn how
they produce their cheese, and then we’ll enjoy a wonderful cheese-based dinner, highlighting
all of their farm’s production.

Day 5 - Cooking in Chianti… & San Gimignano

This morning we head north into the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside to the charming
town of Castellina in Chianti. Here we’ll meet Chef Laura and join her for a walking tour of the
local market of Castellina to buy ingredients for our cooking class. Then on to her wine estate
in Castellina for our cooking experience in the preparation of a Tuscan menu. Of course lunch
to follow with wines of the Estate, along with a tasting of their olive oils.

In the afternoon we’ll proceed into the region known as the Chianti Colli Senesi, where we’ll
explore the wonderfully bizarre town of San Gimignano. The high walls and narrow streets of
this imposing fortress are typical of Tuscan hill towns, but the 14 medieval towers that
dominate San Gimignano's skyline set it apart from all the rest. Here you can "get lost" in the
maze of streets, shops, and cafes. San Gimignano is rumored to have one of the best gelato
shops in all of Italy...may be worth a visit? For the not-so- faint-of- heart, a tour of the
fascinating (and gruesome) Museum of Medieval Justice will provide an interesting yet
terrifying glimpse of the past.

Later you’ll return to Siena and have the evening free to explore.

Day 6 - Lucca & Camogli

After breakfast this morning we'll have a private transfer to the picturesque fortress town of
Lucca. It was here that Caesar, Pompey and Crassus agreed to rule Rome as a triumvirate in 56
BC, it was later the first town in Tuscany to accept Christianity. It’s known for the well-
preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad,
tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are
popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is
now a house museum.

We’ll stroll Lucca’s peaceful, pedestrian-only streets with a local guide to learn about its
fascinating history, then settle in to a local trattoria for an excellent lunch.
Later we’ll head out of the Tuscany region and move northwest towards the fabulous Italian
Riviera, arriving in the picturesque seaside town of Camogli this afternoon.

After checking in at your boutique hotel overlooking the bay, you can relax and start enjoying
the Dolce Vita on the Italian Riviera. Perhaps you’ll have time to meander along the seashore
and take in the charming views. It might be the perfect time to relax at a sidewalk cafe and let
the time slip by, people-watching and daydreaming. In the evening you will enjoy a tasting
dinner that will introduce you to the flavors of Liguria. All in front of the beautiful view of the
picturesque village overlooking the sea.

Tonight's passegiatta might be along the lamplit walkway of Camogli's seafront, enjoying a
gelato from the local shop!

Day 7 - The Cinque Terre

This morning you’ll have a transfer by private coach to the Cinque Terre, a series of five
charming towns scattered along the coastline. Until modern times they were very isolated and
accessible only by water. Each one has its own unique feel, and you'll enjoy experiencing their
sights and sounds. We’ll use the local boat and train systems to travel between the Cinque
Terre villages, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Today you’ll have a chance to visit the villages of Monterosso, Manarola, and walk along the
famous terraced vineyards of picturesque Vernazza. Here endemic Mediterranean trees and
plants abound, representing one of the best preserved natural areas of the Mediterranean, and
a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997.

During the tour a local producer will welcome us in his beautiful vineyard where you will do a
wine tasting followed by lunch with local specialties.

After our idyllic day in the Cinque Terre we’ll return to Camogli by private coach.

Day 8 - Genova, La Superba

After breakfast this morning you'll have a short train transfer to nearby Genova, to begin a
fascinating walking tour through the streets and neighborhoods of this captivating city. As you
wind through the ancient streets of the old city, you'll be enthralled by the combination of
historic monuments and grand buildings surrounded by a sea of small shops and stores, still
very much alive and bustling, much as they have been for over a thousand years.

Like all seafaring cultures, Genova benefited from the vast variety of foodstuffs its fleet
supplied. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables from the surrounding hills, dairy from the rich
mountain pastures, and seafood from the fishing boats still provide the basis for the wonderful
cuisine of the area. One of the delightful aspects of Genova is the century old tradition of
the friggitorie, or fast food restaurants, Genova-style! A small storefront with an even smaller
kitchen will turn out delicacies to eat in or take away...you can buy a slice of torta pasqualina,
focaccia slathered with local olive oil, friscieu (fried croquettes filled with herbs), or farinata,
fried fresh seafood eaten at the counter.

Genova has one of the largest collection of Ultra-Centenarian (continuously in operation for
over a hundred years) food shops in all of Europe. Explore and enjoy! Be sure to stop by the
prestigious old pastry cafè where the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi loved to spend his time tasting the pastries and then spend some time in the unique “Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano”
200 year old shop.

In the late morning our Pesto Expert will welcome you in the salon of a Renaissance palace with
frescoes and magnificent fireplaces. Here you will learn to prepare pesto as tradition wants,
with mortar and pestle, discovering all the secrets of the original recipe. You will taste the pesto
you will have prepared with typical handmade pasta and some other Ligurian specialties, paired
with local wine.

In the afternoon you will have some time at disposal for shopping (we’ll show you some very
special places known only by locals) and then go back to Camogli by train.

Day 9 - Portofino and Its Flavors

This morning you'll have a transfer to nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, a bustling seaside harbor
town at the base of the Portofino peninsula. Here you’ll use the local ferry to make your way to
the petite, but stunning harbor of Portofino. Lined with multi-colored buildings and filled with
boats, Portofino harbor is found on more postcards than any other bay in Italy. The rich-and-
famous make Portofino a regular stop, and you'll probably see a few of their yachts anchored
there.

After some free time to soak up the ambiance, you’ll be welcome by a local chef who will unveil
the secrets of the most typical recipes of Ligurian cuisine. You will learn to prepare Troffie hand
made pasta, typical stuffed vegetables and other specialties. After the lesson you will enjoy
lunch along with local wines made in Portofino.

In the afternoon you will have time to explore the village and then go back to Santa Margherita
by boat. Take a stroll in the elegant coastal village among painted facades, villas and gardens
before going back to Camogli by train.

Tonight we have a very special farewell dinner planned. It's a time for exchanging pictures and
emails, a time for remembering all the good times and amazing experiences of the journey and
a time for heartfelt goodbyes to all your new lifelong friends.

Day 10 - Arrivederci Italia

After breakfast this morning you'll have a private group transfer to the airport in Genoa, where your Go Get Lost tour will end. Your tour guide can assist you with
any arrangements for a departure or additional travel. Camogli train station has excellent
connections to nearby Genova or anywhere else in Italy.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Florence - 4 Star Beacci Tornabuoni:The décor and atmosphere is of refined elegance enhanced by modern comforts that make the Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci a location full of charm and glamor in the most elegant Florentine shopping, Via de Tornabuoni.
The rooms are decorated with fine furniture, curtains and upholstery, and the guests are immersed in atmospheres rare for an unforgettable stay in Florence.

Siena - 4 Star Hotel Athena:With a perfect location just inside the walls of Siena’s old city, the Athena is in a quiet residential neighborhood only a short walk from the center of Siena and its famous piazza, Il Campo. Modern rooms are tastefully decorated with dark woods and muted colors. With furnishings by local artisans, colors that echo the tones of the Tuscan landscape and the many comforts available, you will feel completely at home at ease, surrounded by the warmth of a welcome you will always remember.

Camogli - 4 Star Cenobio dei Dogi:This charming 4 star hotel is tucked away in a quaint corner of the splendid Ligurian Riviera nestled cosily among the century-old pine trees and pretty flower gardens. The hotel faces the marvelous Camogli Gulf and the unique location let's you enjoy an inimitable landscape from the panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.

• 2 nights at a 4 Star hotel in Florence
• 3 nights at a 4 Star hotel in Siena
• 4 nights at a 4 Star Hotel in Camogli
• Daily breakfast
• Meals as specified: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners, 2 wine tastings, 3 cooking classes
• All group meals include water and wine (soft drinks, beer and any other drinks are extra)
• Private group arrival airport transfer in Florence
• Private walking tour of Florence with local guide
• Welcome dinner in San Lorenzo market
• Botteghe tour with the chef, and cooking class in San Frediano cooking school with lunch
• Salami and wine at Falorni Butcher
• Lunch at Solo Ciccia Restaurant by Dario Cecchini
• Private walking tour of Siena with local guide
• Dinner at a Siena restaurant
• Visits to Montepulciano and Pienza
• Tour of dairy farm and dinner
• Castellina market visit
• Cooking class in a wine estate, with lunch, wine tasting and olive oil tasting
• Visit to San Gimignano
• Private walking tour of Lucca with local guide
• Lunch in a typical Lucca restaurant
• Welcome dinner in Camogli
• Cinque Terre tour
• Vineyard visit with wine tasting and lunch
• Private walking tour of Genoa with local guide
• Private pesto lesson in a Renaissance palace, with lunch
• LIgurian cooking class in Portofino
• Farewell dinner
• Private group departure transfer to Genoa airport
• All transfers as listed in itinerary, this tour uses private coaches, trains, and boats
• All gratuities for meals, local guides, coach drivers, etc. (Does NOT include gratuity for primary tour leader.)
• Completely escorted by a Go Get Lost Tour Leader with local guides at specified sites throughout the itinerary
• A lifetime of unforgettable memories!

• Airfare package
• Gratuity for primary local tour leader
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
• Single supplement charge
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.