WHATSCOOKIN
Discovering the Tuscan Riviera
MAY 11 - 20 2023
Program
May 11, Thurs - Day 1
Arrival in Pisa, Galileo Galilei international airport, and transfer to Viareggio, a seaside resort in northern Tuscany boasting a two-mile-long esplanade lined with decorative Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, historic cafés and fancy boutiques. Go on a walking tour and enjoy a gelato at one of the many excellent gelaterie in town. Welcome aperitifs and dinner.
May12, Fri - Day 2
After breakfast take part in a fun, hands-on cooking class preparing lunch. Free time in the afternoon to explore Viareggio, walk the esplanade to admire the architecture, people watch at one of the outdoor cafés, and/or go window shopping. If it's a warm, sunny day, as is often the case in May, you could go for a swim in the sea and sunbathe. Walk down the pier for a great view of the sea and majestic mountain stretch rising in the background. Rent bikes and ride through Viareggio's shady parks or on one of the town's many bike trails. These are just some of the many activities you can enjoy in this seaside resort. In the evening, have a fish and seafood dinner in a restaurant overlooking the sea.
May 13, Sat - Day 3
After breakfast visit Pisa to see what is perhaps one of Italy's most famous symbols, the Leaning Tower. Spend the morning exploring the majestic piazza made up of equally stunning white marble buildings that stand out against the square's green lawns. After lunch be surprised to discover how many other noteworthy sights there are to see in this charming and lively university town. Return to Viareggio. Free time to go for a stroll, shop, ride a bike or go for a dip in the sea before dinner.
May 14, Sun - Day 4
After breakfast visit the endearing city of Lucca, hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls. Its cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades make it a perfect destination to spend the day and with a ratio of 1 shop per every 3 inhabitants it's a great place for shopping. In the morning go for a walk to see the town's main sites. After lunch you can decide to go on an additional walk to explore the town further, or enjoy free time to either go shopping, ride bikes around the tree-lined city walls, or catch a museum. Return to Viareggio. Free time before dinner.
May 15, Mon - Day 5
After breakfast enjoy a second hands-on cooking class preparing a full-course meal to have at lunch. Pietrasanta, a charming little town that attracts artists from around the world will be our afternoon outing. Beautiful palazzi, churches and lively cafés overlook the vast, open central square that is frequently the site of whimsical sculpture exhibits. Dinner in Viareggio.
May 16, Tues - Day 6
After breakfast, visit the Cinqueterre, a Unesco World Heritage site, five ingenuously constructed fishing villages set amid a dramatic coastal scenery. Spend the day train hopping from town to town before returning to Viareggio in time for dinner.
May 17, Wed - Day 7
After breakfast visit the amazing, late baroque gardens of Villa Reale in Marlia with a stately, French-inspired rectangular pool, a Pan grotto, a nymphaeum, an English-style park and a most original, trimmed boxwood theater with terracotta statues depicting performers. After lunch enjoy wine tasting in a local winery. Return to Viareggio for dinner.
May 18, Thurs - Day 8
It's market day in Viareggio so spend the morning browsing through the countless stalls that sell everything from fine linen clothes, leather goods, food products, to kitchenware and bed linens. For those who'd rather not spend the morning at the market they can either go to the beach or go for a joy ride through the countryside and visit the medieval village of Camaiore, then continue the drive uphill for a sweeping, birdseye view of the coast and surrounding mountains.The third and last cooking class will take place after lunch preparing dinner.
May 19, Fri - Day 9
On your last day in Tuscany, visit Florence, cradle of the Renaissance and a city that needs no introductions. Go on a walk to see some of the extraordinary art and architecture the city is packed with. On returning to Viareggio have farewell dinner in a country tavern nestled in the mountains that boasts a breathtaking view.
May 20, Sat - Day 10
Departure. After breakfast transfer to Pisa Galileo Galilei international airport
Gallery
FUN. REAL. ENLIGHTENING.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- ACCOMMODATION
- ALL TRANSPORTATION MENTIONED IN ITINERARY
- ENTRANCE FEES TO ALL ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY;
- WALKING TOURS THROUGH ALL THE TOWNS;
- THREE HANDS-ON COOKING LESSONS.
- ALL BREAKFASTS, DINNERS IN VILLA AND LUNCHES MENTIONED IN ITINERARY.
- WALKING TOURS THROUGH ALL THE TOWNS;
All rooms are double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and wifi.
*All activities are subject to change on the basis of which options are deemed to be the most suitable in terms of current culinary standards, the weather conditions on a given day, and other relevant criteria.
Amenities
DOUBLE ROOMS ALL WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM
FREE WIFI
Tour available for maximum 10 people
All payments must be made by bank transfer or credit cards. Please contact us to receive a booking form with our bank details, along with our terms & cancellation policy.
