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Florence, Italy
Day 1: Arrive in Florence. Explore the historic center, visiting the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio.
Day 2: Visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. Enjoy a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 3: Day trip to Fiesole, just a short bus ride away, for stunning views of Florence and Etruscan and Roman ruins.
- Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David
- Florence: Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)
- Gallery of the Academy (Galleria dell'Accademia)
- Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
- Piazza Santa Croce
- Piazza San Lorenzo
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Greve in Chianti, Italy
Day 4: Wine tasting at a local vineyard such as Castello di Verrazzano. They also offer lunch tours with wine pairings.
Day 5: Visit San Gimignano
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San Gimignano, Italy
Day 5: Visit San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. In San Gimignano, try gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, a world champion gelateria. Monteriggioni doesn't have as many dining options, so consider a picnic with local produce.
- Rocca di Montestaffoli
- Palazzo Comunale
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Siena, Italy
Day 6: Explore the Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral. Climb the Torre del Mangia for views of the city. Dine at Osteria Le Logge, offering refined local cuisine.
Day 7: Visit Montepulciano.
- Siena: Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket
- Porta del Cielo
- Fortezza Medicea
- Piazza Salimbeni
- Porta Romana
- Battistero di San Giovanni
- Torre Del Mangia
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Montepulciano, Italy
Day 7: Start your day by exploring the historic center of Montepulciano, strolling through its medieval streets and admiring the Renaissance buildings.
Visit the Piazza Grande, the heart of the city, surrounded by impressive buildings like the Palazzo Comunale and the Duomo. If you're feeling adventurous, climb the tower of the Palazzo Comunale for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Wine lovers should not miss a visit to one or more of Montepulciano's esteemed wineries. The town is famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine. Cantina de' Ricci is a great choice for a wine tasting experience set in historic cellars.
Explore the Tempio di San Biagio, a stunning Renaissance church located just outside the town walls.
- La Fortezza di Montepulciano
- Piazza Michelozzo
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Cinque Terre, Italy
Day 8: Hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola via the Via dell'Amore. Have dinner at Marina Piccola in Manarola, with seafood dishes and sea views.
Day 9: Visit Vernazza and Monterosso. Enjoy a meal at Ristorante Miky in Monterosso, specializing in fresh, innovative seafood dishes.
- Marina di Riomaggiore
- Belvedere di Manarola
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Lerici, Italy
Day 10: Explore Lerici
Start your day at the Lerici Castle. Perched above the town, the castle offers stunning views of the Gulf of Poets and houses a geological museum. The walk up is scenic and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Stroll along the Lerici seafront promenade. Enjoy the beautiful views of the bay, lined with beaches, boats, and colorful buildings. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, gelato in hand, soaking up the local atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Venere Azzurra, a lovely beach close to the town center. The beach has a mix of free areas and beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
Place to Eat:
For dinner, head to Ristorante Bonta Nascoste, known for its excellent seafood and Ligurian specialties. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu that perfectly combines traditional recipes with a modern touch. It's a great place to enjoy the local cuisine, with dishes like trofie al pesto or seafood risotto.
Day 11: Discover the Surroundings
Take a boat trip from Lerici to Portovenere. Explore this picturesque village with its narrow medieval streets, colorful houses, and the beautiful Church of St. Peter perched on the rocky promontory. The boat ride offers splendid views of the Cinque Terre coastline from the sea.
Alternatively, consider a hike or a short drive to the nearby village of Tellaro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Tellaro clings to a rocky cliff at the eastern end of the Gulf of Poets and is less crowded than its more famous neighbors. Its narrow alleys and stunning sea views make it a hidden gem worth exploring.
Spend your afternoon enjoying one of the quieter beaches in the area, like those near Tellaro, or return to Lerici for some more beach time.
Place to Eat:
In Tellaro, have lunch or an early dinner at Osteria La Caletta, a quaint spot offering a terrace with sea views. Specializing in seafood, the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced dishes that capture the essence of Ligurian cuisine. Enjoy specialties such as spaghetti with sea urchin or grilled octopus.
Adjusting your itinerary to include these experiences in Lerici and its surroundings will provide a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and culinary delights of this enchanting part of Italy.
- Venere Azzurra SRL
- Porto di La Spezia
- Lido di Lerici
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Genoa, Italy
Day 12: Visit the historic center, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the Palazzi dei Rolli. Have dinner at Trattoria Ugo for authentic Genoese cuisine.
Day 13: Spend your day at the aquarium and exploring Porto Antico. Dine at Eataly Genova, which offers a variety of high-quality Italian foods.
Day 14: Day trip to Portofino. In Portofino, have lunch at Ristorante Puny, serving exquisite local dishes in a charming setting.
- Acquario di Genova
- Piazza della Vittoria
- Ponte Monumentale
- Piazza Matteotti
- Piazza della Nunziata
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Portofino, Italy
Day 14: Portofino
Spend your morning wandering through the charming streets of Portofino, a small but glamorous fishing village. Admire the colorful houses and the luxury yachts moored in the harbor.
Visit the Castello Brown, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of Portofino and the Ligurian Sea. The walk up is scenic and relatively easy.
Take a leisurely hike to the Lighthouse of Portofino (Faro di Portofino), enjoying the splendid views of the coast along the way. It's a peaceful spot perfect for taking in the natural beauty of the area.
If time allows, visit the Church of St. Martin (Chiesa di San Martino), a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic architecture.
Place to Eat:
Dine at Ristorante Puny, situated in the main square facing the harbor. It's a well-established restaurant, beloved for its superb seafood dishes, pasta, and an excellent selection of wines. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a classic decor that complements its elegant surroundings. Reservations are highly recommended, as this spot is popular with both locals and visitors for its quality and location.
- Porto di Camogli
- Piazza Roma