Day Trips and Excursions :: THE CINQUE TERRE AND PISA

THE CINQUE TERRE AND PISA
A Glimpse of the Ligurian Riviera

You will be collected from your lodging or ship by de luxe, private, air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver and driven along the beautiful Versilia Coast. Traverse the world-famous Pineta (pine forest) mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy to the delightful sea-side resort of Viareggio to view the splendidly preserved Art Nouveau hotels and bathing establishments of modern Italy’s first seaside resort.
Then proceed to the magical fortress town of Portovenere - last line of defense of the medieval Republic of Genova. Have time to stroll the fairytale castellated village and shop for bargains in the charming little shops or visit the fisherman’s Church of San Pietro - a small masterpiece of the Romanesque style.
Depart from Portovenere northward by boat along the magnificent Ligurian Coast viewing the villages of the Cinque Terre as you sail. These remote fishermen’s villages are hidden in ravines amidst the fjord-like coastal mountains and are so isolated that some can only be accessed by sea. View Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corviglia en route to the most picturesque of all, Vernazza, where you will disembark for time to explore the village, hike amidst the terraced vineyards or enjoy a seafood lunch.
In the late afternoon, you return by boat to Portovenere. Your vehicle will be waiting to collect you and transfer you to the architectonic masterpiece of Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa for a brief viewing of the magnificent Leaning Tower.