Lucca, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

Lucca, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

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8 Days From

$1655

Lucca, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

8 Days Starting in Province of Lucca, Italy and ending in Portofino

Visiting: Lucca, Pisa, Porto Venere, Genoa, Cinque Terre, Portofino

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

LP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 50

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

9-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$1655 (USD) including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 04-May-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

No distance at all separates Lucca and Pisa from Portofino, the Cinque Terre & Genoa, but the treasures they offer make for a diverse experience. In Pisa's Square of the Miracles there's the Leaning Tower, cathedral and baptistry, but much less well known are the colourful villages that cling to the Ligurian coastline.

Take in two of Italy's most desirable regions: Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. They're delightfully different from each other, but both are evocatively scenic. First, we visit Tuscany, always a favourite destination for art, architecture and stunning countryside, staying in Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini. It's one of Tuscany's most graceful towns, with a historic quarter nestling inside preserved Renaissance walls. Then discover Porto Venere, the Cinque Terre's unspoilt villages with their riot of colour, and Portofino's stunning harbour, plus of course Genoa, with its fascinating mix of medieval alleyways and imposing Palazzi.. This tour offers contrasting cultures, centuries of history and ravishing landscapes, all crying out to be experienced.

Highlights

  • Discover Lucca, birthplace of Puccini, on a guided tour

  • Take a private boat cruise along the Cinque Terre

  • Experience the majesty of Pisa’s historic centre on a guided tour, visiting the cathedral and the marble baptistry

  • Explore Genoa and find out more about its illustrious maritime history on a guided tour

  • Sail to Portofino, with its breath-taking waterfront and celebrity visitors

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Lucca

Location: Lucca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Guinigi

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Lucca from where you will be taken to your hotel.

Day 2 : Lucca & Free Afternoon

Location: Lucca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Guinigi

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we take a tour with a local guide who will bring the story of Lucca to life. The city was founded by the Etruscans, and its well-preserved walls date from the Renaissance. As we explore the centre, you’ll notice the rectangular grid pattern which originated with the street plan of Roman times, while the oval Roman amphitheatre is another evocative reminder of millennia past.



This afternoon you can experience more of Lucca’s wonders, exploring its cobbled streets, strolling along its shady promenades and relaxing in its elegant piazzas. As the birthplace of Puccini, Lucca hosts numerous concerts celebrating his work. You can often hear talented vocalists during rehearsals, which adds a wonderful acoustic dimension to your enjoyment of this beautiful city.

Day 3 : Pisa & Free Afternoon

Location: Pisa, Lucca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Guinigi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, it’s just a short drive to Pisa for a guided tour that takes you to the heart of this historic city.



You’ll marvel at how such a relatively small space can accommodate such magnificence. The Leaning Tower – one of the world’s most instantly recognisable silhouettes – is your iconic introduction to the rest of the piazza.



We conclude our visit with the Camposanto, a huge cemetery reputed to contain soil from Golgotha – the site of Jesus’s crucifixion. The great and good of Pisan society wanted to be laid to rest in holy ground and the arched Gothic cloister is lined by sarcophagi and huge frescoes, some in the process of being restored to their former glory.



In the afternoon we return to Lucca for you to relax or explore at your leisure.



This evening we dine at a local restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Day 4 : Porto Venere

Location: Porto Venere, Genoa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Savoia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our morning drive north takes us past Carrara’s enormous gleaming quarries, source of the finest marble, which has been used in masterpieces by sculptors from Michelangelo to Henry Moore and fashioned since Roman times into the great monuments now dotted across Italy’s landscapes and beyond. Our exploration of the extraordinarily arresting coast of Liguria brings us to the Gulf of the Poets, an evocative name for an inspiring area.



One of its highlights is the picturesque village of Porto Venere, its fortress high on the hillside overlooking an array of colourful multi-storeyed houses lining the harbour. A stroll along the promenade reveals a network of narrow medieval lanes leading to the church and castle. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Genoa, where we stay for the rest of the tour.

Day 5 : Genoa

Location: Genoa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Savoia

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Genoa, followed by free time in the afternoon. Known as 'La Superba' at the height of its maritime power, Genoa was one of Italy's four major maritime republics and it is still home to Italy's largest Port.



We start exploring the heart of Medieval Genoa, famous for its narrow lanes called 'caruggi', interspersed with imposing late-Renaissance palaces built by Genoa's wealthiest families in the 16th and 17th century. Today, it is a vibrant and eclectic city with so much to offer, from the regenerated port area or ornate palazzi and museums.

Day 6 : Cintique Terre

Location: Cinque Terre

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Savoia

Meals Included: Breakfast

We spend the next two days exploring the splendours of the surrounding coastline in the manner to which local people have been accustomed for millennia – by boat. Our private charter takes us to the extraordinary Cinque Terre, which translates as ‘Five Lands’. We visit a selection of these five villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – cut off from the landward side by rugged terrain and steep coastline, making them almost unreachable by car. The dramatic locations, the vivid colours and the way the villages seem to fuse organically with the rugged topography make this one of Europe’s principal scenic highlights. Seafood dominates menus here, anchovies being a local speciality, while steeply terraced hillsides produce fine olives and the ingredients for pesto. Immerse yourself in your surroundings and a lifestyle that has changed very little over time

Day 7 : Portofino

Location: Portofino, Genoa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Savoia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You can watch fine watercraft quietly going about their business on the shimmering waters as we sail the short distance to Portofino. Arriving here by boat gives you a real sense of the way in which this historic fishing village established itself and thrived around its own superb natural harbour, with a setting of cypress trees and olive groves. A walk to the headland offers a life-affirming view and the scents of thyme, pine and wildflowers hanging heavy in the air.



We return to Genoa in the afternoon, where you will have a bit more free time to enjoy this intriguing coastal city, or simply relax and seek out a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 8 : Return Home

Location: Genoa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for our flight home.

What's Included

  • Fully Guided

    The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

  • Accommodation

    7 nights in four-star superior accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • International Travel

    Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast & 3 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • Tipping and Gratuity

Check out our Q&As

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    50

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 9 years old and above

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return flights from a selection of regional UK airports

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024
$2320 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jun 26, 2024 - Jul 03, 2024
$2069 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024
$2220 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
$3073 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
$1994 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
$1655 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$2383 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 07, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$3073 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$2483 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Thursday

Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$2483 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$2483 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2483 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$3010 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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