Fly and drive in Tuscany: Your Unexpected Tuscan Triangle

Welcome to Tuscany!
Leaving is an exciting time for many travellers. It marks the beginning of an adventure. Today you will start to be part of a community, which will give you a’ rewarding travel experience. You will have the opportunity to transform a simple trip into an opportunity for personal growth, cultural enrichment, Globest welcomes you to PISA. After collecting your rental car, you will head towards Lucca, a city that looks like a jewel nestled between the mountains and the sea. After placing your luggage in your accommodation, – whether it is a boutique hotel in the historic center or a farmhouse in the immediate vicinity – dedicate the afternoon to an evening walk on the walls. At sunset, the walls offer a unique perspective on the city, with its towers standing out against the fiery sky and the lights of the alleys starting to light up. For dinner, let yourself be tempted by Lucca cuisine: try “bucellato” (a sweet bread with raisins and anise), “tordelli lucchesi” (stuffed pasta) or roasted rabbit. End the evening with a glass of local wine, savoring the peaceful and refined atmosphere of Lucca.

Between Ancient Walls and Unique Flavors
Breakfast at the hotel. The second day is entirely dedicated to the exploration of Lucca. Start your day with a bike ride on the walls, an unmissable experience that will allow you to admire the city from every angle and enjoy the morning breeze. After returning your bicycles, enter the heart of the historic center. Lucca is also known as the “city of a hundred churches” for its incredible quantity of religious buildings. Don’t miss the Cathedral of San Martino (entrance not included), with its asymmetrical façade and the legendary Holy Face, a wooden cross said to have been sculpted by Nicodemus. Continue towards the Church of San Michele in Foro (entrance not included), a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in Lucca, and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, which today houses cafes and restaurants and is the beating heart of city life. Climb the Guinigi Tower (entrance not included), with its holm oaks peeking out from the top, for a breathtaking panoramic view of Lucca and its surroundings. Free lunch. In the afternoon, give yourself time to stroll through the shopping streets, browse the artisan shops and perhaps taste an artisanal ice cream. In the evening, you can choose from a wide range of restaurants, from traditional trattorias to the most refined venues. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Noble Enchantment and Exotic Perfumes
The third day takes you to discover the surroundings of Lucca, in a mix of history and nature. The first stop is the Villa Reale di Marlia, one of the most sumptuous villas in Lucca, located a few kilometers from the centre. Here you can walk through the magnificent Italian gardens, admire the fountains, caves and green theaters, retracing the history of this residence which was the residence of Elisa Baciocchi, Napoleon’s sister. Dedicate a couple of hours to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this place, letting yourself be fascinated by its elegance. You will then reach an agricultural estate where, after tasting various products at «km-0» you will be served a typical lunch which will allow you to appreciate all the richness and excellence of the local cuisine (optional excursion). In the afternoon, a unique and unexpected experience awaits you: the Hesperidarium, the Citrus Garden (entrance not included). This open-air nursery and museum is dedicated to the collection and cultivation of hundreds of varieties of citrus fruits from around the world. You will walk among trees full of lemons, oranges, cedars and many other varieties, some of which are very rare. The air will be imbued with intoxicating scents and the bright colors of the citrus fruits will create an unforgettable spectacle. It is a perfect place for a relaxing walk and to learn something new about the versatility of these fruits. After your visit, a tasting will allow you to enjoy fully artisanal citrus jams and citrus-based soft drinks such as Chinotto and soda… (optional excursion). The return to Lucca will give you time to enjoy another evening in the heart of the city.

Between Etruscans and Leaning Towers
The fourth day is dedicated to two of the most iconic cities in Tuscany: Volterra and Pisa. Start the morning by heading towards Volterra, a medieval Etruscan village that stands on a hill, about an hour’s drive from Lucca. Here time seems to have stopped. Explore the imposing Roman Theatre, stroll through the cobbled streets and visit the Duomo. Volterra is famous for alabaster processing, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the artisan workshops where you can admire the artisans at work and perhaps buy a unique souvenir. Free lunch. In the afternoon, take your car back and head towards Pisa. Naturally, the obligatory stop is Piazza dei Miracoli, where the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery are located (entrances not included). Take time to admire these masterpieces of Pisan architecture, take the inevitable photos and, if you wish, climb the Tower for a breathtaking view (it is advisable to book tickets in advance). You can also take a short walk along the Arno before returning to Lucca for the last night of your trip.

Goodbye Tuscany!
The fifth and final day is dedicated to departure. Depending on the time of your flight, you can treat yourself to one last typical Lucca breakfast and if you have time, you can take one last walk on the walls or buy some typical products to take home. Pick up your car and head towards Pisa Airport for the return of the car and boarding formalities. On this day of return, nostalgia for the places visited and enthusiasm for returning home mix. Today a chapter closes and a new one opens, you are part of our Community, you will bring with you the promise of new, even more extraordinary future adventures.  Happy homecoming.