Cliffwalkers
Hiking Italy’s Liguria Coast plus
A Taste of Tuscany
September 17 – 25, 2004

THE SWEET LIFE

For many centuries Italy has drawn those searching for culture, romance and sensual pleasures. Few countries can compete with its classical origins, architecture, music, literary tradition, art, scenery, food and wine. Yet Italy is not one single cultural identity; rather, it is a plethora of distinctive regions and peoples. Visitors are often surprised by the sheer diversity of dialects, cuisines, and craftsmanship.
     The Italian coast is seemingly endless, and the lure of surf and sun is strong. Unfortunately, much of Italy’s coastline is horribly overdeveloped and often matted with bronzed bodies smelling of sweat and palm oil lotions. So, where can you go to sample the Mediterranean pleasures without overdosing on the excesses of the beach culture? This tour is your answer!

The Riviera de Levante
In northwestern Italy, bordering on Tuscany, the Liguria coast is a relatively unknown treasure (to tourists at least) commonly referred to by Italians as the Riviera de Levante. Along this coast a dramatic chain of hills cradles a series of five small villages—the Cinque Terre—in a wash of coastal terraced vineyards that are perfect for an active walking/sightseeing holiday. The ravages of uncontrolled tourism have thus far been kept in check, but it won't be possible to do so for much longer as the fame of this area is growing wildly. A scenic pathway, perfect for walking, connects the towns, winding along terraced hillsides through olive groves and vineyards. Best of all, these picturesque villages are all off limits to automobiles!

The Cinque Terre Villages
Riomaggiore overlooks a tiny cove, and fishing boats rule the roost, lying along the shore and even in the small square. Lovers’ Lane links the village with Manarola, the most picturesque of the five villages. Corniglia is not for the faint-hearted, as it sits high above the water and is reached by tortuous steps. Vernazza makes the most of its sea views, with a promenade and a piazza overlooking the water. Finally, Monterosso overlooks the only real beach in the vicinity, and features huge statues carved into the rocks that overlook it.

Tuscany
The spectacular beauty of Tuscany has long inspired many of the world’s great writers. The likes of Browning, Dickens, Dostoyevsky, Shelley and Forster have all waxed rhapsodic on its simple charms, rural landscape and centuries-old cultural heritage. Lord Byron declared himself “dazzled, drunk with beauty” from its intoxicating allure.

A Feast for the Senses
A renowned philosopher once wrote, “A man who has not been to Italy is always conscious of inferiority.” The miracle of Italy is that all its treasures come packaged in a gorgeous country of majestic mountains, placid lakes, idyllic islands, splendid cities and walled villages. An ideal climate plus warm and gracious people make Italy a perfect destination for the adventurer, art lover, gourmand, and hedonist combined.
     Get off the tour bus and experience Italy as it must be done—slowly and sensually, at a leisurely pace. Taste the metropolitan madness of Milan, walk the cliffs of Liguria, luxuriate in the splendors of the Riviera de Levante, revel in the beauty and cuisine of the Cinque Terre, and sample the most famous highlights of Tuscany—all during this delectible new adventure from Toto Tours!

ITINERARY

Friday, September 17, 2004
Departure

Today is a travel day. Depart the United States on overnight flights, arriving in Milan, Italy, tomorrow morning.

Saturday, September 18, 2004
Arrival in Milan / Welcome Dinner

Upon arrival in Milan, make your way to our hotel, the Grand Visconti Palace. Transfer options will be described in Final Documents prior to departure. The day is free to do personal exploration or recover from jet lag. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.     (Dinner Included)

Sunday, September 19, 2004
Milan to Santa Margherita

Enjoy sightseeing by motorcoach as we travel about 75 miles through the Northern Italian countryside from Milan to the village of Santa Margherita on the Liguria coast. Free time to explore upon arrival. Once home to a coral-fishing fleet that roamed as far afield as Africa, Santa Margherita is known today for its orange blossoms and lace. Its waterfront is an eclectic jumble of one-time fishing cottages, elegant four-star hotels, and moored million-dollar yachts. The Lonely Planet Guide urges us to “Stay in Santa Margherita and pretend you're a millionaire.” We will stay here for three nights! Accommodations at the Hotel Laurin.     (Breakfast)

Monday, September 20, 2004
Portofino / San Fruttuoso / Cristo Degli Abissi

Our cliffwalking begins in earnest today as we walk a few miles to Portofino, which for decades was Italy's premiere seaside resort town (dubbed the “richest promontory in Italy”). This tiny, multicolored village and its miniature cove are among the most beautiful spots on earth, and home to the rich, powerful and famous. Scholar and poet Petrarch, writers Guy de Maupassant and Truman Capote, and English photographer Cecil Beeton all sojourned here.
     Continue by boat to explore the fascinating village of San Fruttuoso, set in a breathtakingly beautiful inlet lying at the foot of mount Portofino. One of the highlights of our visit will be a journey by small boat to see the Cristo Degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss), weather permitting. Return to Santa Margherita by bus. Overnight at the Hotel Laurin.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Cinque Terre

After breakfast at the hotel we take a train to Riomaggiore, the furthermost of the Cinque Terre villages, to begin our day of adventurous cliff walking. Our path takes us along the “Via Dell’ Amore” to Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. After a full day of walking, with unexpected delights around every bend, return to Santa Margherita by private minicoach. Overnight at the Hotel Laurin.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Pisa / Lucca / Florence

After breakfast at the hotel board a train bound for Pisa, where we stop to see the famous leaning tower. Continue by motorcoach to Florence with a stop for a guided tour in medieval Lucca. Highlights include a visit to Puccini’s birthplace and the Duomo San Martino. Late afternoon arrival in Florence, and the evening is free for personal exploration. Overnight at the Hotel Capitol.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, September 23, 2004
Florence / Farewell Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of the major points of interest in Florence including the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery to view its rich collection of paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Paolo Uccello, Lippi, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Tiziano and more. This evening Toto Tours tops off this brief taste of Tuscany with a festive Farewell Dinner.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Friday, September 24, 2004
Florence to Milan (or extend)

After breakfast this morning we transfer to the Florence train station and board a Eurostar to Milan. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to the Hotel Grand Visconti for one final night in Italy.
     We anticipate that many tour participants will wish to extend their stay in Tuscany or travel to other parts of Italy. You can disconnect from the main tour group this morning, and we will deduct from the tour cost the price of today's return transfer to Milan and the overnight stay in Milan ($100 double or $125 single).     (Breakfast)

Saturday, September 25, 2004
Departure from Milan

The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will assist with arranging airport transfers for those departing today (transfer not included in tour cost).     (Breakfast)