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 Join us on a picturesque gay vacation around Tuscany and the wonderful coastline of the Cinque Terre, in Northern Italy. This unique holiday commences in Pisa, a small yet lovely city world famous for its leaning tower. We will then move to Viareggio, a city popular for its seaside fun atmosphere: it is close to Torre del Lago Puccini, renown for its Summer Gay nightlife and beach. From there we will make our way to the Cinque Terre, the enchanting 5 colourful seaside villages part of a protected National Park.
Cinque Terre means "the five lands", that is the 5 remote fishing villages strung like jewels along the coast. We will make sure that in this unique Gay Tuscany and Cinque Terre Vacation you will discover all of them: Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia e Monterosso.
Day 1
Welcome to Pisa! This vibrant city is renown for its Leaning Tower… however, there is much more to it!
Make your way to the hotel and in the evening join your fellow Gay Travelers and your Vacation Leader, for a Welcome Meeting and a Complimentary Welcome Dinner. During the night, we will all get to meet each other and have a full briefing on the adventure that lies ahead.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2
After breakfast our happy group of travellers will meet for a walking tour of Pisa. Known globally for its Leaning Tower, the city of Pisa is also home to a renowned University, which dates back to the 12th century. The historical centre of the city features more than 20 churches (we are in Italy, right?), several beautiful historic palaces and various bridges that cross the Arno River.
Free time in the afternoon to enjoy the area at your own pace. You can also join an optional visit to the city of Lucca, considered one of the most charming in Tuscany. Easy to reach by train, Lucca features stunning piazzas and cobbled streets. You can enjoy this ancient city on foot; although a very nice option is to rent a bike and enjoy a ride along the Renaissance walls that wrap around the city, stretching for 4 kilometres. Please speak to your Vacation Leader for the arrangements needed.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
After breakfast, we move to Viareggio, a coastal town that has been a favourite holiday destination for the rich and famous in the early 20th century. Viareggio features wonderful art nouveau style villas and buildings along the seaside, thus it has been nicknamed the pearl of Versilia: its promenade, ‘la Passeggiata’ stretches for about 3 km along the coast.
In the afternoon our exclusive Gay Tuscany and Cinque Terre group will pay a visit to Torre del Lago Puccini, a neighbouring village. Giacomo Puccini, the famous Italian Opera Composer came to Torre del Lago at the end of the 19th century and lived here for over 30 years. In Torre del Lago he found a picturesque and quiet place where his creative genius could flourish (some of his masterpieces were created here, including Tosca and Madama Butterfly), for this reason this tranquil location at his death has been named after him. We will visit Villa Puccini Museum where the great composer Giacomo Puccini lived and worked.
In the evening enjoy a complimentary Pizza Dinner in Viareggio: we will make sure you have a taste of the best food around. If you are up for a boogie, we will head to Mama Mia Gay Club on the promenade: dance the night away with a drink or two.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Pizza Dinner
Day 4
Today is a free day: spend the time as you wish and explore the area at your own pace. Your host will be around to offer advice and guidance as needed.
Our accommodation is right on the promenade of Viareggio, so you’re perfectly situated for a wander. Many will appreciate this free time to pay a visit to the infamous gay beach of Torre del Lago Puccini…
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
After breakfast, it is time to pack and get ready to enjoy the final stop of our small-group escorted vacation. We take a morning trip along the so called Italian Riviera and we finally arrive in the Cinque Terre. We make our way to our accommodation, right in the center of these colourful villages. Free time in the afternoon: enjoy the vibrant centre of the town at your own pace. Shopping, beach, gelato… you choose!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight in Masseria
Day 6
After breakfast we will make our way to the marina. We will ride on a ferry along the coast to Vernazza, one of these five remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre National Park. Once upon a time, these small picturesque villages were accessible only by sea. Luckily they are now connected to the outside world by rail, although wherever possible the best way to appreciate life in what is truly a world of its own is exploring by foot. We will disembark for a stroll around this beautiful village followed by lunch at a local trattoria (own expenses). In the afternoon, feel free to do as you like: you may either stay in this fascinating town or embark by train to explore another village.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Today the Cinque Terre National Park is your playground. Catch a train or grab a ferry ride to explore the other villages around. Once you reach the destination of your choice, venture out on the footpaths: An extensive network of ancient mule tracks will guide through an extraordinary landscape of terraces, built by hand with stones and earth. Take in majestic sceneries along the coastline while sipping a drink or enjoying a gelato (we are still in Italy after all!).
Whatever you choose to do, please make sure to get back in time for our Complimentary Farewell al fresco Dinner: sadly, it’s time to say goodbye as our Gay Tuscany and Cinque Terre Vacation is coming to an end.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 8
After breakfast, our Gay Tuscany and Cinque Terre Vacation is over! We all say goodbye (no tears hopefully) until the next time!
Why don’t you extend your stay in Italy spending a wonderful long weekend in Florence? And maybe join our Very own Back To Back Opera Vacation in Milan, Verona, and Venice?
Meals Included: Breakfast
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