Head towards the golden hills of the Val d’Elsa to reach San Gimignano, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “town of fine towers,” it raises fourteen stone silhouettes toward the sky, remnants of rivalries between noble families that once made this small town a symbol of a proud and warlike Tuscany, before falling under the influence of powerful Medici Florence. As you wander through its cobbled streets, between austere palaces and sunlit squares, you will experience the rare feeling that time has stood still here. The panoramas over the vineyards and cypress trees of the Tuscan countryside, visible from the ramparts, are breathtaking. In the afternoon, you will continue to Volterra, a fortress town perched on a rocky spur, dominating the surrounding hills. Here, everything speaks of an even older past: the cyclopean Etruscan walls stand alongside medieval squares, Renaissance palaces, and workshops where artisans still work alabaster by hand, just as their ancestors did two thousand years ago.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Head towards the golden hills of the Val d’Elsa to reach San Gimignano, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “town of fine towers,” it raises fourteen stone silhouettes toward the sky, remnants of rivalries between noble families that once made this small town a symbol of a proud and warlike Tuscany, before falling under the influence of powerful Medici Florence. As you wander through its cobbled streets, between austere palaces and sunlit squares, you will experience the rare feeling that time has stood still here. The panoramas over the vineyards and cypress trees of the Tuscan countryside, visible from the ramparts, are breathtaking. In the afternoon, you will continue to Volterra, a fortress town perched on a rocky spur, dominating the surrounding hills. Here, everything speaks of an even older past: the cyclopean Etruscan walls stand alongside medieval squares, Renaissance palaces, and workshops where artisans still work alabaster by hand, just as their ancestors did two thousand years ago.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
Stop in PORT-VENDRES - AJACCIO - PORTO TORRES - CAGLIARI - NAPLES -CIVITAVECCHIA - PORTOFERRAIO - LIVORNO - NICE
GRAND 50TH ANNIVERSARY LOYALTY CRUISE Embark on an exceptional cruise in the heart of the Mediterranean, between imperial Corsica, mysterious Sardinia, and the timeless treasures of Italy. Aboard La Belle des Océans, let yourself be carried along on a journey where history, culture, and the Mediterranean art of living come together at every port of call. From the lively streets of Ajaccio to the hilltop villages of Castelsardo, from the wild landscapes of Sardinia to the splendours of Rome and Medici-era Tuscany, this cruise reveals the most beautiful facets of the Mediterranean basin. Fascinating lectures, tastings of local specialties, cultural visits, and convivial moments on board will punctuate your voyage. Between Italian elegance, exceptional heritage, and the gentle rhythm of sailing, each day brings its share of emotions and discoveries. From Naples and its captivating atmosphere to the golden hills of Tuscany, this cruise perfectly combines Mediterranean panoramas, great historic cities, and gourmet pleasures—a refined escape blending culture, landscapes, and the art of living.
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