
The Irresistible Med
Experience the allure of the Med
Virgin Voyages' guide to La Spezia
La Spezia and beyond
La Spezia may not be the name that comes to mind when you mention Italy, but its proximity to some of the country’s more famous destinations (like Positano, Pisa, and Florence) is what makes it the perfect place to start your Italian adventure.
A Feast In The Tuscan Countryside
Lead with your senses as a Tuscan chef welcomes you to a huge farmhouse kitchen, where you’ll join in the preparation of traditional local dishes (including dessert!) made from ingredients grown in the surrounding gardens. Finally, you’ll sit down to enjoy all that you’ve made together. Pasta is the focus of this culinary experience, and hopefully, you’ll bring some inspiration home.
Cinque Terre Two-Village Visit
Relax on a scenic coach drive from the port to Cinque Terre, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises five picturesque, coastline villages west of La Spezia. First, you'll arrive in a seaside village of criss-crossed hidden lanes, small squares, and eclectic boutiques. Then, you'll continue to Riomaggiore to wander its historic city center, the beach, and the pier before having time to explore a bit on your own.
On the Hunt for Tuscan Truffles
Tuscany is one of the most important regions in the world for truffle production, and this is your chance to be a part of it. After arriving at a Tuscan farm, you’ll join a truffle hunting dog and its owner on a hunt in the forest for the prized delicacies. Bring your finds back to the farmhouse to enjoy a homemade meal prepared with the fruits of your labor. Fragrant, lavish shavings of truffle will complement every course.
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Celebrate your arrival in Florence with a scenic boat ride along the Arno River, giving you an ideal orientation to the city and its history before you enjoy time to set out and explore on your own. The boat, a traditional barchetto, passes some of the city’s highlights, like the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Palazzo Corsini.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Follow your guide in a leisurely bike ride through Lucca’s charming medieval streets and along the two miles of massive, fortified walls that surround the city. Your tour will include photo stops at points along the walls, as well as at the Romanesque-style Duomo and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Then, taste local flavors on a picnic before enjoying free time to browse the local shops.
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Top Rated
This Shore Thing is among the most popular with Sailors who’ve visited this port. Book before it’s sold out!
Board a coach from the port to Florence to enjoy two free hours to explore the city’s charming center. At the end of your free time, you’ll join a guide to drive on to Castello del Trebbio, built in 1184. Now a family-run estate producing wine, olive oil, and pure saffron, the castle and cellars will open their doors to you for a tour and a tasting. Walk the garden and enjoy the afternoon with a panoramic view of the Tuscan hills before heading back to the ship.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
A visit to the Italian Riviera is hardly complete without spending a day in Santa Margherita and Portofino, a small, Mediterranean port village set in a narrow cove delights with views, boutiques, and alfresco dining at every turn. You’ll arrive by ferry and follow your guide to visit the Church of St. George and the Roman fortifications-turned-villa of Castello Brown before enjoying free time to explore more.
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The Italian language originated from a Tuscan dialect.
Stray (far off) the course
After a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, you'll arrive in Florence. Explore the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, and Giotto's Bell Tower. You'll then continue on to Pisa, where you'll explore Piazza dei Miracoli and see the famous Leaning Tower.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSSet Sail the Virgin Way
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