Tuscany & Southern France: Local Produce, Culture & Nature

Trip Highlights:

Travel from London to Tuscany over land, through Southern France and back through the alps
Continue the journey as you enjoy a comfortable sleep on the overnight ferry
Explore a lesser known side of the island which is easily accessible without a car
A guided hike (courtesy of our local partners who live and breathe the Tuscan landscape!) in the mountains, including picnic lunch and transfers.
An E-bike tour of local olive groves, take a light lunch at a local, organic family owned farm and wine producer - complete with tasting, of course.
An aperitivo evening in Lucca or bike tour of the city, learning about its history while visiting traditional haunts with locals.
Have the option to book other activities as you choose - a scenic bike ride to Pisa, visits to local producers, historical tours of Lucca and surrounding regions and day trips to other cities in Tuscany.

Trip Overview:

This trip is all about enjoying the slower pace of life that Tuscany invites you to share. With some of Europe's best local produce to offer, and a thriving organic/slow food scene, Lucca is the perfect place to step off the treadmill and enjoy some of life's simple pleasures.

On your way to Northern Italy, you'll enjoy a stopover in Nice. Easy to reach from the UK, the train from Paris to Nice rewards you with several hours of stunning views of the French Riviera. Refresh yourself with a glass of crisp local wine and dinner in one of the city's many local restaurants specialising in seafood, salads and other Provencal treats. An evening stroll through the markets near the Promenade des Anglais is a must, though venturing further afield will give you more chance to see something authentic.

The following day, arrive in Lucca and transfer to your Agritourism accommodation. We've carefully selected locally owned accommodation that has a truly familial atmosphere, employs good environmental practises and also provides access to local nature. From here you can explore local vineyards, hike in the foothills of the Apennines and easily visit nearby villages and towns by bike or bus.

After a week relaxing with your hosts, you'll move on to your next location - starting back towards the UK. Stop off in Lyon for a couple of days and enjoy your fix of French culture and cuisine before completing your homeward journey. Here enjoy luxurious accommodation in a boutique hotel, with chance to arrange local guiding and food tours.

Finally, hop on board the train to Paris for your return journey. In just 4 hours you'll be back to London, to finish or continue your journey home.

Location: Lucca - 55100 Lucca, Province of Lucca, Italy

Itinerary

Day 1

London - Nice:

Board your Eurostar in London and enjoy a smooth transfer to Paris. Here enjoy lunch and a break before you travel onwards towards the south of France, and the beautiful city of Nice.

Day 2: Nice - Lucca

Enjoy the journey from Nice to your main destination - Lucca. The journey takes you along the length of the coast, past glitzy marinas and sleepy towns.

Day 3-10: Lucca

Stay in a local Agroturismo to get a taste of traditional Tuscan hospitality. We work with small local accommodation providers in a slightly out of town area where you're within easy reach of amazing hiking, horse trekking, mountain biking, vineyards, olive oil fields and local producers of regional delicacies to visit. You're also close to the main city, which is just a 10 minute bike ride or 40 minute walk away. With 7 days to enjoy, you've got plenty of free time to explore on your own terms, but we'll also include the following unique experiences to enjoy:

Aperativo Experience in Lucca - spend an evening with a guide and group of other visitors exploring Aperativo hour in Lucca. Taste local snacks and drinks in the city and learn some key facts about the city. Mostly this experience is about getting into the Italian spirit - relaxing, enjoying good food and drink with new people.

Gombitelli Hike - today enjoy a full day guided hike in the foothills of the Appenines - the mountain range stretching all the way from the French border down to south central Italy. This hike is around 10km in total, but you'll take it at your own pace. A morning pick-up takes you to Gombitelli to select a picnic for lunch in the mountains, before beginning the hike through the craggy mountains and green, wooded valleys. Finish up around 4pm, with a lift back to your accommodation.

E-Bike Wine Tour - half day easy e-bike tour among vineyards and olive groves, with beautiful views and rolling Tuscan landscapes.

This tour Includes the visit of an organic farm with light lunch and wine tasting: a very traditional atmosphere with a local owner. Total of 15 km covered.

On other days you're free to pick additional activities on the extras section, or leave your time free. When you travel, you'll be given the contact details of our local team to help you plan when you arrive.

Day 11: Lucca - Lyon

Day 11 - 13: Lyon

Arrive in Lyon early evening and enjoy a few days staying in this characterful city. While Lyon is France's third largest city, it's not one that's overcrowded with tourists. Plenty of areas of the city retain their local charm, and being situated in one of France's most productive regions gives rise to a plethora of excellent local food and drink options. Nearby wine regions include Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone, and the city has a rich history of gastronomy using local, organic ingredients.

Available to add:

Additional guiding and transport services in Lyon

Day 13: Return to the UK

On day 13, hop on a train back to Paris and on to London to finish your trip.

Pickup

Start your journey from the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, or from your nearest train station

Things To Bring

Pack lightly if possible - you'll need to carry or store your luggage while transferring.
Bring good, comfortable boots or shoes for walking.
Mallorca's climate is generally warm and sunny, however in off-season there is the chance for colder, rainy or stormy weather. Check the forecast ahead and pack accordingly.

Trip Notes:

This experience is well suited towards families, and we are happy to adapt activities should you prefer something different (for example, we can swap aperitivo for another activity which is more suited to children).
Some of the activities included in this itinerary assume a good level of physical fitness, for example the guided hike.
Due to rocky/mountainous terrain and extensive public transport taken, this itinerary may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited site. Please contact us if you're unsure.

Inclusions

All trains from your nearest station to Nice, Lucca, Lyon and home.
All accommodation in comfortable, locally owned hotels, guesthouses and self catering facilities.
Breakfast in all accommodation
Exclusive local activities giving you providing chances to connect with nature and other people:
Gombitelli guided hike - 10km guided hike in the foothills of the Appenines, including transfers, lunch and private guide
E-Bike wine tour - explore a locally owned vineyard by E-Bike. The vineyard has been in the family for 4 generations, producing natural wines using traditional methods since 1896.
Apperitivo evening in Lucca - stops at 5 locally owned bars for drinks and snacks, a social evening with locals and new friends.
For members:
5% discount
Impact report showing how much carbon this trip saved, how much money you put into the local economy and more.
Opportunity to buy wines from this region at discounted rates.