Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, and you will have time to rest and relax before enjoying a welcome drink and dinner. Enjoy your views of Ajaccio’s historical center, which hosts a dramatic protected harbor on the Gulf of Ajaccio. We will enjoy this first meal together celebrating the regional cuisine in a quaint local restaurant. Overnight in Ajaccio

Today we will enjoy a full day at sea with a boat tour, to discover the UNESCO natural sites of Calanques and Scandola. Here we will find towering pinnacles and gnarled, claw-like outcroppings of rock that were formed by volcanic eruptions 250 million years ago. The colors of the rock vary from charcoal grey to incandescent reds and rusty purples, which strike a vivid contrast to the wild, green grasses and the cobalt blue of the sea. Dolphins and seals thrive here, and colonies of giant gulls and cormorants inhabit the cliffs towering over the sea. Overnight in Ajaccio

First thing this morning we will explore the picturesque city of Ajaccio. Besides its important naval and fishing traditions, Ajaccio is the famed birthplace of Napolean Bonaparte. When Napolean became emperor he annexed Corsica to France despite its strong cultural ties to Italy, forged when Genoa was a powerful maritime republic. We will explore the picturesque local produce market and pay a visit to the home where Napoleon was born. After some free time for lunch, we will begin our drive to the Bonifacio area located on the southern tip of Corsica with a stop on the way to visit a local honey producer. We will learn about the different honeys of the area and taste the very best! We will end our day in the area of Figari, where we will check in at our countryside resort. Overnight outside of Figari

This morning, we will explore the local countryside, stopping and maybe taking a swim in the cool waters of the “Piscines Naturales de Cavu.” After a fun picnic lunch, we will get to taste some of the best wines in this part of the island. The afternoon will end in the beautiful town of Bonifacio. The cliffs around this village have been undercut by the ocean and the winds, so that it sits on the very edge of a precipice, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Mediterranean Sea. We will enjoy the sunset overlooking the sea and have dinner just afterwards before heading back to our resort. Overnight outside Figari

Today we will drive north into the famed mountains of Corsica, where we will visit the mountain town of Corte. Dominated by the citadel perched on its rocky outcrop, Corte lies at the mouth of the Restonica and Tavignano valleys; this area boasts stunning scenery and fantastic landscapes. In town we will enjoy a traditional meal and taste some of the local specialties, including the famed brocciu cheese, figatellu sausage, and the famous local pastry called falculella. We will then transfer to the northern part of the island and the area of Saint-Florent. This little city, tucked away between the mountains and the sea, will be our home for the next two nights, giving us access to the incredible landscapes of the “Desert des Agriates”, the mountainous “Cap Corse”, and being strategically near some of the best wine production of the island. Dinner will be on your own tonight in this charming town. Overnight in or near Saint-Florent

Today we will divide our time between visits to natural, scenic areas and tasting wines in the Patrimonio area. We will start our explorations with a drive to Moulin Mattei, one of the most famous viewpoints of the island. Nearby, we will explore a couple of the small seaside villages that dot the coastline, including picturesque Centuri. We will then visit a couple of local wine producers and enjoy tasting some of the region’s best wines. You will have time this evening to explore on your own and find dinner at your leisure in Saint-Florent. Overnight in or near Saint-Florent

We will enjoy our last hours in Corsica with a visit to the lovely historical center of Bastia. We will then head to the modern part of the harbor to board the ferry that will take us to the Italian mainland and the city of Livorno. The ferry ride will take approximately 4 ½ hrs., giving us the opportunity to relax and enjoy open-sea views. After disembarking in Livorno, we will make our way to Lucca and a traditional local restaurant for our first meal in Italy. Afterwards we will check in to our hotel where we will stay the next two nights. Overnight in Lucca

This morning, we will drive out of town to the lesser-known and fascinating city of Barga and the Garfagnana area. Known throughout Tuscany for its dramatic mountains and fertile valleys, this region is famous for local delicacies like porcini mushrooms and rich cheeses. After a tasting of local wines and oils, we will have time for a leisurely lunch celebrating these local treasures. We will then head back to Lucca for an afternoon on our own to explore. You can take this time to bike on top of the city walls or browse the many little artisan shops of the center. There will be the option of a guided walking tour for the ones that prefer a more structured exploration. Birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca is surrounded by impressive stone walls constructed in the 1500s. Planted with trees and gardens, the top of the city wall provides a wide boulevard to travel to and a bird's-eye view of Lucca. Overnight in Lucca

Today we will embark on a day of coastal enchantment as we explore the captivating Ligurian Riviera, visiting charming coastal villages and enjoying breathtaking views. Weather permitting, we'll enhance the experience with a delightful boat excursion. Before reaching Genoa, our journey includes a stop in the delightful village of Recco, renowned for its culinary gem—the famous cheesy Focaccia. Indulge in a leisurely lunch, savoring the unique flavors of this local delicacy, and relish the coastal ambiance that graces this enchanting part of the Ligurian Riviera. Today promises a perfect blend of scenic beauty, coastal exploration, and culinary delights along the shores of this Mediterranean gem. Overnight in Genoa

Today we will explore Genoa, beginning with a guided city tour through its historic center and old harbor. Our journey will also lead us to the city's renowned pastry shops, where we'll indulge in the delectable world of local chocolates, savoring the rich flavors that define Genoa's sweet culinary traditions. The adventure continues with an immersive cooking class featuring an Italian pesto champion. You will learn how to create this local delicacy using the finest basil, and then enjoy the fruits of your labors with a delightful seafood lunch. As the day transitions to evening, you'll have the freedom to immerse yourself further in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Whether you choose to explore more historic corners, indulge in local cuisine, or simply savor the ambiance, Genoa awaits your personal discovery. Overnight in Genoa

We will bid farewell to the coastal charm of Genoa this morning, as the group embarks on a journey to the illustrious Piedmont region. This region is celebrated for its exceptional wine, truffles and chocolates, and is the birthplace of the slow food movement. We will focus on the Gavi area, and will embrace the slow food movement with a lunchtime cooking class at a beautiful countryside estate. We will pair it all with a tasting of chocolates and local wines. We will then take in one of the best views over the rolling hills of Piedmont while savoring this farewell experience. We will end the day at our airport hotel just outside Malpensa*. Overnight near Malpensa

*For those wanting to explore more of the Piedmont region, a 3-night extension is available starting with a stay at the estate in Gavi where the group will have a cooking class and wine tasting and lunch on Day 11. While the main group will continue to a hotel in the Milan Malpensa area, you will check-in to the hotel on the winery estate to start your post-trip extension

Today you can take an airport shuttle to Milan Malpensa for your return flight.