Jamie Cloney Kearney - Custom Package - October 2019

Bracciano (medieval castle and lake - see Wikipedia article) - a short distance from Civitavecchia, on the shores of lake Bracciano, stands the majestic Odescalchi Castle, one of the most beautiful feudal residences in Europe. Built in the second half of 1400 the building is the ideal meeting point between military and civil architecture.

The castle of Bracciano, with its historical museum, that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year  and it's  fifteenth-century manor house (among the largest in Europe), represents an important cultural attraction.

Visiting Information: Entrance tickets €7.50 pp. The caste is closed on Mondays, open all year round. There are free (included in the entrance ticket) guided tours in English from June to end of September at 10:30 11:30 15:30 16:30 17:30

Itinerary details are indicative and may need to be changed by the driver in case of heavy traffic or any other unforeseen situation. 

LIVORNO - Private Chauffered tour to Siena and Tuscany  (21 October)                                     

Total Price  EUR 650 (+ optional services see bellow)

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

• • (if you select the San Gimignano itinerary) Winery visit: EUR 30 additional cost per person paid in cash at the winery - Private Wine Tasting experience at the Tenuta Torciano Vineyard just next to San Gimignano. 

• Licensed professional walk along guide for a 2 hours walking tour of Siena EUR 160 additional cost added to driver cost above

SCHEDULE: Pick up 8:30 or 9:00 am (indicate preference) at ship's pier, tour lasts about 9 hours

INCLUDES: comfortable air-conditioned 8 seats vans with professional English speaking Chauffeur available for the duration of 8-9 hours. Request Gabrielle Borhini

EXCLUSIONS: Lunch, drinks and gratuities

Food suggestions: here are names of some traditional Tuscan foods: Ribollita (hearty vegetable and bread soup, a Tuscan staple food), Pici alla Senese (mixes pork and beef tomato sauce, or the sauce with just a local pig called Cinta Senese that is absolutely fantastic), Pappardelle al Cinghiale (Bore). I gave you my favorites, more ideas here

Over a glass (or 2) of Chianti.

Proposed Itinerary (may be reversed or rearranged as needed directly with the driver)

NOTE that the itinerary can be customized and coordinated directly with the driver according to your specific needs and/or preferences.

• • Pick up in the morning from the port right at your ship's pier.

  • You will arrive in Siena (driving time approximately 2 hours). The driver will take you to S. Domenico square, where you will begin your 2 hours visit of this magnificent medieval city.

  • We suggest reserving a guide to visit the medieval center (otherwise visited independently) where you will able to admire: the Cathedral with its museum as well as Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Just beneath Piazza del Campo, you will meet again with your driver in Piazza del Mercato. 

THE TOUR CAN CONTINUE TO: OPTION 1 Chosen with winery

• OPTION 1: San Gimignano (approximate driving time 1h), a tiny city that has survived the centuries. Hilltop San Gimignano is famous for its numerous skyscraper-like towers, frescoes, and other art treasures. You will have free time to explore this fascinating city.

  • You can choose to spend approximately 3 hours in S. Gimignano and enjoy your lunch in one of the many Trattorie and Restaurants inside the walled city. Alternatively, we will make a stop at a nearby winery for a wine tasting and light lunch (see details below) before visiting S. Gimignano.

    • • Opportunity for a Private Wine Tasting experience at the Tenuta Torciano Vineyard  just next to San Gimignano. The cost for this will be €30 per person (to be paid in cash directly at the winery) (select ''Add a reservation for the Wine Tasting Experience'' above).

  • We will depart from S. Gimignano at no later than 4:00 pm. On the way back, you will be able to admire the ancient medieval village of Monteriggioni, enclosed by its famous still-intact walls. Our drive back to the port will be through the picturesque countryside of the Chianti region, a magical landscape of cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.

  • OPTION 2: Monteriggioni (approximate driving time 30min), a medieval walled town, located on a natural hillock, built by the Sienese in 1214–19 as a front line in their wars against Florence. The roughly circular walls, were built between 1213 and 1219. There are 14 towers on square bases set at equidistance, and two portals or gates. One gate, the Porta Fiorentina opens toward Florence to the north, and the other, the Porta Romana, faces Rome to the south. The main street within the walls connects the two gates in a roughly straight line.

• • •  

    • The main piazza, the Piazza Roma, is dominated by a Romanesque church with a simple, plain façade.

• • You can also admire: Badia of Santi Salvatore e Cirino, at Abbadia Isola, a Romanesque abbey from the mid-12th century, Romanesque church of San Lorenzo a Colle Ciupi, Romanesque Pieve of Santa Maria a Castello, known since as early as 971, Romanesque-Gothic hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago.

Itinerary details are indicative and may need to be changed by the driver in case of heavy traffic or any other unforeseen situation.

Villefranche (Nice) Full day Private Excursion   (October 24)                 

Total Price for 8h private tour EUR 541

• Itinerary: Nice, St Paul de Vence, Eze. To be further customized with driver.

INCLUSIONS:

• Travel in air conditioned  8 or 7 seats vans, ideal to reach historical sites and reduce walking.  See here forthe  type of vhicle used

• Licensed professional driver will assist you with basic information and suggestions. 

• Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Entrance tickets in sites of interest.

• Lunch, drinks and gratuities.

Pick up TIME: 8:30 am 

Proposed Itinerary (may be reversed or rearranged as needed)

Enjoy a private shore excursion to see the best of the French Riviera. 

Select one of the itineraries above to visiting some of the below mentioned sites.

OLD NICE: Drive on the famous promenade des Anglais, walk on the beautiful Massena square, and you will discover the old town where we will give you a walking tour to see the colorful flower and farmer market and to see where the locals live and much more. The only way to get to know the real Nice is by strolling through the ocher-colored streets listening to the "Niçois" speaking their own language (Nissart) and by tasting their savory cooking. One mustn't miss the onion, anchovy and olive tarts called "Pissaladieres", the famous socca made with chickpea flour. And the best, creamiest, yummiest ice cream from Fenocchio with over 100 different flavours.

EZE: Your jaw will drop at the gorgeous view of the Mediterranean from Eze, a charming hilltop town on the Cote d’Azur. It's beautiful cobblestone streets and hot-pink bougainvillea are a far cry from the glamour of Cannes or St-Tropez—and for travellers who could care less about celebrities and mega yachts, that’s quite appealing. Shoppers will delight in the many local perfumeries and art galleries. You are welcome to visit the exotic botanic garden, situated in the village, where an impressive collection of cactus, plants and rare vegetation surrounds the remains of an ancient chateau. At an altitude of 400 m, the summit of the cliff overlooks the sea. It's fantastic!

St PAUL de VENCE:  which has truly been the jewel of the Provence since the 11th Century. Built on its rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built during the 16th century on the orders of Francois 1st. The beauty of the surrounding area, quality of life and exceptional light has inspired numerous famous artist, painters, writers and poets. You will wander through picturesque narrows streets which are lined with more than 40 art galleries, souvenir shops as well a brilliant view of the Alps it comes as no surprise the town is a meeting point for artists from all over the world.

TOULON: Relaxed day in town                                                            (25 October)

See here for ideas

VALENCIA: Half Day Private Guided Shore Excursion (October 28)                       

Total Price for 5h private tour EUR 600  (internal reference FS#238223) + optional tickets

INCLUSIONS:

• Travel in 1 modern comfortable vehicle from port to town center and return to port.

• English speaking professional guide. 

• Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS:  

• • (OPTIONAL) Entrance tickets to Lonja & Cathedral EUR 8 per person payable at entrance

• Lunch, drinks and gratuities.

DURATION: approx. 5 hours from pick up to drop off time

Proposed Itinerary

The Official Licensed English Speaking Guide will accompany you during the whole duration of the tour

• Pick up at the port (the guide will pick you up at your ship's pier and he/she will walk you to your bus)

• Visit the most outstanding monuments in the medieval city: North Station, Serranos and Quart Towers, Central Market, Lonja (old silk exchange), Round Square, Cathedral, Virgin Square and the exterior of the Basilica and the Generalitat Palace.  (Optionally you can enter and visit the Lonja & Cathedral (EUR 8 pp at entrance), this can be decided directly with the guide.

•  In the most modern part of the city the highlight is the new landmark of Valencia, the City of Arts & Sciences, an architectural complex designed by top architect Santiago Calatrava and located on the former Turia riverbed.

• Return to the port

Palma de Mallorca 1/2 day or Full day Private Guided Excursion   (October 29)   

Total Price for 8h private tour of Palma and Valdemossa EUR 560

INCLUSIONS:

• • Travel in modern, comfortable minivan ideal to reach historical sites and reduce walking. 

  • Official Licensed English Speaking Guide will accompany you during the whole duration of the tour.

  • Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS: Optional Entrance tickets to Museums or Archaeological sites are not included. Lunch, drinks, and gratuities.

Thanks to this 8 hours excursion you will have an inside guided visit of the places mentioned in the itinerary below.

• • Pick up at cruise ship’s pier (driver will have a sign with your name) at 10 AM.

  • Depart pier and drive along the sea front to see the many beautiful buildings of the area.

  • Visit one of Mallorca's most important medieval monuments: the Bellver Castle, which stands on a hill and offers an astounding view of Palma and its port.

  • Drive to Valldemossa (30 minutes approx) to explore this charming village and the surroundings of la Cartuja.

  • Drive back to Palma de Mallorca and take a walking tour of the Gothic quarter, La Seu Cathedral (optional visit), the city hall in Plaza de Cort, Almudaina Palace and the historic stock exchange building (La Lonja), the most important monument in the city center.

  • Visit Mallorca's famous Jewish quarter, strolling through its narrow, charming streets.

  • Visit the Renaissance walls surrounding the old town and enjoy the amazing panoramic view.

  • Drive to the Passeig Maritimo, a waterfront promenade where some of the most important yacht clubs and marinas of Mallorca are located or stay on your own for an independent walk in the city.

  • Return to the port.

NOTE: if you are interested, you can add to the above itinerary an inside visit of the Bullfighting ring and of a Pearls Factory without any extra admission  fee. If so, just write it down in the "Provide your travel details" box above.

PORTOFINO   guided private tours (October 23)   

Total Price for 7h private guided tour  EUR 700  (+20 for itinerary n. 1)

INCLUSIONS:

• • Travel in modern, comfortable luxury sedan with personal chauffeur.

  • Official Licensed English Speaking Guide will accompany you during the whole duration of the tour.

  • Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS: Optional pesto making workshop + 30 E pp (itinerary 2 only). Lunch, drinks, and gratuities.

Suggested itineraries

1) Genoa and Camogli  (add EUR 20 to above price as this itinerary requires longer driving)

Meet your private guide and driver on the pier in Portofino to start your tour to discover Genoa and its history. After about a 40-minute-drive you'll reach Genoa ancient port, the tourist area of the city. Walk along the narrow medieval alleys in the historical where you can find traditional shops, historical palaces and baroch churches, to reach Via Garibaldi, e inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list. After learning about the families who built and lived in the street enjoy some time at leisure in the main square where you can find the Opera House, the Palazzo Ducale and the shopping area. 

On the way back you will stop along the way to visit Camogli, one of the most enchanting towns on the Italian riviera, famous for its colorful house facades and lively fishermen's port. 

2) The Italian Riviera off the beaten track and pesto experience (add optional pesto making workshop)

Meet your private guide and driver in Portofino and head to Chiavari (about 30 minutes) Here you'll discover a lively town with an enchanting historical center formed by medieval portico lined palaces.  Spend some time to wonder around the narrow alleys and browse in the old shops and market. 

Move on to Sestri Levante, the city of the two bays, famous for its fairy tales festival. 

Here you'll learn all the secrets to make the best pesto sauce - workshop price to learn how to make the authentic pesto sauce (originating from this area) EUR 30 per person (paid on location, additional to tour cost).

3) The literary Riviera 

Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, Rapallo and the surrounding areas were attractive destinations for poets, writers and artist from all over Europe and the United States. Following in the footsteps of Nietzsche, Byron, Yeats, Ezra Pound, Hemingway and many others you'll visit Portofino, Rapallo and Sestri Levante.