Gourmet Dining and Wine Tasting Central Italy: Tuscany: Viareggio Excursions Main | Cooking Programs | Gourmet Dining & Wine Tasting | Girlfriends' Getaways | Special Interest This busy three-night adventure not only includes wine tasting and gourmet dining in Tuscany, but also a day trip to the Cinque Terre that features Ligurian cuisine and wine! Guests will be accommodated at the lovely four-star Hotel Plaza E De Russie in Viareggio, a seaside resort with very good shopping and a lovely beach, about an hour west of Florence. Pisa, Lucca and Torre del Lago, the home of composer Puccini, are nearby. Day 1: Arrival at the hotel. Gourmet dinner with wine tasting at the hotel’s La Terrazza roof garden restaurant with a view of the sea. Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the village of Montecarlo, known for its production of excellent red and white DOC wines. With a magnificent panoramic view of the hills and plains of Lucca, Montecarlo has been producing wines since the 15th century. Enjoy a private visit to the Azienda Agricola Il Poggio, producers of both red and white wines as well as superb olive oil. A guide will drive guests to the Cantina and explain its ancient wine making tradition. A light lunch with wine tasting will be hosted by the people who produce the wine and you will receive a bottle of wine as a gift. A gourmet dinner with wine tasting will be held at La Magnolia Restaurant at the Hotel Byron in Forte dei Marmi, a sister hotel to the Plaza e de Russie. Day 3: After breakfast at the hotel, guests will drive to La Spezia (about 40 minutes) and from there will take a small train called the "Love Train" to visit the villages of the Cinque Terre. Lunch, which will be hosted in a very small restaurant owned by a fisherman in Monterosso/Vernazza, features Ligurian specialties and the famous wine, Bianco delle Cinque Terre. Afternoon at leisure. Evening in Viareggio and farewell gourmet dinner with wine tasting will be held at the hotel's La Terrazza restaurant. Package Includes: Rate: Three nights accommodation Welcome bottle of red wine with canapes Buffet breakfast daily, either in the restaurant or served in your room at no additional charge Three four-course gourmet dinners with wine tasting Visit to a private vineyard with a guide, lunch and wine tasting Lunch with wine in the Cinque Terre Maps and sightseeing information American newspaper daily Tax and service NOTE: Guests must provide their own transportation to Montecarlo and La Spezia. € 564 per person, Superior room € 636 per person, Deluxe room € 695 per person, Junior Suite € 648 single occupancy, Superior room Valid: April 1 - October 15, 2008 Minimum two persons required.