Inspirations

Tuscan Safari

Safari is often synonymous with the desert, Africa, and exploring the wildlife of these places. Yet, believe it or not, Italy offers its own form of a safari through the vineyards, rolling hills, and mountains of Tuscany. And, truth be told, it’s much, much more enlightening, enriching and exciting than anything you could do in Africa (though you do not get to see lions…).

Where does one go, and what does one see on a Tuscan Safari? Well, it all depends on what your preferences are, and what you like best.
Families, adventure-loving parties, culture-minded travelers, and music-lovers will no doubt enjoy the enthralling vistas and marvelous sights one gets to see on the Lucca and Marble Safari.

Commencing with an enticing guided tour of delightful Lucca, one of Tuscany’s jewel towns. Embraced by a frame of extraordinary 40-meter-high Renaissance walls, still perfectly maintained, Lucca is an exquisite smaller Tuscan town enhanced by the vibrancy of its characteristic colors, and exploring it led by an experienced local guide makes for a rainbow-crowned experience.

Wherever one looks, there are red rooftops and brick walls, palaces and churches built in pure snowy-white marble, and countless lush green gardens, including the amazing park that rises atop the Renaissance walls. Colors, and unforgettable sights, are what Lucca is all about, and nobody is likely to forget Piazza San Michele in Foro, with its glorious church, Piazza Napoleone, Palazzo Ducale, the hauntingly beautiful Teatro del Giglio and the mystical atmosphere of the Cathedral of San Martino.

Roaming through the cobblestone-paved alleys and airy piazzas to the alluring Piazza Anfiteatro, one discovers exquisite sights, including world-renowned composer Giacomo Puccini’s home and pretty shops crammed with local crafts, as well as charming colorful trattorias perfect for a taste of typical Tuscan fare, and delicious locally sourced products.

After lunch, the day continues with an adventure: explore the marble quarries aboard a roaring, sturdy Jeep! Led by a dedicated quarry guide, and safely driven by a specialized licensed professional off-the-road driver, participants can enjoy the uniquely thrilling experience of rumbling up mountain trails that most vehicles could never access, zigzagging up and down gravel and rock paved paths, and finally reaching a one-of-a-kind place: a thriving bustling marble quarry.

Meeting the workers, observing the skill and know-how it takes to extract marble and truck it to the workspace make for an enlightening firsthand view of an ancient chore, and that led to the creation of some of the world’s most impressive works of art, among which Michelangelo’s David!

The adventure then continues with another thrilling journey further up, into the mountains, to enjoy gloriously spectacular views of the mottled white Apuan Alps and gleaming blue Mediterranean Sea and then down again, with a rumble and a roar, to indulge in the area’s most exquisite typical delicacy: luscious, decadent and marble-white lardo di Colonnata.

Including exceptional views, a picturesque town rich in history and heritage, and an insider’s view of marble quarrying, a tour of Lucca and Marble Tuscan safari is a uniquely fascinating journey through the Italian lifestyle and heritage.

Yet a wine-enthusiast could, and probably would, object… what about the grapes, the vineyards, the cellars and the wine?! Well, those seeking the thrill of a four-wheeled off-the-road Tuscan adventure, and the aroma of its exceptional world-class blends can easily make the most of their time in the land of vineyards enjoying a superb Tuscan Safari through the most picturesque corners of the Chianti wine region.

Exciting, enchanting and intriguing a safari through Chianti allows one to experience the very best of what this fascinating area has to offer. Starting with the mesmerizing landscapes made of rolling olive groves and flower-filled meadows, fairytale-like hillside villages and hamlets, evocative country churches, and, oh, luxuriant sweeping vineyards.

Escorted by a specialized private guide and driven to the countryside by a professional licensed chauffeur, participants are able to start their experience with the privilege of dedicated VIP attention, and comfortably reach the set meeting point where they will start their off-the-road adventure. Aboard a rumbling jeep skillfully driven by an experienced local English-speaking pro, they’ll ride off with a roar of the engine, to enjoy a thrilling, inspiring journey alongside vast vineyards and thick oak woods, ad stopping in enchanting spots to catch surprising vistas and capture the landscape in sublime photos.

Driving along Tuscany’s typical strade bianche, the evocative “white roads” caressed by sweet-scented breezes and surrounded by lush greenery, travelers will reach a delightful local winery, for a stroll through the grounds, in-depth viewing of the cellars and exquisite lunch. What could ever be more quintessentially Tuscan than ending one’s day with a marvelous glass of Chianti wine and superb local specialties?