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A
splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan
countryside towards the historic university city of Pisa, famous
for its architectural beauty.
After the panoramic drive, travel along the Arno embankments
where the tour proceeds to Piazza dei Miracoli to find the
famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, an unequalled
masterpiece of Romanesque art carried out between the 11th and
12th centuries, the Baptistery and other important monuments.
Walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the Scuola Normale resides,
one of the most famous universities in the world.
Visit the elegant and refined Lucca - a magnificent city of art.
The tour begins with a delightful walk along the famous 16th
century walls that enclose the old centre of the city under the
shadow of tall trees. There are also visits to the medieval
Church of San Frediano, with its large mosaic in a 13th century
facade; the stupefying Piazza Anfiteatro, modelled on the ruins
of the 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre; the Torre Guinigi, the
Cathedral of San Martino, the characteristic antiquarian road,
and the Church of San Michele in Foro.
After some free time for lunch (not included), there is a visit
to the splendid Villas in the area immediately surrounding the
city. These villas were the summer residences of Lucca's most
important noble families and distinguished foreign guests: Villa
Torrigiani (*), with its rich apartments and wonderful grounds,
and the splendid gardens of Villa Mansi, built by the well-known
architect F. Juvarra.
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