We are in one of the newest trendy parts of Tuscany, a triangle of land between Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Livorno called Valdera. Formerly famous for being home to one of the most popular scooters in the world, the Vespa, which is produced in Pontedera, and for hosting one of the greatest furniture production of the whole Italy – nowadays in decline, Valdera has become one of the most promising “terroirs” for wine production and therefore a destination for a certain kind of tourism, more keen into being away from the crowded Chianti and of course a chaotic – although wonderful – Florence.
We will ride though this vast territory and will pay a visit to two of the most important cities of art in Italy, Pisa and Lucca, and enjoy their stunning highlights. Our homebase will be Badia di Morrona, both a historical residence and an important winery, where we will relax by the swimming pool and have gorgeous meals by their restaurant.
We will also taste some wines both from Badia di Morrona and Pieve de PItti, another protagonist of the rising wine production in the area, where we will experience a very special dinner right in the middle of the vineyards! Let’s go and get acquainted with the protagonists of our stay.

Standard daily program

Day #1

Check in, welcome-aperitif with buffet, visit to Casciana Terme and relax by the historical SPA, dinner by Badia di Morrona.

Day #2

In the morning: Visit to Pisa Campo dei Miracoli, independent lunch; In the afternoon visit to Livorno, guided tour with La Ventana Guides and aperitif by the sea; dinner by Badia di Morrona.

Day #3

Visit to Lucca, tour with specialised guide through, independent lunch; in the afternoon wine tasting by Pieve de’ Pitti eventually followed by a special dinner in the vineyard.

Day #4

Transfer to station or airport.

Badia di Morrona

Set in the nonpareil Tuscan landscape between Pisa and Volterra, Badia di Morrona boasts a full 600 hectares, an estate where woods of cypress, oaks, and holm oaks leave space for 40 hectares of olive groves, and— above all—110 hectares of vineyards rising up the gentle hillslopes near the Cascina river, between Terricciola and Casciana Terme Lari.
It was precisely in this part of the estate that the Gaslini Alberti family, when they purchased the property in 1939, came across their first vineyards, eloquent testimony to the area’s long-established and deep rooted viticulture.
In the 1990s, Duccio Gaslini Alberti, father of the current owners Filippo and Alessandra, aware of the advantages represented by these unique conditions, decided to significantly improve the quality of the estate wine by launching a sustained vineyard replanting programme, with the far-sighted goal of preserving the most promising vineyards. That involved identifying the most desirable clones, applying the most appropriate vineyard densities, and adopting vine-training systems, all of which were aimed at producing authentic, high-quality terroir wines.
Today, the results of these studies and projects are evident. Considering red grapes, which predominate on the estate, Sangiovese plays the major role; in fact, a full 60% of all the estate vineyards are dedicated to this “Tuscan monarch,” with some parcels planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah as well. Also under cultivation is another native red grape, Canaiolo, valued in blends for its forthright colour. On the white side, Vermentino and Chardonnay stand out, planted in the centre of the estate vineyards in level areas.
From the perspective of continuous research and innovation, one can appreciate the centuries-long journey of the estate from the ancient Badia, historical nucleus of Badia di Morrona winemaking, to the modern design of the new sustainable wine cellar. Both of these elements are landmarks in the territory, marking a perfect balance between past and present that fascinates visitors.

Le Terme di Casciana

Set like a gem in the beautiful countryside of the Tuscan hills, the thermal center of Casciana Terme represents, with its over a thousand years of history, one of those many small masterpieces of the Tuscan tradition that stands out for its simple and orderly lifestyle, for the authenticity of local products and a landscape of vineyards and olive groves that produce wines and oils of unsuspected quality.
Thermal water, a true prodigy of nature, exerts an action as well as therapeutic, even strongly relaxing. The natural color that can be particularly appreciated by immersing oneself in the thermal pools, together with the execution of face and body treatments, make one’s psychophysical equilibrium be found even in a short stay.

Pisa

Pisa is a city in Italy’s Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Already tilting when it was completed in 1372, the 56m white-marble cylinder is the bell tower of the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral that rises next to it in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Also in the piazza is the Baptistry, whose renowned acoustics are demonstrated by amateur singers daily, and the Camposanto Monumentale cemetery.

Lucca

Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is now a house museum.

Livorno

Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. It is known for its seafood specialties, Renaissance fortifications and modern cruise ship port. The central Terrazza Mascagni, an avenue along the sea with a checkerboard floor, is the main meeting point of the city. The ramparts of the 16th century Old Fortress overlook the harbor and open onto the Venezia Nuova district of Livorno.

Pieve de Pitti

The Pieve de ‘Pitti is located on the southern edge of the municipality of Terricciola, in the heart of the Terre di Pisa at 140 meters above sea level.
A property of one hundred and ninety-eight hectares covered by woods, cultivated fields and above all vineyards and olive groves, which extend, radially, on the hill dominated by the Villa and the Castle of Pava. The Pieve de ‘Pitti owes its name to the Florentine Pitti family, owners of the farm until the mid-seventeenth century and to the parish church of San Giovanni, built on the ruins of an ancient Etruscan church and still consecrated today. Buoyed by the belief that they could become winemakers and make their own Chianti, the Gargari family left their jobs and moved to Pieve de’ Pitti, in the Lands of Pisa, one of the newest wine regions in Tuscany. Caterina personally spent several years, first supported by consultants, working on her oldest vineyard, the ones her Grandpa planted in the late 60s, using any and all free time to learn everything she could about growing grapes and making wine. And traveling a lot around the world, visiting friends who produce wines in different countries, tasting (and drinking!!) a lot, directly experiencing different approach to vinegrowing and winemaking. Based on their taste and traditions, they make the “rubestio” (uniquely rustic and finicky) character of Sangiovese their own and in 2001 they launched Pieve de’ Pitti with its first vintage, which was met with great critical success and led them to search for additional high quality Sangiovese grapes. As most of the Tuscan lands, their soils, sands, clays and limestones, are rich of shells and fossils, but the original character of their wines mainly comes from the sea breezes that intensively blows all year round from South-West, over the Miemo and Castellina hills. Such puffs, dance through their grapes with a salt embrace, so intense and surprising. That’s why they planted Vermentino, known to be a grape of the Mediterranean coast, on untraditional soil with direct marine influences. Additionally, just because they love fresh and flavourful white wines. For the same reason, they loved the precious gem of late harvest Trebbiano, a golden and juicy grape that made history in the Lands of Pisa. They also felt free to plant some Syrah, to add spicy notes and a bit of verve to the classic style that perfectly represents them and their philosophy.