PISA In the footsteps of Byron and Shelley and the world of Puccini

5  days | Coming soon! | 5 - 9 July 2027

In the footsteps of Byron and Shelley and the world of Puccini 

Travel with Byron & Shelley in the land of Puccini in association with InArte on a journey through Pisa and Lucca, once powerful and refined centres of culture. Far from conventional routes, this itinerary reveals hidden villas, private residences and rarely seen collections, where owners personally share their histories and artistic treasures. Guided by experts, we enter the luminous world of early Pisan painting and follow Puccini’s legacy to Lake Massaciuccoli and the summer festival that honours his music. Along the coast at Viareggio, we retrace the final summer of 1822 and the literary circle of Byron and the Shelleys, paying homage to the enduring spirit of English Romanticism.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Pisa and transfer by private coach to Villa di Corliano. After some time to settle in, we shall be personally welcomed by the owners, who will introduce us to their historic residence. The visit unfolds in the magnificent central hall, where the Gods’ Banquet provides the setting for a private performance of selected arias by Giacomo Puccini, followed by a welcome aperitivo within the villa. The house holds a particularly evocative literary memory: Mary Shelley once stayed here, in a room preserved much as it was in her time. Her friendship with Doctor Vaccà offers fresh insight into the intellectual and emotional context surrounding the creation of Frankenstein.   Lunch follows at a renowned nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, the Kinsky dal Borgo family graciously open the doors of their private villa for an exclusive visit before we continue to Lucca for some free time, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 2

After breakfast, the morning begins with a departure for Pisa to explore historic palaces and evocative sites connected with Lord Byron, including Palazzo Lanfranchi. Accompanied by our expert guide, the visit also offers an in-depth encounter with the luminous fondo oro masterpieces preserved in the National Museum of San Matteo. We continue to Montenero above Livorno, where guests ascend by historic cable car before enjoying lunch at a panoramic restaurant overlooking the coast. In the afternoon, we visit the remarkable Sanctuary of Montenero and the abandoned house once associated with Lord Byron, before returning to the hotel for some time to rest.

Later, an early light dinner is served on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli. Following a visit to the local Puccini Museum, the day concludes with an open-air performance of Puccini’s music, enjoyed beneath the stars.

Day 3

The day begins with a visit to the Salviati Estate, a place of exceptional beauty set within a historic park rarely opened to the public. The morning then continues along the coast to the beach where Edward Williams, close friend of Percy Bysshe Shelley, was found after embarking with the poet on the schooner Ariel. There will be time for a refreshing swim, followed by an aperitivo by the sea as our expert guide carefully retraces the events surrounding Shelley’s tragic and still-mysterious death. For lunch, guests are privately welcomed by the Duchessa Salviati at Villa Salviati, opened exclusively for our group. In the early afternoon we visit the studio of the renowned contemporary artist Gianni Lucchesi, gaining insight into his creative process and artistic vision. Returning to the hotel for a short period of rest, we later depart for Viareggio to see the only bust in Italy dedicated to Shelley and visit the collections of Villa Paolina. The day concludes in Pietrasanta, celebrated as the town of marble and artists, where guests meet local gallerists, enjoy time for refined shopping, and dine in one of the town’s acclaimed restaurants.

Day 4

To deepen our understanding of the connections between Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley and the Vaccà family, the morning begins with a private excursion to the remarkable Temple of Minerva Medica, an authentic hidden gem concealed within an ancient oak forest near Palaia. Here we explore the Masonic links connecting the Vaccà family and the English writers, illuminating a fascinating and little-known intellectual network. Lunch is enjoyed at a nearby restaurant before continuing to Montefoscoli, where guests are welcomed into a private villa by the family’s descendants. This exclusive visit offers a rare opportunity to explore the residence while listening to personal stories preserved across generations. In the afternoon we return to Pappiana for time at leisure and rest. The journey concludes with a special dinner in Marlia, hosted within one of the most beautiful historic villas and gardens of the Lucchese countryside, where the owners accompany guests through the residence and grounds in an intimate and privileged setting. 

Villa di Corliano

Located between Pisa and Lucca, immersed in the green of the Pisan Mountains, Villa di Corliano is one of the most fascinating historical Tuscan residences. With its seventeenth-century frescos, the monumental park and an atmosphere suspended in time, the villa tells centuries of history, welcoming today events, visits and stays in a context of rare beauty. Rooms will be allocated in the Historical House.

With Flights:   TBC

Join Direct:   TBC

Single Supp:   TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

5 - 9 July 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return flights (Economy class) from London to Pisa
• Four nights’ bed and breakfast at Villa di Corliano
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Four evening meals and four lunches
• Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
• Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
• Detailed programme and study notes
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Lecturers

Prof Francesca Centurione

Francesca Centurione Scotto Boschieri is a distinguished Professor of Italian Literature and History, journalist, art curator and Honorary Ambassador for Genoa throughout the world. After earning her degree at the University of Genoa, she lived there for thirty years before relocating to London in 2006. Here Francesca established herself as a prominent advocate for Italian culture, organising musical events, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. Her published works include Un tea con Batoni (2008), Italiani a Londra (2012), and the award winning Inglesi in Liguria (2023, now also in English), co edited with Alessandro Bartoli. She regularly contributes to the national newspaper Il Giornale, and is often interviewed for Italian TV. Francesca’s career embodies a commitment to safeguarding and sharing Italy’s literary and cultural legacy— flourishing in London and reaching a global audience. She was awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City in 2024, becoming one of the first Italian women to receive this honour.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that most of our tours involve a large amount of walking, across uneven ground and often without the opportunity to sit down for at least half an hour. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.