Tuscany is one of the most famous tourist locations in Europe for its blessing of nature, art, history, and scenic hillsides, streaked with green cypress trees, and snaking sandy roads leading to earth-tone-colored farmhouses. Stunning Tuscan villas dot the landscape. This region of Italy is also known world wide for its unique wine. Tuscany is the land of Renaissance - the birthplace of new beginnings. In Tuscany, wine is king and Tuscan wine has especially strong ties to both art and religion. At the same time, Tuscany thrives on a modern wine industry.
This tour will lead you to the countryside where you will stop in the tiny village of Lari. The town is situated where three ridges of the highest Pisan hills meet and has been inhabited since Etruscan times. A massive Castle is built in the center of the town; it was recorded in the early Middle Ages although the building we see today dates to the first half of the 17th century. Once in Lari, you will visit the Pastificio Martelli, which is a local pasta factory. It is the most famous producer of limited-quantity, high-quality varieties of pasta in all of Italy.
Their varieties of pasta ( 'Spaghetti', 'Penne Classiche', 'Spaghettini' and 'Maccheroni di Toscana') are made by slowly kneading the best durum-wheat with cold water. The bronze-drawing gives the pasta a rough texture. It is then dried at a 'low traditional temperature' (33-36° C) for about 50 hours (depending on the weather).
The result is a tasty and porous pasta which allows the sauces to be absorbed well. Only the members of the family work in the pasta factory. They combine long years of professionalism with the passion for keeping up the traditional Italian craft of making pasta. You will have some free time to wander around on your own after the visit to the pasta factory.
The next stop is a visit to a farmhouse which produces its own red and white wine. After touring the estate's vineyards and cellars, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by a snack. After your wine tasting, you will return to the port in Livorno.
