Immortalised by artists like Monet, Degas and van Gogh, the entrancing Tuscan countryside is one you can savour during the initial drive from La Spezia to the little town of Lucca, your destination on this entertaining tour. Founded by the ancient Etruscans and still enclosed by a set of fully intact Renaissance walls, Lucca offers visitors a step back in time. A walk through the historical streets will take you past Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of the former Roman amphitheatre, en route to an inside visit of the Church of San Michele in Foro. First mentioned as early as A.D. 795, then rebuilt post-1070 by order of Pope Alexander II and finally given its current ornate façade onwards of the 13th-century, the church features a nave, two aisles, a semi-circular apse and mullioned windows. Next up is Lucca's Cathedral of San Martino, whose construction began in 1063 in Roman style, while the present-day building is Gothic due to 14th-century restoration work. You'll then have some time to spend as you please before an approx. 30-minute drive takes you to Montecarlo, a small community and wine growing region noted for producing the "best Tuscan whites". Your destination is a local farmhouse for a taste of homemade food and a chance to visit the wine cellars, the wine production and olive oil pressing areas. This special treat will be followed by your return trip to your ship, which ends the tour.