Excursion Castagneto carducci & exclusive visit to castello della gherardesca tour at Livorno

Experience the medieval beauty, grandeur and legacy of the Castagneto Castle during this Exclusive opening and visit only for few Silversea Guests.

Livorno, Castagneto Carducci Village Centre, Palazzo Comunale, Via Marconi

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Castagneto Carducci, one of the most popular villages on the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany. Perched on a hillside less than 6.2 miles (about ten kilometres) from the sea, the village centre of Castagneto has grown around the imposing medieval castle located on the hilltop. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this charming old village, a peaceful holiday destination that comes very much alive during the summer months. Along the way, see the imposing Palazzo Comunale, with its dominant position at the beginning of Via Marconi, a long street that makes its way downhill towards the coast. The Palazzo Comunale houses the city's Town Hall, and its offices.

Castagneto Castle and Gates, Cobblestone Streets, Village

Next, a very pretty lane leads you to the 10th-century Castagneto Castle, where you are escorted on an exclusive guided tour of the period rooms and family portrait gallery. See the spectacular view from the original rampart walk running between two lovely, enclosed gardens. Castagneto Carducci today is a lived-in castle and private mansion that is not typically open to the public. It has belonged to the same noble family of the Counts della Gherardesca for 32 generations, where the siblings of the current generation come to spend their summer holidays and reside during the year. Walk through the gates of the castle to enter the small cobblestone streets of the picturesque village, observe the local country lifestyle and enjoy many wonderful, unique and exclusive photo opportunities.

Guided Castle Tour, Family Portraits, Period Furnishings, Maps, Coat-of-Arms

Next, take a guided tour of the Castagneto Castle. The modern use of this imposing castle hasn't erased its history, which lives through the family portraits, period furnishings, maps and family trees with the most pedigreed Italian lineages intertwined. The coat-of-arms itself, the Half-Imperial Eagle, granted by Frederick I Holy Roman Emperor, embodies the major characteristics of the dynasty. The colour red evokes the heraldic copper and enemies' blood, and the colour gold symbolizes the land, fortified castles and property of the family that defended Tuscany from the costal invasions of Moors and Saracens. All of this speaks the language of the eldest spirit of the Tuscan art of war.

Refreshment, Free Time, Castagneto Carducci Village

Following your castle tour, proceed for a refreshment including Prosecco, Juices and Canapes that will be served in the garden or in one of the state rooms.

Afterwards, some free time is made available to explore the village of Castagneto Carducci with his charming alleyways. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 60-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Livorno, Castagneto Carducci Village, Palazzo Comunale, Exclusive opening of Castagneto Castle, Gates, Cobblestone Streets, Village, refreshment, Free Time

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and several stepd inside the Castle. Walking at Castagneto Carducci Village is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Photos and videos are forbidden inside the Castle, it is only possible in the external areas.