DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Depart your gateway city for Florence, Italy aboard scheduled jet service (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
DAY 2
Upon a your arrival in Florence, transfer by motorcoach to the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda in the village of Tavernelle Val di Pesa. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.) The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3
Educational Focus and Excursion: The Land Between the Republics. Set in the heart of Tuscany, Chianti's landscape is characterized by diverse natural beauty. Discuss its strategic position between medieval rivals Florence and Siena, its esteem as one of Italy's principal winegrowing regions and its prominence for the production of premium quality olive oil. A stroll into the village of Tavernella Val di Pesa features superb views of the Elsa Valley where low, rolling hills are patched with olive groves and poppy fields. Excursion: Volterra. Explore the medieval town famous for alabaster craftsmanship. Built by the Etruscans on a hill surrounded by beautiful landscape, the reassures inside its ancient walls include a Roman theater, a Romanesque Duomo, and the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori in the hear of one of the most harmonious squares in Tuscany. Educationa Focus: A Tuscan Timeline. Trace the region's history from its Etruscan civilization that dates to 700 B.C. through the medieval territorial wars between Florence and Siena to the wealthy Medicis who dominated Florentine politics.
DAY 4
Excursion: A Medieval Manhattan. In the 14th-century fortified town of San Gimignano, patrician families built scores of tower houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Admire the town's remarkable skyline. Excursion: La Chiantigiana. Journey across the Chianti Road through hill country criss-crossed with manicure vineyards and silvery olive groves. Bisit the well-preserved medieval town of Castellina, once an important Florentine garrison. Local Flavor: A lunch featuring local specialties is served in a local restaurant. Excursion: Chianti Classico. Travel through the idyllic landscapes of the Elsa Valley to Barberino Val d'Elsa and the elegant Castello di Monsanto winery. Surrouned by 178 vineyard-clad acres, enjoy a tour and tasting of the region's full-bodied varieties that have evolved from the familiar table wine round, straw-bound bottles.
DAY 5
Excursion: The City of 100 Churches. The massive red brick walls that encircle Lucca's Old Town are lined with chestnut and holly trees. Inside, a neat grid of narrow streets echo with an eminent history. Operatic composer Puccini was born in Lucca. It was here in 56 B.C. that Caesar, Pompey and Crassus forged the First Triumvirate alliance to rule the Roman Empire. The 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin displays a cedar crucifix reputed to be a true portrait of Christ carved by his contemporary Nicodemus. Educational Focus: Renaissance Art. The great Renaissance masters who flourished in Tuscany advanced the sophistication of European art. Take a comprehensive look at this enlightened period of creative proliferation initiated by Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello and their contemporaries.
DAY 6
Excursion: The Birthplace of the Renaissance. A walking tour through central Florencee highlights its prodigious architecture, much of it built under the patronage of the powerful Medici family. Admire the distinctive tri-color facade of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Il Duomo. Its interior is large enough to hold more than 20,000 worshippers. The Baptistry is famous for the dramatic bas-relief Old Testament scenes designed by Ghiberti on the bronze east doors known as the Gates of Paradise. In Piazza della Signora, opposite the Uffizi Gallery, a copy now marks the original site of Michealangelo's statue of David in front of the crenellated Palazzo Vecchio. Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is yours to explore fabulous Firenze. Cross the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio, lined with gold boutiques, or shop for marbled paper. Walk along tranquil lakes, waterfalls and grottoes in Boboli Gardens. Or, simply people-watch at a café while sipping a robust espresso or tasting a cool gelato. Educational Focus: Meet the People. Learn about modern Tuscan life at an open panel exchange with friendly local residents.
DAY 7
Educational Focus: A Contemporary View of Italy. Discuss Italy's role in the E.U. and assess its political, economic and social status. Independent Exploration: Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue individual interests. A complimentary shuttle departs your hotel for Florence this morning, and returns midafternoon.
DAY 8
Cultural Event: Tuscan Cuisine. The Villa Borgo di Cortefreda's chef presents a demonstration of regional cooking techniques. Excursion: Gothic Grandeuar. Spectacularly situated atop three converging hills, Siena has changed little over the centuries. Stuffing bas-reliefs adorn its Gaia Fountain, the Mangia Tower stands 300 feet tall and the Duomo is regarded as one of Italy's greatest. This evening, attend a Farewell Reception, Graduation Ceremony before dinner.
DAY 9
After breakfast, transfer to the Florence airport for the return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
Note: Itinerary schedule may change dues to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve walking as some of the finest attractions are not closely accessible by motorcoach.
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