Itinerary

Day 1: USA

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Depart the USA for Rome, Italy.

Day 2: ROME

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Arrive in Rome and transfer to the hotel, located in the old city center near the Tiber River. The afternoon is at leisure for relaxation and individual exploration. In the early evening, gather for a program briefing and refreshments, followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: HOTEL PONTE SISTO (view website)

Day 3: ROME

Monday, June 22, 2009

After breakfast, explore ancient Roman sites including the Coliseum (accompanied by gladiators!) and the Forum. Stop for a typical Italian lunch, then enjoy a walking tour through the old city center, seeing spectacular Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona, and the famous Spanish Steps. The walking tour includes an exciting treasure hunt for the children. The evening is at leisure to explore Rome on your own and enjoy dinner at any of the casual trattorias and elegant restaurants near our hotel. (B,L)

Accommodation: HOTEL PONTE SISTO

Day 4: ROME / TUSCANY

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

This morning visit the Vatican, with special priority entrance to the Vatican Museums. See the Sistine Chapel and view Michelangelo’s Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica. Afterwards, depart from Rome via motor coach and drive north into the rolling hills and charming hilltop towns of the Chianti region before arriving at our villa/farmhouse, near Florence, where we will spend the next five nights. (B,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA (view website)

Day 5: FLORENCE

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Today, embark on a full-day excursion to the Renaissance city of Florence. In the morning, visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s 500-year-old statue David. Stroll over the graceful Ponte Vecchio and see the imposing Duomo. While the adults visit the Uffizi Gallery, the children participate in a fresco-painting class. Enjoy lunch on your own and some free time before returning to the villa, and enjoy a make-your-own-pizza dinner party tonight.

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 6: SIENA

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Today, explore the walled medieval city of Siena, and learn about the town’s thrilling Palio, a bareback horse race that dates to the 14th century. A guided walking tour includes Siena’s stunning cathedral and an exclusive visit to a private neighborhood (or contrada), which has its own museum. The children will have a chance to climb the 400 steps up to the Facciatore, the highest point in Siena. Enjoy lunch and free time to explore before returning to the villa for dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 7: BROLIO / COOKING CLASS

Friday, June 26, 2009

After breakfast, drive to Brolio and visit its medieval castle, a fortress constructed during the Middle Ages. The adults then visit a renowned Tuscan cooking school for an entertaining cooking demonstration and lunch, while the children learn how to make a simple dish and delicious cakes in their own cooking class back at the villa, followed by a game of soccer. This evening, enjoy dinner together at the villa. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 8: PISA / LUCCA

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Travel to Pisa for an opportunity to climb the famous Leaning Tower. Then, continue to the walled city of Lucca for a tour and lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, the children can explore the ancient ramparts of the city in a safe and exciting way—by bicycle! Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at the villa. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 9: FLORENCE / USA

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Depart for the Florence airport for flights home. (B)