Itinerary

Day 1: USA

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Depart the USA for Rome, Italy

Day 2: ROME

Sunday, July 13, 2008

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, July 14, 2008

After breakfast, explore ancient Roman sites such as the Colosseum and the Forum. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant, then enjoy a walking tour through the old city center and see spectacular Trevi Fountain,the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona, and the famous Spanish Steps. Attend a lecture by your study leader on the influence of Michelangelo and Bernini on St. Peter's Basilica in preparation for tomorrow's visit to the Vatican.The rest of 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, July 15, 2008

This morning, visit the Vatican, enjoying special priority entrance to the Vatican Museums. See the Sistine Chapel and view Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica. Afterwards, depart from Rome via motorcoach 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. This evening, attend a lecture by your study leader focusing on art and life in Renaissance Florence and Siena. (B,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA (view website)

Day 5: FLORENCE

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Today, embark on a full-day excursion to the Renaissance city of Florence. Stroll over the graceful Ponte Vecchio, see the imposing Duomo, and visit the renowned Uffizi Gallery. After time for an independent lunch,gather for a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s 500-year-old statue David. There is also time to browse through the shops and market stalls and enjoy an ice cream before returning to our villa for a make-your-own-pizza dinner party. (B,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 6: SIENA

Thursday, July 17, 2008

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. Enjoy lunch and free time to explore before returning to the villa for dinner and a final lecture by your study leader on the influence of the Medici family on art in Florence. (B,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 7: BROLIO / COOKING CLASS

Friday, July 18, 2008

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. This evening, enjoy dinner together at the villa. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 8: PISA / LUCCA

Saturday, July 19, 2008

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

Accommodation: FATTORIA LA LOGGIA

Day 9: FLORENCE / USA

Sunday, July 20, 2008

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