Treasures of Tuscany

Tour Highlights

Nine Days & Seven Nights in the heart of Italy
The majestic rolling hills of Tuscany
Renaissance city of Florence
Ancient Hill Towns of San Gimignano and Montepulciano
Food and Wine of Tuscany - Vineyard & Farm Visit
The magnificent city of Orvieto
The Eternal City of Rome
The Vatican - Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – UNITED STATES/EN ROUTE
Depart this afternoon on the overnight transatlantic flight to Rome, Italy. (I)

Day 2 – ROME/TUSCANY
This morning we arrive in Rome, Italy where we are met by our Italian Tour Escort who will remain with us throughout our tour. We board our waiting motor coach and continue north into the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside and our hotel. Along the way enjoy the rolling hills and incredible scenery that makes Tuscany one of Italy’s treasures. (I, D)

Day 3 – TUSCANY (San Gimignano and Montepulciano)
A delightful day on tour awaits us as we experience Tuscany, a region of low lying hills with clean graceful curves, complete with plains, forests, and vineyards joined by the serenity of cypress and pine. We begin with an incredible view of the medieval hill town of San Gimignano, a virtually untouched medieval city-state where time seems to have stood still since the Middle Ages. Comprised of 14 towers, some over 165 feet high, our walking tour will take us through the tiny cobblestone streets to the famous Piazza della Cisterna. Enjoy lunch at a local Tuscan vineyard, with specialties of the region and wines from the Estate. Next we visit the timeless town of Montepulciano, a pearl of the Renaissance and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A guided walking tour features the old town with its fortified gateway and magnificent Renaissance-style palazzi. (B, L)

Day 4 – TUSCANY (Florence)
Today we will see the Renaissance city of Florence where our sightseeing begins with a visit to the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s “David”. And, no visit to Florence is complete without a visit to the magnificent Cathedral and the nearby Baptistery with its famous bronze doors, notably the Door of Paradise. Then we’re off to see the Piazza Della Signora with its wonderful backdrop formed by the Old Palace’s powerful presence, the Church of Santa Croce with the Tomb of Michelangelo, and our sightseeing ends with a magnificent view of the city and valley from high above Florence. The remainder of the day is free in Florence to enjoy this beautiful city…perhaps to wander the Piazza Della Signoria and the unforgettable Ponte Vecchio. (B)

Day 5 – TUSCANY (Under the Tuscan Sun)
Today we journey into the Chianti Hills one of the most beautiful areas of Italy. Home to wineries and castles and full of history and art. For over 500 years large and small estates have used the southern slopes for the production of this excellent wine. We will visit the medieval town of Radda, perched high on a hill between the Pesa and Arbia River Valleys. Two exceptional wine stores in Radda provide excellent opportunities for the wine connoisseur as well as the novice. Next we visit a ceramics studio where centuries old throwing and coil construction methods are still being used as well as glazes and pictorial motifs that date back to the Renaissance. This evening we enjoy dinner before returning to our hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 – TUSCANY (Hidden Tuscany)
This morning we begin with a visit to a local Tuscan farm where we learn about the production of olive oil and the unique livestock of Tuscany. Next we drive through the mostly forgotten Val d’Orcia dotted with cypress trees and the dramatic slopes of the volcanic mountains, the natural park of the Orcia Valley is one of Tuscany’s best-preserved natural wonders and under the protection of UNESCO. We will visit the interesting towns of Bagno Vignoni and Pienza, the latter being redesigned in Renaissance times by Pope Pius II, as a tribute to himself. We continue into the isolated and steep countryside passing walled monasteries to the hill-top town of Montalcino, known as much for its history of independence as for its wine. Here is produced some of Italy’s best wines, the Brunello wine. This evening we enjoy a fantastic dinner at a traditional Tuscany farm. (B, D)

Day 7 – TUSCANY/ROME
They say all roads lead to Rome and that is our destination today. But before we reach Rome we will visit the spectacular hill town of Orvieto looking down from its cliff edged balcony over the vineyard dotted plains. We will ride the funicular to reach the heart of the town where we’ll visit the Duomo of Orvieto, among the greatest of all Italy’s Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals.

This afternoon we arrive in Rome. Rome rises from both banks of the Tiber River on the slopes of seven hills from where its mighty ruins and superb art have for centuries attracted the world’s people. We’ll begin our visit to the city by stopping to view the famous Colosseum, a masterpiece of classical architecture. Then we’re headed to the world-famous Trevi Fountain where King Neptune’s Tritons guard the sparkling waters of Rome’s most beloved monument. Toss a coin in the fountain and you’ll ensure your return to the Eternal City. We’ll also visit the majestic Pantheon, dedicated to “all the Gods”, and Piazza Navona with Bernini’s most famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. (B)

Day 8 – ROME (Vatican and St. Peters Basilica)
Our day begins with a visit to the Vatican Museums that house both the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli, Signorelli, Perugino, and above all the Genesis and Last Judgement by Michelangelo, who spent four grueling years painting 10,000 square feet of chapel ceiling. Then we’ll visit St. Peter’s Square, one of the most dramatic entrances you’ll ever see! Although we may see hundreds of elaborate and priceless works of art in St. Peter’s, none is as moving as the sorrowful Pieta, Michelangelo’s masterpiece in white marble. The afternoon is free to explore Rome at your leisure. Be sure to visit the Piazza Di Spagna dominated by the majestic Spanish Steps and stroll down the Via dei Condotti lined with its elegant shops and enjoy a cappuccino at one of the many outdoor cafes. This evening we will end our tour of the Treasures of Tuscany and Rome in style with a final dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 9 – ROME/UNITED STATES
This morning we transfer to Rome’s Leonardo de Vinci Airport in preparation for our return flight home. No better time to reflect on memories of our Italian Adventure that will last a lifetime and a beginning of new friendships made along the way! (B, I)