Il Mosé - Moses statue by Michelangelo
DAY 1- Depart from USA to Florence on individually arranged flights.
DAY 2 – Florence arrival
Arrival at Rome airport, transfer to Sansepolcro, via a comfortable air-conditioned coach along the Arno River in the midst of vineyards and olive orchards of the Val d’Arno. A stop is planned in Monterchi for our first taste of Tuscan art. Here we will admire one of the most controversial works of Piero della Francesca, “Madonna del parto.” Monterchi is a small village located on the hills between Arezzo and San Sepolcro. Check-in at the Palazzo Magi Residence, an exquisite historic hotel in the center of town. Time to relax before a dinner of local specialties.
DAY 3 – Caprese Michelangelo/San Sepolcro/Anghiari
Today we will climb the hills overlooking the Val Tiberina to reach the village of Caprese where Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on March 6th in 1475. We will visit the home of the “genius” and the small museum that shows some reproductions of Michelangelo’s most famous works. Our tour continues to San Sepolcro, a perfectly preserved Renaissance town, with a visit of its museum that exhibits some of the best works of Piero della Francesca and other local artists of the period. We will end the day in Anghiari, a perfect example of a medieval hill town. Free time before returning to our hotel. Dinner.
DAY 4 – Arezzo/Firenze
Today we will move on to Florence with a stop in Arezzo for a guided visit of the town. Arezzo was a famous Etruscan town that later became a thriving Tuscan city during the Renaissance. Arezzo takes pride in its art treasures and its long list of artists born in or around the city. Among them are: Francesco Petrarca, Piero della Francesca, Giorgio Vasari, Guido Monaco, also known as Guido d’Arezzo, the artist who invented and developed the music scale, Pietro Aretino, Luca Della Robbia, Jacopo Casentino and a long list of lesser known artists. Arezzo is also well known as a gold town. The Consorzio Produttori Orafi Aretini is a Goldsmith and Silversmith Consortium with more than 100 members, all very active in the production of fine jewelry exported all over the world. We will visit a goldsmith’s shop and have free time in the afternoon for shopping or relaxation before returning to Florence in the evening. Hotel check-in and dinner.
DAY 5 – Florence
One can never say enough about this exquisite city, its history and art treasures, palazzos, churches, bridges, paintings, sculptures, truly a museum city of great magnitude. After breakfast, we will have a guided visit of the Uffizi Gallery where we will admire some of the world’s most famous paintings. Our guide is a specialist in Tuscan Renaissance art and history. Afternoon is free for personal activities. Free evening for dinner.
DAY 6 – Florence
Today we will continue our art journey with a guided visit of the Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo’s David is magnificently displayed. Casa Michelangelo is also on our agenda. Rest of the day and evening free at your disposal.
DAY 7 – Florence/Rome
Early morning departure to Rome. Our comfortable coach will wind through the Arno river plain stopping in Cortona for a guided tour of the city and a wine tasting in a historic cellar well known for its production of Chianti, Montepulciano and Brunello. Antonella, our host, will show us the historic cellars of Palazzo Vecchio winery and explain the techniques of making such wonderful wines. Hotel check-in Rome. Rest of the day and evening free.
DAY 8 – Rome
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit of the monumental work of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Last Judgement painting. A must is a stroll through the “Stanze Vaticane” also known as “Stanze di Raffaello” to view paintings from the major Renaissance artists, including Raffaello. In St. Peter’s Basilica we will admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the Pietá statue. We will also visit St. Peter in Chains church where another of Michelangelo’s memorable works, the Mose´ statue, is displayed. Rest of the day free. Farewell dinner in a typical Trattoria Romana.
DAY 9 – Departure
Transfer to airport for departure.
• Bilingual tour manager/guide
• 8 nights accommodations double occupancy
• English speaking professional guides
• Cooking class
• Deluxe coach
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Dinner daily
• Winery tour and tasting
• Transportaion as per itinerary
• Entrance fees
PACKAGE PRICE: €2998, per person, based on double occupancy. Single room €3349.
Departure date for this tour is scheduled on October 2/2010.
