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ITALY WITH FRIENDS
JUNE 2010 BEST OF ITALY TOUR
- Visit Rome, Florence & Venice.
- See famous works of art.
- Experience history come alive all around you.
- Savor Delicious Italian Cuisine.
- Visit the Cinque Terre
- Learn the Art of wine tasting.
- Visit Vatican City.
- Stroll through hilltop villages.
- Breathe in the warmth of Tuscany!
Day 0 - Depart USA - Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You must plan your air travel to arrive in Venice in time to check into your hotel and meet the group at 4PM.
Day 1 - The Wonder of Venice - Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Venice and meet at 4PM for welcome drink in the hotel lobby. Our hotel is located in a wonderful location very near St. Mark's Square. Venice is known as "La Serenissima", the most serene. Many first-time visitors are often stirred deeply by this almost fantasy world unlike anything they have ever seen before.
Then you will join the first tour group for a walking tour through the back streets of Venice leading to St. Mark's Square. Napoleon referred to this square as " the most beautiful drawing room in Europe". St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are both located on this beautiful square. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant along a quiet canal. (B) (D)
Day 2 - The Art of Wandering in Venice - Thursday, June 10, 2010
We will dive right into the historic center of what was for centuries Europe's top superpower, with a visit inside St. Mark's Basilica located on St. Mark's Square. After a quick lunch together you will have the rest of the day free to visit Venice's other famous sights or to get delightfully lost in the back lanes of this magical island. I am sure you will want to take that gondola ride sometime during your visit. Also, do not forget that Venice has some of the best and most unusual shopping in Italy. You may also wish to take a boat ride to one of the islands like Murano to see the glass blowing exhibits.
Tonight dinner is on your own in any of the many fabulous restaurants throughout Venice. (B) (L)
Day 3- The Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre - Friday, June 11, 2010
Today we will leave Venice and travel to one of Italy's most beautiful and relaxing spots, the Italian Riviera. We will be driving for several hours on an Italian Autostrata. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a stop along the way at one of the many service areas. Here you will get a true slice of the Italian everyday life.
The seaside village of Sestri Levante will be our home for the next two nights. The hotel Vis a'Vis enjoys a stunning, panoramic view of the blue-green Mediterranean. You will love the comfort and elegance of this hotel, but the exceptional view will be what makes you never want to leave. You will have access to a relaxing pool and fitness center with a Sauna and massage room. Sestri Levante is a typical European resort town and you will find many shops and restaurants to enjoy. You will enjoy strolling along the beach and just exploring the town.
After check in we will begin enjoying this beautiful and striking part of Italy. We will get aquatinted with Sestri Levante. You might wish to enjoy one of the beaches or just hang out at the hotel pool. You must try the focaccia. (their form of pizza) It is the specialty in this area and is topped with all sorts of delicious items.
Later in the evening we will dine al fresco in one of the many restaurants lining the main street along the boardwalk. (B) (D)
Day 4 - Roaming the Cinque Terre - Saturday, June 12, 2010
The Cinque Terre is a string of five path-connected villages along the Mediterranean sea. The tiny fishing villages cling to the seaside cliffs overlooking the breaking waters below. These villages are full of simple charm and natural beauty. Each has a personality of its own as well. Visiting them and hiking the 10 mile trail along the sea are the main daytime activities. You will not find many museums or churches to visit here.
Today is entirely yours to enjoy our Mediterranean getaway. Hike above dramatic cliffs and through vineyards from one town to the next, sun yourself on the rocks or find a waterfront bench and catch up on your journal. Trains run constantly and also connect each village so you can see them all even without the hiking. I will lead a hike from the first Cinque Terre town of Riomaggiore to Manarola along the Via dell'Amore. This is the easiest trail to hike, but has some of the most spectacular views along the cliffs.
Dining in Italy is one of life's great pleasures. It takes on a whole new meaning here along the coast. Do not miss the opportunity to savor the excellent food and wine from this region. The restaurants offer some of the best seafood you will ever taste. Fishing has been the lifeblood of the area residents for centuries. You can count on enjoying a good seafood dinner every night in this area with seafood fresh off the boat. (B)
Day 8 - Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance - Wednesday, June 16, 2010
This morning we will leave the peaceful countryside for the frenzy of Firenze (Italian for Florence). Florence is the capital of Tuscany. We will jump right into the Renaissance with a walking tour of the main sights of Florence including the Duomo, Baptistery, with its famous bronze doors, followed by a walk through the medieval streets of Florence. You will pass Piazza Republica (Ancient Roman forum) , leather markets, the sculpture studded Piazza Signoria and end at the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio. Florence is known as an outdoor museum and you will have time to enjoy all the sculpture, art, and architecture that surrounds you. Later you will have the opportunity to visit either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Museum.
We will meet later for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. It is a simple place that specializes in brick oven baked pizza. The Napoli Margarita pizza is so delicious! On the way we will pass by Santa Croce, another beautiful church that contains the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. (B) (D)
Day 9 - Florence - Wonderful mix of art, architecture and shopping - Thursday, June 17, 2010
This morning we will begin our day with a visit to the Mercato Centrale (Central Market). This is Florence's main food market and offers daily the city's widest selection of meats, fruits, and vegetables. Particularly impressive is the colorful display of pastas, olive oils, chocolates and other delicious items. This iron and glass wonderland is fun to explore and is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
Not far from here is the San Lorenzo Market, Florence's vast open-air market selling mainly leather. This is definitely a place where you can bargain and haggle on your prices. There is also the smaller Mercato Nuovo near the Piazza Signoria. Here you will find the statue of Porcellino (a bronze statue of a wild boar), which people rub and give coins to in order to ensure their return to Florence. (Seems to work for me.)
After lunch, we will take a bus ride up to Piazzalle Michelangelo. This large square overlooking the city from across the river provides marvelous views of Florence and the stunning dome of the Duomo. There is also another huge fake David (#3) located here. Then we will walk over to the San Miniato church. This church remains part of a functioning monastery. You will find Florence's largest cemetery behind the church with its beautiful and moving crypts and headstones. The view of Florence from this church is also worth all of the steps you must climb.
You will have the rest of the afternoon for your own pursuits. There are many options for your enjoyment in Florence. (B) (L)
Day 7 - La Dolce Vita! - Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Today we will enjoy Tuscany at its best by visiting some out of the way spots in the beautiful Chianti area. We will start with a visit to Brolio Castle set high on a hill with views for miles around. It has been owned by the Ricasoli family since 1167 and is still home to the current Baron Ricasoli. You will enjoy this step back into the life of a noble family. We may also have time to stop into the Cantine Barone Ricasoli for a sample of their famous wines. After all, the Ricasoli family were the ones to come up with the modern formula for the Chianti wines we enjoy today.
After lunch together we will stop at one of my favorite places in Tuscany. Badia a' Coltibuono (Abbey of the Good Harvest) was founded by Vallombrosan monks in the 11th century. It is truly one of the most beautiful and peaceful places that I have found on my wanderings through Tuscany. We will take a guided tour of the abbey, visiting the cloisters, old aging cellars, and the Renaissance-style garden filled with herbs, lemons, and roses. There is a small shop, L'Osteria, where you can taste and purchase Coltibuono's wine and honey, as well as pick up other items like homemade beeswax hand lotion in little ceramic dishes.
We will make one last stop on our little tour of 'out of the way' Tuscany in Vertine. This charming hamlet is documented as far back as the 10th century. The walled town is oval in shape and has a tall watchtower guarding the city gate. A walk along the still unspoiled streets gives you a glimpse of life in a Tuscan hill town as it once was, and the views of the rolling countryside from the occasional opening in the walls are spectacular.
We will return to San Gimignano where you will have the evening to enjoy on your own. (B) (L)
Day 10 - Roma - The Eternal City - Friday, June 18, 2010
This morning we will leave Tuscany for the Eternal City of Roma. We will check into our hotel, which is located right in the middle of the historical district.
Day 11 - Rome was not build in a day, but can be toured in a day! - Saturday, June 19, 2010
We will begin our sightseeing this morning of this magnificent city with a walking tour of Ancient Rome's most important sights. The Colosseum is one of the most impressive sights in the entire city of Rome. We will visit inside and learn about 'Bread and Circuses' and the Gladiatorial games. We will then walk among the ruins of the Roman Forum, the political and religious center of ancient Rome. There will be time to learn of the origins of Rome as we visit the Campidoglio which sits on the Capitoline Hill.
You will have some time this afternoon on your own for last minute shopping or sightseeing. We will then meet for our farewell dinner followed by a "night walk across Rome" where we will see some of its most impressive piazzas and fountains brilliantly lit under floodlights. We will also make a visit to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most popular after dark spots in Rome. Do not forget to toss that coin in the fountain for good luck, and to assure your return to Roma. If anyone still has room, we can make a stop for gelato at one of Rome's most famous gelaterias which is right near the hotel. (B) (D)
We begin our sightseeing with a walking tour through the historical district of Rome near our hotel. We will visit inside the Pantheon, the only building in Rome that has been continuously in use since its construction in 27BC. Then we will pass through Piazza Navona with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. (Both seen in 'Angels and Demons')
We will lunch today just like the everyday Roman, with a quick pannini (sandwich) and drink in one of the many deli-type eateries found all over Rome. Most people grab their lunch and continue with their lunch break activities.
We then head to Vatican City, a tiny independent country, and the headquarters of the Holy Catholic Church. We will visit the Vatican museum with a guided tour that includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican museum is over four miles long and contains some of the greatest art in the world. Afterwards, we will enter St. Peter's Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom.
The evening is yours to spend however you like. There are many restaurants near the hotel that you might wish to try for dinner. You also might want to walk to one of Rome's most famous landmarks, The Spanish Steps. (B) (L)
ROME - CAPITAL OF AN EMPIRE
Rome is the largest and most exciting city in Italy. Once the heart of an empire, Rome has attracted poets, artists, writers and travelers for thousands of years. Rome is one of the most exhilarating and romantic travel destinations in the world. (Afterall, Roma is amor spelt backwards.) Today Rome is crammed with great sights. In no other city are the accumulated layers of history so evident. Every corner and crest seems to lead to a famous monument, church or square. Do not forget that the Vatican is also located here and is an independent country unto itself.
However, for most first-time visitors this city can seem very confusing. It can also be very tiring trying to visit all the sights located on Rome's 12 hills in a short visit. That is why planning is so important to an enjoyable visit to Rome. I have chosen to include only the most popular (and unfortunately, most crowded) sights in Rome on my daily itinerary. Therefore you will find that most of our time will be filled with intense sightseeing. You will never be able to see all the sights in Rome on only one visit. Just assume you will return.
One way to survive this chaotic mess is to be a "student". Learn as much as you can before you leave. I will provide material to read before hand that will give you much of the information you will need to know about Rome's history and descriptions of today's sights.
Do not worry, however, because you will truly be enthralled by this great city.
Day 12 - Arrivederci Italia! - Sunday, June 20, 2010
Parting will be such sweet sorrow, especially from our heavenly location. I know you will take along wonderful memories of time spent experiencing the "Best of Italy" with new friends. (B)
(Included meals are designated each day with (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.)
(Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice.
Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip departure.)
Day 5 - Under the Tuscan Sun - Sunday, June 13, 2010
We will return to San Gimignano where you will have the rest of the afternoon free. Shopping is wonderful here. There are some of the best artisan shops located on the main streets. This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8th Century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area. You may want to visit inside the Collegiata (former Duomo) with its many "learning frescos" throughout the church. There is also a lovely chapel dedicated to Santa Fina, the patron saint of San Gimignano. If you are really adventurous you may want to climb the Torre Grande for spectacular views in all directions. Also, do not miss the chance to taste the "award winning" gelato from the shop across from our hotel. (B) (L)
Day 6 - Let The Wine Tasting Begin - Monday 14, 2010
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy your first visit to a Tuscan winery. We will start with one of the oldest in the region, the 11th Century Castello Verrazzano, producing fine Chianti wine. You may recognize the name Verrazzano as the captain who discovered New York harbor in 1542. The Verrazzano Narrows bridge is named after him. The castle has documents going back to the 11th century showing that it was producing wine during that time. After a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars, will we feast on a lunch of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will learn the art of wine tasting, and learn how to pair the different wines with the different courses of food. You will truly enjoy this relaxed and amusing setting and will be surprised how quickly time will pass. The countryside surrounding Castello Verrazzano is dotted with vineyards, olive groves and hill top castles and is just magnificent.
You will enjoy a tour of Siena's most important sights. First stop will be the massive Duomo, one of the most ornate in Italy. The inside of the Duomo is as ornate as the outside with its famous marble floors (Only uncovered during August, September and October) and sculptures by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some of the most stunning frescos that depict the life of Pope Pius II. The frescos are just as vibrant as the day they were finished over 550 years ago. We will then enter the Museo dell'Opera e Panorama (Duomo Museum) to enjoy some of Siena's most priceless works of art. The museum's high point however, is the expansive views of the church and city that you are afforded from its panoramic landing on the top floor. It does require some climbing up a steep, winding staircase, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. Afterwards, you can also visit the Baptistery and Crypt if you would like. There will be time for shopping and lunch as well. Why not splurge and enjoy lunch or a drink at one of the many spots on Piazza del Campo while you watch Sienese life just passing by.
This morning we will leave our beautiful retreat along the shore and drive into Tuscany. Our first stop will be outside of Florence at the American Military Cemetery. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses and stars of David recalls the heroism of the young Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. The 1940's may seem very long ago, but during WWII this area was terribly ravaged by the fighting.
Then we are off to medieval Siena. This is one of Tuscany's most popular and loved towns. At one time Siena was one of the most populated and powerful cities in Tuscany with its merchants and bankers trading all over Europe. The city flourished with an impressive production of architecture and art. Sadly, in the 14th century Siena was struck hard by the black plague and famine. It then lost its independence to its lifelong rival Florence. The cities' medieval character has survived to an amazing extent. Siena's heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo. This is one of Italy's most famous and most beautiful squares. The Palio, a renowned horse race takes place twice a year right here. It is hard to imagine horses racing bareback frantically around for about 90 seconds in this area. This is a great place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of the Fountain of Joy and admire the City Tower standing proudly over all of Siena. (Il Campo was featured in the latest James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace'.)
We then head to San Gimignano, our home for the next 3 nights. San Gimignano (The City of Towers) is one of the most popular hilltowns and one of my favorites as well. Our hotel is located in the ancient Piazza Cisterna. San Gimignano was featured in the WWII period movie "Tea With Mussolini". We will have time after settling in for a short walking tour of this medieval village. We will visit the old fortress that is today a peaceful park and olive grove. There is still a part of the old tower that you can climb where you will have a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. Then we will enjoy a delicious "dinner with a view" at La Terrazza restaurant. (B) (D)
