**( Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice. Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip )
Day 0 - Depart USA - Thursday, May 24, 2012
Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive in Rome early enough to check into your hotel and be ready to meet with the group for sightseeing at 2:00PM on Friday, May 25, 2012.
Day 1 - Arrival Day - Benvenuto! - Friday, May 25, 2012
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Rome and meet at 3:00PM for welcome drink and orientation in the hotel lobby before we begin our sightseeing. Our hotel is located right in the middle of the historical district. In fact, it is located right behind the Pantheon. The Pantheon is the only building in Rome that has been continuously in use since its construction in 27BC. Also located beside our hotel is the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Here you will find Rome's only Gothic cathedral with a sculpture by Michelangelo inside. We will visit inside both.
Next, we will walk over to Piazza Navona with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. (Both this fountain and the Pantheon were seen in 'Angels and Demons'). From here we will continue our walk passing several important government buildings in Italy such as their Parliament building and headquarters of the Prime Minister. Along the way we will make a short stop at one of Rome's most famous gelaterias, Giolitti. You must start enjoying gelato as soon as you can and eat as much as you can throughout the trip. It is truly one of the Italy's most delicious indulgences.
We will cross Via del Corso, one of the most important streets in Rome. Every evening the locals take over this street and the traffic almost stops. From here we will follow the crowds to one of the most popular spots in Rome, the Trevi Fountain. Almost any time of the day you will find this place very crowded with tourists and locals alike. You will have to toss that coin in the fountain for good luck and to insure your return to Rome someday.
We will then enjoy a welcome dinner in a typical Roman trattoria. We will toast the start of our Italian adventure with a glass of sparkling Prosecco. Salute! (D) Light
Day 2 - Saturday, May 26, 2012 - Treasures of Vatican City.
Our first stop this morning will be at Campo de Fiore with its lively market. We then continue our walk crossing the Tiber river on the Ponte Sant' Angelo with its beautiful statues of angels by Bernini. This bridge leads to the Castel Sant'Angelo, built as a tomb for the Emperor Hadrian.
From here we will cross into Vatican City, a tiny independent country. We will spend a big part of our day visiting the Vatican Museum with its famous Sistine Chapel followed by a visit inside St. Peter's Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom. We will enjoy lunch at an outdoor cafe where you can watch everyday Roman life passing you by.
Afterwards, we will ride the metro to the Spanish Steps, one of Rome's most famous landmarks. These steps lead to Via Condotti, the street of the designer shops. You will then have the rest of the evening free. (B) (L) Strenuous
Day 3 - Sunday, May 27, 2012 - The Wonders of Ancient Rome.
Today will be a full day of sightseeing starting 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 enjoy lunch together in a restaurant overlooking the Colosseum. 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. We will also visit inside the Capitoline Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world.
Afterwards you will have some free time to continue your ancient history lesson with a visit to Palatine Hill or other spots in Rome. You will have the evening free to enjoy as you like. (B) (L) Very Strenuous
Day 4 - Monday, May 28, 2012 - Tuscany Awaits!
We will then leave the bustling city of Rome and travel into Tuscany. Our first stop in Tuscany will be in the high hilltown of Montepulciano, famous for views and vino. It is also a great shopping town. We will visit the Contucci Enoteca for a taste of the local Nobile de Montepulciano.
Next, we will head to lovely Pienza, one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany. Famous for its pecorino cheese made from sheep's milk, Pienza is set in the middle of some of the most beautiful countryside in Italy. The Val d' Orcia is seen in many postcards and calendars of Tuscany.
We will then head to Chianti, famous for its own red wines. Our overnight destination of Castellina is right in the middle of this beautiful region filled with forests and perfectly manicured vineyards and olive groves. A lovely old Palazzo that is now a 3-star hotel will be our home for the next two nights. After time to settle in, we will meet for dinner in the local pizzeria. You will never forget your first opportunity to taste the delicious brick-oven style thin crust pizza that is so yummy. (B) (D) Moderate
Day 5 - Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - Chianti and Castello Verrazzano.
Take the morning to explore this quaint village. No trip to Chianti would be complete without a visit to a local winery. We will visit one of the oldest in the region, the 11th century Castello Verrazzano. You will enjoy a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars followed by a feast of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of wine tasting in this relaxed and amusing setting.
Afterwards, if time permits, we will visit the tiny wine village of Volpaia. You will then have the evening free to enjoy Castellina or perhaps relax in the hotel spa. (B) (L) Light
Day 6 - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Treasures of Tuscany.
Today we start our sightseeing early with an excursion into Siena. This popular Tuscan city has a medieval character that has survived to an amazing extent. We will visit all its most important sights like Il Campo, home of the Palio horse race and its magnificent Duomo. We will also visit inside the Duomo museum for a climb up to its panoramic terrace for breathtaking views over Siena and the surrounding countryside.
Then we will make a stop in the tiny village of Monteriggioni. This walled village will take your breath away at first sight, nestled on the top of a small hill, with 14 towers still standing in a perfectly preserved circle.
Then its time for a stop at another winery, Fattoria San Donato. This working farm produces the local Vernaccia, a fruity white that is said to have been a favorite of Michelangelo. We are then only a few miles from our final stop of the night, San Gimignano, the city of towers.
We will check into our lovely hotel located right in the middle of this stunning hilltown. We will have time for a short walking tour before our dinner with a view from the excellent restaurant, La Terrazza. (B) (D) Strenuous
Day 7 - Thursday, May 31, 2012 - Magical San Gimignano.
Thursday is market day in San Gimignano and you will enjoy being a part of the weekly experience. You will have the morning to enjoy the market or shop the many wonderful shops throughout San Gimignano. We will meet for lunch and to stroll through more of this lovely, busy town. Afterwards, we will visit "San Gimignano 1300", a fun exhibit and a great history lesson.
You will then have time for your own pursuits. You will find many things to do and many temptations in San Gimignano. Do not miss the award winning gelato shop located right across the street from the hotel. (B) (L) Light to Moderate
Day 8 - Friday, June 1, 2012 - A Famous Tower and the Fabulous Italian Riviera.
Today we will visit one of the most famous sights in Tuscany, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We will then leave Tuscany and head to the coast of Italy. Our destination is Sestri Levante, a resort town along the Italian Riviera. The hotel Vis a' Vis enjoys a stunning, panoramic view of the blue-green Mediterranean. After checking in we will meet on the hotel terrace/bar for a welcome Mohito. You many never want to leave this location. We will take some time to check out this European resort town.
Later we will enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant with those magnificent views. (B) (D) Moderate
Day 9 - Saturday, June 2, 2012 - La Dolce Far Niente! (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing.)
Today you will have the entire day for your own pursuits. Consider this your "vacation within a vacation". Stay in Sestri Levante and enjoy the hotel and town. Take a boat ride to Portofino. Visit Genoa. Hike the trails and enjoy the tiny villages of the Cinque Terre.
Also, do not miss the chance to savor delicious and fresh seafood. Pesto is another local product and is yummy on pasta. Focaccia is another local delicacy. You will have the whole day to just live like a local and soak up the sun and fun of the Italian Riviera. (B) Light to Strenuous, your choice.
Day 10 - Sunday, June 3, 2012 - Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.
Today we return to Tuscany. We will make a stop at the American Military Cemetery located just outside of Florence. It is always an honor to visit these fallen heroes.
We will then jump right into the frenzy of Firenze. Florence is truly an outdoor museum and you will see many of its most famous sights such as the Duomo and the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors known as the "Gates of Paradise". Marvel at the sculpture filled Piazza Signoria and cross the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.
After lunch together you will have time for a museum if you like. Of course, Florence has some of the best Renaissance art in the world. (B) (L) Moderate
Day 11 - Monday, June 4, 2012 - A Wonderful Day in Florence.
We will start our day with a bus ride up to Piazzalle Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence. Then we will visit Florence's central market filled with everything to put you in foodie heaven. Next door is the San Lorenzo market, a shopper's paradise and a great place for last minute souvenirs. You will have most of the day for your own pursuits and to shop till you drop at the many designer shops throughout Florence.
Later we will enjoy our final meal together and take one last stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to gaze at the Arno River and enjoy a final look at bella Firenze. (B) (D) Light to moderate.
Day 12 - Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - Arrivederci Italia!
Make your way to the airport or train station for your journey home or to other destinations in Italy. I know you will take along wonderful memories of time spent experiencing the "Heart of Italy" with new friends. (B)
(included meals are designated each day with (B) for breakfast, (L) lunch, and (D) for dinner.)
WALKING KEY:
- LIGHT = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking (some cobblestones) throughout the day.
- MODERATE = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- STRENUOUS = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Prepare for a physically demanding tour. Age is not a concern so long as you are physically fit, a very good walker at an energetic pace, and able to stand for extended periods of time and climb lots of hills and stairs. All of the above could be done in all sorts of weather and temperatures. You are required to load and unload your bags into the van, and to carry your bags to your room. This sometimes could be a short distance from the hotel. Most days our sightseeing will cover anywhere from 2-8 miles of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. Plan to get in shape before you head to Italy. (Read more about physical requirements on website.)
