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!
**( Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice. Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip )
Day 0 - Depart USA - Sunday, May 30, 2010
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 3:00pm on Monday, May 31, 2010.
Day 1 - Arrival Day - Benvenuto! - Monday, May 31, 2010
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Rome and meet at 3:00pm for welcome drink in the hotel lobby. Our hotel is located right in the middle of the historical district.
We will then begin our sightseeing 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.
After our sightseeing we will enjoy a welcome dinner in one of my favorite restaurants in Rome. After dinner, we will take a short walk to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most popular after dark spots in Rome someday. 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. (D)
Day 2 - Rome was not built in a day, but can be toured in a day! - Tuesday, June 1, 2010
After a good nights sleep and a good breakfast on the beautiful hotel terrace, we will jump right into more of ROMA. We begin our morning with a walking tour of 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') Then its off to Campo de Fiore with its lively market.
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 rest of the afternoon is yours to perhaps stroll along the Via Condotti with its designer shops which leads to the beloved Roman landmark of the Spanish Steps. You might wish to return to the Roman Forum. Later this evening I will guide you on a "night walk across Rome" to see many of its most impressive piazza's and fountains brilliantly lit under floodlights. (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. One of the nicest things about this tour, is that you will be visiting Rome first, so no matter how overwhelmed or tired you may become, you will always have the peaceful allure of Tuscany to look forward to.
Day 3 - Under the Tuscan Sun - Wednesday, June 2, 2010
After breakfast take some time to walk around the hotel and see the area without all the tourists. You can actually see the whole Trevi Fountain! We will then leave the bustling city of Rome and travel into Tuscany.
Our first destination is one of Tuscany's most popular towns, Cortona. (Due in part to the popular movie 'Under The Tuscan Sun' ) Cortona is located high on a hill near the Tuscan/Umbrian border. There are sweeping views of both regions from several points in the town. Cortona's history runs all the way back to the Etruscans and most of is massive 3,000 year old wall is still standing. You will have time to enjoy exploring this lovely village. The medieval streets (some very steep) are filled with enotecas, shops and great restaurants.
We will then head to Chianti, famous for its red wines. We will make a quick drive by Monterreggioni, one of the best preserved hilltowns in Tuscany. This tiny, perfectly walled village will take your breath away on first sight. We then continue on to Castellina, a typical Chianti village. A lovely old Palazzo that is now a 3-star hotel will be our home for the next three nights. The hotel also has a small spa that you will be able to use if you so desire. There will be time to explore this quaint village and to shop its main street or along the Via delle Volte. This covered passageway runs underneath the regular street level. You will want to be sure and stop into the photo-gallery of Andrea Rontini, a world class photographer. You will see some amazing award winning photos that capture the essence of Tuscany.
We will meet before dinner in my little apartment next to the hotel for drinks and a few lessons on the different types of wines that we will be enjoying on the tour. Then we will visit the local pizzeria right across the street for first opportunity to taste the delicious brick-oven style pizza that is so famous throughout Tuscany. (B) (D)
Day 4 - Tuscany Awaits! - Thursday, June 3, 2010
Today we will start our sightseeing early with an excursion into Siena. This popular Tuscan city has a medieval character that has survived to an amazing extent. Siena's heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo or Il 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 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 James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace')
There will be time to 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 and sculpture by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some 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.
We will return to Castellina where you will have time to relax before our dinner excursion. Castellina, along with Radda and Greve are the three main players in the Consorzio del Gallo Nero. (The Consortium of the Black Rooster) You will see the Black Rooster on the seal of many of the Chianti wines, including the wine made by the owners of our hotel. This was created in 1924 and is highly regulated.
No trip to Chianti, or Tuscany for that matter, 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 may recognize the name Verrazzano as the captain who discovered New York harbor in 1542. The Verrazzano Narrows bridge is named after him. His family's hilltop estate and winery are just spectacular. For dinner tonight you will have the opportunity to experience Its Magic! 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. (B) (D)
Day 5 - La Dolce Vita! - Friday, June 4, 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.
Then we will visit San Gusme', an off the beaten path medieval village that still retains its original early 1400s layout, with arched passageways, gates topped with coats of arms, narrow squares, and steep streets. You can walk the entire village in 20 minutes, but in those 20 minutes you may feel as if you have stepped back in time some 600 years.
After some time for 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. Today it is the home to Lorenza de' Medici's family (famous for her PBS cooking show) and now produces famous Chianti wines. It is also home to one of the most renown cooking classes in Tuscany, "The Villa Table". 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, which is now the family home, 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. (If anyone would be interested in attending the day long cooking class at Badia a' Coltibuono, please let me know.)
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.
The evening will be yours to enjoy Castellina and the beautiful surrounding countryside. (B) (L)
Day 6 - City of Towers - Saturday, June 5, 2010
Saturday morning is Market Day in Castellina. It is a very small market, but do not pass up the chance to visit some of the stalls lining the street and get a peek into the weekly life of everyday Italians.
On the way to our next overnight destination, we will have the opportunity to stop by the Fattoria San Donato, a working farm that produces olive oil and a delicious white wine called Vernaccia. This is one of the few white wines produced in Tuscany. It is a fruity white that was said to be a favorite of Michelangelo. We are only a few miles from one of Tuscany's most popular towns, San Gimignano, the City of Towers. (Also known as the 'Medieval Manhattan')
San Gimignano seems to be a favorite stop on the tour. Saturday is usually a pretty busy day in San Gimignano and you will have the opportunity to mingle with the locals who will be out doing their weekend shopping. After a short walking tour of the main sights in town, you will have most of the day to just enjoy this lovable village. You may want to climb the Torre Grande, the highest tower in San Gimignano that affords expansive views over the surrounding countryside. Beware, there are some of the best artisan shops right down the street. 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, alabaster, olive wood items, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area. There are some wonderful walking trails around and I know of a spot where you can rent bikes if you would like. (San Gimignano was the setting for the WWII drama 'Tea With Mussolini')
Our hotel is located right in the middle of town on the Piazza Cisterna. We will meet in the evening to join the locals for their evening stroll (passeggiata) before our "dinner with a view" in the La Terraza restaurant. There is also an award winning gelato shop located right across from our hotel that you must not miss. (B) (D)
Day 7- The Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre - Sunday, June 6, 2010
This morning why not get up early and walk around San Gimignano before it wakes. You will truly feel the medieval past as you wander the streets without any people. Today we will leave Tuscany and travel to one of Italy's most beautiful and relaxing spots, the Italian Riviera.
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 lunch we will begin enjoying this beautiful and striking part of Italy. We will board a small ferry for a boat ride along the coast of this part of the Mediterrean. We will stop in Portofino, one of the most popular destinations along the Italian Riviera. You will immediatly notice that this is a spot frequented by the rich and famous with its many designer shops lining the small harbor. Portofino is beautiful in its own right and you will have time to stroll the harbor or enjoy a drink in one of the many chic restarants.
We will then return to Sestri Levante where we will have time to enjoy the evening by dining al fresco in one of the many restaurants lining the main street along the boardwalk. (B) (D)
Day 8 - Roaming the Cinque Terre - Monday, June 7, 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 10 - The Wonder of Venice - Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Today we will head north to our destination for the next two nights. We will be traveling along an Italian autostrata and will have time along the way for lunch at one of the many service areas.
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. Our water taxi ride to the hotel will provide a wonderful tour along the Grand Canal and the lovely buildings along its banks. You will glide under the famous Rialto Bridge.
Later we will have time to enjoy 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 why not enjoy dinner at a restaurant along a quiet canal. (B) (L)
Day 11 - 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. The rest of the day is free for you 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 will be your last night in Venice and Italy. We will meet on the rooftop terrace of the hotel for a final toast to Italy. Then we will dine together at our farewell dinner. (B) (D)
Day 12 - Arrivederci Italia! - Friday, June 11, 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.)
Day 9 - Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance - Tuesday, June 8, 2010
This morning we will leave our beautiful retreat and return to Tuscany. We will visit the capital of Tuscany, Florence. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an expansive view of the city from Piazzalle Michelangelo. Then we will jump right into the Renaissance with a guided 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. There will be time after lunch together to explore Florence on your own. Perhaps visit one of the numerous, excellent museums.
Shopping abounds in Florence and it is a great place to find those souvenirs. There are several leather markets and the Ponte Vecchio is known for its many gold and silver shops. My favorite chocolate shop is Rivoire located right on Piazza Signoria. You can find delicious treats and some unusual gifts.
This evening I will offer an optional dinner at Il Latini. This noisy, crowded trattoria is a sort of institution in Florence. The food is served family style at long tables that you may have to share with other travelers. It is truly a fun and memorable experience. (B) (L)
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