Italy & Art Tour
Tour Highlights:
-
Rome: the world’s most architecturally perfect structure, the Pantheon, the Beautiful Spanish Steps leading down to Rome’s most exclusive shopping streets, Piazza Navona with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Trevi Fountain as featured in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.
-
Assisi: See the mystical town of St. Francis and his Church with its Giotto masterpieces.
-
Siena: Piazza del Campo, the Municipal Palace with the famous Torre del Mangia and the magnificent Duomo with works by Pisano, Pinturicchio and other artistic giants.
-
Florence: Visit the Uffizi Galleries housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael and more.
-
Padua: See Donatello’s masterpiece, the “Gattamelata” statue.
-
Venice: Visit the lavish Gothic 14th Century Doge’s Palace with works by Veronese and Tintoretto, St Mark’s Square and the Byzantine style St. Mark’s Basilica
Day 1 - Rome
Morning arrival in Rome. Transfer to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your tour director for tour briefing, followed by an orientation walk of Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Afterwards, enjoy Roman cuisine at a typical trattoria.
Day 2 - Assisi / Siena / Florence
Early morning departure for Umbria along the Autostrada del Sole, winding seven times over the Tiber, to Assisi, the mystic town of Saint Francis, still surrounded by its ancient defensive walls. Visit the Basilica Di San Francesco with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Continue on to Siena, the renowned medieval city famous for the ancient Palio horse race. Later we continue to Florence.
Day 3 - Florence
After breakfast at the hotel join Gina for a walking tour of Florence. the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the ancient Baptistery of St. John and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue’s famous crucifix and the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. Rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing or shopping. The outdoor market of San Lorenzo is a shopper’s Paradise, and the Ponte Vecchio, lined with goldsmith’s shops, is a must if you’re shopping for unique, beautiful jewelry.
Day 4 - Florence
Full day to enjoy the wonders of Florence. In this city made famous by the Medici family, mankind transcended the Dark Ages and rediscovered human greatness, giving rise to such geniuses as Dante, Galileo, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and many more. Today visit the The Uffizi Galleries housing works by Botticelli, DaVinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello and other supermen of the Renaissance. Afterwards you’re free to explore on your own or join Gina. On your walking tour, amble through many side streets to see ancient pastry shops, historical cafes from the 1700’s and the ancient Porcellino market. Dinner at typical Tuscan trattoria.
Day 5 - Padua / Venice
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Padua, with its famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s Gattamelata famous statue. Continue on to Venice, and upon arrival enjoy a walking tour of this dream-like city. You will see the Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in all its Byzantine glory, the Bridge of Sighs and the lavish Doge’s Palace. Afterwards, visit a glass factory to see how the famous glass is molded.
Day 6 - Venice
After breakfast at the hotel morning at leisure to explore the many hidden piazzas and countless bridges of Venice, or enjoy an optional tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by motor-launch. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner with wine.
Day 7 - Venice/Return home
Transfer to Venice airport for your return flight home. If you’re not ready to go home you might wish to extend your stay in Venice or spend a few days in Milan or the Lake region.
