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1-800-942-3301
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Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip. Meals 9 Breakfast(s), 6 Dinner(s) Hotel Accommodations: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service chargesROMEMassimo D'Azelio FLORENCEHotel Mediterraneo PERUGIASangallo Palace Hotel ROMECrowne Plaza On some dates alternate hotels may be used. Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling. Sightseeing Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight From the beginnings of the ancient Roman Empire through the artistic flowering of the Renaissance, Italy has been home to some of the world''s greatest masters of art and architecture. Explore Italy''s rich history and artistic legacy as you journey from Rome to Florence and Perugia, and other hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Enjoy intriguing excursions and special presentations on the art and architecture of the region. Discover breathtaking landscapes and the dramatic settings of ancient villages, fine regional cuisine and wines, and time to relax and follow your personal interests. Day 2 Rome, Italy Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner featuring local delicacies, wine and captivating Italian music. Day 3 Rome - Vatican City The Vatican is renowned for its impressive artistic masterpieces and architecture. During a guided tour, marvel at the Vatican’s collections of painting and sculpture, the Sistine Chapel frescoes, and the Basilica’s art and architecture. An afternoon panoramic coach tour of classical Rome highlights the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Day 4 Rome - Siena - Florence Travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena, once a rival to Florence. Join a local expert for a walking tour that begins in the shell-shaped Campo, set in the heart of the city and home to the annual Palio horse race. Conclude with a tour of the richly decorated cathedral, with its distinctively striated campanile and fine sculpture by Pisano. Your day ends in Florence, the capital of the Italian Renaissance. Day 5 Florence Experience a day devoted to the magnificent city of Florence. A special walking tour features the cathedral, capped by Brunelleschi’s dome and the symbol of Florence, and the bronze doors designed by Ghiberti at the adjacent Baptistery. Continue past the Piazza della Signoria to the Church of Santa Croce, which houses frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. This afternoon view paintings by Leonardo, Botticelli, Raphael, and others at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. Day 6 Florence at Leisure or Lucca Excursion Enjoy a day to further explore the cultural riches of Florence independently or indulge in the Italian joy of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). A half-day optional excursion features the small medieval town of Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, Roman street plan, and piazza full of ambiance. This evening enjoy a special cooking demonstration of Tuscan specialties before dinner at a popular Florentine restaurant. Day 7 Florence - Perugia Travel through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and Umbria to Perugia. During a leisurely, guided walking tour, explore Perugia’s massive Etruscan walls and the Piazza IV Novembre, one of the grandest squares in Italy, surrounded by medieval palaces and cathedrals. Day 8 Perugia - Assisi - Perugia Learn about the art of fresco painting prior to visiting nearby Assisi, the famous hill town known for its magnificent Basilica of St. Francis. Tour the restored basilica and admire the delicate colors and forms of Giotto’s and Cimabue’s frescoes. Upon returning to Perugia, the afternoon is unscheduled so that you may relax in a pleasant piazza, discover historic neighborhoods, or visit a museum housing paintings by Umbrian masters. Day 9 Perugia - Montepulciano - Perugia Today, explore one of Tuscany''s most enchanting hill towns. Montepulciano, a pearl of the Renaissance, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A guided walking tour features the old town with its fortified gateway and magnificent Renaissance-style palazzi. Outside of town, stop at the exquisite honey-colored church of Madonna di San Biagio, a Renaissance gem and the final masterpiece of Sangallo. Enjoy a tasting of Montepulciano''s famous Vino Nobile at a nearby wine cellar. Day 10 Perugia - Orvieto - Rome Depart Perugia and stop at the Etruscan hill town of Orvieto, known for its white wine and one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy, housing a stunning fresco cycle by Signorelli. There will be ample time for a leisurely lunch or exploring this town on your own. Later today, arrive at a hotel near the Rome airport and enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Day 11 Rome - Tour Concludes Your tour ends today in the city of Rome.
Educational Highlights in Italy To travel in Italy is to savor art and architecture, food and wine. Our resident experts will enhance your experience with a series of exclusive talks. Learn about the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel as art historian Paul Tegmeyer offers insight into the artistic achievements of Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, and Raphael. Immerse yourself in the glories of Florence during a lecture featuring Renaissance artists represented in the Uffizi Gallery. Lecture held in an International School of Art in Florence. Join a chef in Florence for a delightful session preparing traditional Tuscan cuisine. Meet an expert in fresco painting who discusses the history and techniques of this important Italian painting style and explains the amazing restoration process on the frescoes at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Package Notes: The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Sample air inclusive rate is subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number or routing. Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required. Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes. In addition, temperatures on this tour can be very high, so bring adequate sun protection. Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. If you have not purchased air through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times. CURRENT SPECIALS: Save $50 USD on 9/22/08 departure!* Call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for details. |
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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