Italy: Treasures of
Tuscany and Umbria
June 2-14, 2010 and October 2-14, 2010
$4,750 (not including international airfare)
Come explore with us the hidden “Treasures of Tuscany and Umbria.” This journey will introduce you to some of our favorite hill towns, art and architectural wonders, cathedrals, and the art of enjoying Italian cuisine. We will participate in cooking lessons, and taste 
and compare world-class wines. As with all of our journeys…. at the heart of the itinerary is connecting you to an experience of time slowing down, days flowing into pleasing moments of contentment, deep curiosity for learning about Italian culture and way of life while traveling leisurely throughout the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. In this ancient country we will contrast and discuss the old and new, connecting, people, place and finding the soulful riches of Italy.
Day 1, Tuesday, June 2: Depart USA
Arrive to Florence or Pisa Airport where we will meet and board our comfortable coach. Lunch en route before arrival to our country villa in Montelfaco. We settle in for three (nights) in our comfortable villa and enjoy relaxed daily itineraries taking us through the beautiful valleys and hill towns of Umbria. Dinner and conversation this evening at the villa. B, L, D
Day 2, Thursday, June 3: Montelfaco, Assisi
After a great overnight rest we will board our coach and make the 1-hour journey to the small town of Assisi, one of the Christian world's most important pilgrimage sites and home of the Basilica di San Francesco—built to honor Saint Francis (1182-1226) and erected immediately after his death. The peace and serenity of the town is a welcome respite after a long journey. After a guided tour and lunch we allow time for a stroll through the town. Relax at the Villa or explore the historic town of Montefalco. Dine on your own this evening. B, L
Day 3, Friday, June 4: Visit to Gubbio
Today our journey takes us through the heart of Umbria to the medieval town of Gubbio (about 1.5 hr). The town hugs onto the steep slopes of Monte Ingino and overlooks a picturesque valley, 
the centuries-old palazzo of Gubbio exude a warm ochre glow in the late afternoon sunshine. The town is famous for its Eugubian Tables, which date from 300-100 BC and constitute the best existing example of ancient Umbrian script. We have a walking tour of the town, taking in Piazza Grande with its impressive buildings, as well as other interesting sights. We enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the best ristorantes in town. After you collect your treasures from shopping we head to Bevagna which is known for the arts of paper making and textiles. Enjoy included dinner at the Villa and the rest of evening to share stories from the day’s adventure. B,L,D
Day 4, Saturday, June 5: Siena
Today we make our way to Siena, our first foray into the Tuscan landscape, stopping on the way to visit two of Tuscany’s medieval towns, Montepulciano and Pienza. Lunch at the Sant’Anna Winery near Montepulciano, set atop a narrow ridge of volcanic rock. Montepulciano combines Tuscany’s superb countryside with some of the region’s finest wines. The Villa S. Anna winery is part of a larger property owned for about two hundred years by women of the Simona Ruggeri Fabroni family. After a memorable lunch at the winery, we visit to Pienza where Renaissance town-planning concepts were first put into practice. Onward to Siena, where we settle into our hotel for the next 3 nights. Enjoy dinner as a group. Rest of the evening at leisure. B,L
A local English-speaking guide will meet us for a walking tour of this fascinating town. With its narrow streets and steep alleys, a stunning Gothic Duomo, a bounty of early Renaissance art, and the glorious Palazzo Pubblico overlooking its magnificent Campo, Siena is often described as Italy's best-preserved medieval city. The rest of the afternoon on your own. This evening we dine in a local favorite Siena restaurant. B,D
Day 6, Monday, June 7: Siena Countryside
Visits to Sant’Antimo Abbey, Montalcino and Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey. The first stop will be at the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, best visited in the morning when the sun shines through the east windows to create an almost surreal atmosphere. We continue to Castello Banfi where you will stop for special wine tasting and snacks at the winery’s enoteca. Next we will stop in Montalcino, where you will be able to have lunch on your own and stroll into the fortress which defines the city. After lunch we continue to another of Tuscany’s wonderful monasteries, the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a 14th-century Olivetan monastery famous for its frescoes. B,D
Day 7, Tuesday, June 8: Lucca
We bid farewell to Siena and journey to the walled city of Lucca. Settle into our hotel and then walk to the famous Bar Di Simo for our lunch. This beautiful establishment is one of the oldest still operating on the famous Via FIllungo. After lunch meet our English speaking guide for an afternoon walking tour of Lucca. In the evening attend a concert in Lucca’s oldest church, San
Giovanni. Here you will hear the music of Puccini with airias, or perhaps Mozart and Verdi. B,L.Day 8, Wednesday, June 9: Lucca
Today is Lucca’s vibrant market day held inside the historic city walls between two of the ancient entrance doors. You can explore at your leisure, walk or rent bikes to explore the wall, shop Lucca’s famous boutiques or just relax at a street side cafe. Lunch is on your own. We meet 4pm for a hands-on cooking and dining experience! B,D
Day 9, Thursday, June 10: Lucca and Gargagnana and Barga
We start today’s journey into the Garfagnana countryside, stopping first at the private estate Fabbrica di San Martino. The owner, Giuseppe, will give us a tour of his vineyard, antique villa and a tasting of his wines. Afterwards, we continue on our trip into the valley formed by the Serchio river and its tributaries. Traversing the road north of Lucca, further upstream we come to Borgo a Mozzano, with its wacky medieval Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge). Each of its five arches is different – and extraordinary. We stop for a picnic lunch and then continue on up the valley, to the exquisite small town of Bagni di Lucca. Climb to the top of the town for panoramic views and take a look inside the cathedral, built between the 10th and 14th centuries. Spread beneath the cathedral is the town, a lovely patchwork of narrow streets, archways, ancient walls and small piazzas. On our way back to Lucca we stop for dinner at a traditional mountain trattoria. B,L,D
Day 10, Friday, June 11: FlorenceWe make our way to magnificent Florence, stopping along the way in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and its Miracle Square. Lunch on your own, then continue on to your hotel in Florence. Before dinner we will meet for an orientation walk through the city on the way to a gastronomical dining experience. B,D
Day 11, Saturday, June 12: Florence
Stroll with our English-speaking guide to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art galleries in the world. Its collection of Primitive and
Renaissance paintings comprises several universally acclaimed masterpieces of all time. Your tour continues to the political centre of Florence, Piazza della Signoria where a copy of Michelangelo’s David stands outside the palace. Close by is the celebrated Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge spanning the Arno river, lined with picturesque jewelry shops. A short walk away is the Piazza Santa Croce. The Basilica of Santa Croce was built in the early 14th-century and is known as much for the celebrities buried here as for its captivating artistic treasures. After the tour you are free to explore, shop and have lunch on your own. We will meet at 4:30 for another cooking experience and dinner. We will celebrate tonight and share the closing event of our days together. B,DDay 12, Sunday, June 13: Last Day in Florence
Morning walk together to the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses the Michelangelo: David. The rest of the day is yours, to have lunch on your own, explore, shop and relax and prepare for your departure home. We'll make time to meet for a farewell toast.
Day 13, Monday, June 14: Transfer to Pisa or Florence Airport
You will be picked up at your hotel by coach to make the transfer to Pisa or Florence Airport for your return flight to the United States.
INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip ground transportation to and from airport and throughout the journey
- Twelve (12) nights hotels accommodations with all amenities
- Daily full breakfast; many lunches, dinners and winery tours and food tastings
- Cooking demonstrations, lessons with dinner and wine included
- English speaking guides, and reservation to all museums & historical sites, concert
- Trip Management, local guides throughout tour
- Bottled water on coach during travel days
- All required gratuities to guides, driver, porterage and other staff
- Pre-trip materials, packing lists, luggage tags
NOT INCLUDED:
- International air; personal items, alcohol or wine (not included in itinerary); laundry service; discretionary tips and personal shopping and spending.
Note: The price is calculated on the prevailing euro rate as of January, 2010. We reserve the right to adjust should the rate change significantly. The price of $4,745.00 is based on 20 enrolled travelers. Single occupancy is available with an additional cost.