The Heart of Italy
 11
Days / 10 Nights
Day 1: Florence
Arrival in Florence Area. Diner and overnight Stay.
Day 2
Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance, a fountainhead of genius and still
one of the art world’s most prestigious cities. The next two days are
carefully designed to provide an introduction to the principal themes of the
Renaissance period, with a local expert to show us the masterpieces, as well
as lesser-known works of equal importance.
Day 3: Florence
Today we continue our explorations in Florence, as our local expert helps us
discover new treasures in its palaces, public squares, churches and museums.
The remainder of the day is at leisure with an optional tour of the Uffizi Gallery.
Concert Performance
Day 4: Florence - Medici Villa - Pisa - Lucca - Florence
This morning we drive out to the Villa di Poggio a Caiano, the region’s
most important Medici villa. Continuing to Pisa, we visit its famous “Square
of Miracles,” ringed by four major works of medieval architecture: the
Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Cemetery. After lunch we drive
to Lucca, a graceful and beautifully preserved town of lovely streets and old
houses, before returning to Florence.
Day 5: Florence - Galluzo - San Gimignano - Siena
Today we visit the 14th-century charterhouse of Galluzo, where our tour of
this monastic community is led by one of the Cistercian monks who still occupy
the complex. We then drive into the rolling countryside of the Chianti wine
region for lunch in a Renaissance castle before continuing to San Gimignano.
Our visit to this much-loved medieval fortress town includes a stop at the cathedral
to admire its fine frescoes. Siena is our final stop today.
Day 6: Siena - Monte Oliveto Maggiore - Pienza - Siena
This morning we drive to the great Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, then into
the heart of the lovely Tuscan countryside, before continuing to the small town
of Pienza. Back at our hotel. Concert Performance
Day 7: Siena
In themorning visit the famous Piazza del Campo to see the magnificent frescoes
of the Palazzo Pubblico; touring the great Cathedral, and visiting the beautiful
Piccolomini Library and Duccio’s masterpiece The Virgin Mary in Majesty.
This afternoon is free to wander vibrant city streets.
Day 8: Siena - Assisi - Torgiano
This morning’s drive takes us through beautiful Tuscany to Assisi, on
the slopes of Mount Subasio. We visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where a monk
describes the beautiful frescoes (by Giotto, Simone Martine and others) illustrating
the saint’s life. We have time to appreciate Assisi’s Medieval charms
before adjourning to nearby Torgiano.
Day 9: Torgiano - Cortona - Perugia - Torgiano
Neighboring Cortona is another hillside town that has preserved its medieval
atmosphere. We see Fra Angelico’s Annunciation, perhaps the master’s
finest work, then make our way to Perugia, capital of Umbria, with its fine
buildings and works of art. Back in to the Hotel.
Day 10: Torgiano - Orvieto - Rome
Take a morning drive to Orvieto, famous for white wines and ceramics, spectacularly
perched at the top of a pedestal of volcanic rock. In the Piazza, the great
cathedral houses Luca Signorelli’s masterpiece fresco, “Cycle of
the Apocalypse.” After lunch and time to explore, we continue to Rome.
Day 11: Rome
Breakfast and departure.
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