San Gimignano, Tuscan Hills
Description
Imagine yourself amid
the rolling hills of Tuscany, blanketed with verdant vineyards,
olive groves and cypress trees. From the idyllic village
of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, travel to the Etruscan hilltop
town of Volterra. Visit San Gimignano; charming Castellina
dominated by its imposing fortress; the market town of
Greve; and Castello di Monsanto, where you’ll sip
the region’s distinctive wine. Walk inside the ancient
walls of Lucca and admire the spectacular artistic and
architectural wonders of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
In Siena, stroll along narrow cobblestone streets lined
with Gothic buildings and visit the city’s magnificent
Duomo.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Florence, Italy. (In-flight
meals)
Day 2 Upon arrival in Florence, transfer
to the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda in the village of Tavarnelle
Val di Pesa. This evening, gather with fellow travelers
for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. (R,D)
Day 3 Today, learn about Chianti. Explore
the medieval town of Volterra, famous for alabaster craftsmanship.
Built by the Etruscans on a hill surrounded by a beautiful
landscape, Volterra holds a Roman theater and baths, a
12th-century Romanesque Duomo, and the 13th-century Palazzo
dei Priori—in the heart of the town on one of the
most harmonious squares in Tuscany. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Learn the history of Tuscany. Journey through hill country
to visit the 14th-century fortified town of San Gimignano
where tower-houses stand as symbols of wealth and power.
Continue to ancient Castellina; the market town of Greve;
and Castello di Monsanto in the heart of Chianti, built
in 1750. Taste the region’s distinctive wines. Then,
learn how the rooster became the symbol of the Chianti
region. Lunch is served at Castello di Monsanto. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Discover Renaissance Art. Travel
to Lucca, once a fortress with massive walls. Here in
56 B.C., Caesar, Pompey and Crassus agreed to rule Rome
as a triumvirate. Lucca’s 11th-century Romanesque
cathedral contains a carving said to be a true portrait
of Christ. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Explore Florence, the heart of
Tuscany and the soul of the Renaissance, which proudly
displays its prodigious heritage of architecture and art.
See one of the Medici’s impressive homes, the Old
Palace, and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore,
large enough to accommodate more than 20,000 worshippers.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore Florence.
(B,D)
Day 7
This morning, a complimentary shuttle to Florence departs
your hotel and returns in the afternoon. Enjoy a full
day at leisure to pursue individual interests. (B,D)
Day 8 Join the chef of the Villa Borgo
di Cortefreda for a demonstration of delectable Tuscan
cooking. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Siena, which has
changed little over the centuries. Visit the Gaia Fountain
with its stunning bas-reliefs; the Mangia Tower, which
stands 300 feet tall and houses magnificent art; and the
Duomo, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello.
Tonight, attend a festive farewell reception, graduation
ceremony and farewell dinner. (B,L,R,D)
Day 9 Transfer to the Florence airport
for the return flight to your gateway city. (B)
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