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Italy: Classic Tuscany and the Treasures of Florence

Program Number: 19715RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/15/2013 - 9/28/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/12/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/26/2013; 11/10/2013 - 11/23/2013; 3/30/2014 - 4/12/2014; 5/5/2014 - 5/18/2014; 5/18/2014 - 5/31/2014; 6/1/2014 - 6/14/2014; 9/21/2014 - 10/4/2014; 10/19/2014 - 11/1/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Italy
Price starting at: $3,395.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 28; 12 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

For centuries, the verdant landscapes and medieval villages of Tuscany remained frozen in time. Scarcely changed in appearance, today the entire region is a living cultural treasure. In the hills of northern Tuscany and the plain of Florence, discover the unparalleled artistic genius that blossomed into masterpieces of marble, canvas and architecture whose brilliance transcends time and place.




Highlights

• Visit the famed quarries of Carrara to learn why this marble is the material of choice for great sculptors and architects.
• Explore the villa of Lorenzo de'Medici at Poggio a Caiano, and visit a winery in the Tuscan countryside to sample Tuscan wines.
• View the great masterpieces in Florence: works by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Caravaggio, Cellini and Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, “David.”



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day on uneven terrain. Towns and city centers have wide traffic-free areas. Expect inclines on walks in Siena.




Date Specific Information

9-15-2013, 9-29-2013, 10-13-2013, 11-10-2013, 3-30-2014, 5-18-2014, 10-19-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



5-5-2014, 6-1-2014

Extension to Assisi, Orvieto and Umbria. Consider enhancing your adventure to the nearby region of Umbria. Three nights in Assisi to learn about Giotto`s art and how it honors Assisi`s native son, S. Francis; 2 nights in Orvieto to learn about its Etruscan past and medieval Duomo and last night in Florence. For details see program #21310.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-21-2014

Extension to Assisi, Orvieto and Umbria. Consider enhancing your adventure to the nearby region of Umbria. Two nights in Orvieto to learn about its Etruscan past and medieval Duomo; three nights in Assisi to learn about Giotto`s art and how it honors Assisi`s native son, S. Francis; and the last night in Florence. For details see program #21310.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Pisa, coach to Lucca, 4 nights; coach to Siena, 5 nights; coach to Florence, 3 nights; departure



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Pisa, coach to Lucca
4 nights

Walk the streets of Medieval Lucca, tracing it nearly 2000-year history. Learn about the renowned white and blue-gray Carrara marble that was the medium of choice for Renaissance sculptors. Visit a quarry to see how the marble is extracted and an artist’s workshop (work schedule permitting) to view raw stone crafted into a work of art. Embark on a field trip to Pisa to explore the history of its famous leaning tower and baptistery and art in nearby museums.



Coach to Siena
5 nights

Begin to train your eye to discern the difference between work of art created by the Sienese and Florentine art schools, pay homage to the great Renaissance patron Lorenzo de'Medici at his villa. With an expert in Siena, view the Campo, Palazzo Pubblico and Duomo — the most famous in Italy. Learn about the incomparable Palio horse race and see why this centuries-old raucous tradition draws more than 100,000 spectators. Take field trips to the medieval city of San Gimignano and Renaissance Pienza. Sample great Tuscan wines.



Coach to Florence
3 nights
Departure

Illustrated lectures on Medieval and Renaissance art prepare you for independent explorations of the world-famous Uffizi Gallery and Bargello National Museum of Sculpture. At the Accademia delle Belle Arti marvel at Michelangelo's “David.”




Italy

“Dolce far niente,” the “sweetness of doing nothing.” This ode to leisure is a distinctly Italian phrase, and yet the expression does not do justice to the hard-work ethos of the nation’s inhabitants. The monuments, art and civilization bequeathed to the people of modern Italy are a testament to the industry of their forebears, and the legacy lives on in today’s Italians, who work hard to better enjoy the sweetness of repose.
Accommodations
Lucca: Three-star hotel in historic building overlooking piazza. Siena: Four-star hotel in city center convenient to notable sites. Florence: Three-star hotel built in 19th century at edge of Market of San Lorenzo.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Marco Ceccarani
Marco Ceccarani holds a Ph.D. in humanities from the Università di Perugia (Italy). His field of expertise includes medieval and Renaissance Italian civilization and literature. He has taught for several American universities in the United States and currently teaches in Florence for American university study abroad programs. Marco lives in Assisi.
 
Jane Bacon
Jane Bacon is an associate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She worked as an editor for the London publisher Eyre Methuen before deciding to move to the Italian Riviera. Settling in one of the small medieval villages on the Gulf of La Spezia, Jane continued to pursue her literary interests including studying the many well-known English and Italian writers who lived in the area. She continues to teach, write and study local history.
 
Umberto Cattani
Umberto Cattani is a licensed educational excursion leader in Tuscany. After completing his studies in finance, Umberto worked in Milan as a sales manager for a clothing manufacturer. He discovered his real passion for teaching — and completed the required courses in art history, archaeology and history to achieve his new goal. Umberto lives in Carrara with his wife and daughter.
 
Kevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy is the academic dean and campus director for Italy of Cultural Experience Abroad. He completed his advanced degree in Renaissance Architectural History at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. He has lectured on art history in Florence for universities including Bristol and Syracuse. “I always look forward to sharing knowledge with adult learners,” Kevin says, “they offer unique and interesting points of view."
 
Donatella Grilli
Donatella Grilli enjoys sharing her energy and enthusiasm for Siena and San Gimignano. Donatella has been a part of Road Scholar programs in association with Trinity College for more than 10 years and especially enjoys sharing stories of Tuscany’s rich history with thoughtful participants.
 
Elaine Ruffolo
Elaine Ruffolo has been teaching art history in Florence since 1989 and is a popular instructor for students and adults alike. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin and earned a master’s in art history from Syracuse University. Elaine directs the field study programs for Syracuse University in Florence and lectures for various adult programs. She is the resident director of the Smithsonian Institute programs in Italy and is currently working on a travel book of Florence and Tuscany.
 
Rocky Ruggiero
Rocky Ruggiero is an art history professor at Syracuse University's Florence campus specializing in early Renaissance architecture. He has appeared in the History Channel series “Engineering an Empire" and in a PBS program focusing on the architecture of the Renaissance. Rocky shares his love of Florentine art as an advisory board member of Friends of Florence, a non-profit group that raised funds for the restoration of various works throughout the city.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Ilaria
  Lucca, Italy 4 nights
   NH Excelsior
  Siena, Italy 5 nights
   Hotel Corona d'Italia
  Florence, Italy 3 nights
 Hotel Ilaria
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: A comfortable hotel on a quiet street in the heart of Lucca within the city walls
  Contact info: Via del Fosso, 26
Lucca,  55100 Italy
phone: +39 0583 47615
web: www.hotelilaria.villetoscane.org
  Room amenities: satellite TV, safe for valuables
  Facility amenities: Conference center, spacious terrace, bar, lounge and snack bar in the lobby. Internet point in the lobby, complimentary newspapers. Wi-Fi. Bicycles on loan to explore Lucca
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: complete request form Complete the additional nights request form included in your program information materials packet
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 NH Excelsior
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Modern hotel with excellent central location overlooking the city's main park.
  Contact info: Piazza La Lizza 1
Siena, NA 53100 Italy
phone: +39 0577 38 211
web: www.nh-hotels.it
  Room amenities: 126 rooms with air-conditioning, telephone, television, room safe and mini-bar.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar, fitness center, complimentary wi-fi in the rooms and common areas, internet point in the lobby.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Corona d'Italia
Type: Hotel
  Description: Situated at the edge of the San Lorenzo market, the hotel is centrally located and convenient to the Santa Maria Novella train station, the Duomo and Accademia.
  Contact info: Via Nazionale 14
Florence, NA 50123 Italy
phone: +39 055 261 501
web: www.coronaditalia.com
  Room amenities: All rooms have private bathroom, individual AC/Heat controls, safe box for valuables, mini-bar, direct dial telephone, satellite TV, wi-fi access (hourly rate applies), hair dryer
  Facility amenities: Spacious lobby, marble and terracotta floors, wi-fi accessibility (hourly rate applies), meeting room, bar in the lobby open afternoon and evenings.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: varies by season To book additional nights at the hotel, email Lavinia Tour, Trinity College’s partnering agency in Rome, info.reserv@laviniatour.it. Another option is to book directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.coronaditalia.com. Indicate to the hotel or agency at the time of your booking that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4 p.m. arrival day You will be staying at Hotel Ilaria that night.
  End of Program:
7 a.m. departure day You will be staying at Hotel Corona d'Italia the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. None.
  Parking availability:
not applicable
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: See details above about trains to Lucca from Florence.
To Start of Program
  Location:  in flight
  Transportation to site: Transfers provided for group travelers on group arrival day. Independent travelers can request to join a courtesy transfer. To reach the program site in Lucca on your own you can take a bus or train from the Pisa airport. Obtain timetables at the information office in the arrivals hall and purchase your train or bus ticket. Buses depart every hour from just outside the terminal. Ride takes 45 min.; fare is about EUR 5. The train terminal is located just outside the airport terminal. Tickets are about EUR 4. You must change trains in Pisa Centrale. When you arrive in Lucca by train or bus it is advisable to take a taxi to the hotel (fare about EUR 12) especially if you have luggage in tow. Lucca is 35 km (24 miles) from Pisa. Taxi fare direct from the airport to Lucca will be approx. EUR 85.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Florence
  Nearest city or town:  Florence
  Nearest highway: A1
  Nearest airport:  Florence Peretola
  Transportation from site: Transfers provided for group travelers. Independent travelers can request to join a courtesy transfer. To reach the Florence airport on your own, taxis from the hotel to the airport are about E. 30 depending on time of travel, number of persons and luggage.
Elevation Note: Lucca and Florence are on a river plain, Siena is a hill town.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Transatlantic flight.
(Sunday, November 10)
   
 In Transit: Flight to Pisa

Day 2: Arrivals / Welcome and Program Overview
(Monday, November 11)

Note: Minimal exertion, a walk around town and class room time for a lecture.
   
 Arrive To: Transfer from airport to the hotel in Lucca
 Lunch: Early arrivals will find ample local eateries in which to sample Tuscan cuisine. Suggestions will be provided.
 Afternoon: Late afternoon, Lecture Introduction to Tuscany, Program overview and Welcome reception.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant.
 Evening: Explore briefly the area around the hotel or stroll around the city.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Ilaria
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: From Origins to the Present
(Tuesday, November 12)

Note: Not a strenuous day, transportation provided to the traffic free city center, which is not a large area.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel.
 Morning: Explore Lucca’s city planning from its origins in 180 BCE to the present. See the piazza which conforms to the old Roman amphitheater, the piazza that was once the Forum. Stroll through the elegant shopping district on your walk back to the hotel.
 Lunch: At a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Lecture: Medieval Lucca and the Walls, visit the Basilica of S. Martino and see the Volto Santo a statue of devotion. During the middle ages, Lucca was a destination for pilgrims who wanted to see this statue. Another noteworthy sculpture is the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, executed by Jacopo della Quercia. The young woman rests on a pillow and his ability to "mold" marble had an influence on Michelangelo. The sides are adorned with winged Putti holding garlands. Castruccio Castracani was a lord of the city and Machiavelli wrote an essay about his political ingenuity.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Ilaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: From Calcium Carbonate to Art: Carrara Marble
(Wednesday, November 13)

Note: Coach one hour to Carrara and the quarries. Not a strenuous day. The expert led walk in Carrara might take 30 minutes to see the city center.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Visit the city of Carrara and the marble finishers and quarries. Opportunity to visit an artist workshop and to ride up the hill to see the massive machinery used to extract the marble, then wonder how it was accomplished since antiquity prior to the invention of mechanized machines.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Lecture: Marble as the Medium, visit artists workshops. Return to Lucca mid-afternoon.
 Dinner: Opportunity to seek out a special place to eat.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Ilaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Free Time in Lucca / Piazza dei Miracoli, Duomo, Baptistery, Leaning Tower of Pisa
(Thursday, November 14)

Note: Travel to Pisa to visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Duomo complex comprised of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Baptistery. Unfortunately reservations are required to climb the tower. Light exertion.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel.
 Morning: Free time to explore Lucca on your own, suggestions will be available. The defensive walls surrounding Lucca date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. These are the third set of walls--the city having outgrown the others. The circumference is just over 3 miles and the lanes were once large enough for cars to drive upon. The walls are about 40 feet high and 30 feet thick at the bottom. The walls never were breached and for that matter never attacked. They provide a wonderful panorama of the city and one can easily pick out the landmarks. There are various places where one may start and end the walk, so do not feel compelled to complete the whole journey in one day.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Afternoon excursion to Pisa expert led visit of the Duomo complex (Baptistery, Campo Santo, Tower--sorry no time to climb the Tower, it requires reservation.) Until the port of Pisa silted up, it was a strong maritime republic (along with Genoa, Amalfi and Venice) and the wealth of the city is demonstrated by the civic and religious pride the inhabitants had by funding such a grandiose construction. The Duomo is one of the few Romanesque churches to have a dome built over the apse. The Baptistery has a double dome and one solo voice sounds like a choir. At times the custodian will sing the scale and the echo reverberates the whole chord. Students of Dante will recognize a similar baptismal font described in the Inferno. Dante refers to the one in the Baptistery of Florence, but it has since been removed.
 Dinner: Local restaurant.
 Evening: Some musical entertainment featuring Lucca’s native son, Puccini or other entertainment.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Ilaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Siena via Winery and Medici Villa
(Friday, November 15)

Note: Coach travel and minimal walking.
   
 Breakfast: At the hotel.
 Morning: An expert leads a visit to the Villa of Lorenzo de'Medici at Poggio a Caiano. Designed by Giugliano da Sangallo, he incorporated elements of classical antiquity: an arched portico which served as a porch and a shaded area around the building; an entrance inspired by an Ionic temple flanked by grand staircases leading to the main entrance. The mail halls are decorated with frescoes by Pontormo and Andrea del Sarto. Near by are many wineries with tasting rooms, like Tenuta Capezzano (or one similar) which we will visit for a light lunch.
 Lunch: Enjoy a lunch and wine tasting at a winery in the Chianti region. One of the winery's staff explains the process of wine making and olive oil pressing.
 Afternoon: Coach south to Siena through the Tuscan countryside and check into hotel located in the historical section of town, on top of the hill. After settling into your room meet for a city orientation walk that points out the location of banks, pharmacies, stores, major landmarks, etc.
 Dinner: At hotel restaurant to sample a variation of typical Tuscan cuisine. Each area of the region prepares its own specialties.
 Evening: Leisurely walk to Piazza del Campo or Church of San Domenico. Saint Catherine of Siena belonged to the Dominican Order, and the church contains some of her relics. At some point during your stay you will pass by her family home.
   
Accommodations: NH Excelsior
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Medieval Civic and Religious Pride
(Saturday, November 16)

Note: Negotiating the inclines and descents in Siena will require more effort. The historical city center is restricted to car traffic, so that you can walk freely.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Expert led visit: Campo, Palazzo Pubblico and Duomo Complex. The Campo is built over the original location of the Roman forum and the theater, which utilized the natural shell contours of converging hills. Not having a near by river, the inhabitants of Siena paved the Campo as a way to direct rain water into city cisterns. The perimeter is the site where the famed Palio horse race takes place. The course is layered with dirt and over 100,000 people crowd into the middle to witness the three lap race. The Palazzo Pubblico with its tall bell and observation tower offers a commanding view of the countryside and allowed the citizens to prepare for any approaching army. The Palazzo is still used as the town hall, and contains an important fresco cycle depicting an allegory of Good and Bad Government by Lorenzetti. You will probably recognize the fresco by Simone Martini of Guidoriccio da Folignano riding on horseback. The Duomo is one the most famous in Italy, the floors are decorated with incised inlaid marble figures religious and allegorical scenes. The striped interior results from the use of white marble from northern Tuscany, green marble from Prato and red from near Siena.
 Lunch: Opportunity to sample Sienese cuisine on your own. Suggestions will be provided.
 Afternoon: Lecture: Sienese Art, followed by a self guided visit of the Pinacoteca Art Gallery to see masters of the Sienese school, (entrance provided.) Representatives of the Sienese school are Simone Martini, Duccio di Buoninsegna, Pietro Lorenzetti, Giovanni di Paolo among others. Once in Florence, you will be able to discern the difference between the Sienese and Florentine schools.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: NH Excelsior
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: San Gimignano: The Manhattan of Tuscany
(Sunday, November 17)

Note: Coach to San Gimignano and walk around the small town. Some part is up hill. Not a strenuous excursion. During free time, those with stamina may choose to climb one of the open towers to gain a commanding view of the countryside below.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Excursion by coach to San Gimignano for an expert-led visit to the medieval city. An original Etruscan town, this town retains much of its medieval aspect. At one time 77 towers were standing in the city. They were used in family rivalries in order to attain the advantage of higher ground. In the Duomo there is a fresco cycle depicting scenes from Dante's Inferno as a way of visually entreating the people to repent from their evil ways. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a distinctive white Tuscan wine with full body and rich overtones was one of the first Italian wines to receive the DOC designation in 1966, indicating the Denominazione di Origine Controllata, i.e. that the area of origin of the grapes is controlled. In 1993 it obtained the DOCG designation guaranteeing its denomination.
 Lunch: At a local winery or olive oil mill, the host explains the cultivation and production process. San Gimignano produces one of the few Tuscan white wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, imported to the USA.
 Afternoon: Return to Siena. Lecture: Contemporary Italian and Tuscan Society. Like every country there are national and local concerns and this lecture focuses on regional aspects of Italian society.
 Dinner: Enjoy the evening dinner at a restaurant of your choosing to try some of the local specialties. You will find menus posted at the door so that you can determine what you want to eat and how much you can anticipate spending.
   
Accommodations: NH Excelsior
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Pienza, urban planning in the Renaissance
(Monday, November 18)

Note: One hour coach ride to Pienza, a small hill town, not a difficult walk.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel.
 Morning: Coach excursion to the town of Pienza. Pope Pius II Piccolomini (1458-1464) was born in the village of Corsignano, and once he became pope he began a building project to transform his home town into an idealized Renaissance city. He built his palace near the main piazza renamed the town after himself. He was a humanist scholar and poet.
 Lunch: Lunch in the southern region of Tuscany and sample the Chianti wine and local food products.
 Afternoon: Excursion continues on the coach ride along the back roads in Tuscany
 Dinner: At a local restaurant.
 Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the Campo and search out some of the city's panoramic views of the surrounding countryside below the hill.
   
Accommodations: NH Excelsior
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Siena vs. Florence/ the Palio
(Tuesday, November 19)

Note: Leisurely walk around town to visit some of the Contrade, districts of the city.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: The Palio: More Than a Horse Race. Even though there is one race in July and another in August, the competitive spirit between the Contrade is manifest all year round. In an unusual ceremony prior to the race, the horse is brought into the Contrada's church to be blessed by the priest.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own to try out another local restaurant.
 Afternoon: After lunch, a local expert leads a walk through a few neighborhoods, or 'contrade'.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: NH Excelsior
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Coach to Florence, Medieval and Renaissance Art
(Wednesday, November 20)

Note: Transfer to Florence by coach, minimal exertion.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel.
 Morning: Coach to Florence
 Lunch: Lunch in the market area of the city
 Afternoon: Check into Florence hotel, and enjoy a walk around the historical center. Return to the hotel for an illustrated lecture on Medieval and Renaissance Art, to prepare you for the self guided visit at the Uffizi Gallery the next day. Florence is a pedestrian friendly city and a center of jewelry production. Be sure to walk over Ponte Vecchio to see the latest in fine jewelry design.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Leisurely walk around the city, enjoy the traffic free pedestrian zone that stretches from the Duomo to Ponte Vecchio. Stroll past the designer shops on Via Tornabuoni, or through the markets of San Lorenzo Market and the Porcellino a.k.a. the Straw Market prior to reaching Ponte Vecchio.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Market Walk and Uffizi Gallery
(Thursday, November 21)

Note: Minimal exertion, the historical center if Florence is closed to traffic and the terrain is level.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Market walk in the area of Brunelleschi's church of S. Lorenzo. Along the streets vendors set up carts with leather goods, pottery, scarves, souvenirs, etc.; in the late 1800's the Central Market was built. On the ground floor stalls sell fresh and cured meats, cheeses, breads, and in addition there are some fast food places that sell sandwiches, pizzas, and some hot meals. On the top floor is the produce section where fruits, vegetables, herbs etc. are sold. You might want to try one of the eateries for an excluded lunch to have an idea of how some Florentines eat if they do not have time to go home.
 Lunch: At a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: We reserve an entrance time to the Uffizi Gallery and allow each participant to walk through at his/her own pace. Stay as long as you like. There is a coffee shop at the end corridor that you can purchase refreshments and enjoy a commanding view of the bell tower of Palazzo Vecchio and the Cupola of the Duomo. It is located over the Loggia dei Lanzi at Piazza della Signoria. In the Gallery works are arranged in an order that illustrates the progression from the International Gothic style to Mannerism and examples of Baroque art with pieces by Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentilleschi.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local specialties. Suggestions will be made available
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Renaissance Sculpture, David and the Bargello National Museum
(Friday, November 22)

Note: Minimal exertion. The Bargello has a flight of stair to reach the second floor, but an elevator is available.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel.
 Morning: Expert-led visit of the Bargello National Museum of Sculpture. The 13th c. palace itself served as the magistrate's headquarters and civic court. Now you will find sculptures by Donatello (St. George, David), the competition pieces between Brunelleschi and Ghiberti for the north doors of the Baptistery and sculptures by Michelangelo, Giambologna and Cellini. In addition to sculpture there are rooms with fine examples of decorated pottery and armaments: swords, lances, early pistols, and suits of armor. In the Chapel is a fresco by Giotto and his school; on the right side one can see what is considered to be an early portrait of Dante.
 Lunch: Select from the many restaurants where you want to sample local specialties. Suggestions provided.
 Afternoon: Meet at the appointed time to enter the Accademia delle Belle Arti to marvel at Michelangelo's David. Do not neglect his unfinished pieces called the Prisoners, because they seem to be still imprisoned in the Carrara marble. There are other collections in the museum, for example musicians will want to visit the examples of early string instruments. The Accademia is part of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Florence and in a hall to the left of David are plaster casts of some of the most important sculptures of the western world. This affords the students an opportunity to observe them and become inspired.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: After your evening stroll for a last cup or cone of gelato, pack for the morning's departure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Departure day
(Saturday, November 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel, continental breakfast for early departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Siena Florence
Florence is about one hour from Siena, by train. Florence has numerous possibilities for museums, galleries, shopping and historic monuments. For additional information, visit www.firenze.turismo.toscana.it
  General Overview
Explore Siena's numerous cultural icons during a free afternoon: the Painting gallery, bell tower, baptistery, Santa Maria della Scala museum, Etruscan museum, and synagogue, among other sites. View a short film on the Palio horse race. For additional information, visit www.siena.turismo.toscana.it
  San Gimignano
The typical Tuscan town of San Gimignano rises above gently undulating vineyards. Stroll through the historic streets lined with galleries, shops and traditional trattorie or examine art of the Sienese School in the Cathedral or museum. San Gimignano is about one hour from Siena by public bus. For additional information, visit www.sangimignano.com
  Florence Botanical Gardens
extensive gardens and greenhouses where the Univiversity of Florence maintains 4 million botanical specimens in a wooded urban park, the "Giardino dei Semplici"
  Museums
Visit other museums in Florence such as the Stibbert Museum which houses a collection of weapons, armor and costumes from the 16th to the 20th century. The Marino Marini Museum exhibits works of the contemporary sculptor.
  Teatro della Pergola
Amici della Musica has a rich and varied program for concerts and recitals. Check the website below for further information. For additional information, visit www.amicimusica.fi.it/amuspro.htm
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Brunelleschi's Dome, How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture


Author: Ross King


Description: The story of the design and construction of the dome in the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a tale rife with politics, cut-throat competition and mighty inspiration.



Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life


Author: Frances Mayes


Description: Twenty years later Mayes is still besotted by Italy -- her house, the tumbling geraniums, the people and the food -- all lovingly documented in her best memoir yet. With interludes in Portofino, Assisi and Rome and a focus on Renaissance master artist Luca Signorelli.



Fodor's Florence's 25 Best


Author: Fodor's


Description: This shirt-pocket guide includes an excellent map and essential information on the city's highlights, including sightseeing, restaurants and shopping.



Insight Guide Tuscany


Author: Insight Guides


Description: An illustrated guide in the popular series, noteworthy for its maps and illuminating essays on history, art, food and culture.



La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind


Author: Beppe Severgnini


Description: Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses the apparently never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. Severgnini opens the book with a snapshot of the hubbub at Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.



La Bella Lingua


Author: Dianne Hales


Description: Inebriated with the sounds of Italian, lovesick for its phrases and enamored of its earthy idioms, Hales, "a sensible woman of sturdy Polish stock," dives into the Italian of the piazza, literature, movies and streets in this charming memoir.



Renaissance Florence, The Invention of a New Art


Author: A. Richard Turner


Description: A cultural and social history of the city focusing on the great art and famous monuments, featuring vivid color pictures and illustrations.



Seven Seasons in Siena


Author: Robert Rodi


Description: Rodi chronicles with self-deprecating hilarity his increasingly desperate and finally successful efforts over seven years to belong in Siena.



The Art of the Renaissance


Author: Peter Murray


Description: A classic, illustrated survey of the world of the Renaissance and its art. With chapters on Florence and its artists, the Netherlands, early illustrated books and many individual artists.



The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy


Author: Hugh Johnson (Foreword), Nicholas Belfrage


Description: This astute guide to wine-making regions and villages in Tuscany includes a history of Tuscan grapes and culture, excellent color maps and profiles of select vintners and wines.



The House of Medici, Its Rise and Fall


Author: Christopher Hibbert


Description: A well-written, entertaining history of the Medicis in Renaissance Florence. Great to read before going to Florence, where the influence of the Medicis and the artists they supported is still very much in evidence.



The Renaissance, A Short History


Author: Paul Johnson


Description: The history, background, literature, sculpture, paintings and architecture of the Renaissance in just over 200 lively, thought-provoking pages.



The Stones of Florence


Author: Mary McCarthy


Description: The classic history of the art, architecture and culture of Florence. Novelist McCarthy takes us on a quick and vivid tour of the history of the Medicis and the city of Florence, focusing on Renaissance art.



Tuscany Map


Author: Touring Club Italiano


Description: A detailed map at a scale of 1:200,000. Imported from Italy.





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