Road Scholar : Home
Italy Family Style: Best of Rome, Florence and Venice

Program Number: 20856RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/30/2013 - 7/13/2013; 7/9/2013 - 7/22/2013; 6/28/2014 - 7/11/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Italy
Price starting at: $3,878.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Family Programs; Intergenerational
Family
Meals: 30; 12 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Program intended for grandchildren from 10 - 17 years of age.

Share the essence of Italy with your family as you immerse yourselves in Roman history, Florentine art and Venetian traditions. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the Forum, see where Gladiators fought in the Colosseum, and try your hand at creating frescoes. Create your own Murano glass memento and thrill in a dragon boat race along a canal with the Venetian Crew Club. Along the way, sample delicious Italian cuisine, learn some conversational Italian and take in some of the greatest masterpieces in the world.




Highlights

• Embark on an exclusive underground exploration of Roman ruins with an archaeologist.
• Take high-speed trains to Florence and Venice, where you discover masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo and Titian.
• Create your own Venetian glass artwork at a glass-working school and be part of a dragon boat race on the canals.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some dirt paths, cobblestone streets and other uneven terrain.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Rome, 4 nights; train to Florence, 4 nights; train to Venice, 4 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night


Arrival Rome
4 nights

Join archaeologists for an exploration of underground ancient Roman buildings and walk around the area where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Thrill at the sight of Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and works by Bernini during a day at St. Peter’s Basilica and enjoy a visit to the Vatican Museums. Learn about the delicate restoration of historic artworks at the Vatican Mosaic Laboratory. Hear the stories of the ancient Forum and the majestic Colosseum. Examine masterpieces at the Capitoline Museum and learn about chariot racing at the Circus Maximus.



Train to Florence
4 nights

After journeying by high-speed train to Florence, try your hand at learning fresco painting techniques with an art instructor. With a local expert, view the artwork at Palazzo Vecchio — Florence’s city hall — and see Machiavelli’s study. Spend an afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery taking in masterpieces by Titian, Botticelli, da Vinci and more and view Michelangelo's “David” at the Accademia. Visit the Archaeological Museum and learn about the ancient “Chimera of Arezzo.”



Train to Venice
4 nights
Departure

Journey to the island of Murano to create your own work in glass. Marvel at the mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica. Team up with the Venetian Crew Club for a dragon boat race along the canal before joining an expert to view the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of Modern Art. Spend a final day in Venice exploring the Rialto Bridge Marketplace and visiting the workshop of a gondola artisan.




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
Centrally located hotels in Rome and Florence; four-star hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Laura Johnson
Laura C. Johnson earned a master’s in art history from Northern Illinois University, with an emphasis in Early Christian and Byzantine Art, and her MLS from the University of Oklahoma. The director of education for the Rockford (Ill.) Art Museum for over 10 years, Laura moved in 1999 to Florence, Italy, where she has done extensive work for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
Monica Chojnacka
Monica Chojnacka lives in Venice. She earned her Ph.D. in European history from Stanford University and her bachelor's from the London School of Economics and Political Science. From 1994-2007 she was a professor of history at the University of Georgia, where she authored numerous articles and publications. She has published books relating to Venice on topics as diverse as women of the Renaissance and food and wine. Monica continues to teach in Venice, primarily for study abroad programs for U.S. universities, as well as on-line courses.
 
Elisabetta Interdonato
Dr. Elisabetta Interdonato is a native Roman who earned her doctorate in classical archaeology at the University of Rome "La Sapienza." She did further post-doctoral studies at the University of Basilicata and at the Universite' de Haute Bretagne where she also taught as a visiting professor. She currently teaches at the Pantheon Institute. In addition to her teaching, she enjoys leading visitors on explorations of Rome.
 
Jane Zaloga
Jane Zaloga holds degrees in architecture and business administration from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree from Syracuse University, and has done further graduate study at Harvard University. She has received several fellowships to study in Rome and in Florence, including the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship. She now lives in Florence and teaches with several American university programs, including Syracuse University and NYU.
 
Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University (UK) with a bachelor's in philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and surrounding areas. Rachel leads visits to the major monuments and museums in Rome, including the Sistine Chapel, Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Casa Santa Francesca Romana
  Rome, Italy 4 nights
   Hotel Corona d'Italia
  Florence, Italy 4 nights
   Hotel Principe
  Venice, Italy 4 nights
 Casa Santa Francesca Romana
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The hotel is on the right bank of the Tiber River, in the quiet and charming Trastevere neighborhood. An easy walk on the bridges to Campo de' Fiori, the Portico housing the "Mouth of Truth" and Roman Forum in the heart of ancient Rome. The residents of Trastevere consider themselves the original Romans. In July the residents celebrate their own unique "block party" called the "Festa di no'antri", characterized by traditional foods, fresh fruits and snow cones kiosks.
  Contact info: Via dei Vascellari, 61
Rome,  00153 Italy
phone: +39 06 581 2125
web: www.sfromana.it
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, hair dryer, phone, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi.
  Facility amenities: Once a 16th residence and later a convent, the property has been renovated and modernized. The tiled floor halls and rooms are furnished in a clean and simple decor. Relax in the comfortable chairs in the shady inner courtyard patio. Wi-Fi throughout the property. Continental breakfast served daily in the dining room consists of juices, coffee, tea, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries, rolls, jams, sliced meats and cheese.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: 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.sfromana.it. 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 in time: 2:00 PM

 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

 Hotel Principe
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Overlooking the Grand Canal, with a splendid terrace on the water, the Hotel Principe, is one of the 4 star hotels in Venice in a perfect position for discovering the charm and beauty of Venice on foot, or for easily reaching the Rialto or St. Mark's Square with a vaporetto, which stops just steps from the hotel.The hotel has a private dock on the Grand Canal for gondola and water taxi access.
  Contact info: Lista di Spagna 146/147
Venice, NA 30121 Italy
phone: +041-220-4010
web: www.hotelprincipevenice.it
  Room amenities: Hair dryer, AC/heat individual controls, mini-bar, safe, satellite television, complimentary toiletries.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and terrace overlook the Grand Canal, snack bar, complimentary internet point in the lobby and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
  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.hotelprincipevenice.it. 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: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Lunch provided for morning arrivals. Hotel check in 2:00 pm. Meet in lobby at 4:00 pm for Orientation. You will be staying at Casa Santa Francesca Romana that night.
  End of Program:
Hotel check out by 10:00 am, morning transfers to airport. You will be staying at Hotel Principe the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Train service from European and Italian points connects to Roma Termini, the main station. A separate line connects the airport to Roma Termini. The hotel is within walking distance from the station and a short taxi ride for luggage considerations.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Rome
  Nearest city or town:  Rome
  Nearest highway: A1
  Nearest airport:  Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino
  Transportation to site: To reach the hotel on your own, from the Rome airport terminal, you have three options: public transportation, shared ride shuttle service and taxi. Public transportation option is train and taxi: In the airport terminal public area, follow the signs for the train, purchase tickets at the ticket counter on the station platform, stamp the ticket in the yellow box on the platform, and board the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini, the central station in Rome. Train are is EUR 14 pp. The ride takes 35 min. When you exit the Roma Termini train station take a taxi to the hotel (fare will be about EUR 12). For door to door service you have two options: shared ride shuttle van or taxi. You can book shuttle service online at www.rome.airport-shuttle.com. Fares are about EUR 30 for 1 person; discounts apply if you book for multiple passengers. Taxi fare for direct service from the airport to the hotel is a set fare of EUR 45 with surcharge of a few euros for loading bags. Max 4 persons per taxi.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Venice
  Nearest city or town:  Venice
  Nearest airport:  Venice Marco Polo
  Transportation from site: To reach the airport on your own, there is public transportation by bus from Piazzale Roma, the point that connects Venice to the mainland, to the Venice Airport. Piazzale Roma is a 10 min. walk from the Hotel Principe. Note that the walk from the hotel to the bus stop entails crossing a high bridge that has long shallow steps and no ramp. The bus (fare EUR 6 and a 25 min. ride) leaves you off directly in front of the airport terminal. For direct service from the hotel dock to the airport dock, it is possible to book a water taxi. Fare is approx. EUR 100. Supplemental fees apply for service before 8 am. Max 10 passengers per taxi boat. When the water taxi arrives at the airport dock you can get a cart for the 10 min. walk to the terminal along a covered path. If you are continuing your travels by train, from the hotel you can reach the train station on foot very easily from the hotel.
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: Check-in \ Orientation \ Welcome Reception
(Tuesday, July 9)
   
 Arrive To: Rome airport next morning, transfer to hotel.
 Morning: Transfers to the hotel. A light walk will be organized for those with early morning arrivals while waiting for lunch and hotel check-in
 Lunch: Lunch at a local eatery. Try your first gelato.
 Afternoon: Settle in room, meet at appointed time for Orientation and Welcome Reception. Brief neighborhood walk points out banks, pharmacies and stores.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Casa Santa Francesca Romana
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Underground Rome \ Treasures of the Vatican
(Wednesday, July 10)

Note: To enter the underground archaeological site you will have to go down some uneven or steep steps and then stand while the guide explains the importance of the site.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining room.
 Morning: Join archaeologists who lead an exclusive excursion to underground ancient Roman buildings. On the way see the site of the Circus Maximus.
 Lunch: At a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Back to the hotel for an illustrated lecture on the major works of art in the Vatican Museums. The light talk prepares you for the expert-led visit of the Sistine Chapel and Basilica of St. Peter's.
 Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in the Trastevere neighborhood.
   
Accommodations: Casa Santa Francesca Romana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sistine Chapel and S. Peter's Basilica \ Mosaic Workshop
(Thursday, July 11)

Note: Expect crowds at the Vatican Museums. Walk a few flights of stairs to visit the various galleries and art filled rooms. Steps between the long corridors that lead to the Sistine Chapel.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Transfer to the Vatican Museums for reserved entrance time, meet expert who will lead you through this singular museum. After exiting, enter S. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo's Pieta' and works by Bernini. With the free time that follows, some may desire to climb the 450 steps of Michelangelo's Dome.
 Lunch: Short coach ride to the Mosaic School for lunch.
 Afternoon: Participate in creating your own mosaic with instructors at a local art school. Coach to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Casa Santa Francesca Romana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Roman Forum and Colosseum \ Capitoline Museum
(Friday, July 12)

Note: The walk through the spacious archaeological area of the Forum is over uneven paths, some with cobblestones. At the Colosseum climb a flight of steep stairs to reach the upper level of the arena.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Expert-led visit to the Forum, Rome's ancient downtown--walk along the Via Sacra where triumphal processions passed. In the Colosseum imagine watching gladiatorial games.
 Lunch: At a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Expert-led visit continues at the Capitoline Museum. Examine up close masterpieces of ancient art, including the famous bronze She Wolf, Marcus Aurelius and remains of the Constantine's colossal statue. Passing through the Tabularium you reach the Palazzo Nuovo wing where the Dying Gaul and Capitoline Venus are on display. Before exiting the museum, ascend the stairs to the balcony of the monument to Victor Emanuel II, for a splendid panoramic view of Rome.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Casa Santa Francesca Romana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Piazza Walk \ Train to Florence \ Welcome to Florence
(Saturday, July 13)

Note: Leisurely walk from train station in Florence to hotel
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Check out of your room and leave your luggage in the deposit area. Pick it up when you go to the train station. Set out on Piazza Walk exploring the lively Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the famed Trevi Fountain.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own. Group leader will offer suggestions. Meet at the appointed time to transfer to the train station.
 Afternoon: Experience travel on a high speed train at speeds reaching 120 mph. Arrive in Florence 95 minutes later. Check into the hotel, meet for session on Florence through the centuries to help contextualize your stay.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant.
 Evening: With the group leader, stroll the historical section of Florence to orient yourself on the layout of the city, locate landmarks, find ATM's and pharmacies.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Renaissance Art \ Exclusive Baptistery Visit
(Sunday, July 14)

Note: The exclusive visit to the upper gallery of the Baptistery is reached by a narrow staircase, about 20 steep steps. One may remain below but miss the up-close view of the mosaics.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Illustrated lecture on Renaissance Art in preparation for the self-guided visit of the Uffizi Gallery. Some free time before lunch.
 Lunch: At a restaurant near the Piazza della Signoria.
 Afternoon: Walk to the Duomo complex for an informative video about the origins of Florence's Duomo and Baptistery. The visit to the Baptistery includes exclusive access to the upper gallery with a docent.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Walk of discovery after dinner, perhaps cross Ponte Vecchio to explore the "Oltrarno" district.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Fresco Workshop \ Palazzo Vecchio \ Uffizi Gallery
(Monday, July 15)

Note: Ascend three flights of stairs to reach the paintings in the Uffizi Gallery.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining hall.
 Morning: In the Palazzo Vecchio fresco workshop learn from an art teacher the steps required to paint using the fresco technique; from creating the lines with a sack of coal dust, to spreading the fresh plaster and mixing the pigments. After the 6" x 9" tile dries, you may choose to keep it, otherwise it is recycled. Expert-led visit continues of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's city hall, to see original pieces of art, including Donatello's Judith and Holofernes and sculptures by Michelangelo. See Machiavelli's study when he was Secretary of State for the Republic.
 Lunch: Lunch at a trattoria.
 Afternoon: Reserved entrance to the Uffizi Gallery for self-directed visit, stay as long as you want. At the end of the second corridor is a refreshment bar for snacks. The balcony has a wonderful view of Brunelleschi's Dome and the watch tower of Palazzo Vecchio. Some free time before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Mercato Centrale \ Ghirlandaio Frescoes \ The David \ The Chimera
(Tuesday, July 16)

Note: Short walks to Piazza Santa Maria Novella and the Mercato Centrale. Longer walk to the Accademia and Archaeological Museum.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Walk through Florence's central food and soft goods market toward S. Maria Novella. With your new found knowledge of fresco painting, an expert expounds on the frescoes by Masaccio and Ghirlandaio found in the church.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Expert-led visit to the Accademia (Michelangelo's David) and the Archaeological museum to see the Chimera from Arezzo.
 Dinner: Dinner at a trattoria where you will enjoy typical Tuscan dishes.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Corona d'Italia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Train to Venice \ History of Venice, the Serenissima
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Check out of the hotel. Your bags will be sent by van and delivered to the hotel in Venice. Walk to the train station to board a high speed train to Venice; the trip is 2 hours.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel restaurant and check-in to the rooms.
 Afternoon: Welcome to Venice introduces you to the Serenissima. Neighborhood walk follows.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant to savor Venetian cuisine.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Murano Glass Making Workshop \ S. Mark's Basilica
(Thursday, July 18)

Note: Vaporetto vessels are often crowded.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Receive Vaporetto pass and ride the boat to the island of Murano. Learn about glass making and create your own glass tile decoration under the supervision of an instructor at a glass working school. The tile you create will be fused in the kiln and delivered to your hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Travel to Piazza S. Marco on the Vaporetto for an expert-led visit to the Byzantine style S. Mark's Cathedral, built during the 13 C. There are more than 45,000 sq. ft. of mosaics adorning the church, giving the impression of streets of gold.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Dragon Boat Race \ Rialto Mercato \ Venetian Artisan Workshop
(Friday, July 19)

Note: Row, row, row your boat hard if you want to win; otherwise sit at the stern and enjoy the ride. Leisurely walk around the market area, and to an artisan's workshop. Up and over numerous bridges in the Rialto area.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in the hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Team up with the Venetian Crew Club for a dragon boat race along the canal.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the area of the Rialto Bridge. Excursion to an artisan's workshop to learn about the carving techniques of making gondola oars and oar locks.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Doge's Palace \ Guggenheim Collection
(Saturday, July 20)

Note: At the Doge's Palace, climb two flights of stairs to reach the residential quarters. Narrow passageways lead to the Bridge of Sighs and the dungeons.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining hall.
 Morning: Expert-led visit of the Palazzo Ducale or Doge's Palace. Walk through the many rooms of the palace, seat of civic and political power. Doges embellished the palazzo to demonstrate their wealth and importance.
 Lunch: Lunch at a characteristic trattoria.
 Afternoon: Having been surrounded by ancient and Renaissance masterpieces and structures, enjoy the modern art collection at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Relax in the courtyard of the palazzo on the Grand Canal while the docent introduces the life and times of the wealthy American collector. The group splits in two as a docent leads the students on a discovery of form and expression in modern art. Some free time before dinner.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant. Your glass mementos will be available for you to gingerly pack them.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Principe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Departure day
(Sunday, July 21)
   
 Depart From: Transfer from the hotel to the Venice Marco Polo airport for departure.
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet in hotel dining hall. Sack breakfast for those with early departure times.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  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


Ancient Rome, Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Rome's Past


Author: Zilah Deckker


Description: Readers of all ages will enjoy this thoroughly illustrated guide to the history, discovery and excavation of Ancient Rome -- from ancient writing tablets and beautiful mosaics to the scientists who continue to piece together the archaeological puzzle.



Ancient Rome: Art, Architecture, and History


Author: Ada Gabucci (Editor)


Description: This lively, illustrated survey of Ancient Rome's monuments, history and art is a terrific introduction.



Blue Guide Concise Italy


Author: Paul Blanchard


Description: The first ever guide to all of Italy by the venerable Blue Guides (which publishes individual guides to Northern, Southern, Central, Rome, Tuscany, Sicily et al), this lavishly illustrated, handy and compact guide covers key sights, museums, churches, art, dining and accommodations throughout Italy.



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.



Dante's Daughter


Author: Kimberley Heuston


Description: In this richly drawn historical novel for young adults, the daughter of the famed poet must forge her own destiny in patriarchal 14th-century Florence, where her artistic talent and intelligence are often overlooked.



Italy Map


Author: Borch Maps


Description: A handy, laminated map.



Italy in Mind


Author: Alice Powers


Description: A terrific collection of some of the best literary writing on Italy, including pieces by Melville, Lawrence, Henry James, Mary McCarthy and many others.



Italy, A Short History


Author: Harry Hearder


Description: Elegantly written, generous and informative, this compact book takes in the sweep of Italian history from the Roman Republic through the Renaissance, World War II and up to the present.



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.



Leonardo Da Vinci


Author: Kathleen Krull


Description: Beginning with a vivid description of superstition and squalor in the Middle Ages, Krull sets Da Vinci's extraordinary life in the context of his extraordinary time. A volume in the Giants of Science series, geared for grades 4-8.



Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling


Author: Ross King


Description: Presented with flair and backed by a wealth of research, King's captivating chronicle of Michelangelo's painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel tells the story of its conception and creation.



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 City of Florence, Historical Vistas and Personal Sightings


Author: R.W.B. Lewis


Description: A vivid tour of the city and its riches by the fine biographer of Edith Wharton and Henry James. Lewis has written what he calls "a partial biography of Florence," beautifully interweaving the personal and the historical.



The Colosseum


Author: Keith Hopkins, Mary Beard


Description: This engaging overview of the history of the Colosseum deconstructs Hollywood-perpetrated misconceptions of gladiator-eating lions, Nero fiddling and other myths.



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 World of Venice


Author: Jan Morris


Description: Morris displays her talent for research, anecdote and well-wrought prose in this spirited history of a beloved city.





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