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Italy

Italy: Classic Tuscany and the Treasures of Florence

Program No. 19715RJ
Explore medieval villages, discover Renaissance architecture, visit ancient marble quarries and savor renowned wine and cuisine as you learn the timeless story of Tuscany and Florence.

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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Apr 14 - Apr 26, 2024
Starting at
4,599
Filling Fast!
Apr 28 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
4,699
May 12 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
4,699
May 26 - Jun 7, 2024
Starting at
4,699
Sep 8 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
4,699
Sep 22 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
4,699
Oct 6 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
5,649
Itinerary Note

GROUP - ARTE Institute for Lifelong Learning

Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
4,699
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 14 - Apr 26, 2024
Starting at
5,499
Filling Fast!
Apr 28 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
5,699
Filling Fast!
May 12 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
5,699
Filling Fast!
May 26 - Jun 7, 2024
Starting at
5,699
Sep 8 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
5,699
Sep 22 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
5,699
Oct 6 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
6,659
Itinerary Note

GROUP - ARTE Institute for Lifelong Learning

Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2024
Starting at
5,699

At a Glance

For centuries, the verdant landscapes and medieval villages of Tuscany remained frozen in time. Scarcely changed in appearance, the entire region is a living cultural treasure today. 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.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to five miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths, escalators. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and regional train.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Visit the quarries of Carrara to learn why great sculptors and architects choose this marble.
  • View the great masterpieces in Florence: works by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Caravaggio, Cellini, and Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, "David."
  • Visit a winery in the Tuscan countryside and explore San Gimignano, a beautiful walled medieval hill town with an unforgettable skyline.

General Notes

The program includes independent time to explore Lucca, Siena, and Florence and several meals on your own. The Group Leader will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities are provided in your Final Information Packet
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Umberto Cattani
Umberto Cattani is a licensed group leader in Florence, Carrara and the Cinque Terre, and has been working with the Trinity College for 15 years. After completing his studies in accounting, Umberto worked in Parma as a sales manager for a clothing manufacturer. At the start of the new millennium, he discovered his real passion for guiding, 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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Umberto Cattani
Umberto Cattani View biography
Umberto Cattani is a licensed group leader in Florence, Carrara and the Cinque Terre, and has been working with the Trinity College for 15 years. After completing his studies in accounting, Umberto worked in Parma as a sales manager for a clothing manufacturer. At the start of the new millennium, he discovered his real passion for guiding, 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.
Profile Image of Linda Lorenzetti
Linda Lorenzetti View biography
Linda Lorenzetti is the president of a cooperative of professional group leaders that leads explorations of the city of Lucca and the Tuscan countryside. She has been leading Road Scholar field trips in Lucca since 1987 and never fails to enthusiastically showcase her native town. Linda got her degree in English literature from the Università di Pisa. She has worked for movie productions like The Portrait of a Lady and television programs such as The Today Show.
Profile Image of Suzanne Myers
Suzanne Myers View biography
Suzanne Myers originally hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and has been living in Florence since 2011. She has a BA in art history from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MA in art history from Syracuse University. She works as a lecturer for several study away programs in Florence and as a licensed group leader. Suzanne specializes in Italian Renaissance art, but also loves to lecture on a wide range of subjects from the Medici family to the Black Death to Florentine fashion.
Profile Image of Olivia Fiori
Olivia Fiori View biography
Olivia Fiori has spent most of her life living in Tuscany apart from a period in England where she attended the University of London and earned a degree in French and Spanish literatures. During her childhood and since she returned to Italy, she has helped run her parents’ bed and breakfast, cooking many of the local dishes for their clients — in particular, those dishes of the so-called Cucina Povera which have now become part of the traditional Tuscan cuisine in many restaurants.
Profile Image of Marco Ceccarani
Marco A. Ceccarani View biography
Marco Ceccarani, a native of Assisi, holds a PhD in humanities from the Università degli Studi di Perugia. 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 away programs.
Profile Image of Monica Shenouda
Monica Shenouda View biography
Monica Shenouda, originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, now calls Florence home. She majored in French Literature at Swarthmore College, worked in New York City, and studied art history and architecture in Rome. She then went to the University of Virginia and earned a master’s in architectural history and a PhD in the art history and architecture. She did her research in Venice, the subject of her dissertation. Monica teaches for study abroad programs in Florence and Venice and works as a translator and editor.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian
by Phil Doran
From Amazon: After years of working on a string of sitcoms, Phil Doran found himself on the outside looking in. Just as he and his peers had replaced the older guys when he was coming up the ranks, it was now happening to him. And it was freaking him out. He came home every night angry, burned-out, and exhausted. After twenty-five years of losing her husband to Hollywood, Doran’s wife decided it was finally time for a change—so on one of her many solo trips to Italy she surprised her husband by purchasing a broken-down 300-year-old farmhouse for them to restore. The Reluctant Tuscan is about the author’s transition from being a successful but overworked writer-producer in Hollywood to rediscovering himself and his wife while in Italy, and finding happiness in the last place he expected. In the witty tone that made him a success as a writer in Hollywood, The Reluctant Tuscan captivates those who simply love a good travel narrative as well as anyone who loves the quirky humor of Bill Bryson, Dave Barry, and Jerry Seinfeld.
The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall
by Christopher Hibbert
From Amazon: At its height Renaissance Florence was a center of enormous wealth, power and influence. A republican city-state funded by trade and banking, its often bloody political scene was dominated by rich mercantile families, the most famous of which were the Medici. This enthralling book charts the family's huge influence on the political, economic and cultural history of Florence. Beginning in the early 1430s with the rise of the dynasty under the near-legendary Cosimo de' Medici, it moves through their golden era as patrons of some of the most remarkable artists and architects of the Renaissance, to the era of the Medici Popes and Grand Dukes, Florence's slide into decay and bankruptcy, and the end, in 1737, of the Medici line.
Light in the Piazza
by Director: Guy Green
From Amazon: Meg Johnson (Olivia de Havilland) is eager to discover the glories of Italy with her beautiful daughter Clara (Yvette Mimieux), who was mentally impaired in a childhood accident.
La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
by Beppe Severgnini
From Amazon: You won’t need luggage for this hypothetical and hilarious trip into the hearts and minds of Beppe Severgnini’s fellow Italians. In fact, Beppe would prefer if you left behind the baggage his crafty and elegant countrymen have smuggled into your subconscious. To get to his Italia, you’ll need to forget about your idealized notions of Italy. Although La Bella Figura will take you to legendary cities and scenic regions, your real destinations are the places where Italians are at their best, worst, and most authentic: the highway, the airport, and the small town.
Tuscany in Mind: From Byron and the Brownings to Henry James, D. H. Lawrence, Robert Lowell, and Penelope Fitzgerald--Two Centuries of Great Writers Seduced by Tuscany
by Alice Leccese Powers (Editor)
From Amazon: Tuscany in Mind assembles a glittering mosaic portrait of an unforgettable place: Kinta Beevor • James Boswell • Elizabeth Barrett Browning • Robert Browning • Lord Byron • Bruce Chatwin • Ann Cornelisen • Charles Dickens • Sarah Dunant • Lawrence Ferlinghetti • Penelope Fitzgerald • E. M. Forster • Laura Fraser • Paul Gervais • Barbara Grizzuti Harrison • Robert Hellenga • William Dean Howells • Henry James • Erica Jong • D. H. Lawrence • David Leavitt and Mark Mitchell • Robert Lowell • Frances Mayes • Mary McCarthy • H. V. Morton • Eric Newby • Iris Origo • John Ormond • Elizabeth Romer • John Ruskin • Mary Shelley • Percy Bysshe Shelley • Kate Simon • Tobias Smollett • Matthew Spender • Stephen Spender • Mark Twain • Edith Wharton
Fodor's Florence 25 Best
by Fodor's Travel Guides
From Amazon: Compact and affordable, Fodor's Florence's 25 Best is a great travel companion for travelers who want a light, easy-to-pack guidebook to one of Europe's most exciting cities. Recommendations, pull-out map, practical tips and phrases, gorgeous photos and maps, and trip-planning tools.
The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance
by Paul Strathern
From Amazon: A dazzling history of the modest family that rose to become one of the most powerful in Europe, The Medici is a remarkably modern story of power, money, and ambition. Against the background of an age that saw the rebirth of ancient and classical learning, Paul Strathern explores the intensely dramatic rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence as well as the Italian Renaissance, which they did so much to sponsor and encourage. Interwoven into the narrative are the lives of many of the great Renaissance artists with whom the Medici had dealings, including Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Donatello as well as scientists like Galileo and Pico della Mirandola. In his enthralling study, Strathern also follows the fortunes of those members of the Medici family who achieved success away from Florence, including the two Medici popes and Catherine de' Medici, who became queen of France and played a major role in that country through three turbulent reigns.
A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany
by Beth Elon
A Tuscany resident for 30 years, Elon presents 100 recipes from a hand-picked selection of favorite restaurants in this charming cookbook and travel guide. With 10 itineraries highlighting largely undiscovered regions of Tuscany, restaurants, trattorie, shops, wineries, olive oil producers, markets and food festivals.
Siena: City of Secrets
by Jane Tylus
From Amazon: Jane Tylus’s Siena is a compelling and intimate portrait of this most secretive of cities, often overlooked by travelers to Italy. Cultural history, intellectual memoir, travelogue, and guidebook, it takes the reader on a quest of discovery through the well- and not-so-well-traveled roads and alleys of a town both medieval and modern.
The Renaissance: A Short History
by Paul Johnson
From Amazon: The Renaissance holds an undying place in our imagination, its great heroes still our own, from Michelangelo and Leonardo to Dante and Chaucer. This period of profound evolution in European thought is credited with transforming the West from medieval to modern and producing the most astonishing outpouring of artistic creation the world has ever known. But what was it? In this masterly work, the incomparable Paul Johnson tells us. He explains the economic, technological, and social developments that provide a backdrop to the age’s achievements and focuses closely on the lives and works of its most important figures. A commanding short narrative of this vital period, The Renaissance is also a universally profound meditation on the wellsprings of innovation.
Tea with Mussolini
by Director: Franco Zeffirelli
From Google: In 1930s fascist Italy, adolescent Luca (Charlie Lucas) just lost his mother. His father, a callous businessman, sends him to be taken care of by British expatriate Mary Wallace (Joan Plowright). Mary and her cultured friends -- including artist Arabella (Judi Dench), young widow Elsa (Cher), and archaeologist Georgie (Lily Tomlin) -- keep a watchful eye over the boy. But the women's cultivated lives take a dramatic turn when Allied forces declare war on Mussolini.
The Stones of Florence
by Mary McCarthy
From Amazon: Renowned for her sharp literary style, essayist and fiction writer Mary McCarthy offers a unique history of Florence, from its inception to the dominant role it came to play in the world of art, architecture, and Italian culture, that captures the brilliant Florentine spirit and revisits the legendary figures—Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and others—who exemplify it so iconically. Her most cherished sights and experiences color this timeless, graceful portrait of a city that's as famous as it is alluring.
Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743
by Ross King & Anja Grebe
From Amazon: A magnificent, never-before-published collection of every painting and fresco on display in the Uffizi, the Galleria Palatina of the Pitti Palace, the Accademia, and the Duomo, and more -- nearly 2,000 works of art -- all presented in a beautiful slipcased package.
A Room with a View
by Director: James Ivory
From Amazon: Helena Bonham Carter plays a young, independent-minded, upper-class woman who is trying to sort out her feelings, divided between a free spirit (Julian Sands) she meets on vacation and the bookworm (Daniel Day-Lewis) to whom she becomes engaged back home. Funny, sexy, and sophisticated, this art-house hit features a sublime supporting cast and remains a touchstone of intelligent romantic cinema.
Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
by Ross King
From Amazon: On August 19, 1418, a competition concerning Florence's magnificent new cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore--already under construction for more than a century--was announced: "Whoever desires to make any model or design for the vaulting of the main Dome....shall do so before the end of the month of September." The proposed dome was regarded far and wide as all but impossible to build: not only would it be enormous, but its original and sacrosanct design shunned the flying buttresses that supported cathedrals all over Europe. The dome would literally need to be erected over thin air.
The Scribe of Siena: A Novel
by Melodie Winawer
From Amazon: Equal parts transporting love story and gripping historical conspiracy, debut author Melodie Winawer takes readers deep into medieval Italy, where the past and present blur and a twenty-first century woman will discover a plot to destroy Siena. Accomplished neurosurgeon Beatrice Trovato knows that her deep empathy for her patients is starting to impede her work. So when her beloved brother passes away, she welcomes the unexpected trip to the Tuscan city of Siena to resolve his estate, even as she wrestles with grief. But as she delves deeper into her brother’s affairs, she discovers intrigue she never imagined—a 700-year-old conspiracy to decimate the city.
The Agony and the Ecstasy, A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
by Irving Stone
From Amazon: Irving Stone’s classic biographical novel of Michelangelo—the #1 New York Times bestseller in which both the artist and the man are brought to vivid, captivating life. His time—the turbulent Renaissance, the years of poisoning princes, warring Popes, and the all-powerful de' Medici family… His loves—the frail and lovely daughter of Lorenzo de' Medici, the ardent mistress of Marco Aldovrandi, and his last love, his greatest love—the beautiful, unhappy Vittoria Colonna... His genius—a God-driven fury from which he wrested brilliant work that made a grasp for heaven unmatched in half a millennium... His name—Michelangelo Buonarroti. Creator of the David, painter of the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, architect of the dome of St. Peter's, Michelangelo lives once more in the tempestuous, powerful pages of Irving Stone's towering triumph. A masterpiece in its own right, this biographical novel offers a compelling portrait of one of the greatest artists the world has ever known.
The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany
by James Bentley, Hugh Palmer (Photographer)
From Amazon: A celebration of one of the most rich and varied landscapes in Europe, here are thirty-six villages and towns from all over Tuscany chosen both for their intrinsic beauty and for the part they have played in Tuscan history. Stand at the edge of a Tuscan hill village and gaze across one of the most extraordinarily rich and varied landscapes in Europe. There are vineyards producing the finest wine, and miles of wild mountain scenery; almost any view will take in other villages, clustering around the upper reaches of some hill, or the russet roofs of a fortified town deep in a valley.
Insight Guide Tuscany
by Insight Guides
An illustrated guide in the popular series, noteworthy for its maps and illuminating essays on history, art, food and culture.
Life Is Beautiful (La vita è bella)
by Director: Roberto Benigni
From Google: A gentle Jewish-Italian waiter, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni), meets Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a pretty schoolteacher, and wins her over with his charm and humor. Eventually they marry and have a son, Giosuè (Giorgio Cantarini). Their happiness is abruptly halted, however, when Guido and Giosuè are separated from Dora and taken to a concentration camp. Determined to shelter his son from the horrors of his surroundings, Guido convinces Giosuè that their time in the camp is merely a game.
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13 days
12 nights
23 meals
11 B 5 L 7 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Lucca, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Lucca
D
Hotel Ilaria

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Transfer from Pisa airport to hotel is 25 miles (30-minute ride). The orientation walk in Lucca is less than 1 mile.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials.

Afternoon: Check-in and settle in. At 4:30 p.m., we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach and regional train. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding. Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

DAY
3
San Martino, San Michele, Free Time, Welcome to Tuscany
Lucca
B,D
Hotel Ilaria

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; mostly level urban stone sidewalks and streets, cobblestones, and gradual steps without handrails to reach the top of the Lucca walls.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: We will begin by meeting our local expert at the hotel and setting out on foot for a walking field trip to first visit the Basilica of San Martino and admire its marble façade decorated with Romanesque statues and motifs. In the Middle Ages, the city was a destination for pilgrims traveling to view relics housed within the basilica. Continue to other famous landmarks in Lucca. On our walk back to the hotel, the walk will conclude with a stroll along the wide walls that surround the city. A protective wall fortified the city from invaders when Lucca was a Roman colony. With urban expansion, the original walls were extended in the 17th century. Today, the 2.6 miles of the wall that encircle Lucca are a wide tree-lined path—the favorite promenade of residents of all ages.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Before dinner, we gather in the hotel conference room to learn about the region of Tuscany through a presentation given by a local expert.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Walls of Lucca, Free Time, Tuscan Cuisine Lecture
Lucca
B
Hotel Ilaria

Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones and mostly level urban stone sidewalks and streets.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: A local expert will meet us at the hotel and take us on a pleasant walk along some of Lucca's defensive walls. Along the way, we will learn how the walls were constructed over 500 years ago to defend the city from invaders and how they now serve a peaceful purpose as a favorite walking path for walkers and recreational bike riders. The high walls provide a wonderful panorama of the city.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Before heading to dinner on our own, we gather in the hotel conference room for a local expert's illustrated presentation about rustic cooking in Tuscany.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Carrara Marble, Free Time, Italian Opera
Lucca
B,L
Hotel Ilaria

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Coach to Carrara is 35 miles and takes about 1 hour. Short walk along a dusty dirt path with a slight incline from the coach drop-off area to the observation terrace overlooking the marble quarry. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; loose gravel, cobblestones, mostly level urban stone pedestrian-only sidewalks, and stairs in the center of Carrara.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: We will travel by motorcoach with a local expert on a field trip to a workshop in Carrara and its quarries perched above. We delve into the fascinating history of marble, tracing its roots to the depths of ancient times, and learn how generations of skilled artisans have honed their craft, transforming raw blocks of stone into works of enduring beauty that grace the world's most esteemed architectural wonders. A breathtaking panorama unfolds as we ascend by motorcoach to the quarries perched above the town. Here, in the heart of the quarries, we witness the evolution of excavation as mechanized equipment has revolutionized the process, juxtaposing tradition with technological prowess.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Carrara.

Afternoon: Following our lunch, we coach back to Lucca. Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At a venue in the heart of Lucca, we will attend a captivating performance of opera arias by Giacomo Puccini, a treasured native son of Lucca. The live performance is with a solo artist with piano accompaniment, breathing life into Puccini's timeless masterpieces. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Transfer to Siena, Castellina in Chianti, Siena's Duomo
Siena
B,L,D
NH Siena

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Coach to Siena is 95 miles, and takes about 2.5 hours with 2 stops along the way. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, loose gravel, cobblestones, mostly level urban stone sidewalks, pedestrian-only roads with inclines to the main square, and stairs to/from the Duomo. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: After breakfast, our bags are loaded onto the motorcoach and we check out of the hotel. Board the motorcoach to Siena, where along our scenic route, we traverse a picturesque landscape adorned with flourishing olive groves, bountiful orchards, and sprawling vineyards nestled amidst the breathtaking Chianti hills that surround Siena. Prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty that unfolds outside our windows, setting the stage for our days further into Tuscany. Our next destination is the hilltop town of Castellina in Chianti, a charming and picturesque enclave deep within the heart of Tuscany's renowned Chianti region.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will have some time to independently explore Castellina before we continue by motorcoach to Siena, where we check into our hotel. After settling into our rooms, we will meet a local expert who will lead us on a walking field trip into the heart of Siena. Our first stop on this remarkable journey will bring us to the awe-inspiring Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, a marvel adorned with intricate decorations. Prepare to be spellbound by the mesmerizing sight of the cathedral's floors, where carefully crafted inlaid marble showcases vivid depictions of revered religious and allegorical figures, unveiling captivating scenes that transcend time. Our immersive exploration will carry us to the renowned Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, a treasure trove of artistic wonders. Here, our senses shall feast upon the radiant masterpiece of Duccio's exquisite Maestà, a transcendent work that deftly captures the essence of grace and divine beauty. Marvel at the delicate strokes and profound symbolism that make this artistic gem a testament to human creativity throughout the ages.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Val d'Orcia, Pecorino Cheese, Tuscan Countryside, Pienza
Siena
B,L
NH Siena

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Coach through the Val d'Orcia is 100 miles, and takes about 3 hours with multiple stops throughout the day. Walking up to 3.5 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, cobblestones, mostly level urban stone sidewalks, pedestrian-only roads with inclines to the main square, and stairs to/from the town centers.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: As we traverse this idyllic countryside by motorcoach, let the knowledge of our local expert paint a vivid picture of the Val d'Orcia region's history, traditions, and the delicate art of winemaking that has flourished here for centuries. Be captivated by the mesmerizing sight of rolling hills adorned with meticulously tended vineyards, gracefully stretching as far as the eye can see, as we venture deeper into the Montepulciano region, where the essence of Tuscany truly comes alive.

Lunch: At a local cheesemaker.

Afternoon: As we embark on the coach ride back toward the captivating city of Siena, our journey takes a delightful detour through the charming town of Pienza. History and art intertwine here, creating a remarkable tapestry of the Renaissance era. It was within these very lands that Pope Pius II Piccolomini (1458-1464), a renowned humanist scholar and poet, was born. Transformed by his vision, Pienza became a living testament to the ideals of the Renaissance, with its streets and structures reflecting the pinnacle of artistic achievement. Nestled in the heart of Pienza, the magnificent palace of Pope Pius II stands as a testament to his grand ambitions, commanding the attention of all who visit the main piazza. In a gesture of self-reverence, the town itself was renamed after the esteemed pontiff, forever cementing his influence and contribution. The Group Leader will offer directions for exploring the lively main street and the vibrant village square on your own. Stroll along the quaint streets and be immersed in the captivating ambiance of this Renaissance gem. Following our visit to this enchanting town, we board our coach and return to the captivating city of Siena.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Palio & Contrada Meeting Hall, San Gimignano, Agriturismo
Siena
B,L,D
NH Siena

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Coach to San Gimignano is 30 miles, and takes about 1 hour. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, cobblestones, mostly level urban stone sidewalks, pedestrian-only roads with inclines and descents, and stairs to/from the Collegiata.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: In a classroom session at the hotel, learn firsthand about the Palio, the race held twice in the summer months where each of the city's districts, called contrade, sponsor a horse to represent their neighborhood. A local expert explains how the shame of losing the Palio is enough to encourage cheating. Even though there is one race in July and another in August, the competitive spirit among the contrade manifests throughout the year. Set out on foot to get an intimate look at the pride and sense of community during an exclusive visit to a contrada meeting hall, chapel, and small museum.

Lunch: At the hotel restaurant.

Afternoon: Embark on a motorcoach excursion as we are transported to the storied city of San Gimignano, where the magic of the medieval era lingers in every corner. Our local expert will lead us on a remarkable journey, delving into this Etruscan town's captivating history and architectural marvels. Marvel at the well-preserved medieval aspect that permeates the streets, a testament to the city's rich heritage. Once a city adorned with an astonishing 77 towers, each vying for prominence in family rivalries, San Gimignano offers a glimpse into the fascinating dynamics of medieval society. Discover the intrigue behind these towering structures, symbols of power and status strategically built throughout the town. Leaving the captivating confines of San Gimignano, we embark on a short coach ride, venturing a few miles outside the town to an organic farm. Here, amidst the peaceful Tuscan countryside, we uncover the intricate process behind the production of extra-virgin olive oil, the cultivation of local wines, and the care and preservation of the cherished Chianina cattle. After our farm visit, we will relish a wine-tasting experience just before dinner. This delightful session will allow us to savor the local Chianti and Vernaccia varieties.

Dinner: Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at an agriturismo.

Evening: Motorcoach back to the hotel.

DAY
9
Italy Today, Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, Free Time
Siena
B,D
NH Siena

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, mostly level urban stone sidewalks, pedestrian-only roads with inclines and descents, and stairs to/from the main piazza. Elevator available in the Palazzo Pubblico.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: In a classroom session at the hotel led by our Group Leader, we will delve into the intricate tapestry of Italian society, exploring its regional nuances and the profound influence of national institutions that continue to shape the lives of its residents with a lecture on Italy today. After a short break, we will meet for an expert-led city orientation walk that will end in the Piazza del Campo. This expansive square is honored to host the legendary Palio horse race, a spectacle that captivates spectators every July and August. After, we will continue to the Palazzo Pubblico, still serving as the town hall today. One of the rooms contains an influential fresco cycle depicting the Allegory of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and a fresco of Guidoriccio da Fogliano on horseback. Scholars have long attributed the work to the 14th-century Sienese painter Simone Martini, and our local expert will explain the controversy concerning the fresco's reattribution to a much later artist. Our expert-led field trip will continue onto the collection in the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex. Once a sanctuary of solace and care for those in need, this historic institution has evolved into a repository of artistic treasures. Discover an unparalleled collection of Siena's most iconic works of the city's rich cultural heritage in this extraordinary complex.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
10
Train to Florence, Accademia, Renaissance Art Lecture
Florence
B,L,D
Hotel Berchielli

Activity note: Getting on/off a train. Train to Florence is 65 miles, and takes about 1.5 hours. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones and mostly level urban stone sidewalks. Sculptures at the Accademia are on the ground floor; elevator available to the paintings on the first floor. Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: We leave our bags outside our rooms for transport to our awaiting hotel in Florence. With unburdened hands, we set forth on foot to the Siena train station, where a regional train will take us to Florence. Upon our arrival in Florence, a world of artistic wonder beckons. From the train station, we walk to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where the marvels of Michelangelo's immortal masterpiece, the David, eagerly await our gaze. Led by a knowledgeable local expert, our field trip through the sculpture collection unfolds in the museum's main hall, a sanctuary of artistic genius. In this hallowed space, the David stands as an enduring testament to Michelangelo's mastery, its chiseled form evoking a sense of awe and reverence. As we marvel at the grandeur before us, we are also drawn to the unfinished sculptures known as the Prisoners, each appearing to emerge from the marble that holds them captive. The journey within the Galleria dell'Accademia extends beyond these iconic pieces, offering a cornucopia of artistic delights. The museum houses many smaller collections, including a collection of early musical instruments and a painting gallery with works from the Middle Ages through the early 17th century.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we walk to our hotel near the Arno, checking into our rooms. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Renaissance art as we gather in the hotel's meeting room. Here, we will be joined by a local art historian whose expertise will unlock the secrets and beauty of this transformative historical period. Through a captivating illustrated presentation, we will shed light on the masterpieces that grace the renowned collection of the Galleria degli Uffizi.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Uffizi, Free Time
Florence
B
Hotel Berchielli

Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones and mostly level urban stone sidewalks and streets. Elevator available at the Uffizi.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: We set out on foot to the esteemed Galleria degli Uffizi for a timed and reserved entrance. Stepping through the doors, we will be enveloped in a world of artistic wonders during our self-directed journey in this world-renowned museum, where we can explore at our own pace. The arrangement of the works within the Uffizi follows a thoughtfully curated order, steering through a visual chronicle of artistic evolution. Witness the majestic progression from the intricate details of the International Gothic style to the audacious and innovative expressions of Baroque art. Glimpse the ethereal beauty of Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Annunciation, delight in the vivid colors and dynamic energy of works by Michelangelo and Raphael, and marvel at the exquisite brushwork and emotive compositions that define the Baroque period, as exemplified by masterpieces crafted by luminaries such as Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi. There is a coffee bar at the end of the corridor on the Second Floor (upper level) where you can relax and purchase refreshments while enjoying a commanding view of the bell tower of Palazzo Vecchio and the cupola of the Duomo.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local cuisine.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Bargello, Orsanmichele, Free Time
Florence
B,D
Hotel Berchielli

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles total throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones and mostly level urban stone sidewalks and streets. Elevator available at the Bargello.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: We join our esteemed local expert for a captivating walk through the centro storico, immersing ourselves in the essence of Renaissance Florence. With each step, we will unravel the layers of history that permeate the city, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of architectural and sculptural wonders. Our exploration begins with an expert-led visit to the exterior of Orsanmichele, an architectural gem that bears witness to the Renaissance's transformative power. Here, we will observe the intricate details and awe-inspiring sculptures that adorn this sacred space, paying homage to the artistic brilliance of the era. Among them are replicas of masterpieces crafted by Donatello, such as Donatello's St. George and Andrea del Verrocchio's Christ and St. Thomas. Continuing our journey, we find ourselves at the renowned Bargello National Museum, a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. Marvel at the mesmerizing competition pieces that once ignited fierce rivalry between Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti for the coveted north doors of the Baptistery and admire the sublime sculptures that bear the unmistakable touch of Michelangelo, Giambologna, and Benvenuto Cellini, their craftsmanship resonating through the ages.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Florence.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants over our plated farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
13
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant; for those with early departures, the hotel will prepare a bag breakfast with a fruit, a roll or pastry, fruit juice, and water to take away. This concludes our program.

Morning: Transfer to airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.