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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
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. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. 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 may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your 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.
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'll 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 on 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. From the time Lucca was a Roman colony, a protective wall fortified the city within from invaders. With urban expansion the original walls were extended in the 17th century. Today, the 2.6 miles of the wall that encircle Lucca have been turned into a wide tree-lined path—the favorite promenade of local residents of all ages.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your list of suggested Free Time activities in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Before dinner, we gather together a 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.
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 lead us on a pleasant walk along a portion of the defensive walls surrounding Lucca. Along the way, we’ll learn how the walls were built 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 personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your list of suggested Free Time activities 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 an illustrated presentation about rustic cooking in Tuscany given by a local expert.
Dinner: On your own to sample the local cuisine.
Evening: At leisure.
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 and quarries above the town of Carrara where we will see the massive machinery used to extract the marble and learn how excavation has changed with mechanized equipment.
Lunch: At a restaurant in Carrara.
Afternoon: Following our lunch, we coach back to Lucca. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your list of suggested Free Time activities 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’ll attend a performance of opera arias by Giacomo Puccini, native son of Lucca. The live performance is with a solo artist with piano accompaniment. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
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: Check out of the hotel. Board the motorcoach to Siena along a scenic route through olive groves, orchards, and vineyards in the Chianti hills outside of Siena.
Lunch: At an agriturismo and winery.
Afternoon: Following lunch, we continue by motorcoach to Siena where we check into the hotel. After settling into our rooms, we’ll meet a local expert who will lead us on a walking field trip to Siena's elaborately decorated cathedral (Duomo) where the floors are paved with inlaid marble depicting figures in religious and allegorical scenes. The field trip will continue to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to admire Duccio's Maestà.
Dinner: At the hotel restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
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: Sit back and admire the rolling hills of vineyards dotted with isolated farmhouses as we coach toward the Montepulciano region of Tuscany with a local expert.
Lunch: At a local cheesemaker.
Afternoon: On the coach ride back toward Siena, we stop in Pienza. Pope Pius II Piccolomini (1458-1464), a humanist scholar and poet, was born nearby and, once he became pope, he began a project to transform Pienza into an idealized Renaissance city, built his palace near the main piazza, and renamed the town after himself. The Group Leader will offer directions for independent exploration of the main street, village square of Pienza, and a panoramic road with spectacular views of the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia. Following our self-guided visit, we return by coach to Siena.
Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening: At leisure.
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 first hand 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 is manifest 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: Excursion by coach to San Gimignano for an expert-led visit of 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. Board the coach for a short ride a few miles outside of town to an organic farm where you can visit the farm and wine cellar. The host explains the production of extra virgin olive oil, wine, saffron, and the characteristics of Chianina cattle.
Dinner: Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at an agriturismo.
Evening: Motorcoach back to the hotel.
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 explore the regional aspects of Italian society and the national institutions that shape the lives of residents today. After a short break, we’ll meet for an expert-led city orientation walk that will end up in the Piazza del Campo. The perimeter of the wide square is the site where the famed Palio horse race takes place in July and August. After, we will continue to the Palazzo Pubblico, still serving today as the town hall. One of the rooms contain an important 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 that has arisen about re-attributing the fresco to a much later artist. Our expert-led field trip will continue to part of the collection in the museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala. Originally a hospital offering shelter and support to people in need, it was eventually converted into a museum complex containing some of the most iconic work in Siena.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your list of suggested Free Time activities 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.
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: Bags will be picked up early morning outside rooms for delivery to hotel in Florence. We'll set out on foot for the Siena train station, and board a regional train to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, we will walk from the train station to the Accademia delle Belle Arti where we will marvel at Michelangelo's David. A local expert will lead the field trip through the sculpture collection in the main hall which includes the David as well as the unfinished pieces called the Prisoners which seem to be still imprisoned in the block of Carrara marble. There are other small collections in the museum that you might want to browse on your own, such as the collection of early musical instruments or the painting gallery with works from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and early 17th century.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch, we walk to our hotel, situated near the Arno, where we check into our rooms. In the meeting room of the hotel, an art historian will join us and give an overview of Renaissance Art and, with an illustrated presentation, describe highlighted works of art in the collection of the Uffizi.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
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 have arranged a timed reserved entrance to the Uffizi for the entire group. Once inside, take in a self-guided visit of the many rooms of artistic treasures at your own pace. In the Uffizi, works are arranged in an order that illustrates the progression from the International Gothic style to Mannerist and examples of Baroque art with pieces by Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentilleschi. There is a coffee bar at the end of the corridor on the 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 personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your list of suggested Free Time activities 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.
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: Meet the local expert for a Walk of Discovery to learn about Renaissance Florence before commencing our expert-led visit of the Bargello National Museum of Sculpture. The collection includes sculptures by Donatello (St. George, David), the competition pieces between Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti for the north doors of the Baptistery, and sculptures by Michelangelo, Giambologna, and Benvenuto Cellini. In addition to sculpture, there are also rooms with fine examples of decorated pottery and armaments including swords, lances, early pistols, and suits of armor. There is also a fresco by Giotto and his school in the Chapel—on the right side one can see what is considered to be an early portrait of Dante.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Florence.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your list of suggested Free Time activities 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.
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 with you. 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!