Thank you
Your trip has been shared
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!