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.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip 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 Bianca Obradovic
Bianca Obradovic View biography
Bianca is originally from the former Yugoslavia, but after studying at the American Business School in Rome 30 years ago, she decided to make Italy her home. She is fluent in English, Italian, French, and Arabic among other languages. Bianca has worked as the site coordinator and group leader for numerous educational travel companies in Italy and in the Mediterranean.
Profile Image of Lara Mattioli
Lara Mattioli View biography
Lara Mattioli is from Ancona, a city on the eastern Adriatic coast of Italy. She has an advanced degree in communications from the Università degli Studi di Macerata and has been working for many years as group leader in Italy and abroad. Lara studied and worked in Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro where she learned to speak Spanish and Portuguese fluently. When not leading Road Scholar programs in her beautiful country, she loves to travel and pursue her hobby of scuba diving.
Profile Image of Jane Bacon-Fiori
Jane Bacon-Fiori View biography
Jane Bacon is an associate of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. She edited theater books, popular history, novels, and travel books for the London publisher Eyre Methuen for several years before moving to Italy. Jane lives in the little-known corner of Tuscany called the Lunigiana, where she continues to teach, write, and study Anglo-American writers who spent most of their lives in Tuscany.
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 Eleanor Pieruccini
Eleanor Pieruccini View biography
Eleanor was born in Vancouver, B.C. to Italian parents that had migrated from Lucca to Canada. She received her education there including a pianist's diploma and a university degree. She settled in Lucca where she met her husband and after running a few businesses together, studied to become a travel professional in Lucca and province. She loves Lucca and is proud to share her home. She has had the good fortune of living in two beautiful corners of the world — Vancouver and Lucca.
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.
Meals
23 Meals
11 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • May 12, 2024 - May 24, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • May 26, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 09, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • May 11, 2025 - May 23, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • May 25, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
  • Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025 (Lucca to Florence)
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Albergo Celide in Lucca is a splendid hotel that combines modern luxury with a touch of history. Located just outside the city walls, this elegant establishment offers guests a tranquil retreat while still within easy reach of Lucca's bustling center. The Albergo Celide boasts a contemporary design that seamlessly blends with its historic surroundings. The stylishly decorated rooms provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, featuring modern amenities and elegant furnishings. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Lucca's skyline from the hotel's rooftop terrace, an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Albergo Celide in Lucca is a splendid hotel that combines modern luxury with a touch of history. Located just outside the city walls, this elegant establishment offers guests a tranquil retreat while still within easy reach of Lucca's bustling center. The Albergo Celide boasts a contemporary design that seamlessly blends with its historic surroundings. The stylishly decorated rooms provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, featuring modern amenities and elegant furnishings. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Lucca's skyline from the hotel's rooftop terrace, an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.
4 nights
Lucca
The Hotel Ilaria in Lucca is a delightful retreat within the historic city's enchanting walls. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Italian elegance. Each room is tastefully decorated with classic and contemporary elements, ensuring comfort and style.
4 nights
Siena
The NH Siena offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and timeless charm in the heart of the historic city of Siena. This elegant business hotel welcomes guests with its striking architecture and tastefully decorated rooms that provide a peaceful retreat after exploring the city's medieval streets and cultural treasures.
3 nights
Florence
The Hotel Berchielli in Florence offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional Italian charm. Situated along the picturesque Arno River, this boutique hotel has provided visitors to Florence with a prime location for exploring the city's historic treasures since 1890. The Hotel Berchielli boasts stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comforts with classic Florentine aesthetics.





Recommended For You

loading spinner