Adventures Online: Discover the Hidden Treasures of Tuscany

Activity note: Today’s session will start at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: 12:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, Zoom meeting protocols, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We will then say hello to our fellow Road Scholars and our Study Leader, Francesca Donati. 12:30 p.m. Lecture. Our Study Leader will give us an introduction to “hidden” Tuscany, focusing on history and culture, the Etruscans, countryside, and minor cities with major impact. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session. 1:15 p.m. Break. 1:30 p.m. Virtual field trip. Pisa is known worldwide for its famous leaning tower. Construction began in 1173 but the city itself is much older, possibly dating back to the 6th or 7th century BCE. During our virtual exploration, we will see and learn about the Campo dei Miracoli — Field of Miracles — also known as the Piazza del Duomo comprising the cathedral; the Baptistery; and the iconic Pisa tower where Galileo carried out his gravity experiments. This architectural landscape has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We’ll also explore some of the city’s hidden gems. Followed by Q&A. 2:25 p.m. Lecture. “The Monuments Men” — and women — were a small corps of Allied architects, historians, architects, museum curators, and professors who worked during World War II to find and recover countless works of art stolen by the Nazis. We’ll learn the fascinating story of Frederick Hartt (1914-1991), an American who was a key member of this group, who participated in saving Florentine art from the Nazis. Followed by Q&A. 3:20 p.m. Wrap-up and notes for tomorrow. 3:25 p.m. Today’s session will end.

Activity note: Today’s session will start at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 2:55 p.m.

Afternoon: 12:00 p.m. Review of the day. 12:05 p.m. Lecture. Wine has been part of Tuscany’s culture throughout history. During recent decades, new generations of winemakers have reinvigorated this ancient art and craft. We’ll be joined by a local expert who will tell us about some of Tuscany’s female wine producers and their work. Followed by Q&A. 12:55 p.m. Break. 1:10 p.m. Lecture. With a local expert, we’ll learn about Tuscan gastronomy, diet, and cooking traditions. Followed by Q&A. 1:50 p.m. Break. 2:00 p.m. Cooking demonstration. We will join a local expert at her home in rural Tuscany as she demonstrates how to make a favorite traditional Tuscan recipe. 2:45 p.m. Wrap-up and notes for tomorrow. 2:55 p.m. Today’s session will end.

Activity note: Today’s session will start at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and end at 3:15 p.m.

Afternoon: 12:00 p.m. Review of the day. 12:05 p.m. Lecture. Sometime during the medieval era, a tradition developed in which Siena’s proudly distinctive contrade (districts) — each with its own jockey, emblem, and colors — competed in a horse race around the main square. A large silk banner or “drappellone” was awarded to the winner. The competition continues today and is a major event. We will go behind the scenes and learn about Siena’s world-renowned “Palio” and the four-day festival surrounding it. Followed by Q&A. 1:00 p.m. Break. 1:10 p.m. Virtual field trip. We will take a virtual journey with a local expert through beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will also see the sets of some famous movies filmed in Tuscany. Followed by Q&A. 2:10 p.m. Break. 2:20 p.m. Lecture. Tuscany boasts innumerable customs, traditions, and folklore. We’ll delve into some of these colourful aspects of history and culture in our closing lecture. Followed by Q&A. 3:05 p.m. Wrap-up and farewells. 3:15 p.m. This concludes our program.