
Italy
Under the Tuscan Sun: Italian Adventures With Your Grandchild
Program No. 23575RJ
Under the Tuscan sun, you and your grandchild will create memories that will last a lifetime as you discover amazing art, learn some Italian and explore ancient ruins together.
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
9 days
8 nights
16 meals
7B 3L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Montecatini, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Montecatini Terme
3
Italian, Medieval Skills, Free Time, Social Hour, Funicular
Montecatini Terme
4
Pisa Field Trip, Leaning Tower, Tirrenia, Mediterranean Sea
Montecatini Terme
5
Pistoia, Candy Shop, Chocolate Making, Olive Oil Tasting
Montecatini Terme
6
Florence Field Trip, Accademia, Pasta & Gelato Making
Montecatini Terme
7
Market Day, Vinci Field Trip, Museo Leonardiano, Agriturismo
Montecatini Terme
8
Lucca Full Day Field Trip, Biking on the Walls, Free Time
Montecatini Terme
At a Glance
What comes to mind when you think of Italy? Spectacular cuisine? Rolling hills? If that’s the case, then chances are you’re thinking of Tuscany. Unlike the long lines of Rome and the crazy crowds of Venice, it’s way easier to feel like a true Italian in the small cities of Tuscany. Alongside your grandchild, journey along the peaceful valleys to learn what makes Italy one of the best countries in the world. Discover priceless art, whip up some delicious Italian food, and learn what makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean as you explore la bella vita with your grandchild.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to five miles a day; elective biking opportunity. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths, escalators. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Anticipate temperatures to reach 85-95°F consistently. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus, regional train, and funicular. Pedestrian tunnels at train stations.

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…
- Discover the famous scientific explorations of Leonardo da Vinci at the place he was born.
- Become a pasta- and pizza-making pro during a fun cooking class and bring your recipes home to your family.
- Ride your bike on top of the medieval walls of Lucca to get a totally different perspective of Tuscany.
Featured Expert
All trip experts

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

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.

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.

Giulia Marsigli
View biography
Giulia completed her degree in foreign languages and cultures at the Università degli studi di Genova. She loves being active, traveling and meeting new people. She honed her English skills as an exchange student at a Seattle high school. She perfected her French while working as a sailing coach at a resort in Tunisia. In Tanzania, she taught English and picked up some Swahili. Giulia lives in a village near Lerici and is a licensed leader for the province, including Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.

Sabrina Lanzoni
View biography
Sabrina Lanzoni was born in Pisa and moved to the German-speaking area of Switzerland where she attended school. She also attended a school for foreign language secretary. Sabrina returned to Italy for university, earning a degree in foreign languages and German literature at the Università di Pisa. While still a student, she worked as a group leader traveling throughout Italy and Europe. She has been leading groups in Pisa since 1988. Sabrina speaks Italian, German, English, and French.

Erika Cennini
View biography
Erika Cennini lives in Poggibonsi, a small town south of Florence. She holds a diploma from the International Institute of Tourism in Florence. Throughout her career in travel, Erika has worked in Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. She is also a licensed guide in the cities and provinces of Florence, Pisa, and Siena. She speaks Italian, French, English, Spanish, and German. Erika enjoys traveling, Egyptology, photography, French cinema, reading, swimming, and golf.

Chiara Aradei
View biography
Chiara Aradei brings a wealth of diverse experience spanning various industries. Her extensive expertise includes overseeing cultural exhibitions in Florence and managing aviation operations at Florence Airport. She has also excelled as a substitute teacher and personal assistant to the Honorary Consul of Italy in Connecticut. Chiara holds a diploma in tourism and is multilingual, speaking Italian, English, and French fluently. She enjoys art, travel, and cooking, and shares her love for Tuscany through her Facebook page, "Under My Tuscan Sun."

Tommaso Turi
View biography
Tommaso Turi was born and raised in Pistoia, where his love for nature, art, and history began early. He studied biology at the University of Pisa before becoming a certified hiking and environmental guide and, later, in 2012, a licensed tour guide. A passionate sommelier since 2003, he loves exploring Italy through its food, wine, and local traditions. In his free time, Tommaso enjoys reading, theater, cinema, cycling, and traveling in search of hidden cultural gems.

Simone Del Greco
View biography
Simone Del Greco is a cultural project manager and historical reenactment director with a background in medieval archaeology and a master’s in cultural management from Paris. He has extensive experience organizing large-scale events across Italy and France, focusing on heritage preservation and public engagement. Simone speaks fluent Italian, French, and English, with basic knowledge of German and Spanish. He holds a diploma in tourism and languages and is skilled in project design, communications, and fundraising. He enjoys reading, trekking, and historical fencing.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
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.
Under the Tuscan Sun: Italian Adventures With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 23575
Florence & Tuscany with Kids
"Florence & Tuscany with Kids" is a delightful guidebook for families seeking an enriching and enjoyable adventure in the heart of Italy. With a keen focus on making the most of the region's rich culture, history, and natural beauty, Bankier provides valuable insights and practical tips to ensure a memorable trip with children. From exploring Florence's renowned art and architecture to savoring Tuscan cuisine and embarking on scenic countryside excursions, this guide offers many family-friendly activities and recommendations. Whether you plan to wander the museums of Florence, take a gelato-making class, or meander through picturesque Tuscan villages.
The Medici
Delve into the rise and influence of the Medici family, one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Renaissance Italy. This book chronicles the ascent of the Medici from their humble beginnings as merchants to their eventual domination of Florence's political, economic, and cultural landscape. Strathern provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the Medici's patronage of the arts, their significant contributions to the Renaissance, and their intricate role in the politics of the time. Through vivid storytelling, the book paints a vivid picture of the Medici family's enduring legacy and impact on European history. It offers a compelling narrative that brings to life the vibrant world of Renaissance Florence and the remarkable individuals who shaped it.
Inferno
The adventures of renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he finds himself entangled in a deadly race against time. Set against the backdrop of Florence, Italy, Langdon must decipher a series of complex clues based on Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" to prevent a global catastrophe. When Langdon wakes up in a Florence hospital with no memory of how he got there, he soon discovers that he is the target of a sinister plot. With the help of Sienna Brooks, a brilliant doctor, Langdon races through Florence's beautiful and historic streets, solving puzzles and unraveling a mystery that could change the course of human history.
Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
"Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture" is a meticulously researched and beautifully written book that chronicles the brilliant mind and unwavering determination of Filippo Brunelleschi, the visionary architect behind the construction of Florence's iconic cathedral dome. King skillfully navigates the complexities of both the architectural and political landscapes of 15th-century Italy, offering a compelling narrative that unveils the challenges, innovations, and triumphs of this monumental undertaking. Through King's storytelling, readers gain a profound appreciation for the genius of Brunelleschi and the enduring legacy of his architectural masterpiece, which continues to awe and inspire to this day.
Blue Guide Tuscany
This guidebook is a treasure trove of historical and cultural information, providing travelers with a deep understanding of Tuscany's rich heritage, art, architecture, and traditions. It covers renowned cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, charming towns, rolling countryside, and idyllic vineyards along with detailed maps, practical advice, and recommendations for accommodations and dining.
The Miracles of Santo Fico
This delightful story weaves together the lives of its quirky and endearing residents as they navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Amidst the Tuscan countryside's cobblestone streets and rustic beauty, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the magic found in the most unexpected places. With a touch of whimsy and much heart, "The Miracles of Santo Fico" celebrates the moments that make life extraordinary and reminds us that miracles can happen when we least expect them.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
This beloved story follows the mischievous Pinocchio on his adventurous journey, guided by his conscience, personified as the cricket, and encountering a colorful cast of characters, including the cunning Fox and the kindly Blue Fairy. As Pinocchio faces moral dilemmas and navigates a world filled with temptation and danger, the novel explores themes of honesty, truth, and the transformative power of love. Collodi's vivid storytelling and whimsical imagination have made "Pinocchio" a cherished work of children's literature, celebrated for its enduring lessons and charm.
Leonardo da Vinci
Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Isaacson paints a vivid portrait of this Renaissance polymath, exploring his artistic masterpieces, scientific discoveries, and inventive spirit. From the iconic "Mona Lisa" to his groundbreaking anatomical studies, readers are immersed in the world of a true visionary. This biography not only unveils the complexities of da Vinci's mind but also offers insights into his relentless curiosity and insatiable hunger for knowledge. Isaacson's narrative invites readers to witness the life and work of a genius whose contributions continue to inspire and shape our world today.
The Birth of Venus
A historical novel that transports readers to the vibrant and tumultuous world of 15th-century Florence. The story revolves around the life of Alessandra Cecchi, a young and talented artist living in a society that stifles women's ambitions and creativity. Alessandra's journey unfolds against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance, a period of profound cultural, artistic, and political change. As she navigates the challenges of her time, Alessandra becomes embroiled in a web of forbidden love, political intrigue, and artistic passion. Dunant's novel skillfully weaves together art, history, and romance, offering a vivid portrayal of Renaissance Florence and the struggles faced by individuals who dared to defy societal norms.
Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis
Focused on the period from 1943 to 1945, "Saving Italy" sheds light on the extensive looting and destruction perpetrated by the Nazis and their allies as they occupied Italy. Centered around the work of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, a group of art experts and military personnel, the book tells the story of their race against time to locate, recover, and safeguard Italy's artistic treasures. The book highlights the determination of individuals who risked their lives to rescue masterpieces, including iconic works by artists like Michelangelo and da Vinci, from the clutches of the Nazis.