Christmas in Florence

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Walking less than 1 mile; urban terrain and cobblestones.

Afternoon: After you check in and have your room assignment, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. 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 learn from the Group Leader and a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. We will walk to and from field trips unless otherwise noted. 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 for a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, extended periods of standing, mostly level urban stone sidewalks and streets, cobblestones, marble/tile flooring, elevator available at Opera del Duomo Museum, and unavoidable stairs. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will gather in the hotel meeting room for a presentation by a local expert on medieval Florence. We’ll learn of the Roman origins of the city and how, by the end of the 15th century, the Medici family had established a powerful dynasty and went on to rule Florence, transforming it into a cradle of the Renaissance. The Medici rebuilt large areas of the city in Renaissance style, became patrons of the humanities, arts, and science, and collected art treasures. After a short break, we will set out on a field trip and walk to the Duomo where a museum docent will lead our exploration of Florence’s most famous landmark. It is officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, simply the Duomo. It is the third-largest church in the world. The magnificent dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1434, was startlingly innovative at the time and is considered one of the wonders of the Renaissance. We will also explore the Duomo Museum complex, recently reopened after a significant renovation and modernization. It includes more than 750 works of art covering more than seven centuries of history, including medieval and Renaissance statues and marble, bronze, and silver reliefs by leading artists of the day. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll meet at an appointed time and place to walk to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella complex, located near the city’s main train station, to meet our local art historian. Santa Maria Novella is Florence’s Dominican church, built on land assigned to the Order in the early 13th century. The present basilica was constructed in the early 15th century; its famous façade was designed by famed Renaissance man, Leon Battista Alberti in the 1470s. The interior of the basilica contains astounding works of 15th-century frescoes, including Masaccio's Trinity and Domenico Ghirlandaio’s (and possibly young apprentice Michelangelo) Tornabuoni Chapel, not to mention works by Lorenzo Ghiberti, Giambologna, Bernardo Daddi, and Filippino Lippi.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits, cobblestones, marble/tile flooring, and some uneven urban stone sidewalks.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Our day begins with a walk to the Basilica of Santa Croce for a captivating expert-led visit. This historic Franciscan basilica, built in the 13th century, stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of Giotto. Adorning the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels are awe-inspiring frescoes credited to Giotto, which mesmerize visitors with their vivid hues and intricate storytelling. These masterpieces vividly depict biblical narratives and the life of St. Francis, showcasing unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship. Santa Croce is the final resting place for numerous luminaries, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli, imbuing the basilica with profound historical significance and attracting pilgrims eager to honor these eminent figures.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local fare.

Afternoon: We will have some independent time to do as we like. Later in the afternoon, we’ll convene at a designated location to walk together to a delightful cooking class focused on the art of pasta and gelato making. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, we’ll dive into the intricacies of crafting authentic Italian delicacies. From kneading the dough to shaping it into delectable pasta shapes and from mastering the secrets of creamy gelato to infusing it with tantalizing flavors, we’ll immerse ourselves in the culinary traditions of Tuscany. The session’s highlight will undoubtedly be savoring the fruits of our labor, indulging in the rich flavors and textures of our freshly made pasta and velvety gelato creations.

Dinner: At the cooking school.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble/tile flooring, and mostly level urban stone sidewalks. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We begin the day in the hotel meeting room with a lecture on Florentine sculpture. The presentation by a local art historian examines the development of the art form from antiquity through the Renaissance with special emphasis on the works of Ghiberti, Donatello, and Michelangelo. We’ll walk to the Bargello where an art historian will lead us through the museum and examine the development of sculpture from antiquity through the Renaissance with special emphasis on the works of Ghiberti, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Notable works include Donatello’s David and bronzes by Cellini and Giambologna. Our local expert will then lead us back toward San Lorenzo where we’ll learn about this imposing structure and its unfinished facade.

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. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. You will have the opportunity to attend a Midnight Mass on your own (not a group activity) at churches within walking distance of the hotel. Experience a quintessential Florentine Christmas by attending Midnight Mass at the Duomo on Christmas Eve! As entry is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, we suggest arriving by 10:30 p.m. to secure a spot. Mass will be held in Italian. Alternatively, consider St. Mark’s Anglican Church (v. Maggio 16) or St. James' Episcopal Church (v. Rucellai, 9) for an English-language Christmas Mass, both hosting mass at 11:00 p.m., accompanied by uplifting music. San Miniato al Monte also offers a Midnight Mass featuring Gregorian chant on December 24.

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble/tile flooring, and mostly level urban stone sidewalks. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Buon Natale! We will have free time this morning for those who wish to attend a Christmas service at a local church. We'll walk from our hotel to the small district north of Santa Croce, which is home to Florence's Jewish community.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will begin visiting the Great Synagogue of Florence, where a knowledgeable docent will direct us through the synagogue and museum. During our visit, we'll delve into the rich history of Florence’s Jewish community, exploring its cultural significance and contributions to the city's vibrant tapestry. Florence’s Jewish community has a long and storied history dating back to Roman times. Jews settled in Florence as early as the 1st century BCE, engaging in various trades and contributing to the city's cultural and economic life. During the Middle Ages, Florence became a hub for Jewish scholarship and commerce, with the community flourishing under the patronage of the powerful Medici family. However, periods of prosperity were often marred by persecution and discrimination. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community persevered, leaving a lasting imprint on Florence’s identity. Today, the community thrives, preserving its heritage while actively contributing to the city's cultural mosaic. We will gather in the hotel meeting room for an engaging lecture by our Group Leader as we delve into Italy’s rich tapestry of holiday traditions. From festive customs rooted in centuries-old traditions to modern-day celebrations infused with cultural significance, we’ll explore the diverse array of practices observed across the country during the holiday season.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles total throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble/tile flooring, and mostly level urban stone sidewalks and streets. Elevator available at the Uffizi. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: 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. 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. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.

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. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble/tile flooring, and mostly level urban stone sidewalks. Sculptures at the Accademia are on the ground floor; elevator available to the paintings on the first floor. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will walk to the Accademia for an expert-led visit to one of the most famous statues in the world, Michelangelo's David. The David stands as an enduring masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture and one of the world's most iconic works of art. Housed within the Galleria dell'Accademia, this awe-inspiring statue mesmerizes visitors with its exceptional craftsmanship and powerful depiction of the biblical figure. Carved by Michelangelo from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504, David stands tall at over 17 feet and captivates viewers with its remarkable level of detail and lifelike representation. From the intricate musculature to the intense gaze and the poised stance, David embodies the physical and spiritual strength that epitomized the Renaissance era. Beyond the David, we can explore an impressive collection of Renaissance artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments. The museum also houses Michelangelo's unfinished sculptures, known as the Prisoners, which provide valuable insights into the artist's creative process. It has been suggested that Michelangelo left them in their incomplete state to symbolize the struggle of humankind to free the spirit from matter. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local fare.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel. For those with early departures, the hotel will prepare a bag breakfast to take. This concludes our program.

Morning: 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!