Village Life in Tuscany

Dates: October 4 – 12, 2008

Day 1 - Departure
Depart for Florence, Italy.

Day 2 - Florence and Siena
Arrive in Florence, transfer to the fortified medieval town of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and check into the charming Hotel Chiusarelli, about 300 yards from Piazza del Campo, near the heart of the town. This evening, gather for a welcome reception featuring Tuscany’s famous wines and cheeses, followed by dinner.

Day 3 - Siena
Located in central Tuscany amid rolling hills dotted with Renaissance villas, old farmhouses, and scenic vineyards, the medieval walled town of Siena is built on seven hills. In the town center, narrow cobblestone passages lead to the Piazza del Campo, site of Tuscany’s most famous festival, the Palio horseback race, which has been held here since 1283. During a morning walking tour, discover Siena’s most important landmarks, including the impressive 330-foot Torre del Mangia bell tower, completed in 1348, and the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s medieval Town Hall, with its remarkable collection of frescoes by Siena’s greatest artists. Continue to Siena’s Duomo, a Gothic cathedral known for its splendid inlaid marble floors and the immaculate statues of prophets along the façade sculpted by Giovanni Pisano in the 1290s. Following lunch, meet for coffee and a pastry at Siena’s famous bakery, Ninnini Patisserie. Then, on a special tour, discover Siena’s unique system of neighborhoods, known as contrada. Each contrada is a parish with its own church, symbols and costumes, which enthusiastic citizens don at neighborhood and city festivities like the Palio.

Day 4 - Chianti Excursion & Wine Tasting
Today we will take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of central Tuscany to Chianti, Italy’s prestigious wine-producing region. In the hilltop village of Radda, we will learn about Chianti’s long tradition of wine-making during a special tour. Then, on to Volpaia, a classic medieval fortified hamlet that is now entirely incorporated into the Castello di Volpaia winery. Following a walk through the cellars, we will gather for a lunch of Tuscan specialties and sample local vintages on a specially-arranged wine tasting.

Day 5 - Florence
Spend a full day exploring the architectural and artistic treasures of Florence, center of the Italian Renaissance and home of some of Western Civilization’s greatest artistic masters, including Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto di Bondone, Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Step back into the Age of the Medicis as you view Florence’s most notable landmarks — the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, crowned by Brunelleschi’s soaring dome; the octagonal Baptistry, an architectural jewel; and the Casa di Dante, a restored medieval Florentine tower house. In the Galleria dell’ Accademia, admire Michelangelo’s David, the crowning achievement of Renaissance sculpture. Following lunch in a restaurant, there will be limited free time to enjoy Florence’s famous shops, cafes and endless cultural attractions independently.

Day 6 – San Gimignano
This morning we will journey to San Gimignano, one of the best-preserved and most beautiful medieval towns in Italy. Known as the “City of Beautiful Towers” for its distinctive campanile-lined skyline, San Gimignano was one of the most prosperous towns in the region during the Middle Ages, when it was located on a major pilgrimage route to Rome. We will begin with the Piazza della Cisterna, the town’s central square, lined with medieval towers and named after the well in its center. Next on the agenda is a visit to the Piazza del Duomo and significant monuments such as the Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà with its 166-foot tower, and the Museo Civico, a small but superb museum featuring exquisite Renaissance frescoes, located in the Palazzo de Popolo (Town Hall), where city business has been conducted since the 13th century. After lunch there is some free time to explore San Gimignano’s charming streets, or simply relax and observe the local scene before our return to Siena.

Day 7 - Siena
Enjoy a free day relaxing and exploring individual areas of interest, or take an optional excursion to the ancient walled city of Lucca and Pisa, site of the legendary "Leaning Tower."

Day 8 - Montalcino
Known for its imposing 14th-century Fortezza and its steep and winding alleys, the idyllic hamlet of Montalcino has also long been renowned for its production of the legendary Brunello wine. Today we will tour the Fortezza and see a 14th-century battle standard, which stands as a reminder of Montalcino’s support for Siena during its wars with Florence. To acknowledge the support, flag-bearers from Montalcino still lead the main parade at Siena’s legendary Palio horserace. Next we will continue to the Abbey of Sant’Agostino and attend a special recital of Gregorian chants performed by resident monks. We will then return to Siena for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. This evening, a farewell dinner at the hotel is planned.

Day 9 - Return home
Transfer to Florence for the return flight home.

This itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. An updated itinerary will be sent with final documents.

Back to 2008 destination list