Explore Italy’s artistic legacy and rich history through special excursions and exclusive lectures by resident experts. Marvel at the Vatican’s treasures in Rome, immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendor of Florence, and walk the medieval streets of Siena. Experience the Tuscan hilltown of Montepulciano, known for its fine wine and architecture, as well as the unique character and dramatic settings of such Umbrian hilltowns as Perugia, Assisi, and Orvieto. Enjoy regional cuisine and wines, and indulge in the Italian joy of "dolce far niente" (the sweetness of doing nothing).

• Learn about the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel as art historian Paul Tegmeyer offers insight into the artistic achievements of Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, and Raphael. 
• Immerse yourself in the glories of Florence during a lecture featuring Renaissance artists represented in the Uffizi Gallery.
• Join a chef in Florence for a delightful session exploring Tuscan cuisine, from traditional to modern.
• Meet an expert in fresco painting who discusses the history and techniques of this important Italian painting style, and explains the amazing restoration process on the frescoes at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner featuring local delicacies, wine, and captivating Italian music. (D)

Day 3: Rome - Vatican City
The Vatican is renowned for its impressive artistic masterpieces and architecture. During a guided tour marvel at the Vatican’s collections of painting and sculpture, the Sistine Chapel frescoes, and St. Peter’s art and architecture. An afternoon panoramic coach tour of classical Rome highlights the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. (B)

Day 4: Rome - Siena - Montacatini Terme
Travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena, once a rival to Florence. Join a local expert for a walking tour that begins in the shell-shaped Campo, the heart of the city and home to the annual Palio horse race, and concludes with a tour of the richly decorated cathedral, with its distinctively striated campanile and fine sculpture by Pisano. Your day ends in Montecatini Terme, an elegant and historic thermal spa resort town. (B, D)

Day 5: Montecatini Terme - Florence - Montecatini Terme
Experience a day in the magnificent city of Florence. A special walking tour features the cathedral, capped by Brunelleschi’s dome and the symbol of Florence, and the bronze doors designed by Ghiberti at the adjacent Baptistery. Continue past the Piazza della Signoria to the Church of Santa Croce, which houses frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. This afternoon view paintings by Leonardo, Botticelli, Raphael, and others at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. (B)

Day 6: Montecatini Terme at Leisure or Lucca Excursion
Enjoy a day to explore the old town of Montecatini Terme independently or indulge in the Italian joy of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). A half-day optional excursion features the small medieval town of Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, Roman street plan, and piazze full of ambience. This evening enjoy a special presentation on Tuscan cuisine prior to dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 7: Montecatini Terme - Perugia
Travel through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and Umbria to Perugia. During a leisurely, guided walking tour, explore Perugia’s massive Etruscan walls and the Piazza IV Novembre, one of the grandest squares in Italy, surrounded by medieval palaces and cathedrals. (B, D)

Day 8: Perugia - Assisi - Perugia
Learn about the art of fresco painting prior to visiting nearby Assisi, the famous hill town known for its magnificent Basilica of St. Francis. Tour the restored Basilica and admire the delicate colors and forms of Giotto’s and Cimabue’s frescoes. Upon returning to Perugia, the afternoon is unscheduled so that you may relax in a pleasant piazza, discover historic neighborhoods, or visit a museum housing paintings by Umbrian masters. (B)

Day 9: Perugia - Montepulciano - Perugia
Today, explore one of Tuscany’s most enchanting hill towns. Montepulciano, a pearl of the Renaissance, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A guided walking tour features the old town with its fortified gateway and magnificent Renaissance-style palazzi. Outside of town, stop at the exquisite honey-colored church of Madonna di San Biagio, a Renaissance gem and the final masterpiece of Sangallo. Enjoy a tasting of Montepulciano’s famous Vino Nobile at a nearby wine cellar. (B, D)

Day 10: Perugia - Orvieto - Rome
Depart Perugia and stop at the Etruscan hill town of Orvieto, known for its white wine and one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy, housing a stunning fresco cycle by Signorelli. There will be ample time for a leisurely lunch or exploring this town on your own. Later today, arrive at a hotel near the Rome airport and enjoy a festive farewell dinner.
(B, D)

Day 11: Rome - Tour Ends
(B)

Stay another night - Add a 1 night pre-tour stay or post-tour stay in Rome starting at $125 per person, double.

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

11 days, 15 meals
9 Buffet Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Mediterraneo, Rome
Day 4 - 6 - Grand Hotel Bellavista, Montacatini Terme
Day 7 - 9 - Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Day 10 - Sheraton Roma, Rome

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

NOTES:

• Sample air inclusive rate is subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number or routing.
• The dress code for dinner at the Grand Hotel Bellavista in Montecatini Terme requires gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie.
• Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.
• Itinerary featured is for May 2006 - April 2007 departures. The itinerary may vary for other departures. Please confirm at time of reservation.
   

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