Bella Toscana

Ah, beautiful Tuscany. While my heart truly belongs in Lazio (namely in Roma), Tuscany is such an amazingly enchanting region of Italy. When you visit there with me, you'll see why there are so many books, fables, and fairy tales which originate from this location. And you'll see why cities fought so eagerly for the vintages which thrive there . . .

Wednesday March 14, 2012

ROME

7 - 9 AM Buffet Breakfast at Hotel

9 AM Private Bus Transfer: Rome - Orvieto (about a 1.5 or 2 hour bus ride)

ORVIETO

11 AM Stop in Orvieto for visiting and Lunch (on your own)

Orvieto is such a charming little town. Of course, their Duomo (with the candy cane designs) is a must-see, but, for my history buffs, it offers some amazing Etruscan sites and collections in the museums.

For a taste, Rick Steeves offers a nice little description: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/01orvieto.htm

14:00 Private Bus Transfer: Orvieto-Siena (2 - 2:15 hours)

SIENA

Tentative Hotel: Sangallo Park http://www.sangalloparkhotel.it/en/

17:00 - Depart hotel for a walking tour of Siena with Hudec. Private bus for transfer. Entrance to Duomo. View Piazza del Campo, San Domenico, Home of St. Catherine, etc.. Passegiata, anyone?

20:00 - Dinner at Local Restaurant: four course meal, including water/soda.

After dinner: Stroll through Siena. Return to bus for private transfer to hotel.

Thursday March 15, 2012

SIENA

Tentative Hotel: Sangallo Park http://www.sangalloparkhotel.it/en/

7:00 -Breakfast Buffet at hotel

9:00 - Private Bus Transfer: Siena - Florence (1.5 hours)

FLORENCE

10 - 13:00 Guide for half-day sightseeing tour of Florence. Included entrance to Uffizi Gallery (reserved in advance).

Lunch at Local Restaurant (included meal): three course typical meal.

Afternoon: time on your own in Florence (go to see the David at the Accademia! Shop for leather or gold in the markets! Climb the Bell Tower at the Duomo! Visit the Medici Chapels or Dante's house! Or, if you're a view seeker, head up to the Piazzale Michaelangelo or to the Boboli Gardens.

OR

OPTIONAL TOUR - Excursion to Pisa: $45 minimum for 20 passengers - If you're interested in traveling out to Pisa to see the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), which includes the Duomo and the infamous tower, this option is for you!

17:00 Private Bus Transfer: Florence - Siena (1.5 hours)

Dinner in Siena - on your own! (I'll have several recommendations when we go on our walking tour the day before, or you can always research your own, as well! If you do, please share!!!)

Next up: Assisi!!!!