Day 4: Florence
Today we continue our explorations of Florence, including a visit to the Accademia Gallery, where we see Michelangelo's David. This afternoon there is an optional visit
to the famous Uffizi Gallery. Grand Hotel B

Day 5: Florence - Pisa - Lucca - Medici Villa - Florence
This morning we drive to Pisa to visit its famous "Square of Miracles," ringed by four major works of medieval architecture including the Leaning Tower. After lunch we continue to Lucca, beautifully preserved town of lovely streets and old houses, before returning to Florence via Villa di Poggio a Caiano, the region's most important Medici villa. Dinner is in a lively trattoria. Grand Hotel B,L,D

Day 6: Florence - Galluzo - Siena
Today we visit the 14th-century charterhouse of Galluzo, where our tour is led by
one of the Cistercian monks who still occupy the complex. We then drive into the rolling countryside of the Chianti wine region for lunch in a Renaissance castle before continuing to Siena. A walking tour shows us the famous Piazza del Campo, the magnificent frescoes in the Palazzo Pubblico, the great cathedral, Piccolomini Library and Duccio's masterpiece The Virgin Mary in Majesty. This evening we enjoy dinner
in a private residence in the beautiful old town. Park Hotel Siena B,L,D

Day 7: Siena - Monte Oliveto Maggiore - Pienza - Siena
This morning we drive to the great Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, then into the heart of the Tuscan countryside to lunch privately with Marchesa Bichi-Ruspoli in her Renaissance manor. After visiting the small town of Pienza, dinner is à la carte in or out of the hotel. Park Hotel Siena B,L,D

Day 8: Siena - San Gimignano - Castellina in Chianti - Siena
We drive through glorious Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano, where a walking tour of this medieval fortress includes a stop at the cathedral to admire its frescoes. In Castellina in Chianti, we enjoy a private visit to the wine cellars belonging to Prince Ruspoli, a tasting of the wines produced on the estate and a light lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Siena. Park Hotel Siena B,L

Day 9: Siena - Cortona - Torgiano
We drive to the medieval hillside town of Cortona to see Fra Angelico's Annunciation, perhaps the master's finest work, then enjoy lunch in a trattoria. En route to Torgiano, we enjoy a private tasting of the renowned olive oils produced here, then dine privately in the 16th-century Villa Aureli, set in beautiful grounds. Le Tre Vaselle B,L,D

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This morning we visit Assisi, on the slopes of Mount Subasio, where we visit the Basilica of St. Francis and admire the beautiful frescoes (by Giotto, Simone Martini and others) illustrating the saint's life. We then make our way to Perugia, capital of Umbria, with its fine buildings and magnificent museum of Umbrian masters. Returning to Torgiano, we dine à la carte at our hotel. Le Tre Vaselle B,L,D

Day 11: Torgiano - Orvieto - Rome
Take a morning drive to Orvieto, spectacularly perched at the top of a pedestal of volcanic rock. In the Piazza, the great cathedral houses Luca Signorelli's masterpiece fresco, Cycle of the Apocalypse. After lunch and free time to explore, we continue to Rome where farewell drinks and dinner this evening bring our tour to an end. Hotel de Russie B,L,D

Day 12: Rome - USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B
 

OPTIONAL POST-TOUR ROME EXTENSION Day 12: Rome This morning, you set off with a private vehicle and English-speaking guide for a tour of Imperial Rome. Your sightseeing includes the Colosseum and the Forum, which was the center of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome. You then return to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Hotel de Russie B Day 13: Rome This morning meet your private vehicle and English-speaking guide to visit the sumptuous Villa Borghese, and Santa Maria Maggiore, with its lavish decoration. After free time for lunch, visit the Vatican Museum and its famous Sistine Chapel frescoed by Michelangelo, then continue to St. Peter's Church in St. Peter's Square with Michelangelo's poignant Pietà and Bernini's grand Baldaquin. Later, return to your hotel where your evening is at leisure. Hotel de Russie B Day 14: Rome Today travel with your English-speaking guide and vehicle northeast of Rome to the town of Tivoli for a visit of Hadrian's Villa, a vast open-air museum of the finest architecture of the Roman world, built as a private summer residence between AD 118 and 134. Continue to Villa D'Este, famed for its terraced gardens and waterfalls. Returning to Rome, this evening is at leisure. Hotel de Russie B Day 15: Rome - USA or Canada After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B OPTIONAL POST-TOUR ROME EXTENSION: Price Per Person/Double Occupancy $ 2,140 Single Supplement $ 550