FLORENCE, VENICE, THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

 TUSCANY & THE CHIANTI COUNTRYSIDE

$1,399 Land package

  (Based on double occupancy)

September 28th, October 5th, 2010

Day one: Today is a travel day.  See you on the other side of the Atlantic.

Day two: Arrive in Florence, our home base for the rest of the tour. So unpack your suitcase, make yourself at home, because this is HOME for the length of our vacation. Get together at 5 p.m. for our evening discovery of Florence.  Our local historian will give you a solid overview of this charming city: Piazza Del Duomo, Santa Croce, The Uffizzi, The Palazzo Vecchio and so much more.

Day three: Day trip to Siena.  We’ll walk through its XIIIth century streets with Christina, our guide, seeing its palaces, churches & squares.  You will learn about Siena’s past based on banking, the influence of the clans even today, and the big Palio race that takes place in the heart of town every year. You will fall in love with Siena.

Day four: Today we’ll roam through the Tuscan countryside past olive groves, vineyards, and sleepy villages.  Visit of San Gimignano, another enchanted destination.  Take the time to linger, indulge in their delicious gelato, look for photo opportunities, explore at your own pace.

Day five:  Free day in Florence.  This is your chance to visit museums and enjoy the architecture of this delightful city.  Its Renaissance style buildings will charm you, over and over.

Day six:  Rise and shine…Today we’re taking the train to Venice, the sinking city.  A boat ride through the Grand Canal is a must, then enjoy free time in this timeless city.

Day seven:  Another fun escapade has been planned for today: we’ll head to the Italian Riviera and visit seaside villages of Cinque Terre. Put on your walking shoes, bring an extra water bottle and be amazed as we follow the path along the Mediterranean…We’ll walk through olive groves, vineyards, and at times through treacherous terrain, but the views will be worth the effort.  Turquoise sea, fragrant surroundings, and colorful fishing villages. This will be a day to remember.

Day eight: Mingle with the locals and attend the early morning markets before we head to the airport, if time allows.  Otherwise enjoy your last café in the breakfast room, and bid your newfound friends goodbye. See you soon on another adventure abroad!

Self guided extensions possible…

Your tour includes:

• Hotel with breakfast
• All advertised day trips
• Tour escort 24/7
• Services of local historians for our walking tours