Friday, September 11

Arrival in Florence.  A very special tour by our Florence expert, Lisa Mastropiero.  A visit to the little-known but significant Cenancola (Last Supper) of Sant’Apollonia.  After dinner, we’ll explore the serene streets of Florence at night and let you in on our secret gelato spot.  Hotel:  Guelfo Bianco

Saturday, September 12

A full day visiting some of the most charming Tuscan hill towns.   Monterrigioni and Castellina are on the itinerary.   We’ll finish up in Siena for dinner.  Private tour. Hotel:  Guelfo Bianco

Sunday, September 13

A day to be talked about for years to come.  We’ll start off with a private tour of a mosaic artisan studio followed by a walk through the Vasari corridor.  Another visit to one of the last metal artisans of Florence.  That evening, at your option, take a cooking class and prepare a 4-course dinner under the instruction of some of the top regional chefs.  Hotel:  Guelfo Bianco

Monday, September 14

We’ll help you plan a day on your own.  Perhaps it will be a train to Lucca or Pisa.   A walk to Fiesole or Piazza St. Michelangelo may be in the plan.  Hotel:  Guelfo Bianco

Tuesday, September 15

Take some free time in the morning before we depart on a luxury high-speed train to Padua.  After check-in we’ll go to a true treasure of Italy, the Scrovegni Chapel.  Hotel:  Belludi 37.

Wednesday, September 16

In the morning we have a guided tour of Padua to include the local markets, the Jewish Ghetto, Duomo, Basilica of St. Anthony and the Café Pedrocchi.  Later in the afternoon we will have an appointment at the Palazzo Bo to visit the University of Padua.  Historically, it is one of the most significant universities in the world.   During the tour of the university we’ll see the anatomical theater where human dissections were done in secret, hidden from the Church.  We’ll see the podium where Galileo lectured.  Hotel:  Belludi 37.

Thursday, September 17

In the morning we hop on the train for the 40 minute trip to Vicenza.  It is the home of Andrea Palladio, the most influential and most copied architect in the western world.  After a guided tour of the city to view some of the most famous of Palladio’s works, we will visit the stunning Teatro Olimpico.   Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Vicenza’s famous “self-serve” restaurants.

Upon return, travelers will be anxious to go out on their own to visit many of the other wonders of Padua such as the botanical gardens, Duomo, Palazzo de Ragione, and Basilica of Saint Anthony.  Hotel:  Belludi 37.

Friday, September 18

The 75-minute train ride through the countryside of Italy brings us to the Roman city of Verona.  An expertly guided walking exploration of this ancient city introduces us to Shakespeare’s city.  We will visit the Roman amphitheatre, Juliet’s house and balcony, and the Piazza Bra.  This is a wonderful walking city full of markets, shopping, interesting churches and Roman ruins.  Hotel:  Belludi 37.

Saturday, September 19

Lake Garda is the largest lake in all of Italy.  It is overshadowed by Lake Como in popularity, but not in beauty.   Sitting below majestic mountains, we’ll cruise the crystal clear lake and visit the lakeside town of Sirmione.  This may be the highlight of the tour.  Hotel:  Belludi 37.

Sunday, September 20

It’s getaway day.  Enjoy breakfast at our luxurious hotel.  Take a final stroll through one of the four squares in Padua.   Then it is off to your next destination.