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October 1-9, 2008
(9 days)
From approx. $2,295 pp/do,
plus airfare and taxes |
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 Tuscany
is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, magnificent
Renaissance art and architecture, superb cuisine, and charming
people. Its historic hilltop towns and ancient ramparts encircle
colorful piazzas, elegant Etruscan fountains, stately palazzi, and
bustling cafés. The charming Etruscan village of Cortona serves as
your base while you travel through the surrounding Tuscan hill
country. In Umbria, explore Assisi, home to the exquisite Basilica
of San Francesco d’Assisi and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli
Angeli. In the ancient Etruscan city-state of Perugia, you’ll visit
the Fontana Maggiore, or main fountain, in the Piazza IV Novembre,
and the Prior’s Palace, home of the National Gallery of Umbria.
 Then,
journey to tiny Montepulciano located in the heart of Chianti
country. You’ll discover Cortona’s 14th-century Praetorian Palace,
where the Museum of the Etruscan Academy will astound you with its
impressive archaeological finds and ancient artwork. During your
journey through Siena, you’ll navigate narrow cobblestone streets
lined with Gothic buildings, and visit the city’s magnificent
cathedral, Il Duomo, which stands as one of the greatest examples of
Italian Romanesque architecture. Before you leave Siena, be sure to
meander through the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, considered one of
the loveliest town squares in Italy. Finally, embrace the heart of
Tuscany — the cradle of the Renaissance — with a full day in
fabulous Florence. You’ll experience the renowned domed cathedral of
the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, and, did someone say food?
You’ll enjoy a delightful presentation about the fine art of Tuscan
cooking and cuisine, thanks to the skilled staff of the Ristorante
Tonino.
Itinerary/Features:
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