September 25-
Day 1: Depart for Venice
Group flight departs from Sacramento this morning for Venice! Reserving your own flight to Italy? Please make sure to depart the USA no later than today in order to arrive in time for our first evening gathering.
September 26-
Day 2: Arrive in Venice
Bursting with baroque cathedrals, outdoor markets, islands and piazzas, Venice is the perfect place for you to begin your musical journey of Italia. Home to Casanova, Vivaldi and Marco Polo, Venice was the single most powerful city state in 13th Century Europe. With an economy equal to that of France it is no wonder Shakespeare located his “merchants” in Venice.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and escorted to your hotel. This evening join your guide, hosts and fellow travelers for a welcome orientation and a Venetian feast fit for Casanova himself. Sleep in Venice
Day 3: A full day to explore the back alleys and islands of Venice
After a morning of exploring the infinite alleyways, the Rialto market & the Piazza San Marco with your local guide, you’re free to take in as many of the 125 islands of Venice as you can. Glass lovers will want to hop a ferry to nearby Murano. Other options include the Doge’s Palace, an exploration of the Basilica San Marco or an ascent of the towering Campanile (bell tower) for a bird’s eye view of the famous Piazza San Marco. This evening enjoy your first of three concerts. Sleep in Venice
Day 4: A full day exploring Venice & an evening concert
Today you’ll be accompanied by a local art historian for an exploration of the Academia museum where works by Titian and Tintoretto await your arrival. Enjoy a free afternoon before meeting your hosts for one of the city’s great traditions… the “giro di ombra” (pub crawl). This is a fun, highly social and mouth-watering way to do as the locals and rub elbows with some of Venice’s more interesting characters. Sample wines of the Veneto region and the local cicchetti, the Venetian version of Spanish tapas. Sleep in Venice
Day 5: Southwest to Florence via Modena for a balsamic vinegar tasting
We depart for Tuscany’s capital city where we'll spend our time strolling through hill towns, relaxing in aromatic vineyards and visiting the top museums of Florence. En route to Florence we drive through one of Italy’s most celebrated provinces for wine and food, Emilia Romagna. Here you’ll taste such delectable specialties as Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham), Parmigiano Reggiano (the King of Italian cheese), Lambrusco Reggiano wines and traditional balsamic vinegar. We visit historic Modena in order to taste the delicious regional specialties and then drive to Florence, the city of the Renaissance, where a rebirth of classical ideas, music, art and architecture yielded stunning results. Arrive in the late afternoon just in time to enjoy a group dinner in the city center. Sleep in Florence
Day 6: Renaissance treasure and an evening concert
Our day begins with a fascinating tour of the Uffizi Art Gallery. This world-renowned museum is a mecca for lovers of Italian painting. Together, we stroll through galleries containing spectacular works by Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli. The midday is yours to explore this art-filled Renaissance city at your own leisurely pace. You may wish to take in the bustling San Lorenzo market. In the late afternoon we rendezvous to tour the Academia museum where you’ll discover why Michelangelo’s colossal statue of David made him the most sought after artist of his day. Sleep in Florence
Day 7: A day of discovery in Florence and an evening concert
Enjoy a morning tour of the Bargello museum, which houses the greatest collection of Renaissance sculpture in Europe. Rooms are filled with works by Donatello, Cellini, Ghiberti and Verrocchio. We then take in the church of Santa Croce which is the final resting place for many Renaissance masters. Tonight enjoy your second of three concerts. Sleep in Florence
Day 8: South to our villa home via Siena & a fruitful morning in Chianti
Our day begins with a stunning country drive through the region of Chianti. We visit the wine estate of Vignamaggio, birthplace of Leonardo’s most famous subject: Mona Lisa. After sampling some of Chianti’s finest wines we set out to explore Siena.
Once home to Saint Catherine (the patron saint of Italy), Siena recognizes its medieval roots by celebrating the Palio, Italy’s most prestigious horse race, held annually in July and August. Our tour begins with a walk through the famous Campo and will continue to Siena’s glorious gothic cathedral. We’ll end our drive at our beautiful villa in the Umbrian countryside. Sleep in Umbria
Day 9: A day excursion to Assisi
We rise and make an early morning pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Francis. Upon arrival in Assisi, a monk will escort us through centuries of Franciscan art and history. The nearly restored church of Saint Francis is the religious and artistic center of the Franciscan order. Afternoon free in Assisi. Sleep in Umbria
Day 10: South to Rome via Orvieto
Eight centuries before Christ, the Etruscans settled the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Perched upon these natural rocky fortresses, Italy’s first cities were founded. Appropriately, the Romans called these people Etrusci or “those who live on hills”.
Our day begins with a tour of the town center of Orvieto. After, enjoy a multi-course lunch with a family in their 3,000 year old Etruscan cave.
Leaving Orvieto this afternoon, we stop on the road to see an Etruscan tomb. Then true to the adage “all roads lead to Rome,” our journey brings us to the capital. If you love ancient history, colorful markets and world class museums, you will surely fall in love with Rome. Bursting with ancient ruins, baroque masterpieces, renaissance treasures and the infinite hum of Vespas, the Eternal City is chaos perfected. Tonight dine in the lively Trastevere district. Sleep in Rome
Day 11: A morning with Raphael and Michelangelo at the Vatican
Our day begins with a visit to the Vatican Museum, where we'll stroll through rooms full of works by Michelangelo and Raphael. After our visit to the stunning Sistine Chapel, we'll make our way to Saint Peter's square for a tour of the basilica. Sleep in Rome
Day 12: Ancient Rome and an evening concert
Your guide will escort you through centuries of Roman history. Your morning expedition will include a walking tour of the Roman Forum & Coliseum, as well as a visit to the church of St. Peter in Chains, famous for Michelangelo’s powerful statue of Moses. Tonight our adventure ends with an evening tour of Rome followed by a final farewell concert unequalled even in the time of Caesar. Sleep in Rome
October 7
Day 13: Return to the USA or…
Today, depart for the USA. An airport transfer is included for those departing on the group flight.
Buon Viaggio
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