Trip Summary
Experience the true essence of enchanting Florence during a quieter time of year on this delightful, seven-night journey. Simply unpack once at your deluxe hotel and savor la dolce vita! Stroll through the city’s romantic piazzas and intimate streets, a veritable outdoor museum of Renaissance glories, and appreciate Michelangelo’s David and the Uffizi’s incomparable art. Admire the striking Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, topped by Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome, and cross the Arno River by way of the famed Ponte Vecchio. At one of the city’s oldest cafés, delve into the social rituals behind Italy’s passion for coffee. You’ll also set off to take in the medieval splendor of Tuscan hill towns San Gimignano, Colle di Val d’Elsa and Siena. Sip Italy’s renowned Chianti wine in the breathtaking countryside, plus watch and learn as a local chef whips up an authentic Tuscan lunch. On this small-group experience, enjoy enrichment from expert guides and lecturers as well as a generous meal plan with wine at dinner.
Event Itinerary
Day 1: Depart gateway city
Day 2: Arrive in Florence, Italy
Day 3: Florence
- Take a guided walking tour of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance
- See the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery’s famed Gates of Paradise
- Explore Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio
- Cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River
Day 4: San Gimignano | Chianti
- Explore UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of San Gimignano and its famous medieval towers
- Visit Piazza della Cisterna and the Romanesque cathedral
- Enjoy a Tuscan cooking demonstration
- Travel through the scenic Chianti wine region and visit a historic winery for a tasting
Day 5: Florence
- Visit the renowned Galleria dell'Accademia
- See David, Michelangelo’s iconic masterpiece
- Learn about Italy’s coffee and café culture at one of Florence’s oldest cafés
- Attend a lecture on Renaissance art
Day 6: Florence
- Tour the world-famous Uffizi Gallery
- Explore masterpieces spanning the Gothic, Renaissance, and Mannerist periods
- Gain insight into contemporary Italy and life in Florence
Day 7: Colle di Val d’Elsa | Siena
- Visit Colle di Val d’Elsa, known for its centuries-old crystal-making tradition
- Tour a crystal workshop and learn about local craftsmanship
- Explore Siena’s medieval center, including Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia
- Visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral
Day 8: Florence
- Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Florence’s artistic and architectural treasures
- Optional highlights include the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
- Visit notable churches including Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, and the Medici Chapels
- Celebrate the journey with a farewell gathering
Day 9: Depart Florence for gateway city
Meet Your Faculty Expert
Jane Carroll
Jane Carroll is senior lecturer in art history at Dartmouth, specializing in the art of Northern Europe from late medieval times to the Early Modern period. She has researched and written on Dutch and German art, focusing on how artworks argue for selected religious ideology, both during the reform of the religious orders and during the Reformation. Her other interests include early prints, and the role of women in the arts especially during the Middle Ages. Recently she has expanded her research to explore depictions of marriage.