Traveling by train, you will spend a day in Florence, best known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. In the morning you will take a walking tour of the city which will include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Church of Santa Croce followed by a light lunch. Then, in the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of the famous Uffizi Museum, whose collection includes some of the most universally acclaimed Renaissance masterpieces of all time.
Count Orlando of Chiusi gave La Verna to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1213 as a retreat especially favorable for contemplation. In 1224, Francis withdrew to La Verna and while praying on the mountain-side he received stigmata. You will hike through this peaceful land, untouched for centuries. There is something for everyone hiding in the Casentino. Lunch included.
You’ll travel to Rome by train for an overnight excursion. Enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Following this, you will take a private walking tour of Rome including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navana. Then, wake up early the next morning for a tour of ancient Rome including the Roman Forum, the Coliseum, the Campidoglio, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
Cortona, the filming location for Under the Tuscan Sun, is surrounded by Etruscan walls that date back to the fifth century BC. You will see the famed Etruscan lamp, a bronze piece dating back to the fourth century BC, at the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca which also houses Greek, Roman and Egyptian archaeological finds. You will also visit the Diocesan Museum, one of the most important museums in Tuscany, which houses masterpieces of Renaissance art.
With a local guide, you will stroll along the same streets your saw in the movie Life is Beautiful, while viewing La Pieve, the Cathedral, the Prato, Petrarch’s house and Piazza Grande. Also not to be missed will be the house of Giorgio Vasari and the famous San Francesco church, which houses the fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca. Lunch included.
