DREAMING OF ITALY?
ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOURS
ITALY WITH FRIENDS FALL
HEART OF ITALY ADVENTURE
September 17-29, 2013
- Spend 4 days in Rome, the Eternal City, with a visit to Vatican City.
- Walk the ancient streets of Pompeii.
- Visit Renaissance Florence.
- See famous works of art and architecture.
- Experience history come alive all around you.
- Savor Delicious Italian Cuisine.
- Relax on the Italian Riviera.
- Learn the Art of wine tasting.
- Stroll through Tuscan hill-top villages.
JOIN US FOR OUR DAY TO DAY ADVENTURES ON THE ITALY WITH FRIENDS BLOG.
**( Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice. Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip )
Day 0 - Depart USA - Monday, September 16, 2013
Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive in Rome early enough to check into your hotel and be ready to meet with the group for sightseeing at 3:00PM.
Day 1 - Arrival Day - Benvenuto! - Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Rome and meet at 3:00PM for welcome and orientation in the hotel lobby before we begin our sightseeing. Our hotel is located right in the middle of the historical district. In fact, it is located right behind the Pantheon. The Pantheon is the only building in Rome that has been continuously in use since its construction in 27BC. Also located beside our hotel is the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Here you will find Rome's only Gothic cathedral with a sculpture by Michelangelo inside.
Next we will walk over to Piazza Navona with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. From here we will pass several important government buildings in Italy such as their Parliament building and headquarters of the Prime Minister. There will also be time for a gelato stop at one of Rome's best gelaterias. You must start enjoying gelato as soon as you can and eat as much as you can. It is truly one of Italy's most delicious indulgences.
We will cross Via del Corso, one of the most important streets in Rome. Every evening the locals take over this street and the traffic almost stops. The Italians practice what is known as the "passeggiata", or evening stroll. From here we will follow the crowds to one of the most popular spots in Rome, the Trevi Fountain. Almost any time of the day you will find this place very crowded with tourists and locals alike. You will have to toss that coin in the fountain for good luck and to insure your return to Rome.
We will then enjoy a welcome dinner in a typical Roman trattoria. We will toast the start of our Italian adventure with a glass of sparking Prosecco. Salute! (D) Light
Day 2 - The Wonders of Ancient Rome - Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Today will be a full day of sightseeing starting with a walking tour of Ancient Rome's most important sights. There will be time to learn of the origins of Rome as we visit the Campidoglio which sits on the Capitoline Hill. The Colosseum is one of the most impressive sights in the entire city of Rome. We will visit inside where you will have access to a private viewing of the newly opened underground chambers, arena and upper level. We will then walk among the ruins of the Roman Forum, the political and religious center of ancient Rome. We will enjoy lunch together in a restaurant overlooking the Colosseum.
Afterwards you will have some free time to continue your ancient history lesson with a visit to Palatine Hill or other spots in Rome. You will have the evening free to enjoy as you like. (B) (L) Very Strenuous
Day 3 - The Treasures of Vatican City - Thursday, September 19, 2013
Our first stop today will be at Campo de Fiore with its lively market. We then continue our walk crossing the Tiber river on the Ponte Sant' Angelo with its beautiful statues of angels by Bernini. This bridge leads to the Castel Sant'Angelo, built as a tomb for the Emperor Hadrian.
From here we will cross into Vatican City, a tiny independent country. We will spend a big part of our day visiting the Vatican Museum with its famous Sistine Chapel followed by a visit inside St. Peter's Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom. There will be time for lunch at an outdoor cafe where you can watch everyday Roman life passing you by.
Afterwards we will ride the metro to another famous landmark, the Spanish Steps. The street that stretches away from the steps is a shopper's dream. Via Condotti is lined with all of the famous designer shops and is great for window shopping. You will have some free time for shopping. We will meet later in the evening for an "al fresco antipasti" dinner to top off our Roman adventure. (B) (D) Strenuous
Day 4 - Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Discovery- Friday, September 20, 2013
This morning you will head south of Rome towards the city of Neopolis or Naples. After a brief drive through Naples where you will be "wowed" with your first sight of Mount Vesuvius**, you will head to the ancient city of Pompeii. This thriving Roman city was stopped in it tracks by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Today it provides one of the best looks anywhere of what Roman life must have been like over 2000 years ago. You will have the opportunity to explore the well preserved ruins with the still smoldering Mt. Vesuvius looming in the background. There will also be time for a group lunch. You will return to Rome and have the evening free. (B) (L) Strenuous **There is also the opportunity for you to actually climb Mt. Vesuvius on this day trip to Pompeii that can be planned later at an additional cost.
Day 5 - Tuscany Awaits! - Saturday, September 21, 2013
We will leave the bustling city of Rome this morning and travel into the peaceful countryside of Tuscany. Our first stop in Tuscany will be in the high hilltown of Montepulciano. This summer retreat for the rich and famous of Florence is known for its many palazzos and its breathtaking views. It is also famous for the Nobile de Montepulciano, a robust red wine. You will have to do some uphill climbing to reach the Piazza Grande, but the views will be worth it, especially if you climb the steep steps of the City Hall.
You can visit the Contucci Enoteca for a taste of the delicious Nobile de Montepulciano. Tuscany is famous for many delicious wines and you will have many opportunities to savor this nectar of the Gods. There will be time for shopping and lunch before we head to Pienza, our next stop of the day.
Pienza is one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany. It is the perfect Renaissance town due to a complete renovation, with Vatican clout and money, by the hometown boy who became Pope Pius II. He completely rebuilt his hometown of Corsignano and renamed it Pienza. You will enjoy its quaint streets and shops selling the local Pecorino cheese. (This cheese is made from sheep's milk. You will see the flocks of sheep throughout this area.) Pienza is in the middle of one of the most beautiful regions of Tuscany, the Val d' Orcia. Here you will see many of the most famous scenes found on postcards and calendars.
Our final stop of the day will be at Fattoria San Donato, a working farm that produces olive oil and a delicious white wine called Vernaccia. This is one of the few white wines produced in Tuscany. It is a fruity white that was said to be a favorite of Michelangelo.
We are only a few miles from our overnight destination and one of Tuscany's most popular towns, San Gimignano, the City of Towers. (Also known as the 'Medieval Manhattan') We will check into our hotel which is located right in the middle of town on the Piazza Cisterna. There will be time for a short walking tour of this magical village. We will visit the ruins of the 14th century fortress which is now a peaceful hilltop park and olive grove. There is a small tower that has great views of the San Gimignano skyline and a 360 degree view of the Tuscan countryside. We will then meet for our dinner with a view from the excellent restaurant, La Terrazza. (B) (D) Strenuous
Day 6 - Magical San Gimignano - Sunday, September 22, 2013
San Gimignano seems to be a favorite stop on the tour. You will have the day to enjoy this remarkable village. You may want to climb the Torre Grande, the highest tower in San Gimignano that affords expansive views over the surrounding countryside. There are several Torture Museums in town. Beware, there are some of the best artisan shops right down the street. This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8th Century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, alabaster, olive wood items, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area. There are some wonderful walking trails around and I know of a spot where you can rent bikes if you would like. You might wish to visit "San Gimignano 1300". This is a trip back in time that features a scale model of San Gimignano at the turn of the 14th century. You can see the 72 original tower houses, peek into cross-sections of buildings, and view scenes of medieval life within the city walls.
Also, do not miss the award winning gelato shop located right across from our hotel for a little taste of gelato heaven. Throngs of tourists come in and out of San Gimignano each day and it is especially nice to be able to enjoy it after the crowds have gone. After your day of fun and relaxtion, we will meet for dinner together under the stars of San Gimignano. (B) (D) Light to Moderate
Day 7 - Treasures of Tuscany - Monday, September 23, 2013
We will leave lovely San Gimignano this morning. Today we will start our sightseeing with an excursion into Siena. This popular Tuscan city has a medieval character that has survived to an amazing extent. Siena's heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo or Il Campo. This is one of Italy's most famous and most beautiful squares. The Palio, a renowned horse race takes place twice a year right here. It is hard to imagine horses racing bareback frantically around for about 90 seconds in this area. This a great place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of the Fountain of Joy and admire the City Tower standing proudly over all of Siena.
There will be time to enjoy a tour of Siena's most important sights. First stop will be the massive Duomo, one of the most ornate in Italy. The inside of the Duomo is as ornate as the outside with its famous marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some stunning frescos that depict the life of Pope Pius II. The frescos are just as vibrant as the day they were finished over 550 years ago. We will then enter the Museo dell'Opera e Panorama (Duomo Museum) to enjoy some of Siena's most priceless works of art. The museum's high point however, is the expansive views of the church and city that you are afforded from its panoramic landing on the top floor. It does require some climbing up a steep, winding staircase, but you will be rewarded for your efforts.
We will then make a stop in the tiny village of Monteriggioni. This walled village will take your breath away at first sight, nestled on the top of a small hill, with 14 towers still standing in a perfectly preserved circle. It is such a gem, that it is hard to believe it is not a creation by Disney.
We will head deep into the Chianti region of Tuscany, famous for its own red wines. Our overnight destination of Castellina is right in the middle of this beautiful region filled with forests and perfectly manicured vineyards and olive groves. A lovely old Palazzo that is now a 3-star hotel will be our home for the next two nights. Castellina was also an important settlement of the Etruscans, an ancient people for which Tuscany is named. After some time to relax we will meet for dinner in the local pizzeria right across the street for the opportunity to taste the delicious brick-oven style pizza that is so famous throughout Tuscany. YUM! (B) (D) Strenuous
Day 8 - Chianti and Castello Verrazzano - Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Take the morning to explore this quaint village and do not miss a walk through the Via delle Volte. This covered passageway runs underneath the regular street level. There is a very good Etruscan museum inside the old Castello Castellina. There are also some Etruscan tombs that you can visit.
No trip to Chianti, or Tuscany for that matter, would be complete without a visit to a local winery. We will visit one of the oldest in the region, the 11th century Castello Verrazzano. You may recognize the name Verrazzano as the captain who discovered New York harbor in 1542. The Verrazzano Narrows bridge is named after him. His family's hilltop estate and winery are just spectacular. You will enjoy a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars followed by a feast of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of wine tasting in this relaxed and amusing setting.
We will return to Castellina where you will have the evening free. You might want to enjoy the hotel's spa or the lovely terrace. This is the perfect place to relax with a glass of local Chianti. (B) (L) Light
Day 9 - The Fabulous Italian Riviera - Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Our first stop today will be at the American Military Cemetery located just outside of Florence. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses recalls the heroism of the young Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. The 1940's may seem very long ago, but during WWII this area was terribly ravaged by the fighting. I feel it is an honor and our duty to take time to pay our respects to these brave soldiers.
We will then leave Tuscany for now and travel to another one of Italy's most beautiful and relaxing spots, the Italian Riviera. The seaside village of Sestri Levante will be our home for the next two nights. The hotel Vis a'Vis enjoys a stunning, panoramic view of the blue-green Mediterranean. You will love the comfort and elegance of this hotel, but the exceptional view will be what makes you never want to leave. You will have access to a relaxing pool and fitness center with a Sauna and massage room. Sestri Levante is a typical European resort town and you will find many shops and restaurants to enjoy. You will enjoy strolling along the beach and just exploring the town. You will have time to settle in before we meet on the hotel terrace to experience that magnificent view. Then we will take a little excursion to visit Portofino, the playground of the rich and famous. After returning to Sestri Levante, we will meet again for dinner at the lovely hotel restaurant where you will enjoy a delicious meal with impeccable service.
Later, do not miss the chance to enjoy the evening breeze and views from the hotel terrace bar. They make a delicious Mojito that you will not soon forget. Salute! (B) (D) Light
Day 10 - La Dolce Far Niente (The sweetness of doing nothing) - Thursday, September 26, 2013
Today you will have the entire day for your own pursuits. Consider this your "vacation within a vacation". You can stay in Sestri Levante and enjoy all of the amenities of the Vis a' Vis hotel or visit one of the private beaches in town. You can take a boat ride to Portofino, the playground of the rich and famous. You could even visit Genoa, about an hour train ride away. I can help you with any plans that you would like to make.
One of the most popular day trips in the region is the Cinque Terre , a string of five path-connected villages along the Mediterranean sea. The tiny fishing villages cling to the seaside cliffs overlooking the breaking waters below. These villages are full of simple charm and natural beauty. Each has a personality of its own as well. You can visit all five villages by train, boat or by hiking the paths. The easy path between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola is called the Via dell' Amore. Vernazza, is known as the jewel of the Cinque Terre. Corniglia sits high on the cliff and has magnificient views. Monterosso al Mare has a wonderful beach that you can enjoy.
Also, do not forget that dining in Italy is one of life's great pleasures. It takes on a whole new meaning here along the coast. Do not miss the opportunity to savor the excellent food and wine from this region. The restaurants offer some of the best seafood you will ever taste. Fishing has been the lifeblood of the area residents for centuries. You can count on enjoying a good seafood dinner every night in this area with seafood fresh off the boat. Pesto is also a local product and is used on many dishes and is delicous. The focacia bread is another local delicacy. There are also some very good wines made here along the coast. All of these products are available at little shops throughout the area. (B) Light to Strenuous, your choice.
Day 11 - Florence/Firenze - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance - Friday, September 27, 2013
We will leave our little vacation hide away today and head back to Tuscany. Our first stop today will be to visit one of Italy's most famous sights, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pisa sits near the coast on the Arno River. The Field of Miracles complex includes the leaning bell tower, a beautiful cathedral and a very interesting cemetery. You will have time to enjoy everything.
We will then jump right into the frenzy of Firenze with a guided tour of the main sights including the Duomo, Baptistery, with its famous bronze doors, followed by a walk through the medieval streets of Florence. You will pass Piazza Republica (Ancient Roman forum) , leather markets, the sculpture studded Piazza Signoria and end at the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio. Florence is known as an outdoor museum and you will have time to enjoy all the sculpture, art, and architecture that surrounds you. We will enjoy lunch together along the way. You will then have the evening free to enjoy "la dolce vita" the Florentine way. (B) (L) Light to Moderate.
Day 12 - A Wonderful Day in Florence - Saturday, September 28, 2013
This morning we start our day with a visit to Florence's Central Market. This is one of the main food markets in Florence and you will enjoy strolling its lanes filled with everything to put you in "foodie" heaven. Next door you will find the San Lorenzo Market selling an array of itmes. Both markets are great places to find those last minute souvenirs. We will also take a short bus ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence.
Afterwards, you will have time for your own pursuits. Shopping abounds in Florence where you will find many of the famous designer shops. There are several leather markets and the Ponte Vecchio is known for its many gold and silver shops. My favorite chocolate shop is Rivoire located right on Piazza Signoria. You can find delicious treats and some unusual gifts. You may wish to visit one of the many fine museums. Seeing Michelangelo's David is truly a moving experience. There are also several other art filled churches to visit as well.
We will meet later for our farewell dinner at a wonderful local trattoria in the Oltrarno. We will then make one last stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to gaze at the Arno and to enjoy a final look at Bella Firenze. (B) (D) Light
Day 13 - Arrivederci Italia! - Sunday, September 29, 2013
Parting will be such sweet sorrow, especially from our heavenly location. I know you will take along wonderful memories of time spent experiencing the "Heart of Italy" with new friends. Ciao! (B)
(Included meals are designated each day with (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.)
Note on Physical Activity
You must be in very good physical condition to sign-up for this trip. This is not a "walking or hiking" tour, but there will be plenty of walking, some uphill and most on uneven cobblestones. You will need to be on your feet for extended periods of time. (Especially in museums and in Rome.) I am NOT exaggerating about this! There are many steps throughout the trip that you will have to climb. A hilltown really means a hilltown! You will also have to handle your own luggage most of the time. Many hotels do not have elevators. If for some reason you are unable to take part in all scheduled activities, you can usually stay at the hotel and relax. I will be glad to work with you on possible alternative activities if they are possible, but cannot guarantee it and you will not be compensated for this time on your own. Also, if you decide to take public transportation to or from a sight or restaurant that I usually walk to, it will be at your own expense. Please make sure that you do understand these requirements fully before you consider signing up for one of my tours. I will plan time for you to relax, but have found that most people want to see as much as possible while in Italy. Most towns are made for walking and this is how we get around. Don't worry, I bring plenty of ibuprofen along.
ACTIVITY AND WALKING KEY:
- LIGHT = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking (some cobblestones) throughout the day.
- MODERATE = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- STRENUOUS = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, or uneven terrain.
VENICE OPTION:
Why not add Venice after the Heart of Italy tour? Venice is an easy 2 hour train ride from Florence. It can be seen as a day trip, or why not spend a few nights in this floating city. I will be glad to help you with those arrangements.
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for a Printable Copy of the day to day Itinerary
Reservations, Deposits and Payments:
A $500.00 non-refundable deposit will hold your place on the tour. Remember the tours are limited in size. Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal. (5% fee if using PayPal) If you are a Bank Of America customer, then you could also do a direct bank transfer to me. I can get you that information if you are interested. Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure.
Contact me for information on paying with PayPal or Bank Transfer.
