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Walking Key
Light = Two to four miles of mostly level walking.
Moderate = Four to six miles and/or up and down hills and/or some stairs.
Strenuous = Six to ten miles, lots of stairs, uneven terrain.
Best of Florence in 7 Days
$1,795 + air • 22-26 people • Begins and ends in Florence
Art lovers need Florence like a climber needs a mountaintop. And art here — in the city that pulled Europe out of the dark ages — is much more than statues and paintings. It's also the art of good living and great food.
Art and history become fun — even exhilarating — as you gaze into the eyes of Michelangelo's David, fall under the seductive sway of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb to the top of the world's first cathedral dome.
From pasta to porcini, you'll enjoy some of Italy's best cuisine. And, here in the heart of gelato country, there's no better place to lick a little Italy.
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Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 0: Depart USA
Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.
Day 1: Welcome to Florence
We'll meet in the hotel lobby around 3 p.m. to get acquainted, take an orientation walk through our neighborhood, and plunge into the heart of Florence by visiting Michelangelo's sublime David. Then we'll enjoy an introduction to hearty Tuscan cuisine at a favorite local restaurant. Walking: light.
Day 2: Renaissance Walk
Today we'll tackle the historic riches of Florence as your guide leads you on a Renaissance walk across town. We'll see the magnificent Duomo (cathedral) and Duomo Museum, as well as the Orsanmichele Church. By now it will be clear…you are immersed in the art capital of Europe. Dinner is on your own this evening. Walking: moderate.
Day 3: Uffizi and San Marco Museums
We begin the day touring the Museum of San Marco, the best collection of frescoes and paintings by the early Renaissance master Fra Angelico. Then we'll devote our afternoon to the Uffizi Gallery, home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere. Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: Oltrarno: Back Door Florence
A local scholar will join us this morning to take us across the Arno River to the untouristy, working-class Oltrarno district. We'll go beyond the Renaissance, with a fascinating walk and peek into Roman, medieval, and 19th century Florence (when the city suddenly found itself the capital of a new country called Italy). After a free afternoon, we'll kick off the evening with a wine and cheese tasting. Walking: strenuous.
Day 5: Drive into the Tuscan Countryside
Today is for rural Tuscany, an escape from the city and a chance to commune with this region's quieter side. As we meander through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, we'll find unspoiled villages to stroll, viewpoints to savor, and Chianti wine to sample. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 6: Bargello and Time to Wander
After a morning tour of the Bargello Museum and its collection of breathtaking Renaissance statues, you're free to explore Florence's other sights (and there are plenty), navigate its many tempting shops or go back for more gelato. After a free afternoon we'll celebrate our last night in Tuscany and many new friendships with a farewell dinner in a classic Florentine restaurant. Salute! Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Tour over after breakfast
We'll say our final goodbyes and head for home or on to another exciting destination. Arrivederci, Firenze!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
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A recent alum comments on this tour:
"The 'wow!' moment I was hoping for and that didn't disappoint: At San Marco, seeing Fra Angelico's 'The Annunciation' — one of my favorite images as a Catholic schoolgirl. The 'wow!' moment that snuck up on me: Seeing Michelangelo's 'David' — I had no idea how thrilling it would be to see him in the flesh (as it were). You turn a corner and there he is, confidently posing on a pedestal across the room. I broke into a huge and unexpected grin, and my breath caught in my throat. He was awesome in the truest sense."
— Teresa in Seattle, WA
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