A BREATH OF TUSCANY

DAY 1 – FLORENCE – SIENA

Arrival at the airport in Florence and transfer,via our private,deluxe motorcoach,to the Hotel in Siena.Lunch (included)at the hotel.The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and freshen – up prior to our” Welcome Cocktail”and dinner at the hotel this evening.Overnight.

DAY 2 – SIENA

This morning,after breakfast at our hotel,we are off on a half – day guided sightseeing tour of Siena,the birthplace of Saint Catherine – the patron saint of Italy.On our tour of this center of artistic and cultural importance,we will see the Piazza del Campo (one of the most beautiful medieval – style squares in Italy),the Palazzo Pubblico (a 13^th century Gothic structure containing many precious frescoes),the Duomo (Siena’s massive Gothic cathedral that has a beautiful marble façade)and much more.Lunch (included)at a local restaurant.The afternoon is at leisure to do some sightseeing on our own or go shopping.Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

DAY 3 – FLORENCE

Following breakfast at our hotel,we will depart for the city which was the heart of the Renaissance – Florence (or Firenze in Italian).In the morning,our sightseeing tour will take us to some of the most well known sites in all of Italy:the Piazza della Signoria,the Ponte Vecchio,the Piazza del Duomo,the Giotto Campanile,the Brunelleschi Cupola,the Cathedral and many other important sites.Around noon,we will stop for lunch (included)followed by a visit to the famous Uffizi Gallery.And prior to returning to Siena,we will have some shopping time at the exclusive Ferragamo Boutique.Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Siena.

DAY 4 – SIENA SHOPPING DAY

Today,after breakfast at our hotel,we have a special full – day of shopping planned at the haute couture outlet of Gucci and Prada!Lunch (included)is at a local restaurant.Late afternoon return to our hotel in Siena for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 – SAN GIMIGNANO – VOLTERRA

After breakfast,we will board our motorcoach for today’s excursion to wonderful medieval town of San Gimignano.This walled town has 14 of its original 72 fortress towers still standing and strolling down the charming Via San Matteo is like stepping back 500 years in history.Along today’s route,we will stop for lunch (included).Next on our agenda is beautiful Volterra,the oldest Etruscan town in Italy.Among the many sites we will see here are the Romanesque duomo,the 14^th century Palazzo dei Priori and the wondrous Etruscan Museum.Return to Siena for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6 – SANTA ANNA IN CAMPRENA – PIENZA

After breakfast at our hotel,we will depart for Santa Anna in Camprena to visit the famous Abbey where the Oscar – winning film ”The English Patient” was filmed. We will stop for lunch (included)at a local restaurant.In the afternoon,we will visit Pienza,a Renaissance creation as a Utopian ”New Town” by Pope Pius II,head of the powerful and infamous Piccolomini family.The entire city was re – built as prescribed by the Pope (and his considerable vanity)at an enormous cost which nearly bankrupt the Catholic church.Return to Siena for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7 – CASALE D’ELSA

Breakfast at our hotel,followed by a special tour of a”Pecorino”cheese factory in lovely Casale d’Elsa,which will include a cheese tasting.Lunch (included) is at a local restaurant. Returning to Siena, the afternoon is at leisure for some independent sightseeing, relaxing at a sidewalk ristorante or shopping and browsing. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.