Chianti in a Tuscan Villa
August 31-September 8, 2008
Approximately $1,995 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.
Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, blanketed with verdant vineyards, olive groves and
cypress trees. From the idyllic village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa in the heart of Chianti
Country, travel to Castello di Monsanto, and sip the region’s distinctive and renowned
Chianti wine. Travel through the beautiful Tuscan hill country, stopping in the market
town of Greve; the medieval village of Radda; charming Castellina; and the fortified
town of San Gimignano. Witness the history in ancient Lucca, and experience the
brilliant artistic and architectural heritage of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance,
including the famous Duomo and the Old Palace. In Siena, navigate narrow cobblestone
streets lined with Gothic buildings, and visit the city’s magnificent Duomo, Mangia
Tower and Gaia Fountain, lined with stunning bas-relief artwork.
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Florence, Italy. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive
participants only.)
Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda in the village of Tavarnelle Val di
Pesa. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the
hotel.
Day 3
Educational Focus: Chianti.
Educational Focus and Excursion: Chianti Wine Tasting. Travel to the Castello di
Monsanto in the heart of Chianti, built in 1750. Taste the region’s distinctive wines and
learn how the rooster became the symbol of the Chianti region.
Educational Focus: History of Tuscany.
Day 4
Excursion: Tuscany’s Magnificent Hill Country. Journey through Tuscany’s hill country
to visit the market town of Greve. Continue to the medieval village of Radda and ancient
Castellina, dominated by its imposing fortress. You’ll also stop at the 14th-century
fortified town of San Gimignano, where tower-houses stand as symbols of wealth and
power.
Day 5
Cultural Immersion: Tuscan Cooking Demonstration. If you wish, join the chef of the
Villa Borgo di Cortefreda for a demonstration of delectable Tuscan cooking!
Excursion: The Ancient Town of Lucca. Travel to Lucca, once a fortress with massive
walls. Here in 56 B.C., Caesar, Pompey and Crassus agreed to rule Rome as a
triumvirate. Lucca’s 11th-century Romanesque cathedral contains a carving said to be a
true portrait of Christ.
Educational Focus: Renaissance Art.
Day 6
Educational Focus and Excursion: Florence. The heart of Tuscany and the soul of the
Renaissance, Florence proudly displays its prodigious heritage of architecture and art.
See one of the Medici’s impressive homes, the Old Palace, and admire the Cathedral of
Santa Maria del Fiore, large enough to accommodate more than 20,000 worshippers.
Independent Exploration: The remainder of the day is yours to explore Florence.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Day 7
Educational Focus: A Contemporary View of Italy.
Independent Exploration: Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue individual interests. This
morning, a complimentary shuttle to Florence departs your hotel and returns in the
afternoon.
Day 8
Excursion: Siena. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Siena, which has changed little over
the centuries. Visit the Gaia Fountain with its stunning bas-reliefs; the Mangia Tower,
which stands 300 feet tall and houses magnificent art; and the Duomo, home to
masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello.
Attend a festive Farewell Reception, Graduation Ceremony and Dinner.
Day 9
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight
provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)