In order to not miss the Fine Arts Quartet at the Amalfi Coast Music Festival, we are offering the Tuscany trip as a PRE-TOUR in 2012, so will begin the summer fun in Florence, and spend the last Taste of Tuscany night in Orvieto.
We' ll get an early start, after breakfast (included) and checkout, then head north, travelling through the changing countryside. We will pass Naples and Vesuvius, then Rome, before stopping for the night in the dramatically perched town of Orvieto. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, Orvieto is home to a magnificent cathedral, which we'll explore before becoming acquainted with the cobbled streets, intriguing museums, and architectural distinctives of the town. An alfresco dinner (included) will be our introduction to the delicious cuisine of the area. A restored palazzo will be our resting place for the night.
Day 2* Siena
Breakfast (included) , then we drive north to our base for the next three days, the historic town of Monte San Savino, where our lovely historic palazzo lodging awaits.
After a quick stop to drop our luggage, we'll wind through picturesque countryside to Italy's most perfect medieval city, Siena. From the shell-shaped campo, one of the world's most beautiful squares, and its impressive Palazzo Publico, to the superb Gothic cathedral, we'll become acquainted with this beautifully preserved town.
After a day of discovery, we'll return to Monte San Savino for a delicious dinner of Tuscan specialties (included).
Day 3* Montepulciano and Cortona
Breakfast (included) , then we're off to gorgeous southern Tuscany, and the world-renowned vineyards of Montepulciano. We'll be welcomed by a vintner, and have the opportunity to taste and buy Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This ruby vintage has been renowned for centuries, and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson. We'll explore the hilltop village of Montepulciano, and then proceed to another lovely Tuscan town, Cortona.
We'll take some time to explore the town, and enjoy the beautiful Fra Angelico masterpieces in an intimate museum before another delicious dinner (included), this time at the locally popular Osteria Del Teatro.
Day 4* Florence
Breakfast (included) , and a day of discovery in the bustling, art-filled birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. Churches and museums overflowing with masterpieces, shops offering leather goods, gold jewelry, and exquisite paper goods, the Arno river flowing under historic bridges - so much to enjoy in a day!
After a relaxing dinner in a favorite trattoria (included), back to our lovely lodgings in Monte San Savino.
Day 5* Farewell
Breakfast (included) , and transportation to Florence Central Train Station, or more adventures on your own!
*Schedule subject to program to be finalized in June, 2012
The cost for the 4 day tour is $1700 USD per person, double, or $1960 per person, single.
A deposit of $500 will secure your place and registration. The balance of $1200, double, or $1460, single, is due not later than 60 days before Day 1 of the tour, which is May 4, 2012. We will not accept more than 10 registrations. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will forward your registration confirmation, and other necessary information
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The price of the trip includes the following items:
4 nights in two charming historic hotels
4 breakfasts and 4 dinners with select wines
Entry fees for itinerary events
Ground transportation to itinerary events
All tips for housekeeping and meals included in the itinerary
Please see Music and Markets Amalfi Costs page for complete details.
To register for Music and Markets Taste of Tuscany extension, please click here.
We look forward to enjoying the wonders of Tuscany together!
Trip