|
.......Then Join
TERC's Explore Tuscan & Umbrian Hill towns Tour.
Art, lavish natural
beauty, wine, and friendly smiling people is what you experience
as you wander "Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun" for 11 days. Travellers
have been coming to this seductive slice of central Italy every since the
Middle Ages to learn, to see, and to understand. After all, most of what
we call Western Civilization was either rediscovered or invented here, leaving
behind works that have lost none of their power. So join us and discover
the magic and secret messages left in these hills that look exactly like
they did when Piero painted them. (max group size is 8 persons)
Explore Tuscan & Umbrian Hilltowns:
Here is a daily schedule to help you plan for each day. It lists your
daily sightseeing plan, where you'll sleep each night, the amount of
free time you'll likely have, and an estimation of time needed to accomplish
the basic sightseeing plan.
See Photo Description of Tour
Day
1: Arrive in Florence —
Our compact home base, is an easy train connection from Milan or
Rome (we'll send you complete details later for your arrival). Check
with Front Desk for note which will tell you when and where to meet
tour guide and get room assignments (usually around noon). If you like take
a "get to know your neighborhood" stroll with your guide.You'll officially
re-meet your guide and fellow tour members at 7 PM to get to know each
other over Dinner . Sleep in Florence (2 nights)
Day 2: Florence
Orientation --then to Siena — Our guide will lead you on a Renaissance
treasure hunt, pointing out the important sights of Florence, including the
greatest museum of Renaissance paintings - the Uffizi Gallery. After
lunch we'll hop a bus which will whisk us through lush olive groves
into the heart of Tuscany and it's most beautiful medieval city, Siena. It
houses some of Italy's finest Gothic art which you will savor as you explore
her Cathedral and Hospital turned museum. After our walking tour, you'll
be free to meander her winding pedestrian-only back streets before we meet
for dinner on her extraordinary "circular central square"-- the Campo. Return
to Florence late evening
Day 3:
Florence Museum Morning then to Cortona — This is your
morning to visit the art of Florence be it the Accademia Museum featuring
Michelangelo's David or the greatest museum of Renaissance paintings
--the Uffizi Gallery. Some of you may prefer to do a little
shopping, or climb her towers. (its your choice) At 1:30
p.m. we will meet at our hotel, pack our car trunk then drive
through some incredible mountain scenery for Cortona. Sleep
in Cortona (4 nights)
Day 4: Cortona
"Under the Tuscan Sun" — You'll have all day to explore her crooked
cobbled stone streets with many choices including a challenging hike to the
Basilica of Santa Margherita and Medici Fortress
with spectacular vistas (we are floating 6,000 m/+ft above sea level) or
take a relaxing walk in her many cathedrals and gardens near her two town
centers.(your choice).
Day 5: To Arezzo —
Under an hour away, we'll drive to Arezzo -- which was one of the
richest cities of the Etruscan Dodecapolis. Modern day Arezzo is no
looser either. It has one of the largest jewelry industries in
Europe. It is also well known for her antiques--including a monthly market--which
we are just in time for! We will stroll her streets, poke our noses
into her Cathedral and work up an appetite for a sumptuous Tuscan lunch --
a TERC Cafe find! After Lunch we'll wind our way to mystical Gubbio.
Day 6: Tip Toe into
Umbria — Today we pack an Italian picnic and drive to near by
Lake Trasimeno the "Riviera" of Umbria and the
fourth largest lake in Italy. We will catch a Ferry to the island of Isola
Maggiore, a quaint fishing village. We will stroll the village, watch
the local women making lace as they did centuries ago. We will picnic in
the court yard of San Michele Arcangelo and take in the impact St. Frances
made with a his single visit in 1211. After hiking the island we will take
the "long way home" through a fascinating country side full of fun surprises.
(Last night in Cortona)
Day 7: To Assisi —
Today we're off to Assisi, but first we will stop briefly in tiny Deruta,
Italy's ceramic capital since the 14th century. After vesting her museum,
shops and lunch--we'll continue our short drive towards Assisi--making stops
at Spello and Spoleto. Assisi will be visible for miles--appearing like
a pink ship sailing over the green sea of valley below. In Assisi we
will settle into our accommodations--then take an orientation stroll
before dinner. Sleep in Assisi (2 nights).
Day 8: All Day in
Assisi — This is Umbria's most famous town, and one of her loveliest.
We will start our day with exploring the opulent Basilica of San
Francesco.After Lunch you are free to discover the "hidden" Assisi and her
surrounding with or without your guide. (your choice).
Day 9: Vineyards,
Cheese, and Truffles amidst Art on the way to Civita— This
morning we'll head due west, stopping frequently to explore the time-worn
stone villages and country side along our way. Our day ends in Civita
di Bagnaregio — the ultimate hilltown. Here we'll have dinner together
and sleep soundly with its population of 15. (2 nights).
Day 10: To Orvieto
— We'll spend the morning exploring our sleepy hill town. Then its
off through the pines and olive groves to Orvieto perched on a magnificent
volcanic pedestal--a 1066 ft, sheer-cliffed mesa, straight out of the American
Southwest. Orvieto is one of the 12 cities of the Etruscan confederation.
Today we will lunch in the shadow of her dazzling 13th century Cathedral
before admiring her spectacular interior. We may even catch her Market Day.
Day 11: Tour Over
— Your tour is over after breakfast once we arrive at Orvieto's
Train Station. From here it's a breeze to reach Rome's or Milan's airports
by train. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you
well prepared for the road ahead.
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
|
Add On Special:
Start your vacation
with this Tour or add another TERC Tour and
make them your special holiday. If you sign up for another TERC Tour just
before or after this one--TERC WILL THROW IN TRAIN TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN
the two destinations--(a $215-264 value).
|
See what's included in this tour--
|
