Itinerary – Italian Renaissance Masters

Day 1: Siena – Arrival

Upon arrival to Florence, you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in Siena. The remainder of the day is at leisure. After a brief art lecture and chat, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Siena – The Sacred City

Enjoy a guided tour of Siena, focusing on the spiritual aspects of this medieval city. Visit the splendid Cathedral and the Baptistery with its bas-reliefs by Donatello and other important sculptors. Then visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, containing Duccio’s Maesta’ alterpiece. Climb the ramparts for the best view of Siena. Optional: visit the Church of San Domenico, which houses several notable works of art as well as the skull of Saint Catherine of Siena.  

Day 3: Siena – The Secular City

See the secular side of the city with a guided tour. Visit the Piazza del Campo, site of the famous Palio festival: the square is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Then visit the Palazzo Pubblico that houses some important artworks including an allegorical painting of the effects of good and bad government. From there we go to the Palazzo Medicea built by Cosimo dei Medici. On the estate is an Enoteca or wine-tasting venue. After the tour you can self-guide the Pinacoteca Nazionale for medieval and a few Renaissance paintings.

Day 4: Siena – San Gimignano – Florence

Depart Siena for Florence. En route visit the picturesque town of San Gimignano, famous for its domestic medieval towers. Next we stop at the walled medieval fortress of Monteriggioni for a mixed-grill lunch at the rustic Ristorante Il Pozzo. Continue to Florence to unpack then take the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, enjoy an art lecture and chat before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Secular Florence

Meet for a sightseeing tour of the secular side of Florence, including the Piazza della Signoria, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and Palazzo Vecchio. After an art discussion, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Florence – Sacred Florence: The Duomo & her Buildings

Meet your guide for an extensive and in-depth tour of the Cathedral of Florence. Begin with the octagonal baptistery of St. John, then explore the cathedral itself and the bell tower by Giotto. Finish with a visit of the Medici Chapel and Tombs in the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Day 7: Florence – Uffizi & Bargello Galleries

Enjoy an extensive guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest art museums in the world. Here you will see works by Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio and many more. After free time for lunch, visit the Bargello Gallery, a former barracks and prison converted to an art gallery housing works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Cellini, Bernini, and others.

Day 8: Florence – Accademia Gallery – David plus Fra Angelico

Visit the Accademia Gallery for a guided tour where you will see Michelangelo’s David among other important works of art. Continue to the nearby Convent of San Marco, where you will see The Annunciation and cells painted by Fra Angelico and workshop.

Day 9: Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca

Depart for Pisa. See the famous Leaning Tower, Baptistery and other beautiful monuments before entering the Cathedral for a visit. After lunch, continue to Lucca. In the enchanting historical center, you will have a chance to admire the Anfiteatro Square, Guinigi Tower, San Martino Dome and a traditional antique dealer’s street. Return to Florence this evening. 

Day 10: Florence – The Left Bank featuring Masaccio and Brunelleschi

Today explore the Left Bank of the Arno River where you will visit the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine with its Masaccio frescoes and the church of Santo Spirito, a preeminent example of Renaissance architecture. Enjoy some free time at the market in front of the church and an optional self-conducted visit to Palazzo Pitti. 

Day 11: Florence – Environs: the Certosa Galluzzo

Take a short ride to the village of Galluzzo for a tour of a 14th century charter house monastery for the Carthusian Order. On the way back to Florence, stop at a vineyard for a sampling of Tuscan wines. After return to Florence, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to see other sights recommended by the professore such as Sta. Maria Novella, Sta. Croce and Pazzi Chapel, San Miniato, Fiesole or Palazzo Davanzati.

Day 12: Florence at Leisure

Today is at your leisure to discover Florence and a chance to experience some of her famed shopping. For dinner, enjoy an art lecture and chat at a local restaurant.  

Day 13: Florence – Departure

Say arrividerci to Italy and transfer to the airport for the flight home.