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November 1-11, 2024

 VENICE to ROME
10-NIGHT 

VENICE | SLOVENIA | SPLIT | DUBROVNIK | KOTOR | CORFU |
OLYMPIA | MESSINA | NAPLES | FLORENCE/PISA | ROME

LIVORNO  (Florence/Pisa)

Tuscany is a hilly, scenic region in central Italy, known for its history, art, beautiful scenery, robust cuisine and, of course, wine.

Tuscany is undeniably one of the greatest wine-producing regions in the world. In addition to sampling the ubiquitous Chianti, don’t leave the region without tasting the exquisite Brunello di Montalcino or the more moderately priced Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Florence, Italy, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world—and for many visitors, it is the most splendid. While travel to the city usually centers on its attractions, including museums, palaces and churches that overflow with masterful paintings and sculpture, it is not limited to those destinations.

Visitors encounter the spirits of da Vinci, Dante, Boccaccio, Michelangelo and the Medicis, and the days of the Renaissance seem close at hand.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence combines unequaled beauty with centuries of history in a heady mix. Visitors’ first glimpse of the Duomo is likely to take their breath away.

Florence is essentially a proud, provincial city, with a conservative mentality yet very liberal politics. Visitors can sense that its citizens pay a price for living in what has become, essentially, an open-air museum. Florentines—especially those who deal with masses of tourists daily—can be haughty and standoffish toward visitors. But there are many who will offer visitors a warm smile and a helpful gesture.

The vitality of this small city, the robustness of its cuisine, the enduring beauty of its architecture and the richness of its treasures cannot fail to educate, exhilarate and dazzle those who visit Florence.

The medieval towers of San Gimignano, in the hills 25 mi/40 km southwest of Florence, are this Tuscan town’s primary attraction. Of the 14 remaining towers (there were once more than 70), Torre Grossa is the only one accessible to tourists. The view from the top is spectacular.

The picturesque 12th-century town of Siena, 43 mi/70 km south of Florence, is also worth a visit. Be sure to see Giovanni Pisano’s Gothic cathedral and the world-famous frescoes at Palazzo Pubblico. The 400-step climb up the Torre del Mangia rewards the hardy with breathtaking views of the town and Tuscan hills. Siena’s world-famous Palio horse race takes place in the Piazza del Campo in July and August.

Charming Arezzo is famous for its churches and their works of art. Located 52 mi/85 km southeast of Florence, the town also has several fine museums and a monthly antiques fair—the oldest in Italy—in Piazza Grande.

The Leaning Tower is, of course, the main attraction in Pisa, located 40 mi/65 km west of Florence near the Tyrrhenian coast. The compact, medieval city is easy to walk around. Be sure to visit its other attractions, which include a second leaning tower at the Church of San Michele degli Scalzi. Nearby Lucca is also worth a visit to walk around the walled city’s ramparts.

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