Day 1:  Welcome to Florence! We will meet at the hotel at 3pm and take a walk through the heart of the City to get oriented and experience the Renaissance spirit and political monuments of that proud time.  Along the way we will visit Florence's interesting medieval roots and stop to enjoy some dazzling views and Italian treats . This evening you will be introduced to the tradition of aperitivo and experience local culture while relaxing before dinner.

Day 2:  Today we will dive into Florence's Gothic cathedral with the third largest nave in Christendom. We will have the opportunity to visit the cathedral, the baptistery and museum before  lunch.  Afterwards we will walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo to overlook the city from across the river for a superb view. We will also  visit San Miniato Church and it's green and white marble.  Tonight, you have the option of a sunset wine tour including 2 wineries and dinner.

Day 3:  This morning we will  leave for a day trip to the hilltop city of Siena,  Situated atop three hills, it's the ultimate Tuscan town. I looooove Siena.  After taking a walk through town (Siena itself is one big sight) we will visit it's art packed cathedral  and City tower. We will have time for you to stroll the best square in Italy before we take a  class on Tuscan wines then head back to Florence.

Day 4: One of Europe's greatest thrills is seeing Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery. We we will view with a local guide, this seventeen foot, gleaming white, exalted statue which rarely disappoints. Next we will visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels - the burial site of the ruling Medici family almost entirely decorated by Michelangelo. Afterwards we will sample our way through a wonderland iron and glass covered market and it's picturesque food with our own local guide. 

Day 5:  This morning we will take a  train ride to Pisa. After an short walk through town, that most visitors miss, we will enter the Field of Miracles and take the hike up one of Italy's most iconic landmarks, the leaning tower.  Afterwards, you will have your choice to visit one of the other interesting sites (my favorite is the Camposanto Cemetary).  Next, we will head back to Florence for an optional Tuscan cooking class.

Day 6:  In the Renaissance, Florentine artists rediscovered the beauty of the natural world. The Uffizi Gallery has the greatest collection anywhere of Italian painting.  We will see, with a local guide, works by Giotto, Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Michelangelo and a roomful of Botticelli including the Birth of Venus.  Your afternoon is free for more sight seeing, shopping or relaxing before we meet for our final aperitivo together with an unbelievable view.

Day 7: Tour over after breakfast. Depart for home or another destination!