Travel-Learn Program

When: September 22, 2010 - October 01, 2010 (iCal)

Description

From the olive groves of Tuscany to the turquoise seas of the Italian Riviera, this is a region that always delights Tufts travelers. Traveling the Chianti Road, we will experience the charm of the Tuscan hill towns of San Gimignano, known for its stunning frescoes and impressive architecture, and the equally compelling Castellina. On our visit to the Renaissance city of Florence, we will stop at the magnificent Duomo, the Church of Santa Croce and other spectacular works of art and architecture, and later wander through historic Siena and Lucca. In Carrara, we will discover the origin of the beautiful white marble that, for centuries, sculptors have turned into works of art. Our journey continues on to the Italian Riviera and its delightful coastal towns of Sestri Levante, Santa Magherita and Portofino, and then on to Portovenere and Vernazza in the Cinque Terre, one of the most stunning regions in Italy.

Cost

From $3,145 per person, based on double occupancy.

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Travel Learn Program Director, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-843-2586 or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart U.S.

Depart for Florence, Italy aboard the scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2 - Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Italy

Upon arrival, transfer to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.) Tonight, attend a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3 – San Gimignano | Castellina | Castello di Monsanto

This morning, we’ll journey to the fortified town of San Gimignano in Tuscany’s magnificent hill country, where tower-houses stand as symbols of wealth and power. Travel along the Chianti Road to the well-preserved medieval town of Castellina, once an important Florentine garrison, before continuing to Castello di Monsantofor a wine tasting.

Day 4 - Florence

The heart of Tuscany and the soul of the Renaissance, Florence proudly displays its prodigious heritage of architecture and art. See the Old Palace and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Florence.

Day 5 - Siena

Travel to Siena, the home of some of Michelangelo’s early work. Join the chef of the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda for a demonstration of Tuscan cooking. This afternoon’s walking tour takes us to the Gaia Fountain, the Mangia Tower, which houses magnificent art, and the Duomo.

Day 6 - Lucca / Carrara / Sestri Levante

Travel to beautiful Lucca and take a walking tour of its highlights, including the splendid Duomo, the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele. Then, we’ll stop in Carrara for a visit to a local quarry, watch a demonstration by a local sculptor, and see the town’s Duomo. In Lari, we’ll visit a family-owned pasta factory where members of the Martelli family have produced artisanal pasta since 1926. We will meet the family and watch a pasta-making demonstration. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Sestri Levante, check in at the Hotel Vis à Vis.

Day 7 – Sestri Levante / Santa Margherita / Portofino

This morning, meet for a walking tour of Sestri Levante and see the Piazza Matteoti, with its Town Hall and Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth. Then, join an excursion to Santa Margherita and Portofino. Tour Santa Margherita, a town of flowers, swaying palm trees and hillside villas. Then embark on a cruise to Portofino and see the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio and the Punta del Capo lighthouse.

Day 8 – Portoverne / Vernazza / Riomaggiore / Manarola

Today, we’ll cruise to Portovenere and Vernazza to see the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. Then we’ll take a train to Riomaggiore and take in its stunning vistas as we stroll along La Via dell’Amore to Manarola before returning to Sestri Levante by train.

Day 9 – Sestri Levante

Today, the morning and afternoon are at leisure. In the evening, we’ll attend a farewell reception and dinner with our travel companions.

Day 10 – Return to U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Florence airport for return flights home. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)

*Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.

Price and Itinerary remain tentative and subject to change