NORTHERN LAKES and FLORENCE

 8 nights

Land Only

For 2 persons

From Euro 2,990 based on charming 3* hotels with all amenities

 

Pricing subject to change based on time of year and availability

 

 

Your special Italy package includes:

v      8 nights in charming hotels, country inns or manor houses of charm with buffet breakfast, centrally located.

 

3 nights in Lake Como or Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta : 

• Depending on lake a charming 3 star hotel with all amenities and breakfast

4 nights in Florence

§         3 star option: IL GUELFO BIANCO, TORNABUONI BEACCI, LOGGIATO DEI SERVITI or similar

or Tuscany: 

§         3 star option: LA CISTERNA, LE TERRAZZE, LEON BIANCO or similar

1 last night in Rome or Milano to fly out

v      Champagne upon arrival in Rome;

v      Private guide for a half day in Florence – itinerary of choice (walking itinerary);

v      Reserved tickets to the Uffizi in Florence and Borghese Gallery in Rome so you don't wait in line; tickets are extra at Euro 10 each.

v      Extra Special: Private full day chauffeur driven excursion in the Tuscan Countryside – lunch included; visiting private wineries, medieval hill towns, palaces, abbeys and visiting local farmers and cheese manufacturers to taste olive oil etc… Pick up direct at hotel with expert local guide/chauffeur.  Itineraries are tailor made for each client

v      Florence by night walking tour with Dinner at a Tuscan Restaurant:  You will be picked up directly at your hotel at about 7:30 pm and the evening will start with a dinner (included in the price) in the historic center in a typical Florentine restaurant, followed by an wonderful walk (about two hours), discovering some of the most suggestive and interesting corners  of the city. The tour ends in Piazza della Repubblica at the famous “Caffe’ Concerto” with a snack included. 

v      All assistance in planning the itinerary to your specifications;

v      Not included are meals unless part of an excursion, airfare and anything not listed.

v      Federal Express package to your home: containing all vouchers, hard copy itinerary, train tickets and any other bookings included in your package

 

Any services you do not with to use can be subtracted from the tour.

 

OPTIONALS

v      Airport transfers

v      Train tickets in first class from the lakes to Florence and then to Rome

v      Horseback riding excursion into the countryside for half a day: enjoy the Tuscan countryside on a leisurely horseback ride. Our guide will take you through woods, hills and plains to hidden castles and ancient ruins.

v      Private cooking course in either Venice or Florence: you may select your own menu and type of regional cuisine.   Meal is then served with wine;

v      Car rental for Tuscany:  based on best quote available and type of car you desire

v      All transfers to and from airport and hotel by limousine and driver.

v      Tickets for a music or theatre performance in Rome or Venice; pending availability

v      Pottery/Ceramic Class in the wonderful Chianti region, a craftsman will share with you the art of ceramics, teaching you to pug, lathe, bake and colour, after which you will keep the object you made.

v      Chauffeur driven excursion in the Lakes – vineyards and villages for a full day

v      Bus and guide tour to Siena and San Gimignano

v      Various bus and guide tours visiting Rome, outside Rome, the Tuscan towns of Pisa and Lucca and similar options

v      Golfing in the dramatic setting of the Chianti region. Private transfer from hotel to Golf club and return The facilities include driving range, putting green, pro-shop, tennis court, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

v      Seaside excursion unforgettable day sailing in the Mediterranean with an experienced skipper, feasting on fresh fish pasta and visiting one or more islands. From $ 375 pp.

v      Hiking for half a day in the Tuscan Countryside with expert guide: 

v      Hot balloon ride: A truly unique experience floating silently over the Tuscan landscape you will experience views of villages and towns, piazzas and castles, with luxury car and driving escort. The tour lasts about 8 hours.

v      Full day guided tour to the region of UMBRIA -  PERUGIA AND ASSISI:  An itinerary in the green Umbria region, discovering eternally fascinating cities. Perugia has one of the most beautiful squares in Europe in which it is possible to admire the Maggiore Fountain, the gothic Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori, home of the town hall. The tour continues to Assisi, built by the white Subasio’s stone and home town of the most loved saint in Italy: San Francesco. Stop for a lunch at a top restaurant (already included in the tour).  In the afternoon a guided visit will follow and you will be able to know more about the Basilica of Saint Francis, which was partly destroyed during the earthquake of September 1997, but now completely brought back to its former beauty.  You will also visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara and enjoy an enchanting view over the Umbrian countryside from the small square in front of the church. Return to Florence in the late evening.

 

DAY 1 - LEAVE FOR MILANO and head to Lake Como

 

 

DAY 2 LAKE MAGGIORE and LAKE COMO and LAKE ORTA (on top of Lake Maggiore).

Rent a car from the airport in Milano and head to either Lake Como or Lago Maggiore. In Lake Maggiore, the  lake's main town is Stresa from where Hemingway wrote A Farewell to Arms.  Almost attached is Lake Orta.  Stresa has the Villa Pallavicino a residence rising on a hill with magnificent gardens with peacocks and even ostriches.  From the top the mountains of Lombardy rise and the Borromean Islands shine in the distance.  An excursion to the Islands is absolutely a must.  The boat leaves every 15 minutes from Stresa and there are 3 islands:  Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre.  All have something to see and do and you can have lunch at the islands - there are good moderately priced places.

 

LAKE COMO

Take the train or drive to Como - Cernobbio.  Trains leave pretty much every hour.  Approx. time of trip is under 1 hour.  We will coordinate your flight arrival with train.  Taxi to hotel is 5 to 15 minutes depending on location of hotel.

v      Your hotel is overlooking the spectacular waters of LAKE COMO, its elegant villas and gardens.  Room with a view of course!

v      For any activities such as horse back riding, sailing etc… ask your concierge at the hotel.  They will provide you will all indications.

Rest and refresh, and later take a walk through the town or a water taxi ride around the lake admiring the breathtaking view.

 

LAKE COMO and SURROUNDINGS

Water taxis are ready to take you anywhere from one end of the lake to the other.  Como is famous for its silks.  The center of the lake is the most beautiful part and there are also ferries to take you to the various locations.  Bellagio is the main town (17 miles from your hotel).  VILLA

 

Day 3 and 4 - SERBELLONI and VILLA BALBIANELLO are some of the highlights, plus wonderful walks along the lakeshore.  The town is one of the prettiest in Europe full of flowers and in Summer you can dance to the tunes of the orchestra that plays on the wharf until late at night.  Another town around the lake is Tremezzo.  (21 miles from Cernobbio).  Villa Carlotta is the main excursion, a splendid villa worthy of a visit with magnificent gardens formerly owned by a Prussian noble family.  Finally there are the towns of Como and Cernobbio.  Cernobbio is the first town you come to as you head north from Como.  Como is an elegant resort town with parks and café's lining the lakefront promenade.  The Cathedral (Duomo) should be visited.

 

WHERE TO EAT: 

BELLAGIO:  Il Perlo Panorama - Via Valassina 180.  Tel. 951933. Closed Tuesdays.

COMO:  Da Angela - must reserve.  Via Ugo Foscolo, 16.  Tel. 031/304656.  Cl. Sunday

CERNOBBIO - Cenobio - Via Regina 18. Tel. 512710 or San Giuseppe Via 5 Giornate 31, Tel. 511288.  

 

Most of these restaurants have views and take credit cards.  Your hotel can also recommend good eating places.

 

 

DAY 5 – FLORENCE - ORIENTATION

 

AM      

A High-speed train will whisk you to Florence to arrive before lunchtime or you can continue with a rental car. Take taxi to hotel - which is minutes from the station and settle in.  Just outside is the heart of the city.  Florence is a city to discover on foot and all the main sites are within easy walking distance.

 

RESTAURANTS

A hole in the wall near the Mercato di San Lorenzo called Gozzi - but don't get there too late, the food is cooked in the morning, it is a local's hang out and when its finished, its finished. It isn't open on week-ends, it doesn't have a sign, and it isn't in any guidebook so walk behind the leather displays until you see a small door with people eating inside or ask a shop owner. Al Cinghiale Bianco (the White Boar), your hotel can reserve and you must reserve.  Tell your concierge you want the table "in the tower" if available.

Hosteria da Ganino - between the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio on a little side street, Piazza dei Cimatori.  Must reserve: Tel.  214125. Closed Sunday.  Ask for a table outside. 

La Vecchia Taverna di Bacco - near Piazza del Campo.  Via Beccheria 9.  Tel. 0577/49331.  All credit cards.

Al Marsili (if you stay in Siena) - between the Piazza del Campo and Cathedral.  It is a 900 year old wine cellar.  Via del Castoro 3.  Tel. 0577/47154.  Closed Monday.

Angiolino  - on the Oltrearno district Via Santo Spirito - tel. 239-8976, closed Monday and Sunday dinner.  Order Ribollita - the soup of Tuscany.

 

PM      

Walk around and do the Duomo, Palazzo della Signoria, Piazza della Signoria and main sites with private guide.   Do either the Palazzo Vecchio or the Bargello or the Santa Maria Novella Church.  

 

PALAZZO VECCHIO is one of the symbols of Florence, which has made it through centuries of battles and rebirths, brought it through the hands of gentlemen and merchants. Its impressive figure gives the piazza a strange but beautiful perspective. In the fifteenth-century it was the seat of the Signori, the highest power figure in the Renaissance, until the Medici family moved to Palazzo Pitti: then, to distinguish it from the Grand Duke's residence, it was named Palazzo Vecchio.

Continue along the Via dei Calzaiuoli, one of the main shopping streets in Florence and arrive at Piazza San Giovanni where you will find the DUOMO portrayed in every postcard, book, painting that advertises Florence, the BATTISTERO and the CAMPANILE DI GIOTTO.

 

The BAPTISTERY is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, which was initially the city's cathedral before the Reparata. The three sets of gilded bronze doors have made the building very significant hence they are worth talking about.
So far it has been impossible to date beginnings of the Baptistery, one of the oldest architectural monuments of the city.

Opening Hours:
Dome: 10:00 - 17:00 , Mon-Sat, 13:00-15:00 Sundays and Religious Holidays
Church: Times vary according to type of services held.
Baptistery - 13:30 - 18:30 Mon-Sat; 8:30-13:30 Sun. Closed on Easter Sunday.

 

 

On the Piazza della Signoria later on sip an aperitif at Rivoire where you can sit on the world's greatest piazza, sip a Campari or have the richest hot chocolate in Italy.  “People watching” is the main sport of the day here and you really do see just about everything.   The best time is to come before dinner, around 6:30 p.m.   

 

 

 

DAY 6 - UFFIZI GALLERY – PRIVATE TOUR OF THE HANDCRAFT LABORATORIES

 

AM      

We will reserve tickets to the Uffizi Gallery for you - one of the finest collections of Renaissance art in the world.

 

There is no way that one can see everything showed in this art galleries in one visit, since it contains many masterpieces that have been collected all over Italy; however a visit to this incredible collection is a must in Florence. Take it slowly and try to concentrate on a couple of themes you are more interested in.

 

The gallery building contains rooms and rooms of art collections. Some of these rooms may be closed for a variety of reasons but surely one cannot visit all of them in detailed despite the eagerness. Each has its theme and features a specific artist or a type of art.

To mention just few highlights: Room 1 houses an assembly of antique sculptures, many of which were used as a sort of source by Renaissance artists. Room 10 to 14 are dedicated to the great painter, Botticelli , the autor of the famous Primavera with Venus coming out of a shell.

Leonardo da Vinci takes room 15's visitors by storm in his work appearing in the Baptism. As if there can be no other competition, Michelangelo presents his Doni Tondo in room 25, which is the only easel painting, he came close to completing but it still looks magnificent.

 

 

 

Entry to this most historic gallery is not that easy considering that this gallery is in every tourists' 'must see' list.

The Vasari's Corridor can be found on the right end, far north of the museum. This corridor leads to the Palazzo Vecchio going over the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

 

Intended by Cosimo I around the middle of the 16th century, the UFFIZI PALACE was designed by Giorgio Vasari. In order to realize the project, Vasari had many houses that surrounded the area demolished. Its construction also included the church of San Pier Scheraggio, which was reserved to worshipping until 1743. The purpose of the extraordinary building was to host the thirteen Magistratures or Uffizi, where the Palace later received its name from, at the time located in different seats. When Vasari died, the building of the Uffizi Palace was entrusted to Buontalenti and Alfonso Parigi.

 

The building has an unusual horseshoe shape formed by two parallel buildings united by a passageway. The two floors of the building stand over a portico sustained by two pillars and decorated by niches, where the statues of Florentines who distinguished themselves from the Middle Ages until the 19th century are placed.

 

 

DAY 7 - SAN LORENZO CHURCH - MEDICI CHAPELS – ACCADEMIA – OSPEDALE DEGLI INNOCENTI

 

Consecrated by St. Ambrose in 393, the SAN LORENZO CHURCH is the oldest church in the city. It was then rebuilt along Romanesque lines in 1060. The present building dates to 1423 and was designed and built by Brunelleschi.

The simple bare facade lacks the marble revetment; Michelangelo's design was never carried out. The internal façade, which Michelangelo also designed is comprised of three doors between two pilasters with garlands of oak and laurel and a balcony on two Corinthian columns.
The interior has a nave separated from the side aisles by Corinthian columns. The ceiling has magnificent gilded rosettes in white-ground coffering.

 

MEDICI CHAPEL

 

The Medici Chapels form part of the monumental complex of San Lorenzo, whose building history lasts from the first years of the fifteenth century until the early seventeenth. The church of San Lorenzo was the official church of the Medici from their period as private residents in their palace in Via Larga (now via Cavour), becoming their mausoleum up to the time of the extinction of the line. Giovanni de' Bicci de' Medici (died 1429) was the first who wished to be buried there with his wife Piccarda in the small Sacristy of Brunelleschi. Later, his son Cosimo the Elder, was buried in the crossing of the church. The project for a family tomb was conceived in 1520 when Michelangelo began work on the New Sacristy, corresponding to the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi on the other side of the church.

 

ACCADEMIA

The ACCADEMIA MUSEUM was for a long time considered the deposit of the other Florentine galleries, notably the Uffizi and the collection has changed through the years also owing to the accession of works from the suppressed monastic houses. For many years Botticelli's Primavera was shown here.

 

 

Nowadays the gallery can take its place among the finest museums of Florence thanks to the high quality of some of its exhibits, among them Giovanni da Milano's Pieta (fourteenth century), the Annunciation by Lorenzo Monaco (fifteenth century), the beautiful front called Adimari Cassone showing a sumptuous marriage procession (c. 1450) and the Madonna of the Sea attributed to Botticelli (1445-1510).

A recent rearrangement and restoration of some of the rooms have given more space for the display of paintings from the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries and public admittance to a spectacular room where are arranged plaster models of Lorenzo Bartolini and Luigi Pampaloni, Famous Italian sculptors of the nineteenth century.

The gallery became the focus of more attention in 1873 when Michelangelo's David was exhibited there for the first time in a specially constructed tribune. Brought there for reasons of conservation from Piazza Signoria where for almost four centuries it had represented the power and dignity of the Florentine Republic, it was joined at the beginning of this century by other Michelangelo sculptures

 

INFO

ACCADEMIA, via Ricasoli 68
Phone: 055-216261

 

Located right near the Accademia Museum, the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Foundling Hospital) and its portico (gallery) is one of the best-known and most important architectural complexes of the early fifteenth century in Florence. This was commissioned and financed by the Arte della Lana to the designs of Filippo Brunelleschi. The "hospital" aimed to raise abandoned children and teach them some useful trade enabling them to take their place in society. In the buildings of the refectory, cloisters, dormitories, infirmary, nurses’ rooms and porticoes, Brunelleschi created a perfect example of rational and harmonious hospital architecture subsequently enlarged and decorated with frescoes documenting the continuing activities of the institution and the favours of the reigning Medici family.

 

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS:

PITTI PALACE - BOBOLI GARDENS - PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO – SAN MINIATO AL MONTE

 

Situated in the first great square in the area that the Florentines call "Diladdarno" - beyond the Arno - PALAZZO PITTI dominates uncontested at the feet of the small hill Boboli.

Its construction was commissioned in the second half of the 15th century by the banker Luca Bonaccorso Pitti to the famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi. The palace has had a long history of works of construction and of extensions, which have lasted about four centuries.

The first version of Palazzo Pitti had smaller body dimensions compared to the present one. The architectural Renaissance style, austere and balanced, was enriched by classical elements from the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. The following extensions gave the Palace its present appearance. Around 1550 the Grand-Duke Cosimo I de' Medici purchased it to become the residence of the family and in 1558 he commissioned the works of refinement to Bartolomeo Ammannati who included large windows in the façade, called inginocchiate, and created the portico and thed courtyard. The construction and the creation of the great garden, named Boboli from the homonymous hill, were commissioned to Niccolò Tribolo.

Palazzo Pitti, which through time assumed different functions, is today the seat of important museums (Silvers, Chinawares, Costumes, Carriages, Gallery of Modern Art and the Garden of Boboli) through which it is possible to visit its halls, the displays of the court and the splendour of a faraway epoch which managed to pass down faithful and unchanged through history.

 

 

The Boboli Gardens extend between Palazzo Pitti, Forte Belvedere and the Porta Romania. It's the typical Italian garden that mixes architecturalized nature and natural architecture, hosting sculptures and plastics from antiquity to the 19th century.

WALKING ITINERARY….

 

Complete your tour with the magnificent panorama view of Florence you will able to enjoy from PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO, looking down onto the Arno and its bridges; on the left the view includes the large 19th century Cascine Parks, lower down the districts of Santo Spirito and San Frediano, to the right the white BASILICA OF SAN MINIATO AL MONTE.

 

DAY 8 - TOUR OF CHIANTI

 

      

 

 

This unique experience will surely be one of the most loved memories of this trip to Italy

The Chianti is a particularly beautiful area of Tuscany renowned for its wine appellation, one of the oldest in Europe. The tour could begin with a visit to Brolio Castle that today is one of the region’s finest wine producers where it is said the formula for Chianti Classico wine was developed. Then visit the medieval hill town of Radda and then in a ceramic studio where traditional throwing and coil construction methods are still used.

The tour includes the following services:

§         Driver/guide with car provided

§         Wine tasting

§         Lunch in a typical Tuscan trattoria or restaurant

§         Visits of ancient castles, villas, cellars as well as a complete experience of the countryside and medieval hill towns. 

 

These itineraries are custom designed for us only.

 

STOPS

SIENA

CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI*          (village of the 6th/7th centuries A.C)

RADDA IN CHIANTI*          

BORGO DI VOLPAIA                 (visit to the vineyards, wine tasting, lunch at an inn)

BADIA A COLTIBUONO *           (abbey constructed in the 11th C.)

CASTELLO DI SPALTENNA *

CASTELLO DI MELETO *           (medieval castle of the 13 th C.)

CASTELLO DI BROLIO*             (you can admire a very nice view of Siena)

CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA

PIANELLA

S.SANO *                                 (photographic itineraries)

LECCHI IN CHIANTI                   (wine tasting)

CASTELLO DI BROLIO *

S.GUSME’

CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA

 

Duration of the tour: approximate 8 hours, including the lunch break.

 

At the end of the day you will be driven back to your hotel in Florence.

 

 

 

OR

YOU CAN RENT A CAR AND VISIT THE

TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE

 

ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS

 

 

SIENA and SAN GIMIGNANO + ABBEY OF MONTE OLIVETO MAGGIORE

Continue onwards towards Siena a jewel among medieval townships.  No cars are allowed, so strolling through its narrow streets is very pleasant.  The Circular Piazza del Campo is where the Palio is run each summer.  This is probably one of Italy's most beautiful medieval city and a must.  Visit the Palazzo Pubblico - the Town Hall where the frescos of Simone Martini are displayed.  If you love art, a stop at the Pinacoteca Nazionale contains a superb collection of pre-Renaissance art.  Finally the Duomo visible from everywhere, representing one of the most monumental Gothic cathedrals of Italy.  The interior alone took 200 years to complete and is renown for its marble floors.  (Siena is worth a full day to be seen in depth - you may choose to do so - it can also be very cold in winter with cutting winds).

 

About 23 miles southeast from Siena is the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore; the most famous of  Tuscany.  It lies among cypress trees and woodlands and is only accessible by car.  Inside the main cloister are frescoes by Signorinelli and Il Sodoma.  The position of the Abbey makes it most impressive.  The views from the top are breath taking.

 

If there is a town that typifies everything one expects from Tuscany it is San Gimignano. San Gimignano was built during the Middle Ages and is remarkable for its high towers (14 in all remain standing) built by rival families to symbolize their power and political standing.  Originally it had 70.  The town is pedestrians only, and yes, there are many tourists, best time to visit would be late afternoon after all the buses have gone, and perhaps stay overnight in the area when it returns to its original state.

 

 

MONTALCINO - MONTEPULCIANO – PIENZA - AREZZO

 

MONTALCINO is a lively little town.  The main piazza is vibrantly alive: people sit at the cafes to watch those ambling by; drink an aperitif or shop among the narrow cobbled streets.  Visits to the  vineyards, cellars and properties can be arranged.

Historically an important town its lands have for centuries cultivated olives, grains and the greatest red wine of Italy:  Brunello.  Stop at the Cistercian church of Sant' Antimo on your way to the town.  Built thirteen hundred years ago during the time the Black Plague was devastating the area it is a spectacular construction made more so by its location.  It will enchant you.

 

 

Continue onwards to PIENZA which is 6 miles northeast of the Abbey of Sant'Antimo in the Orcia Valley.  This is a classic model of a Renaissance town.

In addition to wonderful churches, public buildings and private residences of all sizes, the town has a large number of antique and home decoration stores that are among the best in Italy. There are also many health food stores which sell local honey and preserves.

Each September brings a cheese festival to celebrate the local sheep cheese. It has a cathedral, palace, town hall and the buildings are decorated with frescos and paintings.   It is Architecturally it is pure perfection. 

 

Then continue, onward to MONTEPULCIANO.  Montepulciano is at a high altitude of 2,000 feet and can be seen from a distance with its redbrick buildings.  Park outside the town and enter on foot through the Porta al Prato, next to which a column rises to support a stone Marzocco, a lion which symbolizes the town's allegiance to Florence during the Renaissance. The masterpiece of this town is the Piazza Grande.  On the hillside is the Madonna del Biagio church, one of the most moving churches built during the Renaissance.  It is made out of pale golden stones preceded by a long avenue of tall cypresses, so typical of the Tuscan countryside.

The surrounding vineyards are the source of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a dark red wine whose name is the subject of many legends. Be sure to pick up a few bottles in one of the shops in town

 

With less than 100,000 people, AREZZO is the largest town in the area. It claims many famous sons, including the poet Petrarch and the architect and biographer Vasari. The town changed hands many times in Medieval and Renaissance days, but managed to keep its focus; still today it remains a prosperous center of the jewelry business. The highlight is the central PIAZZA GRANDE, surrounded on two sides by the crenelated façades of Gothic houses and on the other two by stunning Renaissance masterpieces. These include a LOGGIA designed by Vasari, now the site of the renowned monthly antique market. Peeking into one corner of the square is the apse (or rear façade) of a 12th-century Romanesque church which fronts on a nearby street. In addition to the monthly market of antiquities (which is very famous in Italy), Arezzo has a large number of antique stores and, of course, jewelry stores.

 

Evening of DAY 9 – BACK TO MILANO

 

DAY 10 – FLY HOME – Drop off car rental first.