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StayCation — Florence
March 13-19, 2022
September 5th – 11th, 2022
$2400
Renaissance means “rebirth” and no city embodies the idea more than Firenze. Florence, the city of flowers, was the most important city of the 1500’s, filled with wealthy merchants hiring the best artists of the time— Michaelangelo, Leonardo DaVinci, Botticelli. This has left the city with one of the greatest cultural patrimonies in the world, and it waits for you to dig a bit below the typical visit and discover its depth.
Florence is a city built for a staycation, just as the English of the Grand Tour discovered, there is far too much to see for just a few days’ stay. While a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is required, the city itself is like an enormous diffused art museum. Each day, we will explore churches full of artworks, back alleys noisy with artisan workshops, and enotecas serving up some of the best wine that Italy has to offer. Our stay will also include some Tuscan wandering, with classic cypress tree vistas.
We have enjoyed our small groups so much that we will continue to keep numbers low and personal attention high. This tour will have a maximum of 16 guests.
The March tour will be led by Sarah. Local guides will also join us for more in-depth learning.
The September tour will be lead by Anna Piperato.
Sign up for the September tour (with Anna Piperato) by clicking the Book Now button
Day One
Overnight: Florence
Benvenuti a Firenze
In the afternoon we meet in our centrally located hotel for a tour orientation. We will head out on a city walk to become familiar with the development of the city, then dine on a classic Florentine dinner with plenty of vino.
Day Two
Overnight: Florence
Mangia! Markets and Meals
In the morning we will tour one of the famous food markets of the city, meet local producers, and sample some of the seasonal specialties. We will then head to the kitchen and learn how to cook a proper Florentine feast. The afternoon will be yours to explore, shop, or devour gelato.
Day Three
Overnight: Florence
Neighborhood Charm
We will focus today on a local’s Florence, and loiter aon the other side of the river, the Oltrarno. Along with our local expert, we will pop into quiet galleries and examine treasures that most visitors miss.
This evening, you may opt to join your guide to find an apericena, a Florentine cocktail and snack buffet.
Day Four
Prato
Part of the wealth of Florence was gained through textile manufacture. We will visit the nearby town of Prato to learn more about textiles, and to explore the historic center.
Day Five
Museum Day
Today we will explore the art treasures of the city with an expert local guide. We will visit some of the most revered art treasures, but will also take time to admire gems that are off the tourist path.
Day Six
Tuscany
We will hop aboard a minibus today and joyride through the famous Tuscan countryside. Our day will include a visit to a village and a wine tasting and lunch at a countryside winery.
Day 7
Tour Over After Breakfast
Your guide will be available this morning to help you with your further travel plans. Grazie e arrivederci!
Tour Dates: March 13-19
Price: $2400 (Air not included). Single Supplement is $425. We welcome singles and can try to pair you with another single to room with, but the single supplement will be required if we can’t.
What’s included: 3 dinners and 3 lunches (wine included), 6 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport and private guides, tips included.
You can reserve a spot on this tour with a non-refundable deposit of $600.
Tour begins and ends in Florence. International airport there is FLR or PSA.
If you would like to book this tour just for your own group of friends or family (minimum 6 people), we can offer a private tour with different dates to suit your travel needs.