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Savor the art, architecture, and cuisine of Italy while our resident
experts enhance your experience with a series of exclusive talks.
Learn about the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums and
the Sistine Chapel as art historian Paul Tegmeyer offers insight
into the artistic achievements of Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante,
and Raphael.
Immerse yourself in the glories of Florence during a lecture featuring
Renaissance artists represented in the Uffizi Gallery. This lecture
will be held in an International School of Art in Florence.
Join a chef in Florence for an evening of exploring traditional
Tuscan cuisine.
Meet an expert in fresco painting who discusses the history and
techniques of this important Italian painting style and explains
the amazing restoration process on the frescoes at the Basilica
of St. Francis of Assisi.
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For
over 35 years, Smithsonian Journeys has tapped its vast resources,
assembling the experts, scouting unusual locations, and developing
unique experiences for you.
Per
person rates from $3,299.00 based on double occupancy. Call us
for details...
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From
the beginnings of the ancient Roman Empire through the artistic flowering
of the Renaissance, Italy has been home to some of the world's greatest
masters of art and architecture. Explore Italy's rich history and artistic
legacy as you journey from Rome to Florence and Perugia, and other hill
towns of Tuscany and Umbria.
Enjoy intriguing excursions and special presentations on the art and architecture
of the region. Discover breathtaking landscapes and the dramatic settings
of ancient villages, fine regional cuisine and wines, and time to relax
and follow your personal interests.
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For
details
of this or other Smithsonian experiences call
our Vacation Specialist at
Accent
North Office - 512-338-0444
Accent South Office -
512-441-7800
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Tentative Itinerary includes 11 days, 15 meals,
9 breakfasts, 6 dinners, round trip air from Austin, hotel & hotel transfers.
Day 1 — Depart the U.S.
Depart the U.S. for Rome on an overnight flight.
Day
2 — Rome, Italy
Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner featuring
local delicacies, wine, and captivating Italian music.
Day
3 — Vatican City
The Vatican is renowned for its impressive artistic masterpieces and architecture.
During a guided tour marvel at the Vatican's collections of painting and
sculpture, the Sistine Chapel frescoes, and St. Peter's art and architecture.
An afternoon panoramic coach tour of classical Rome highlights the Roman
Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine.
Day
4 — Siena and Florence
Travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena, once a rival to Florence.
Join a local expert for a walking tour that begins in the shell-shaped
Campo, the heart of the city and home to the annual Palio horse race.
Your walking tour concludes with a tour of the richly decorated cathedral,
with its distinctively striated campanile and fine sculpture by Pisano.
The day ends in Florence, the capital of the Italian Renaissance.
Day
5 — Florence
Experience a day devoted to the magnificent city of Florence. A special
walking tour features the cathedral, capped by Brunelleschi's dome and
the symbol of Florence, and the bronze doors designed by Ghiberti at the
adjacent Baptistery. Continue past the Piazza della Signoria to the Church
of Santa Croce, which houses frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of Michelangelo,
Galileo, and Machiavelli. This afternoon view paintings by Leonardo, Botticelli,
Raphael, and others at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery.
Day
6 — Florence or Lucca Excursion
Enjoy a day to further explore the cultural riches of Florence independently
or indulge in the Italian joy of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing
nothing). A half-day optional excursion features the small medieval town
of Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, Roman street
plan, and charming piazza. This evening enjoy a special cooking demonstration
of Tuscan specialties before dinner at a popular Florentine restaurant.
Day
7 — Florence and Perugia
Travel through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and Umbria to Perugia.
During a leisurely guided walking tour, explore Perugia's massive Etruscan
walls and the Piazza IV Novembre, one of the grandest squares in Italy,
surrounded by medieval palaces and cathedrals.
Day
8 — Perugia, Assisi, and Perugia
Learn about the art of fresco painting prior to visiting nearby Assisi,
the famous hill town known for its magnificent Basilica of St. Francis.
Tour the restored Basilica and admire the delicate colors and forms of
Giotto's and Cimabue's frescoes. Upon returning to Perugia, the afternoon
is unscheduled so that you may relax in a pleasant piazza, discover historic
neighborhoods, or visit a museum housing paintings by Umbrian masters.
Day
9 — Perugia, Montepulciano, and Perugia
Today, explore one of Tuscany's most enchanting hill towns. Montepulciano,
a pearl of the Renaissance, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding
landscape. A guided walking tour features the old town with its fortified
gateway and magnificent Renaissance-style palazzi. Outside of town, stop
at the exquisite honey-colored church of Madonna di San Biagio, a Renaissance
gem and the final masterpiece of Sangallo. Enjoy a tasting of Montepulciano's
famous Vino Nobile at a nearby wine cellar.
Day
10 — Perugia, Orvieto, and Rome
Depart Perugia and stop at the Etruscan hill town of Orvieto, known for
its white wine and its Gothic cathedral, one of the finest in Italy which
houses a stunning fresco cycle by Signorelli. There will be ample time
for a leisurely lunch or exploring this town on your own. Later today,
arrive at a hotel near the Rome airport and enjoy a festive farewell dinner.
Day
11 — Depart Rome
Depart Rome for the U.S.
The Smithsonian reserves the right to adjust and substitute this itinerary.
Adjustments are
in keeping with the Smithsonian's extraordinary dedication to learning
and discovery.
Since
its beginnings, the Smithsonian Institution has built museums, produced
exhibitions, and published research and magazines in order to bring
the wonders of science, culture and the arts to the American public.
With 24 million museum visitors annually and 136 million objects
in its collections, Smithsonian Journeys exemplifies the Institution's
dedication to discovery worldwide.
Smithsonian
Journeys and Accent Travel's mission is to offer travelers one of
the most exciting educational travel experiences. Like the Smithsonian
Institution, they are committed to providing a life-enriching experience
on each and every journey you take.
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