Our Itinerary

  Nashville, Tennessee
Thursday, February 7, 2008

Montecatini - Hotel Minerva Palace C 

2/28
Your vacation begins with an overnight flight to either Florence or Pisa.

2/29
Meet your Go Ahead representative after clearing customs and then transfer via private motorcoach to Montecatini. Meet your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening's included dinner. (B in flight, D)

3/1
Journey to nearby Florence for a guided sightseeing tour. See the many Renaissance treasures of the city, including Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise," Santa Croce, the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, home of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. (B)

3/2
Today is free to indulge in the famous spas of Montecatini, located in the healing Valdinievole, or "Valley of Mists." Or join an optional excursion and light lunch in Colle Verde, a typical Tuscan farm in the hills above Lucca where olive oil is produced. (B)

3/3
This morning's one-hour walk takes place in the Chianti region. Strolling near the vineyards where the renowned Chianti wine is produced, you'll stop in Vinci, hometown of artist Leonardo. Then set off on another scenic walk (1.5 hours) this afternoon, passing valleys, rivers and private country homes along the route. Afterwards, sample some Tuscan vintages at a wine tasting. (B, D)

Siena - Garden Hotel  

3/4
Take in panoramic views of the sun-warmed Tuscan countryside on your transfer south to Siena. Along the way, stop in Monteriggioni, one of Tuscany's best-preserved medieval towns, for a 1.5-hour walk from the 13th-century ramparts. Arrive later in Siena for an afternoon guided tour. Stop at the impressively ornate Duomo for a visit to the Piccolomini Library, where you can view the frescoes depicting the life of Pope Pius II. (B, L)

3/5
Begin the day with an invigorating one-hour walk in San Gimignano, considered by many the loveliest of the Tuscan hill towns. Fourteen towers remain standing out of the original 70, bearing testament to the medieval rivalry between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines that shaped history in this region. Then stop in the nearby town of Volterra, which has yielded rich stores of alabaster since Etruscan times. This evening, join a special optional dinner, featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine. (B)

Chianciano - Mizar C 

3/6
Enjoy a one-hour walk this morning amid the orchards, vineyards and groves of Cortona. Then pass by Lake Trasimeno as you transfer to Chianciano, a spa town whose waters are reputed to have restorative properties. (B, D)

3/7
Today's series of walks (2.5 hours) begins in Montalcino, famed for its fine red wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Explore the 14th-century walls before departing for Pienza. After exploring the Duomo and Gothic churches, continue to Montepulciano for a walk uphill to reach the last breathtaking view of the day. Savor authentic local dishes at our optional Country Evening tonight.(B)

Rome - Mercure Hotel Corso Trieste  

3/8
Transfer to the Monte Amiata region, where you'll have time to explore the charming old town of Abbadia San Salvatore before continuing on to Rome for the night. Attend this evening's optional Dinner with Tenors, featuring fine food and live opera music. (B)

3/9
Spend a free day in Rome, exploring its many museums and shops. Or opt for a guided tour of Imperial Rome, featuring the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum. (B)

3/10
Enjoy another day at your leisure, or join an optional tour of Vatican City, with visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. (B)

3/11
Board your flight home. (B)