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    Northern and Central Italy 

    Day 1

    Evening Departure from New York. Take overnight flight to Milan.

    7hr 40min nonstop

    16 days, including travel

    Arrival in Milan 

    Arrival in Milan. Check into centrally located and highly rated hotel.

    Milan

    Explore Centre of Milan

    Details:

    Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Milan's city center. Make your way to the Sforza Castle, a fortress built in the 15th century in the middle of the city,its walled fortifications surrounded by a charming park. Continue onward along the elegant pedestrian street of Via Dante to reach the beautiful Piazza dei Mercanti, a bustling medieval square that ties old and new elements of the city together.

    Pass by La Scala opera house, one of the most famous theaters in the world, before touring the interior of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a fanciful indoor shopping mall that’s covered with astounding glass ceilings. Reach the celebrated Duomo of Milan, Italy's largest cathedral. Take some time to admire its impressive Gothic exterior before making your way inside to appreciate the numerous works of art hosted along the five long naves.

    Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie Church to see one of the greatest masterpieces in the world—The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci on the refectory wall.Enjoy the view of this fragile but astonishing painting. Following your time with The Last Supper, you visit the temporary exhibition of the Codex Atlanticus, a collection of drawings and writings by da Vinci, the largest of which that's known to exist. Find this in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, an important art gallery housing masterpieces by da Vinci and his contemporaries, including Raphael and Caravaggio

    Lake Como Bellagio

    Details: 

    North of Milan sits Italy's breathtakingly beautiful Lake District region, with its alpine scenery and pristine bodies of water. Perhaps most well-known is Lake Como. Ride into the lush rural countryside that frames the lakeside Town of Como. Start your visit with a tour of the town's elegant charms and spend a little leisure time to check out the local boutiques and cafés.

    Hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the lake. Spot the villas and elite hotels that dot the shoreline, and look out for celebrities enjoying their private time away from cameras. Cruise on to the romantic village of Bellagio, referred to as "The Pearl of the Lake." On the shores of the lake, this beguiling town is a wonderful place to stroll and take in the panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

    Day 2

    Lugano Cuisines 

    Details: Finally, drive across the Swiss border to the striking city of Lugano. This alpine city is nestled in the foothills of the spectacular mountains and affords some incredible photo opportunities. Explore the city at your own pace with plenty of recommendations on places to eat, people watch, and where to pick up some famous Swiss chocolate.

    Visit and Explore Bergamo

    Details: Bergamo is a unique city located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy and is characterized by its split lower and upper sections that are segregated by the immense historic Venetian walls.

    Start in the center of the modern new town of lower Bergamo, the Piazza Matteotti is one of the most beautiful and well known attractions. Located on the Via Roma, this immense square covers a huge amount of open space and contains some fine buildings including the Torre dei Caduti, the Teatro Gaetano Donizetti and the Chiostro di Santa Maria. Furthermore, the square contains two fantastic monuments – the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Monumento Al Partigiano.

    Take the old Funicular to the old town. No trip to Bergamo would be complete without taking the historic Funicular railway from the lower new city, to the upper old town. This railway has stood for hundreds of years and has served as the most convenient method of transportation to the higher ground of the old town.

    Start your visit to old town from Piazza Vecchia. This delightful square is one of the main attractions in the historic upper city and is a fantastic place to start your tour of Bergamo after taking the funicular. Surrounding the Piazza Vecchia is a series of beautiful buildings including the Campanone Torre Civica, the gorgeous Palazzo della Ragione, and the central decorative fountain.

    To the south of the Piazza Vecchi, through a small ornate archway is the fantastic Basilica of St. Mary Major. Originally constructed in the early 12th century, the basilica was not completed until the 14th century due to the churches financial problems. To the right hand side of the Basilica is the Colleoni Chapel which is dedicated to Mark, John the Baptist and Bartholomew. This chapel was a later addition to the Basilica and was built after it’s completion.

    Explore Bergamo's City gates.The old city of Bergamo is surrounded by a series of amazing venetian walls, and there are several gates that stand today in fantastic condition despite their age. The most notable of these gates is the Porta San Giacomo – this dazzling white rosewood marble gatehouse was constructed in the 16th century and stood as part of the cities defensive walls.

    Visit Rocca Museum situated to the north of the main segment of the Venetian walls.Within the walls is the Museo del Risorgimento e della Resistenza which is dedicated to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy and the countries struggle for independence. Furthermore, from the top of the battlements you can see for miles around and look down onto the modern center of Bergamo.

    Discover Art collection at Accademia Carrara.The museum is located in the northern part of modern Bergamo near the Piazzale Gulielmo Oberdan and the Parco Suardi. Inside this monumental building is a wonderful art collection with some truly impressive works from Italian artists such as Lorenzo Lotto, Biovanni Bellini, Titan, Paolo Veronsese and Sandro Botticelli.

    Walk on ancient Roman roads.Due to Bergamo’s ancient past, several exquisite Roman roads were constructed here, and you can still walk on these roads today. The two main Roman roads are il Cardo and il decumano – il Cardo or Cardo Maximus was always the main street in a Roman town and is where most of the trade and commerce happened.

    Shop on the popular Via XX Settembre.The Via XX Settembre is one of the central streets in the city and is known for its host of high street shops. If you want to relax and enjoy some retail therapy, this is the street for you! Shops included on the street are Zara, Mango, Pandora, Swatch, Swarovski and Falconeri to name a few.

    Day 3

    Day-Trip to Discover Turin

    Details: 

    Start in the heart of the historic centre of Turin,at Piazza Castello which hosts two major Baroque structures designed by architect Filippo Juvarra – Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and Palazzo Madama.

    The latter was so admired by Napoleon that he made it his Turin residence. Palazzo Reale was originally built in the 16th century, but underwent modification by the architect at the request of princess Christine Marie of France in the late 17th century.

    Take a Guided Royal Palace of Turin Tour. Stroll through the elegant apartments that once served the House of Savoy on this guided tour of the Royal Palace of Turin. Originally built in the 16th century and modernized by the Regent Maria Cristina in the 17th century, the Royal Palace of Turin served as a main residence for the House of Savoy for much of their extensive reign. As you step past the façade into the lavish apartments that overlook the palace's square piazza and gardens, you can begin to grasp the influence of the Savoy family. Before your tour comes to an end, also visit the Royal Armory. It is one of the world’s most important collections of arms and armor, formed in Turin by the Savoy family.

    Countinue to Palazzo Madama.It dates from 1003 and the façade was added by Juvarra in 1718. The rear of the castle remains in its medieval form so it is an incredibly unusual structure for this reason alone. Juvarra’s façade is a true baroque masterpiece but the interior is perhaps even more spectacular – the monumental and lofty double stairway has been replicated in buildings around the world. Palazzo Madama is also home to the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica which has a remarkable collection of paintings from the medieval, Renaissance and baroque periods.

    Visit the tall spire of Mole Antonelliana, the pinnacle of the Turin skyline and an iconic symbol of the city. It was built as a synagogue in 1848 when the freedom of worship to non-Catholic religions was officially granted. Today it is the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema), housing equipment and memorabilia from the earliest days of film production to the present. But the real draw is the viewing platform at the top of the building which offers amazing views of the city and mountains beyond.

    Day 4

    Experience Historic Torino Coffee houses

    Details: 

    Turin is synonymous with chocolate, and this is reflected in its historic coffee houses where chocolate delicacies and special coffee blends are served in charming period settings. Three of the best are the grand 19th-century Caffè San Carlo, Baratti & Milano and the Art Nouveau Caffè Torino.

    Don’t miss Parco del Valentino. Located on the west bank of the River Po that runs through the city, Parco del Valentino makes for lovely walks. Along the river you can admire the architecture of the grand

    villas and residences that line the river banks. The park is also home to the Castello del Valentino – one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

    Dine at the restaurant in Quadrilatero Romano. This is a central neighborhood located between Porte Palatine, via Garibaldi and Corso Siccardi, where an ancient Roman settlement once stood. The network of small streets are made up of beautiful historic buildings that are home to interesting shops, bars and restaurants, as well as remnants of the former Roman structures.

    Day 5

    Departure from Milan by plane. Arrival in Portfino.

    1hr 40min nonstop

    Enjoy and Relax at Portofino 

    With this full-day pass, you can head to wherever you’d like, crafting your own unique map of the city. Start off at the Teatro Romano—an amphitheater left unused since the 3rd century—still showcasing ancient architectural stones. From here, walk to the nearby Alcazaba,
    a Moorish fortification that currently houses a cultural museum, green gardens, and sweeping skyline views.Hop off at the Museo Picasso for a look at the artist's original works, which jumpstarted artistic movements through the 20th century. Step off at Málaga Cathedral, also known as La Manquita, "The One-Armed Lady" left in an unfinished state, this cathedral’s asymmetrical façade boasts just one tower (instead of the originally planned two) earning it its
    mono-limbed nickname.

    St George and the Castello Brown

    Details: 

    Visit to the church of St George and the Castello Brown: when you want to stretch a bit your legs, set out on the lane going up on the right next to the restaurant Tripoli (a good place at an affordable price for Portofino). After a short climb you will arrive at Sun Church of St. George where you can enjoy a splendid view of the bay and the colorful village and, on the other side, of the wild coast. If you want to continue the walk, in 10 minutes you can reach the beautiful Castello Brown overlooking the bay of Portofino (you can also visit the inside) or go on walking till the lighthouse, among luxury villas and lush vegetation. Definitely not to be missed!

    Take a private boat tour to live “la dolce vita” in Portofino, do not miss a private boat tour. Rent one of the traditional wooden boats you can see moored in the bay. You can go alone or accompanied by a sailor. The spectacle of the coast overlooking the sea, the rocks and the green or deep blue water will be priceless! Stop at nearby San Fruttuoso, a tiny untouched village that considered a pearl of rare beauty and have lunch in this corner of Italian paradise.

    Visit and explore Genoa and enjoy Santa Margherita

    Details:Spend a first half of the day visiting Genoa. Located in the centre of the old town in the Molo district, the Piazza De Ferrari is one of the central points of Genoa and offers a myriad of different sights. The main feature of the Piazza is the large ornate fountain – This fountain has a series of water jets that spray into a central basin and forms a lovely symmetrical shape and cascade of water. Surrounding the fountain are a number of important buildings including the Palace of the Doges, the Carlo Felice Theatre, the Genoa stock exchange and the Palace of the Duke of Galleria.

    Genoa is known for its once expansive city wall – over the years, the walls were expanded and enclosed much of the city, in fact, they were the longest city walls in Italy. Part of this bygone area still stands today in the form of the Porta Soprana gatehouse and towers. These two towers are only a short walk from the Piazza De Ferrari and are easily visible from many parts of the city.

    Situated right next to the Piazza De Ferrari, the Piazza Matteotti is a wonderful location in its own right and features a range of historical buildings and sights. Doges Palace sits at one of the of square and is a truly opulent building framed by a series of stone columns, whilst at the other end sits the fabulous San Lorenzo Cathedral. The San Lorenzo Cathedral architecture is reminiscent of Florence Cathedral and features a similar striped marble and stone front façade – The colors are fantastic with greens, pinks, blacks and whites. Created in 1118, this church has stood for hundreds of years and its interior is truly awe-inspiring.

    Visit and stroll on Via Garibaldi. A UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, the Via Garibaldi is one of the most important streets in Genoa and is famous for its large amount of palaces and fine architecture. Notable buildings include the Palazzo Bianco, the Palazzo Rosso, the Palazzo Doria Tursi, the Palazzo Lomelino and the Palazzo Pantaleo.

    Discover Genoa Maritime Museum.As Genoa was a major naval power during the 16th-19th centuries, it stands to reason that the city should contain one of the largest Maritime museums in Europe. This museum is a truly interesting and insightful place and contains four floors of historical artifacts, reconstructions and displays.

    On your way back to Portofino spend the rest of the day visiting and enjoying Santa Margherita once called the “salotto” of the entire Gulf with its troump d’oeil painted palaces.The town has a number of attractions such as the Villa Durazzo a 17th century palazzo located in a park. Walk up to the park and you can enjoy a beautiful view of the harbor. Located on the Piazza Caprera is the Basilica di Santa Margherita.Also, take a walk along the palm lined harbor, wander through the marina or enjoy the small town beach.

    Day 6

    Day-Trip to Chique Terre

    Details: The Cinque Terre is made up of five little isolated villages :Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore set in the steep, rugged coastline. A visit to the Cinque Terre would not be complete without a walk along one of its many hiking itineraries such as the Via dell’Amore (The Path of Love), which goes from Riomaggiore to Manarola. Colorful houses clinging to rocky outcrops overhanging the sea and the terraced vineyards which produce excellent wines such as Sciacchetrà are part of Cinque Terre’s fascinating landscape. Designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, together with Portovenere, another small extraordinary village on the same coast, the Cinque Terre form also a National Park which is visited by millions of people every year

    Day 7

    Portofino

    Exploring Lucca

    Details: 

    A great way to start exploring Lucca is to start with a walk along The 16th Century Walls, Lucca's most distinctive element known worldwide since they are the only ones to be completely accessible on foot or by car (even if cars are now forbidden).

    As you cross the walls into the city, you enter the heart of the town and what is commonly referred to as The City of One Hundred Churches for the large number of religious buildings which represent marvelous examples of architectural Italian styles. Focus on the cathedral, what is commonly referred to as “Il Duomo” in every town and on St. Michael's Church , located in the square of the same name in the heart of the historic center, is set along the most famous street of Lucca, called Il Fillungo, where you’ll find all the most important and prestigious stores and shops in the city (a must if you're in the mood for shopping!). To get to the cathedral of St. Martin, located in the square of the same name, just pass through the wall closest to the train station. The Duomo is home to some of the most beautiful art masterpieces such as Ilaria del Carretto’s Tomb by Jacopo della Quercia and the Volto Santo (a wooden crucifix of the Holy Face, ancient symbol of the city), from San Frediano Basilica (where the procession of the Holy Cross Celebrations departs).

    From Fillungo you get almost everywhere in the town center and nice walk will lead you to the discovery of Lucca's most charming spots and places you can’t absolutely miss including Piazza dell’Anfiteatro or the Amphitheatre Square, a true jewel from Roman times.

    Visit the National Art Gallery situated in the seventeenth-century Palazzo Mansi, where you’ll find renowned Italian artists works, especially from the Renaissance period.

    Day 8

    Buccellato

    Details:If you get tired or hungry after walking along the streets of Lucca, a short stop at one of the many shops that make and sell the famous buccellato (a semi-sweet bread with raisins) would be the perfect occasion to rest and taste one of the most typical products of Lucca.

    Arrival in Florence

    Details: Check into highly rated hotels

    Dine Around Florence: Evening Food & Wine Experience

    Details:

    Spend a wonderful evening in Florence with Dine Around Florence: Evening Food & Wine Experience Tour.

    Your evening starts near Ponte Vecchio Bridge where you meet your dining partners and cross the river to the less-visited neighborhood of Oltrarno, a foodie favorite for those in the know. The first stop of the evening is for cold cuts, Florence’s own special focaccia and a guided tasting of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Learn how these key ingredients differ depending on the region they were grown in, and what to look for when you’re shopping at home. Next up is one of our favorite wine bars where you enjoy a wine tasting experience, including a Super Tuscan with three types of traditional crostini on the side. On the way to the next stop, drop by a great little bakery for a snack to go, before settling down in a restaurant for the main event. After two traditional Tuscan starters you’ll be served bistecca alla Fiorentina, the famous steak of Florence. Finish your evening as the locals do, with a stroll through the city, stopping for gelato on the way – if you still have space that is. Come hungry, this dining experience includes the best of Florence’s food scene, and there’s a lot of it!

    Discover the Beauty of Florence.

    Details: 

    Start your Florence exploration with Accademia Gallery. Spend some time learning about the gallery's early history, wander past Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners statues, and check out breathtaking oil paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, completed by many of Michelangelo's contemporaries. Reach the natural light-filled dome that houses the Statue of David and spend some time admiring the intricate details carved meticulously into this massive piece of white marble. Snap some photos before you leave, making a side trip to the Galleria dell'Accademia's gardens.

    Then head to Florence's crowning glory, il Duomo or Florence Cathedral. As you admire the Dome from outside and inside (skipping the insanely long line) you’ll hear the story of how its architect Brunelleschi recovered lost knowledge and expanded the realm of what was deemed humanly possible all in his pursuit of building it.

    Explore the winding streets and art-strewn piazzas learning about the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza della Signoria sculptures. Keep your camera handy as you wander past the picture-perfect Ponte Vecchio. Peek into the windows of colorful jewelry stores, and swing by the local leather market to rub the bronze nose of Il Porcellino—a Baroque boar sculpture believed to bring good luck.

    Visit and discover the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery's stunning art collection. Built in 1581 as a home for the judiciary offices, the Uffizi Gallery was used as an art gallery by the ruling Medici family before being officially opened to the public in 1765 when the dynasty fell. Roam the renowned collection of paintings and sculptures by masters like Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

    Day 10

    Explore beautiful Tuscany’s Chianti region with its Castles and Winerie

    Details:

    Start out with a relaxing ride from Florence over the vivid greenery of Tuscany. Your first stop is at Verrazzano Castle, birthplace of the explorer who charted much of North America's Atlantic coast.

    Take a tour that shows you the cellars that store the Chianti wines produced from the fields outside, and then a guided tasting lets you try out incredible flavors like the Chianti Classico DOGC. Try some

    local pecorino cheese, balsamic dressing, and extra-virgin olive oil before you move on to visit the town of Greve. After some free time to explore the town's shops and bistros, you move on to Brolio Castle, 11th century renaissance castle and winery estate which once housed the creator of the first known Chianti recipe and now offers a beautiful view of its surrounding vineyards.

    Day 11

    Visit historic towns of Monteriggioni and San Gimignano.

    Details:

    Next, visit Monteriggioni. It is a walled town known for its medieval fortifications and watchtowers. The castle walls offer views of the surrounding Chianti region.

    Your last stop before heading back to Florence is historic town of San Gimignano. Its tower-studded skyline is one of the most spectacular sights in Tuscany. In its heyday, the city had a total of 72 towers, only 14 of which remain. Tower-houses were castle-residences serving as both warehouses and fortresses. The remaining towers are concentrated around the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Cisterna, which is teeming with tourists all year round. The tall defensive towers dominate the two main squares at the highest point of the town and doubled as status symbols to flaunt the owners’ wealth and social standing. An additional theory holds that the towers were also linked to the textile trade which helped make San Gimignano rich. As there was little room at ground level some towers may have been built to house valuable dyed fabrics. However, the consensus is that these imperious towers began as defensive works but swiftly became status symbols, much like a Manhattans skyscrapers today.

    Stunning Val d’Orcia region with its famous

    Details:Continue your journey further of Siena thought stunningly beautiful Val d’Orcia. This area of Tuscany boasts of endless rolling hills covered with grain or sunflowers, a rich green valley which encompasses the Orcia river from which the area derives its name.

    Historical villages Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano.

    Details: Visit Montalcino and don’t forget the vineyards for the renowned wines of Brunello. Then continue on to the terracotta-hued towns of Pienza and Montepulciano. Roam to viewpoints overlooking the golden landscape of the Val d'Orcia, delve into the region's artistic heritage, and seek out specialties like pecorino cheese in Pienza. Admire Montepulciano's refined Renaissance architecture, and make a final stop at a local winery to try the world-renowned Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

    Morning departure from Florence. Arrival in Rome. Check into centrally located and highly rated hotel

    Details: 

    ALL Roads lead to Rome!! Start you Rome visit with Skip-the-Line: Half-Day Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill Tour. Feel the excitement in the air and imagine the roar of the crowds as you bypass the crowds to enter the still-regal Colosseum. This massive amphitheater could hold crowds of up to 50,000 people, who gathered to watch not just epic gladiator fights but also incredible naumachia, aquatic spectacles of battles at sea. Continue on to nearby Palatine Hill, the fabled site of Rome's mythical founding by Romulus. Amid the sun-kissed pines atop this most central of Rome's 7 hills, majestic ruins cluster—the remains of once-opulent palaces like that of Emperor Domitian. From the gardens, take in panoramic views over the sprawling Roman Forum and Nero's vast Circus Maximus and then stroll along the Via Sacra—the main thoroughfare of ancient Rome—to reach the Forum itself. Walk through the forest of columns marking the entrances to long-crumbled temples like the House of the Vestal Virgins.

    Spend the evening exploring breathtaking sights of the Eternal City. From the Forum continue throughout the city stopping at locations like the bustling Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon and the picturesque Piazza Navona surrounded by lovely Italian architecture.Stroll through the bustling streets of the Trastevere area, make a special stop to visit the infamous Trevi Fountain, celebrated in the movie "La Dolce Vita." Be sure you don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain. Visit Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps. The Piazza di Spagna (English: Square of Spain) is one of Rome’s most renowned squares. The name comes from the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Spanish Embassy for the Vatican located on this square since the seventeenth century. The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian) were built at the beginning of the eighteenth century connecting Piazza di Spagna and the Church of Trinità dei Monti. It is one of the most famous parts of Rome.

    Day 13

    Visit Vatican and Borghese Gallery & Gardens

    Details:

    Take a Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour.

    Meet your guide outside the Vatican Museums and then bypass the crowds to head inside this sacred city, the world's smallest country and the holy enclave of popes since the 5th century. Hear tales about the people behind the paintings as you pass through the beautiful Raphael Rooms, and get a breath of fresh air amid the manicured lawns of the Pinecone Courtyard. Step into the hushed grandeur of the Sistine Chapel and look up at the masterpiece of Michelangelo. Note the details in works like the Creation of Adam, and discover little-known facts about the secrets hidden within the frescoes. From there, skip the lines into the marble-clad walls of St. Peter's Basilica, the most sumptuous of Catholic churches. Stand where Holy Roman emperors were once crowned by popes, gaze upon the haunting beauty of Michelangelo's Pietà, and ponder the sense of history of this place before Bernini's famous baldachin, the bronze canopy that arches over the altar and the burial site of St. Peter himself.

    Afternoon Walking Tour of Borghese Gallery & Gardens.

    This tour introduces you to the immaculate rooms and exquisitely manicured gardens of the Borghese Gallery. With rooms crammed full of artwork by masters from Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio. Despite being in the heart of central Rome, a walk through the Borghese Gardens transports you to a peaceful paradise of lush greenery, picture-perfect walkways and flowing fountains. Enjoy the fresh air and unwind in this magical setting as you stroll through the diverse flora. End the tour with an unforgettable view atop the Pincio Terrace. This is the perfect opportunity for that quintessential photo as you take in the sweeping panoramic vista of the entire Rome skyline sprawled out in front of you

    Day 14

    Day 15

    Departure to New York.

    7hr 40min nonstop

    Day 8

    Departure from Portofino by train. Arrival in Lucca.

    2hr 30min nonstop

    Lucca

    Departure from Lucca. Visit nearby Pisa before leaving for Florence

    Details: 

    Arrival in Pisa. Explore the charming town of Pisa on the walking tour of the city's main attractions. Stroll through the historic city center, see the iconic Leaning Tower and learn more about the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, one of the finest architectural complexes in the world.

    The Tower of Pisa along with 3 other architectural monuments located in Piazza dei Miracoli represent stages of human life: the Baptistery represents birth, the Monumental Cemetery is death, and the Cathedral is a symbol of life. Take a picture by the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, located just a short distance away. See the Baptistery of Pisa and enter the majestic Pisa Cathedral to admire its elegant interior.

    Day 9

    Visit historic town of Siena 

    Details: 

    First, make your way to historic Siena to admire the magnificent Cathedral, the Palazzo Comunale and Piazza del Campo.

    Piazza del Campo is truly unique with its shell shape, its bricks pavement and for all of the buildings facing on it. Standing at the center of the square, you can almost feel wrapped up in a warm embrace. Piazza del Campo hosts, twice a year (on July 2nd and August 16th), the famous Palio di Siena, the most anticipated, exciting event by all of the citizens in Siena. In the square, you can admire the Fonte Gaia, the largest fountain of the city originally decorated with sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia.

    Climb to the top of the Torre Del Mangia Tower with its height of 87 meters, offers one of the most beautiful views of the city. Continue on to the precious Piazza del Duomo. While it is one stop, it is full of treasures that will take you the rest of the day to explore. Here you will enjoy some of the most magnificent treasures of Siena which I recommend you visit inside: the Cathedral, the Crypt and the Piccolomini Library.

    The Duomo in Siena, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque-Gothic church in Italy. Imposing, almost dazzling for the extensive use of the white marble, the Duomo fascinates even from the outside. Entering, you will not be disappointed: the Cathedral is enriched with works signed by famous artists the likes of Donatello, Nicola Pisano, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio. The Piccolomini Library, dedicated to Pope Pius II, is striking for the richness of its frescoes painted by Pinturicchio and his pupils, including Raphael Sanzio in the early 1500s. Inside the Library, you can admire truly extraordinary frescoes on the walls, where you can see

    some scenes of the life of Pope Pius II, but also on the ceiling, shining for the abundant use of gold. The Piccolomini Library is a true gem that you really can’t miss once you're in Siena. The Crypt is located under the Cathedral. Here are many extraordinary frescoes of the Sienese school of the thirteenth century representing scenes of the Old and New Testament.

    Day 12