Tuscany & Rome 9 days

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Created: 19.11.2014

DAY 1 ??? DEPART - This evening we depart JFK aboard a wide-body jet on our way to Florence.  DAY 2 ???ROME/FLORENCE/MONTECATINI TERME-Arrive Rome airport , transfer to our domestic flight for Florence. Once outside customs we meet our tour guide and drive to our hotel in Montecatini Terme. Once we check in, the remainder of today is at our leisure to explore this jewel of a town. This evening before dinner we will enjoy a welcome drink. Overnight at our hotel. DAY 3 ??? FLORENCE ???Today we drive to Florence. Our first stop will be Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, we see the highlights of Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance. We start our walking tour with a visit of the Academy to view Michelangelo???s ???David???.  Next we visit the Duomo, the heart of the city with its cupola by Brunelleschi, completed in 1240. We then continue outside to view the campanile by Giotto and  the Baptistry (exterior) with incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti. Next, we set out to Piazza della Signoria, the political and historical centre of Florence, with its imposing rectangular fortress-palace, the Palazzo Vecchio. Across the palace we see the Loggia dei Lanzi, with the statues of ???Perseus??? by Cellini and the ???Rape of the Sabines??? by Giambologna. Some free time for shopping before we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.  DAY 4 ??? LUCCA/PISA - This morning we drive to Lucca where we enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating town. We walk along the famous sixteenth century walls, entering the enchanting historical center where you will have the chance to admire the amazing Piazza Anfiteatro, the Torre Giunigi, the Duomo di San Martino and the typical ???antique dealers??? street. After some free time, we depart for the historical town of Pisa, renowned for its architectural masterpieces. Upon arrival in Pisa, free time for lunch. Afterwards we have a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower (exterior), the Baptistery (exterior) and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Continue for a stroll through the historic center of Pisa. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. DAY 5- SIENA - This morning we drive to the magnificent city of Siena, which invites us to stroll through its Gothic streets converging on the famous Piazza del Campo. This is the heart of Siena, a sloping amphitheater of a square, lined with café tables and thronged with tourists and locals.  The Campo is the dramatic setting for the Palio bareback horserace. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico, the public palace, which dates back to 1250 and is still the seat of the municipality. Heading uphill from the Campo, we reach the monumental black-and-white-striped Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Afterwards we will visit the Dominican Church which commemorates St. Catherine. Free afternoon for shopping or further exploration on our own. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.  DAY 6 ??? MONTECATINI TERME/ROME ??? This morning we travel south to Rome. Before arriving we will enjoy a group lunch at an agriturismo. Prior to check in at our hotel we will have a chance to familiarize ourselves with the Eternal City. We will drive by the Coliseum, Roman Forum, and Castel Sant???Angelo. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.   DAY 7- TIVOLI/FRASCATI ??? Today we visit Villa d???Este, masterpiece of the Italian Gardens, included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We then proceed to Frascati  (the biggest and most representative of the 13 hill towns),  perfect for white wine lovers, and lovers of the extraordinary beauty of monuments.  In Frascati we enjoy a typical agriturismo lunch.  Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. DAY 8- ROME ??? This morning we see the treasures of the Vatican Museum.  We marvel at Michelangelo???s restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the wonders of St. Peter???s.  This afternoon is ours to explore or relax. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at our hotel. DAY 9 ??? USA - Today we say ARRIVERCI Roma???..hoping that the memories will last a lifetime.