Days 1-4: Rome & Vatican Begin your learning adventure in Rome, the epicenter of Western Civilization. Take in the noble monuments and art of center city. Tour the Vatican complex and visit the splendid Borghese Villa and Museum. Venture back in time at the ancient Colosseum and Forum. Exclaim “Arrivederci Roma!” at a program banquet…
Days 5-7: Cortona On the way to Cortona, visit Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola and the fantasy garden of Bomarzo. Spend a day in romantic Cortona, with an evening cooking lesson. On a second day, tour vineyards in the Montalcino region, see the monastery of Monte Oliveto, and enjoy a hearty lunch in the Renaissance town…
Days 8-12 : Florence Visit Arezzo for Piero della Francesca’s frescoes and the palatial home of artist Giorgio Vasari. Tour Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Take in such sites as the Cathedral and Baptistery, Uffizi Museum, Medici Palace and monastery of San Marco—then find yourself nose to nose with Michelangelo’s colossal David.