USTOA
In partenership with
Find your dream vacation
Travelstride climate

Compare Best of Italy by Intrepid Travel vs Genius in Italy: Discover the Works of Da Vinci, Galileo & More by Road Scholar

Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.

Duration 14 days 11 days
Price From $ 3,976 $ 3,429
Price Per Day $ 284 $ 312
Highlights
  • Take to the Tuscan countryside and cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, working up an appetite for the region’s delicious local food and renowned wines.
  • Spend a free day exploring the beautiful villages, estates and gardens dotted around Lake Como, criss-crossing the lake by ferry, and consider exploring the grounds of Bellagio's grand Villa Melzi.
  • Head with your local leader to a quaint rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – salute!
  • Test yourself on the hilly trails of the Cinque Terre, stopping by the picturesque pastel colour villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza. If you get tired, just jump on the train for the rest of your day!
  • Italy’s iconic Rome, Florence and Venice are a haven of renaissance architecture and historic sights. With plenty of time to discover at your own pace, you have the power to decide what you’d like to see.
  • Journey by fast train to Milan to admire “The Last Supper” — one of da Vinci’s greatest masterpieces — during a field trip to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
  • Admire the impressive dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, designed and built by architectural genius Filippo Brunelleschi
  • Trace the scientific advancements made during the life of astronomer Galileo Galilei through the more modern age of nuclear physicist Enrico Fermi
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • 1- Very easy
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • High Adventure
  • 50 plus
  • Education / Learning
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Cinque Terre
  • Florence
  • La Spezia
  • Lake Como
  • Lucca
  • Milan
  • Pisa
  • Portofino
  • Rome
  • Tuscany
  • Vatican City
  • Venice
  • California
  • Milan
  • Pisa
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
N/A
Meals Included N/A
  • 16 Meals
  • 9 Breakfasts
  • 4 Lunches
  • 3 Dinners
  • The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
Description

The enduring phrase ‘la dolce vita’ – or the good life – truly captures the essence of Italy. Spend 14 days discovering the heart of all things Italian on a culturally rich adventure from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Tour the Tuscan countryside on a leisurely cycle along Lucca’s Serchio River, peer into Pisa and marvel at its Leaning Tower, take to the trails of the Cinque Terre for some stunning coastal views, and walk the Portofino Peninsula to be one with its glamourous residents. With time spent wine tasting in rural villages, ferry catching along Lake Como and relaxing among the vibrant centres of Milan and Venice, you’ll soon understand why Italy remains in the hearts of all who visit.

The ideas of Italy’s finest scientists and visionaries come to life during this insightful exploration in Florence, where they lived, worked and influenced the future of the world.
Itinerary: Best of Italy

Day 1 Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Maybe save the unmissable sights for later and today do as the Romans do – sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city. For those captivated by the 'Eternal City', throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. Keep in mind that there will be an important welcome meeting, usually at around 6pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2 Rome / Florence

Enjoy some free time in Rome or, if you wish, your group leader will be available for an orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. If there's time, visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon you'll travel by train from Rome to Florence – Italy's outdoor museum (approximately 2 hours). Florence, the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursts with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your tour leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your travel pals.

Day 3 Florence

Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, take a visit to the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you’re wanting to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the evening, perhaps climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Afterwards, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely socialising stroll – perhaps between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica. That is, if you aren’t enjoying a Tuscan meal instead.

Day 4 Florence / Lucca

No doubt there'll be more to see in Florence this morning, then this afternoon, take a train to Lucca (approximately 2 hours). Lucca is one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets within its ancient city ramparts. You’ll be captivated by this charming and medieval town. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Make sure you join the traditional evening pastime of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the famous city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.

Day 5 Pisa / Lucca

Set off on a cycling tour following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside (4 kilometres round the walls that are now a tree-lined avenue, and 14 kilometres by the river, approximately 3-4 hours). Your base in Lucca provides you with the perfect opportunity for a later outing to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). Here there'll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. Afterwards, head back to Lucca. An ideal way to end the day is to head to a local bar for a refreshing Prosecco and a delicious focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.

Day 6 La Spezia

Travel by train to La Spezia (approximately 3 hours) – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stunning stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs makes it one of the highlights in the whole of Italy. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

Day 7 Cinque Terre / La Spezia

This morning, venture out to visit the enchanted Cinque Terre. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves, vineyards and on to idyllic, breath-taking vistas. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 kilometres, approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 8 Portofino Peninsula / Asti

Travel by train to Santa Margherita on the Peninsula of Portofino (approximately 1 hour). Store your luggage and set off on an energetic 5-7 kilometre walk, finishing in Portofino. Start by wandering down to the Santa Margherita waterfront, past small fishing boats in the marina, enjoying the views back to town. Continue along the road, passing beach clubs, private villas and hotels that command the skyline, where the hills of the Italian Riviera meet the Bay of Tigullio. Spot locals sunbaking in the coves, then cross through some undulating forested terrain. Descend down to the picturesque port of Portofino – the place where the rich and famous come to play. Continue up to the viewpoints surrounding the town, join the glamorous for coffee and people-watching along the harbour, or perhaps stop at a focacceria to try this typical Ligurian bread. Afterwards, enjoy the fabulous coastal scenery with a boat ride back to Santa Margherita (weather permitting). Continue by train to Asti (approximately 2.5 hours) in the Piedmont region, where mouth-watering culinary delights await. Be sure to try a dish flavoured with truffle and indulge in a tipple of Italian wine.

Day 9 Asti

This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like the option to enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. The town of Asti, located in the Piedmont region, was one of the most important towns in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe – excellent reds and the sparkling white ‘spumante’. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’, or truffles – a distinctive regional delicacy. You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

Day 10 Milan / Lake Como

Travel by train to Milan (approximately 3 hours) – Italy's second largest city and the capital of Lombardy – for a few hours to explore. In this most fashionable of cities, this is the place for stylish shopping and cafes! Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the stunning Gothic terrace. You may like to visit Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece – The Last Supper – if there's time, so be sure to book tickets well in advance. Alternatively, head to the park of Castello Sforzesco; the perfect destination on a hot day. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como (approximately 2 hours) – an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shore of Lake Como where you'll be able to experience its true serenity.

Day 11 Lake Como

This morning, explore the pretty village of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy a walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi. This grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from films franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif – sitting dockside, lakeside, or out on a veranda. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day. With some fine Italian food tonight, of course.

Day 12 Venice

Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan and catch a train heading to Venice (approximately 3 hours) This grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader and take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto. It only takes a minute or so, but it is a quintessential experience to have in Venice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.

Day 13 Venice

Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola. See Venetian creativity and artisan wares in the glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from the Campo Santo Stefano. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your tour leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, such as fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.

Day 14 Venice

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Venice-tours for more information. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Itinerary: Genius in Italy: Discover the Works of Da Vinci, Galileo & More

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Florence D Hotel California
Activity note: Hotel check in from 3.00 p.m.

Afternoon: After arriving at the hotel, check in and get your room, then take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All transportation will be provided by motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.< br> Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.< br> Before dinner, we’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail together.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal featuring tasty regional cuisine plus a glass of wine, mineral water, coffee; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Brunelleschi’s Dome, Santa Maria del Fiore Museum, Free Time
Florence B Hotel California
Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles. The climb to the top of the dome of the Duomo (optional) is 463 steps; no elevator.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as scrambled eggs, meats, cereals, fruit, pastries, juices, milk, cappuccino, espresso, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: An art historian will lecture on Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1466), a goldsmith and clockmaker who developed as an architect, engineer, and artist; and his interaction with Paolo dal Pozzo Toscanelli (1397-1482), a merchant and medical doctor who became one of the most distinguished scientists of the 15th century as an astronomer, cosmographer, and mathematician. Toscanelli taught Brunelleschi geometry. We will focus on the importance of mathematical knowledge in the Renaissance and Brunelleschi’s design for the dome of the cathedral of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore — known simply as the Duomo. Brunelleschi’s dome is a miracle of architecture, still the largest masonry dome ever built, nearly 150 feet (45 meters) across. We’ll then walk to Il Grande Museo del Duomo — the museum that comprises the entire complex of the cathedral, dome, and Baptistery, to learn more about Brunelleschi’s amazing achievement.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free Time. Those who wish may climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome. On the way up and down, you can see the magnificent frescoes adorning the interior of the dome. Those with strength and stamina will be rewarded with exceptional views of the city. For those who prefer not to climb, you can explore the Baptistery next to the Duomo, the oldest religious monument in Florence. Its design, incredible mosaics, and magnificent bronze doors are justly world renowned. You are welcome to return to the hotel when you like.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Gnomon, Vespucci Ognissanti
Florence B,L Hotel California
Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: During a field trip to Santa Maria del Fiore — the Duomo (cathedral) of Florence — we will learn about its “gnomon.” This 15th century scientific invention measures the exact moment of the summer solstice when sunlight passes through a small opening inside Brunelleschi’s dome and appears on a precise spot, a marble circle on the floor of the cathedral. It is said to have been the brainchild of Paolo dal Pozzo Toscanelli. The gnomon aided in astronomical calculations, helped determine the exact duration of the year, and helped decide when to plant crops. It may even have helped Christopher Columbus plan his great sea voyage.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal featuring tasty regional cuisine plus a glass of wine, mineral water, coffee; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Tradition says America was named for the Florentine explore Amerigo Vespucci. True or not, Vespucci was a major figure in exploration of the New World. He was an explorer, a navigator, cartographer, and the first to demonstrate that the lands “discovered” by Columbus were not part of Asia, but a new continent. He named Venezuela — “little Venice” — because he thought the little stilt houses looked like those in Venice. We will see the exterior of his birthplace in Borgo Ognissanti and the church where the Vespucci family had its own private chapel with frescoes by Ghirlandaio representing some members of the family.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Anchiano, Museo Leonardiano Vinci, Free Time
Florence B,L Hotel California
Activity note: The trip from Florence to Anchiano is about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Leonardo da Vinci is best known as the artist who created masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. His was also one of the foremost scientific minds of all time. He was an inventor, and acute observer, and conducted research in everything from anatomy to architecture, astronomy, geography, geology, paleontology, and zoology. Such was his talent and intellect that some thought the source of his gifts was supernatural. We will take a field trip by private motor coach to his birthplace, the village of Anchiano outside Vinci, where our expert will give us a presentation on Leonardo’s universal genius and his machines. The house where Leonardo was born in Anchiano is one of just a few in the countryside. We’ll then explore the Museo Leonardiano in Vinci, with the world’s largest collection of models constructed from his drawings. There are now more than 80 that provide insights into Leonardo’s unique imagination.

Lunch: At local restaurant.

Afternoon: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Milan, Last Supper, Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia
Florence B,D Hotel California
Activity note: Walking 600 feet to train station in Florence. From Milan train station, we will transfer to the Cenacolo and then we walk to the nearby Museo della Tecnologia. Walking up to 1 mile during scheduled part of the day.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will walk to the train station, about 15 minutes, then take the fast train, to Milan for what will surely be a highlight of our program, a pilgrimage to see Leonardo’s “The Last Supper” painted from 1494-1498. This world renowned fresco is on a wall of the refectory in the Dominican convent adjoining the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Leonardo used a technique called “a secco” that was new at the time. It has since deteriorated and has been repaired and restored several times over the centuries. Since the last extensive preservation project in 1999, only a maximum of 25 people are now permitted to enter the refectory every 15 minutes.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Our next field trip is to the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci (National Museum of Science and Technology). It is named after the immortal Leonardo da Vinci in recognition of the connection he exemplified between science, technology, art, and culture. Housed in a 16th century monastery, the museum preserves and presents the history and heritage of scientific and technological development with an emphasis on Italy.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Istituto Geografico Militare, Galileo Galilei Science Museum
Florence B,L Hotel California
Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will visit the Istituto Geografico Militare (Miltary Geographical Institute) close to SS. Annunziata. The institute, recently opened to the public, displays a number of modern and ancient geographical maps used by great navigators such as Vespucci. The collection of more than 400 items spans centuries and includes instruments such as theodolites, tachymeters (tachometers), and other surveying, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances. We will gain and understanding and appreciation of the evolution and progress in this scientific field.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal featuring tasty regional cuisine plus a glass of wine, mineral water, coffee; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Transfer by minivan with our expert, to the Museo Galileo, housed in an 11th century palazzo. Previously known as the Institute and Museum of the History of Science, it holds one of the world’s most important collections of scientific instruments including all the remaining artifacts of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) as well as collections of the Medici family from the 15th through the 18th centuries. We will have an on-site presentation about Galileo Galilei, his experimental method, and “new” science.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Pisa
Florence B Hotel California
Activity note: The drive to Pisa is about 55 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking approximately 4 miles throughout the day, opportunities to sit.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach and depart on a field trip to Pisa to experience the “places” of Galileo. We will see the house where he was born in 1564, the cathedral where an oscillating incense lamp inspired him (the original is now located in the Chapel Aulla in the nearby cemetery) and of course the so-called Leaning Tower of Pisa — actually the campanile (bell tower) of the cathedral — where it was long thought he conducted experiments on gravity. We will also visit the Orto botanico (botanical garden), Galileo’s first scientific laboratory. We will also pass by the Scuola Normale Superiore in the Cavalieri piazza where Enrico Fermi studied. The Normale is among the best 100 Universities in Europe, giving a complete education to future genius.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time in Pisa. Returning to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Arcetri, Cimento Academy, Specola Museum
Florence B,L Hotel California
Activity note: Walking up to 3.5 miles throughout the day. Walking at all sites, opportunities to sit.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Our next field trip by motorcoach is a few miles away to Arcetri where we will visit the monastery (now a private home) where Galilei’s daughters lived and the villa where he died. Galileo is considered the father of modern science thanks to his pioneering observations. He supported the theory of Copernicus that the planets revolve around the sun rather than the sun around the earth, which contradicted accepted teachings of the Catholic Church. Galileo constructed a telescope that enabled him to publish scientific observations that further contradicted church teachings. After Copernican theory was denounced as heresy, Galileo was ordered not to “hold, teach, or defend” it in any manner. Years later, he published a book that resulted in his own trial for heresy by the Inquisition. He was found guilty, and in order to avoid being burned at the stake, was forced to recant his work and ordered to live under house arrest. He died in 1642. In 1992, the Vatican formally cleared Galileo’s name.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will transfer by minivan with our expert, to the Museo di Storia Naturale “La Specola” (Museum of Zoology and Natural History). An art historian will lecture on Galileo Galilei's students and the cimento Accademy. The Medicis were not only collectors of artistic treasures, they assembled a collection from the natural world including animals, exotic plants, fossils, and more that eventually led to this museum. In addition to the zoological section with old and new examples of animals preserved through taxidermy, a special highlight is the collection of anatomic waxes that possess extraordinary artistic value besides being excellent models used to teach anatomy. Our next stop is the Giardini di Boboli (Boboli Gardens) outside the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) that was the primary residence of the ruling Medici family in the 16th century. The park was created for Grand Duke Cosimo’s wife, Eleanora. Because there was no natural water source, a channel was cut from the nearby River Arno for an elaborate irrigation system to feed fountains and maintain greenery beautifully landscaped to showcase sculpture, statuary, and fountains. It is the largest green space in Florence today. It was here that the Accademia del Cimento — Academy of Experiments — developed circa 1657 under the patronage of Prince Leopoldo de’ Medici. Though short-lived, it was the precursor of later scientific societies. Students of Galileo and other scientists gathered in Leopoldo’s apartments to follow the experimental method of Galileo. We will see a room dedicated to Galileo in what is now the Museo degli Argenti (Silver Museum) that displays a vast collection of Medici household treasures. 1 lec 1 field

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Uffizi Gallery, Santa Croce Church
Florence B,D Hotel California
Activity note: Walking up to 3.5 miles throughout the day. Walking at all sites, opportunities to sit.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: With a local expert, we will visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire the works by Leonardo.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We’ll move on to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross). This is the richest medieval church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church in the world. It features frescoes by Giotto, a chapel by Brunelleschi and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, Dante Alighieri. We’ll also have an on-site presentation about great Italian scientists after Galile including Viviani, Torricelli, Marconi, and Fermi.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with primo piatto, secondo piatto, dolce, wine, water; other beverages available for purchase. We’ll share our favorite experiences with new friends

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning

Day 11
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See the travel information section regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet depending on departure time. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. < br> We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment."
Hilaire Belloc
x