TUSCANY FAMILY ADVENTURE ITINERARY:
Day 1 — New York/Florence, Italy
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Florence.
Day 2 — Florence/Gargonza
Arrive in Florence and travel to the charming medieval hamlet of
Gargonza. Settle into the private 13th-century castle of Count
and Countess Guicciardini — your home for the next seven nights.
Superbly situated in the Tuscan hills, Gargonza is an ideal
starting point for our excursions. Meet fellow travelers at this
evening's welcome reception and dinner. Castello di
Gargonza (D)
Day 3 — Gargonza
This morning, adults enjoy a talk at the castle while younger
explorers get to know Tuscany — and each other — during fun
activities. Then join the locals for a lesson in the ball game
bocce, and learn to make homemade pasta and pizza from our own
Chef Andrea. Later, enjoy a poolside game of family Palio or
take a stroll in the gardens. (B, L, D)
Day 4 — Siena
Spend today discovering historic Siena. The winding lanes of
this beautiful Tuscan city shelter Gothic churches, stunning
palaces, and distinctive redbrick homes. On a walking tour,
visit the Piazza del Campo, a spacious, shell-shaped public
plaza that has been the center of life in Siena since the early
14th century. View spectacular frescoes in the Palazzo Pubblico,
the arcaded city hall whose graceful campanile casts its shadow
across the piazza. Then visit the 13th-century cathedral, clad
in brilliant marble and decorated with intricate mosaics. Enjoy
lunch on your own in one of Siena's many trattorias before
returning to Gargonza for an afternoon swim. (B, D)
Day 5 — Arezzo
After a morning on your own, enjoy lunch at the castle. Take an
excursion to Arezzo, a medieval and Renaissance town known for
its artistic treasures; its antiques; and its native son, the
poet Francesco Petrarch. On a walking tour, stop to admire
important frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In the late
afternoon, suit up for soccer practice and a scrimmage with
local children followed by a picnic dinner with our soccer
hosts. (B, L, D)
Day 6 — Pienza/Montepulciano
Visit Pienza, built by Pope Pius II in the 15th century to
exemplify the ideal Renaissance city. Stroll through the town
center to view its treasure trove of Renaissance architecture.
Drive through some of Tuscany's most scenic countryside to the
charming town of Montepulciano for lunch on your own. This
afternoon, adults may sample the famous vino nobile at a wine
tasting while the kids go on a scavenger hunt. (B, D)
Day 7 — The Palio
Witness one of the world's most spectacular pageants: Siena's
Palio. Divided into contrade, or neighborhoods, since medieval
times, Siena brims with color and spirit during the Palio.
Arrive this afternoon in time to meander through the feverishly
busy courtyards, piazzas, and streets as competing contrade make
their final preparations. In the late afternoon, take a seat in
the stands high above the 60,000-spectator throng to see the
fanfare of each contrada as it parades through town. Then
experience the exhilarating finale: a wild, bareback horse race
around the Piazza del Campo. (B, L, D)
Day 8 — Gargonza
Explore the lovely rolling hills of Tuscany on foot today. A
walking tour takes us through the scenic landscape around
Gargonza, and introduces us to country life in a way — and at a
pace — few tourists ever experience. Later, kids learn to make
their own frescoes with a local artist. During an unscheduled
afternoon, swim, play bocce, or take a photo class and then set
out on a shoot with our expert. (B, L, D)
Day 9 — Gargonza/Florence
Travel to Florence this morning and discover this magical city
on a walking tour. Pay a visit to the Accademia to view "David,"
Michelangelo's marble masterpiece. Celebrate our Tuscan
adventure at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Grand Hotel Baglioni (B, D)
Day 10 — Florence/New York
After breakfast, transfer to the Florence airport for your
return flight home. (B)
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