This 12-day study tour will focus on the Italian experience in Rome and Florence.  Participants will explore the history and culture of Rome, including the magnificent Colosseum, the Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Villa Borghese, colorful markets, fascinating Roman piazzas, picturesque narrow streets and lanes, and wonderful Italian food.  Comfortable and compact Renaissance Florence, preeminently the city of art, will offer some of the world’s greatest art treasures, monuments, galleries and museums, and, of course, more wonderful Italian food and Vivoli’s gelato.  

La Dolce Vita, December 2007 – January 2008
Tentative Activities Calendar
                         

Wednesday, Dec. 26:  Depart Charlotte for Rome.

Thursday, Dec. 27:  Arrive Rome Int’l Airport Leonardo da Vinci.   Leave Rome on train for Florence.  After hotel check-in, walkabout and orientation (Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo, Duomo, Baptistry, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio).  Dinner with group. 

Friday, Dec. 28:  Galleria dell’Accademia (the David), Bargello (Donatello’s David, Michelangelo’s Brutus etc), Santa Croce (tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo; monument to Dante; Pazzi Chapel).  Optional activity: Santa Maria del Carmine (Masaccio frescoes in Brancacci Chapel).

Saturday, Dec. 29: San Lorenzo (Chapel and Library), Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Duomo, Baptistry.  Optional activity: Climb the Dome or Bell Tower!

Sunday, Dec. 30:  Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace.  Optional activity: Piazza Michelangelo.

Monday, Dec. 31:  Day trip to Siena 
 
Tuesday, Jan. 1: Leave hotel with luggage for train ride to Rome. After hotel check-in, walkabout and orientation: Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, San Luigi dei Francesi, Piazza dei Rotunda.

Wednesday, Jan. 2:  Pantheon, Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Capuchin Crypt, Santa Maria della Vittoria.   Afternoon: Borghese Gallery

Thursday, Jan. 3: Capitoline Museums, Mamertine Prison, Forum. Afternoon:  Colosseum, Palatine Hill. Optional activities: San Pietro in Vincoli, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Luigi dei Francesi. (Remember that most of these churches have a very strict dress code.)

Friday, Jan. 4:  Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon: explore Rome.

Saturday, Jan 5:  Catacombs of San Callisto.  Afternoon: San Giovani in Laterano & Scala Santa (where pilgrims climb the steps on their knees), Church of San Clemente.

Sunday, Jan. 6:  Depart Rome for Charlotte.