A City with a View: Florence

For many Italy is more than a country, it represents escapism. The same can be said for Florence. It’s hard not to think of Lucy Honeychurch’s quest for ‘a room with a view’, in the book bearing the same name. Or to think of Dante, the father of the Italian language. Or Boccaccio’s Decameron, set in Fiesole, overlooking Florence. Or to conjure up images of beautiful narrow streets which open up into piazzas crowned with jewels such as Santa Croce. And that is before we touch upon the Renaissance and its impact upon the city.  In the words of John Ruskin, “You will begin to wonder that human daring ever achieved anything so magnificent”. It is therefore only appropriate to base ourselves in this city of Italian glories, from where we will venture out to sample some other Tuscan delights, but where we will also have time to digest all this city has to offer, at the leisurely pace of any good Italian meal.

 

Day 1: Arrival

Upon being met at the airport, you will be whisked away to the hotel where you can relax and unpack before we meet for our first aperitivi and then a brief walk to dinner, followed by an early night to ensure you are ready for the adventures ahead. (D)

 

Day 2: Tuscan Specialties & Pizza Making

“The creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo” (Mark Twain)

It’s hard not to admire the view in Florence, but we don’t want you to feast merely with your eyes, we want you to feast upon the local delicacies. As such, once you have gazed upon David, we will introduce you to some Tuscan specialities as part of the tour. The afternoon is free in order for you to digest what you have seen and eaten. If you wish to see some of the pearls of the Renaissance, the Uffizzi gallery is an absolute must.  This evening learn how to make pizza the proper Italian way and then, as a reward for your efforts, enjoy eating it. (B, D)

 

Day 3: Siena & Tuscan Vineyards 

The jewel in the Tuscan crown has to be Siena, a city as famous for its beautiful Piazza del Campo, which opens up like a golden fan as the sun creeps into the square, as for its Palio horse race which takes place in that same square. We head out there for a late morning guided visit followed by free time for lunch and further wandering, before making our way to a small Tuscan town for some wine tasting and dinner to help soak up the alcohol! (B, D)

 

Day 4: Tuscan Cookery Class

Now that you are connoisseurs of Italian cuisine, it’s time to become chefs, as today we learn how to prepare some Tuscan classics. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. (B, L)

 

Day 5: Fiesole Leisurely Lunch

Head out to Fiesole, famous throughout Italy as the setting for Boccaccio’s seminal work, ‘The Decameron’. Enjoy a stroll through this pretty little town followed by a long, leisurely, Tuscan lunch with a view.  Later this afternoon return to Florence for a free evening. (B, L)

 

Day 6: Ciao Ciao Italia

Today it is time to say Ciao Ciao Italia, or, more appropriately, Arrivederci Italia, until the next time. (B)

Included in this trip: