Friends of the Bethlehem Public Library...
Italian Masterpieces

Day 1: Monday, March 23, 2009
Overnight Flight
From the beginnings of the ancient Roman Empire through the artistic flowering of the Renaissance, Italy has been home to some of the world's greatest masters of art and architecture. Explore Italy's rich history and artistic legacy as you journey from Rome to Florence and Perugia, and other hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Enjoy intriguing excursions and special presentations on the art and architecture of the region. Discover breathtaking landscapes and the dramatic settings of ancient villages, fine regional cuisine and wines, and time to relax and follow your personal interests.

Day 2: Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Rome, Italy
Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner featuring local delicacies, wine and captivating Italian music. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Rome - Vatican City
The Vatican is renowned for its impressive artistic masterpieces and architecture. During a guided tour, marvel at the Vatican's collections of painting and sculpture, the Sistine Chapel frescoes, and the Basilica's art and architecture. An afternoon panoramic coach tour of classical Rome highlights the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Rome - Siena - Florence
Travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena, once a rival to Florence. Join a local expert for a walking tour that begins in the shell-shaped Campo, set in the heart of the city and home to the annual Palio horse race. Conclude with a tour of the richly decorated cathedral, with its distinctively striated campanile and fine sculpture by Pisano. Your day ends in Florence, the capital of the Italian Renaissance. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Friday, March 27, 2009
Florence
Experience a day devoted to the magnificent city of Florence. A special walking tour features the cathedral, capped by Brunelleschi's dome and the symbol of Florence, and the bronze doors designed by Ghiberti at the adjacent Baptistery. Continue past the Piazza della Signoria to the Church of Santa Croce, which houses frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. This afternoon view paintings by Leonardo, Botticelli, Raphael, and others at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: Saturday, March 28, 2009
Florence at Leisure or Lucca Excursion
Enjoy a day to further explore the cultural riches of Florence independently or indulge in the Italian joy of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). A half-day optional excursion features the small medieval town of Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, Roman street plan, and piazza full of ambiance. This evening enjoy a special cooking demonstration of Tuscan specialties before dinner at a popular Florentine restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Sunday, March 29, 2009
Florence - Perugia
Travel through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and Umbria to Perugia. During a leisurely, guided walking tour, explore Perugia's massive Etruscan walls and the Piazza IV Novembre, one of the grandest squares in Italy, surrounded by medieval palaces and cathedrals. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Monday, March 30, 2009
Perugia - Assisi - Perugia
Learn about the art of fresco painting prior to visiting nearby Assisi, the famous hill town known for its magnificent Basilica of St. Francis. Tour the restored basilica and admire the delicate colors and forms of Giotto's and Cimabue's frescoes. Upon returning to Perugia, the afternoon is unscheduled so that you may relax in a pleasant piazza, discover historic neighborhoods, or visit a museum housing paintings by Umbrian masters. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 9: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Perugia - Montepulciano - Perugia
Today, explore one of Tuscany's most enchanting hill towns. Montepulciano, a pearl of the Renaissance, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A guided walking tour features the old town with its fortified gateway and magnificent Renaissance-style palazzi. Outside of town, stop at the exquisite honey-colored church of Madonna di San Biagio, a Renaissance gem and the final masterpiece of Sangallo. Enjoy a tasting of Montepulciano's famous Vino Nobile at a nearby wine cellar. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Perugia - Orvieto - Rome
Depart Perugia and stop at the Etruscan hill town of Orvieto, known for its white wine and one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy, housing a stunning fresco cycle by Signorelli. There will be ample time for a leisurely lunch or exploring this town on your own. Later today, arrive at a hotel near the Rome airport and enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Thursday, April 02, 2009
Rome - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in the city of Rome. Today breakfast will be included.