Day One Wednesday March 30

We were picked up by coach and taken to Stanstead airport where we boarded our flight for Rome. We were met at Ciampino airport by our tour manager and transfered by coach to the Hotel Villa Ricci in Chianciano Terme where we stayed for six nights.

Day Two Thursday March 31

FLORENCE – the Renaissance capital of the world. The morning was taken up with a guided tour to introduce us to the major sights. In the afternoon we were able to explore the beautiful city centre. We could visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s most famous work, the colossal David. We were also able to visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s finest art galleries, originally established by the Medici family and now housing Renaissance art from 14th to 18th century. Lastly we could stroll across the Ponte Vecchio lined on both sides with its many jewellery shops.

Day Three Friday April 1

PERUGIA a delightful town dating back to Etruscan times. Here th Gallery Nazionale houses a wonderful collection of work by Umbrian artists and a statue of Pope Julius flanks the entrance to the 15th century Duomo. After lunch we visited ASSISI where Giotto’s stunning frescoes depicting the life of St Francis are housed in the Basillica.

Day Four Saturday April 2

ROME – we arrived at the Vatican starting at St Peter’s Square and were able to visit the Basilica with Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’ and the Vatican Museum. The afternoon was spent site-seeing in the city of Rome, finishing the day at the Coliseum.

Day Five Sunday April 3

PIENZA was the charming small town we visited during the morning. After lunch we made our way to the ABBEY OF MONTE OLIVIETO MAGGIORE to see the magnificent frescoes depicting the Life of St Benedict.

Day Six Monday April 4

SIENA was our morning destination and starting from the Basilica San Domenico we were able to explore the city visiting the magnificent Gothic Duomo and the shell shaped Piazza Del Campo. Our afternoon was spent in SAN GIMIGNANO, a beautiful Tuscan village in the heart of the Chianti wine growing region.

Day Seven Tuesday April 5

On our last morning in Tuscany we visited ORVIETO to see one of Italy’s finest cathedrals, with its amazing painted facade.

Then it was time to say Arrivederci as we left Rome on our return flight to Stansted.