Ciao Italy<br>9 days

Embark on your overnight flight to Florence. Meals: In-flight Welcome to the 'Art Capital of the World' and home of the famed Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet, Michelangelo. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax and unwind. In the evening, we'll have our welcome orientation followed by a Florentine dinner at a neighborhood osteria. Inclusions: Transfer from airport to hotel included with purchased AESU group airfare Welcome orientation Florentine dinner Meals: In-flight, Dinner Our local historian describes the Renaissance architecture, art and life under the rule of the Medici dynasty. Marvel at Brunelleschi's masterpiece-the Duomo. See the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Gates of Paradise, Giotto's Bell Tower and more. We end up at San Lorenzo market with time to browse the stalls packed with fresh local produce, household goods and colorful local fashions. Free time this afternoon may find you exploring the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and da Vinci or to view the sunlit rooftops of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. Inclusions: Guided tour of Renaissance Florence, led by a local historian VOX connect personal audio system Florence San Lorenzo market Meals: Breakfast We head towards Italy's picturesque Riviera today. Stop en route to visit the medieval town of Lucca, hidden behind magnificent 16th-century Renaissance walls. We stroll along the ancient wall, see the dazzling St. Martin Cathedral with its beautiful Romanesque façade, and then continue to the tree-topped Torre Guinigi and the Roman Amphitheatre. Our tour ends on the spot where Lucca was founded: St. Michael Square and the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the famous Italian composer. Free time may find you on Lucca's main shopping promenade, the elite via Fillungo or via Lucia featuring more affordable shops. We continue to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre and our home for the next two days. Have fun tonight at our tasty Italian Riviera pizza party. Inclusions: Scenic drive along the Italian Riviera Medieval town of Lucca Guided tour of Lucca, led by a local historian Pizza Party Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Explore the colorful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the picturesque, rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards and olive groves. Make your way through this seemingly inaccessible string of fishing villages, nestled between the mountains and the sun-splashed Mediterranean Sea. Start your journey at the oldest town, Manarolo, which is the most popular stretch of the path. It is easy terrain, just about 1 mile long, and can be managed in 30-45 minutes. Take advantage of your included Cinque Terre Rail Card to visit the other villages or use your hiking map to plan the day's hike according to your activity level. Inclusions: Transfer to Cinque Terre Hiking Trail Cinque Terre Rail Card with access to all open trails Meals: Breakfast Enjoy a free day today. Complete your hiking route at Cinque Terre to explore more twisting coastal footpaths with breathtaking views, secluded beaches, ancient castles and villas or consider joining us on an optional visit to Portofino, a charming coastal village perched on its own peninsula jutting into the sparkling sea. Stroll around the village to shop at designer boutiques and admire the opulent yachts in the harbor. Our excursion includes a local seafood lunch and a kayak or SUP (stand-up paddle board) rental to explore the hidden coves and beaches in this Marine Protected Area. Inclusions: Cinque Terre Rail Card with access to all open trails Meals: Breakfast Optional activity: Portofino excursion incl. seafood lunch and 1-hour kayak or SUP rental (weather permitting) Leaving the stunning Ligurian coast behind, a scenic journey through Tuscany's graceful hills brings us to the Chianti wine region. We stop in Pisa to view its famous Leaning Tower, marble baptistery and cathedral, then continue our journey, passing olive groves, stone farmhouses, Renaissance villas and castles. Enjoy a tour of a local winery with wine and olive oil tasting and time to stroll in the Italian gardens surrounded by rows of ancient cypress trees. During a visit to the estate cellars, we learn about the history of the local wines, the way the grapes are processed, how the finished product is stored, and - of course - taste a selection of Chianti Classico wines, accompanied by a selection of local charcuterie. Enjoy free time after check in at our countryside hotel. Inclusions: Scenic drive through Tuscany See Pisa's Leaning Tower and cathedral Tour of a local winery Wine and olive oil tasting incl. snacks Light winery lunch Tuscan Countryside stay Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Enjoy leisure time today, relax by the pool or stroll along sun-dappled lanes and vineyards. Consider signing up for a fun, hands-on pasta cooking class this morning and learn the secrets of how to make this authentic Italian fare from scratch. Later, enjoy leisure time in the lovely medieval city of Siena known worldwide for the famous Palio run, a horse race run around 'Il Campo,' the central piazza. Then, join us for our farewell dinner of Italian specialties at a local restaurant. Inclusions: Tuscan countryside stay Medieval city of Siena Tuscan farewell dinner Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner Optional activity: Pasta cooking class After breakfast this morning, your land tour comes to an end. Wave goodbye to Italy and jet home filled with sunny memories that are sure to last a lifetime! Inclusions: Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchase of AESU group airfare Meals: Breakfast, In-flight