Duration: 2 1/2 days

Group Size: 8 people max

Florence's central role in the artistic and humanist upheaval of the 14th and 15th centuries expresses itself through the city's architecture and in the masterpieces that crowd its museums. Although a well-trod path connects the Uffizi gallery and the Accademia (home to Michelangelo's David), rich opportunities await the intellectually curious traveler who ventures farther afield.

Highlights

• Arte Firenze seminar at the Uffizi
• The Medici: Portrait of a Family walking seminar, including visits to San Marco and the Palazzo Medici
• tasting of Tuscan wines
• tour of artisan workshops in the Oltrarno
• annotated dinner on Florentine traditions with a noted gastronomic expert
• walk of the Sant'Ambrogio market
• meals at restaurants, including Gatto e Volpe and La Casalinga
• fresco-making workshop with a practicing artist

two-day immersion in Florence

This 2½-day culture adventure takes us into several of the palaces and churches of Florence where the Renaissance began and where, in the company of an art historian, we can learn about the transformations of this pivotal time. In a series of thematic and in-depth walking seminars we'll analyze the presence of the Medici family, patrons of the artists and thinkers of the Renaissance. We'll visit their private chapel and explore the churches they built and masterpieces they commissioned.

We'll visit the Uffizi, of course, but couple this with a hands-on fresco-making workshop where we'll receive a fantastic tutorial on the materials and physical challenges that confronted Renaissance artists.

All of this art and culture will require ample sustenance, and so our trip will also feature gastronomic opportunities, including a primer on Tuscan wines at a local enoteca (wine bar) led by a trained sommelier; an “annotated” dinner with a culinary expert to probe the traditions of Florentine cooking; a market visit; and several repasts at rustic Florentine eateries where we'll enjoy such specialties as the bistecca alla fiorentina like locals.In the end, like a true Renaissance person, our education will be complete and well-rounded, appealing to every sense and edifying our very soul.

* This trip can also be booked privately upon request for parties of people traveling together. The cost of this is €2500 for the group plus €495 per person. Simply contact us by email if you would like to place a request.

Download a PDF of the entire itinerary.

Cancellation Policies

Included: Tours, tickets, and most meals. Not included: Airfare, airport transfers, breakfast, and lodging. Included: Lodging, most meals, tours, tickets, etc. Not included: Airfare, lunch on Day 2, airport transfers