Study in the capital city of Tuscany, the magical
City of Florence. Lying on the Arno River, the sights,
sounds and tastes of Florence will take your breath away.

Please choose from the following week-long programs:

Dates:
March 23rd – 29th, 2008
March 30th – April 5th, 2008

April 20th – 26th, 2008
April 27th – May 3rd, 2008

October 5th – 11th, 2008
October 12th – 18th, 2008

November 2nd – 8th, 2008
November 9th – 15th, 2008

Itinerary:

Each morning, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon, you will attend classes. From 1:00 PM and into each evening you will participate in a privately-guided excursion. A beautiful dinner will be included each evening.

Sunday Evening: A Welcome Reception & Dinner, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Monday afternoon: A Tour of Florence                    

We will take a fine coach tour offering panoramic views of the unparalleled beauty of Florence, taking in Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin set on the hills overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley. The tour continues to the old city center for a visit to the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce (interior) where we can admire the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini among others. A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi. Dinner in a beautiful Florence restaurant.

Tuesday afternoon: A Guided Tour of the Uffizi Gallery

You can’t leave Florence without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world. Here you can admire numerous works of art by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. Dinner in the heart of Florence.

Wednesday afternoon: Chianti Area Tour

We will journey through the Chianti countryside, one of the most suggestive areas of Tuscany that is known all over the world for its wine, to reach a magnificent Castle: a visit of the garden and the splendid cellar where the famous barrels of the Chianti Classico wine are found. Stop for a snack and wine tasting. Then follows a visit to one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the area. We will end the tour with a traditional Tuscan Dinner (with rich menu and excellent Chianti Wine) in the magical atmosphere in an old village among the hills. Dinner will take place out in the open (weather permitting).

Thursday afternoon: Guided Tour of the Accademia Gallery

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Michelangelo! The Accademia Gallery in Florence attracts visitors from all over the world to gaze upon masterpieces by famous artists, especially Michelangelo's most famous work - the statue of David. Other important works of art by Michelangelo include I Prigioni and San Matteo. Come see for yourself the superb collections the Gallery has to offer. Dinner follows in a beautiful Florence restaurant.

Friday, All Day Excursion: Siena and San Gimignano:


We will discover the countryside of the Chianti area among delightful hills, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. We will visit San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; the city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures. Next stop is Siena - On arrival in Siena, we will have free time for lunch. After lunch, we will be given a guided tour of this magnificent medieval city. Admire the interior of the Cathedral, with the Piccolomini Library, the Opera Metropolitana Museum. The tour will then proceed to Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, the Town Hall (outside). On the return journey, we will discover the old medieval village of Monteriggioni, enclosed by its famous walls which are still intact. Dinner upon our arrival back in Florence.