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Classic Italy tours
Venice, Como and the lakes | Cremona, Mantova, the Alps, Ortisei, Val Gardena | Pisa, Assisi, Siena, Florence, S. Gimignano | The Amalfi Coast and Isle of Capri | The Magical South and Sicily

Pisa, Assisi, Siena, Florence, San Gimignano

Tour suggested of 3 days and 2 nights starting from Rome, with the visit of Assisi, Siena, Florence, Pisa and San Gimignano, the service is driver/guided and is individually personalized

1st Day: Assisi and Siena.
We will start from Rome and drive through three of the most beautiful regions of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.
Assisi is known throughout the world as the city of St Francis, the monk who spoke to the animals and with God, whose cult has spread across the globe. Linked to the Saint are the Basilica of St Francis, as well as the Eremo of the Prisons and the convent of St. Damian, the place where God spoke to the Monk.As well as these places associated with the saint, there are many other sites which earn Assisi great historical relevance, the Palazzo dei Priori in the Piazza del Comune, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the temple of Minerva. Descending towards the plains below the city, one finds the large Basilica of St. Maria of the Angels, erected to protect the Porziuncola Chapel. The geographical position of Assisi completes the beauty of the place, dominated by Mount Subasio, a natural oasis rich of holm oaks and oak trees. The visitor is struck by the medieval structure, characterized by the long city wall which protects the heart of the ancient Assisi.

Siena
Siena is reknowned, both nationally and internationally, for the Palio horse race contested by the 17 contrada which divide this small city. But Siena is also unique thanks to its maze of narrow streets, its numerous towers and elegant town houses, the immense Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral which dominate the heart of the Medieval city encircled by impressive walls. Those living in Siena enjoy an incredibly high quality of life. It is also the first city in Italy to close its center to traffic. As far as culture is concerned, Siena has been a city of great artistic significance since ancient times with internationally acclaimed institutions such as the Chigiana Musical Academy, the Accademia dei Fisiocritici and Accademia degli Intronati, as well as the University for Foreigners. Sites not to be missed: the Church of St Domenico, the Church of St Francesco, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art and Palazzo Salimbeni which houses important frescoes. The surrounding countryside is superbly peaceful with vineyards, olive groves, medieval hamlets and castles. The gastronomic traditions have gained international fame with the sweet Panpepato, Ricciarelli and Cavallucci being exported throughout the world.

2nd Day: Florence.
One of the principal reasons for the success of Italy’s ever flourishing tourist industry is the wealth of artistic masterpieces to be found within the walls of the city of Florence. Throughout the year, Florence welcomes thousands of tourists each day, visitors who not only crowd the main streets but also the tiny, less famous, paths and alleyways in search of one of the city’s many works of art. Modern day pilgrims eager to have seen the Duomo, Michelangelo's "David", the Botticelli's paintings and so on in a list almost too long to recount. As well as being drawn to Florence by its museums full of the finest mediaeval and renaissance figurative art, visitors come to roam through the city of Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarca; poetry and prose which were to lay the foundations of modern day Italian language. Visitors flock to Florence to enjoy a romantic stroll across Ponte Vecchio and along the banks of the Arno river. Others come to pay their respects to the great figures of the past buried in the church of Santa Croce, from Macchiavelli to Foscolo, from Marconi to Galileo. Florence, unique city of art which today, as in the past, manages to retain a human dimension, examples of which can be found in the courtesy and good humour of the colourful markets of Piazza S.Spirito and surrounding S. Lorenzo, as in the small trattorie where tourists sit side by side the locals. Florence, a much loved city, so well known, yet still to be discovered. Overnight stay in Florencce.

3rd Day: Pisa and San Gimignano.
Pisa.
Since ancient times Pisa has been a flourishing city; a Maritime colony in the Roman period known for its conquests, to become one of the four Maritime Republics of Italy; powerful during the Middle Ages under the rule of the Medici who invested Pisa with the splendid architecture which survives in all its glory to this very day. The most prevailing image is that of Piazza dei Miracoli where it is possible to admire not only the Baptistery, but also the Cathedral, the Walls of the Monumental Cemetery and the Leaning Tower, the latter a unique artistic treasure which has become an icon throughout the world. Pisa has many more treasures worthy of note such as the numerous churches, the Porta di St Maria, the Museum of the Sinopie, the Cathedral Museum, the National Museum of St Matteo, Piazza della Sapienza, and the Botanical Gardens. The popular traditions of Pisa testify to the city's ancient and glorious past and promise to leave the visitor with lasting memories. Overnight stay in Florence.

San Gimignano.
Built on a hill dominating the Val d'Elsa, San Gimignano preserves the charm and atmosphere of an isolated centre, first Etruscan then Medieval. Its appeal derives also from its past as a vibrant center of artistic excellence, exemplified by the many works of art held in the museums and adorning the convents and churches. Among the artists: Pinturicchio, Bozzoli, Fiorentino, Mainardi. San Gimignano gave hospitality to Dante Alighieri Tuscan ambassador of the Guelfa cause. There are many artistic itineraries to follow through San Gimignano: the Cathedral, Palazzo Comunale, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Archeological Museum, the Apothecary of St Fina, and the Church of St Agostino.. Also well worth a visit: the Ornithological Museum, the Stronghold of Montestaffoli, the Church of St Bartolo, the Chrch of St Lorenzo in Ponte and the remains of the Church of St Francesco. Events include the Messi Fair, the Giostra dei Bastoni, the Film Festival and the guided tours Camminando Camminando. Drive back to Rome.