Optional Pre-tour extension to Florence  
   
*Sunday 28 December to 04 January 2009* NEW DATES

EURO 2500 per person in twin share       AUD 4000 Subject to change
  

Including New Year's Eve and an exploration of selected galleries in the Renaissance city of Florence.

  
Follow this link to ART CITIES   Sunday 04 to Sunday 18 January 2009  
 
 
 
  Detailed itinerary 
 

This itinerary will be altered to accommodate the performance, gallery opening times and the availability of guides.  However the essential content of the itinerary will remain the same.
B L D means that breakfast, lunch and/or dinner will be included that day.

Sun 28 December         Transfer to Florence                                          B D
The pre-tour begins in Florence at our hotel inthe historical centre. We have an orientation walk around the area near our hotel, including Piazza della Signoria, the Straw Markets, and Ponte Vecchio and a welcome dinner in a favourite spot near our hotel.

Mon 29 December          Piazza Duomo & Medici Riccardi                          B
This morning we stroll to the magnificent Piazza of the Duomo of Florence. as well as the Medici-Riccardi chapel with its fresco cycle by Benozzo Gozzoli of the Journey of the Magi. We are in the area near to the famous San Lorenzo leather markets, so we will leave you here to explore.

Tue 30 December         Bargello,  Pitti                                                          B
There will be a guided visit of the Bargello sculpture museum containing works by Michelangelo, Donatello and Verocchio. In the afternoon we include the famous portrait gallery in the Pitti Palace containing stunning works by Raphael, Titian, and Van Dyck.

Wed 31 December    Santa maria Novella  & New Year's Dinner                B D
Santa maria Novella has been recently renovated and reopened - description to come. The afternoon is at leaisure so we can catch up on rest time and prepare for this evening's festivities - a feast moving on into the new year.

Thu 01 January 2009                                                                                    B
Day at leisure.

Fri 02 January           Fiesole, Medici Villas, Gardens & Performance         B
We drive out of the city to nearby Fiesole to visit Medici villas and gardens. In the evening we attend a musical performance in the city. Exact performance details are to be advised. 

Sat  Day 7          To be advised    B D
 

Sun Day 8     Transfer to Umbria for the Art Cities itinerary       B

 
 
  How much does it cost?
The cost of the New year tour extension to Florence is EURO 2500 (AUD 4000 subject to change) ) per person in twin share accommodation in four star hotels in the historical centres of Florence & Rome close to galleries and shops. Limited single rooms at EURO 500 are available on application. Double rooms single use Euro 800. A deposit of EURO 300 is required to hold a place. The full balance is due 60 days before departure. The tour is costed on a minimum of six (6) people travelling and is limited to eighteen (18) places. Subject to final tour numbers and exchange rates the price may vary slightly. You will be notified immediately of any change.