Extension Trip: Venice and Tuscany

Arrive in Venice and check into hotel We will spend the rest of the day exploring the city. We will visit:

• St. Mark’s Basilica
• Doge’s Palace
• the Rialto Bridge
• the Grand Canal

This morning will take off to visit the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is known for its glass-blowing workshops, Burano for its colorful houses and lace-making traditions.

Tonight, we will enjoy dinner in a traditional Italian trattoria, where you will have a chance to try some Venetian specialty dishes.

After breakfast, we will travel to Florence (2 hrs). After checking into the hotel, we will explore some of Florence’s most famous sites, including:

• the Uffizi Gallery
• the Accademia Gallery
• the Duomo

This morning we will embark early on a day trip to the Tuscan countryside. Our first stop will be, San Gimignano. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and towers, San Gimignano is a beautiful town to explore. We will walk through its narrow streets, stop by one or two of its many churches, and climb to the top of one of its towers for panoramic views of the countryside.

Afterward, we will stop for lunch in a nearby Tuscan village.

Afterward, we will move on to Chianti for wine tasting. The Chianti region is famous for its vineyards and wineries, and a visit to one of its wineries is a must-do experience. We will taste some of the region’s finest wines, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Today, we will spend the day exploring the medieval city of Siena, known for its Gothic architecture.

We will start our day by visiting the Piazza del Campo, which is the heart of Siena and one of the most famous squaresin Italy. Next, we will visit the Palazzo Pubblico. This 14th-century palace now houses the Civic Museum, which features an impressive collection of frescoes and art from the Sienese School. Afterward, we will the Duomo di Siena, a beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.

For lunch, we will enjoy a a traditional meal at a local trattoria. Siena is known for local specialties including pici pasta, wild boar ragù, and panforte.

Late this afternoon we will return to Florence.

Depart on return flight to the United States.