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Day 11
Destination:
Montecatini
Breakfast: At the hotel. Morning: Today you can join a full day optional tour to the medieval walled city of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on three ridges and dominating the land between the valleys of Arbia and Elsa. Siena was a rich and powerful city during the Middle Ages, and from the twelfth century into the 16th century, its banking activities and trade in wool and textiles placed it in direct rivalry with Florence. Its influence decreased after that time, as it spent much of its energies in defense against foreign conquerors. Today's Siena still retains the air of the Tuscan Middle Ages. The 334-foot slender Italianate tower of the Town Hall soars from the rim of the Piazza del Campo, an inclined, central square that is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. Surrounding this square are numerous lovely palaces dating from the twelfth to 16th centuries. Here, and throughout the city, are some of the most splendid examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. On an included walking tour this morning, you'll wander up and down Siena's cobbled lanes, passing medieval red-brick palaces decorated by elegant Gothic frames in white marble. You'll wind your way on a three-mile route through the city, also passing the palace of Monte dei Paschi di Siena—Europe’s oldest bank, founded in 1472. Awaiting you at the highest part of the city is the splendid cathedral. As you visit the interior, note the colorful frescoes in the Piccolomini Library, painted by Pietro Perugino, the mentor of Raphael. If you choose not to join today's optional tour, the day is yours to spend in Montecatini as you please—your Program Director can offer suggestions for discovery based on your interests. Lunch: Our optional tour includes lunch at a local restaurant in Siena. Otherwise, lunch is on your own in Montecatini—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations. Afternoon: Optional tour travelers will have some free time to explore Siena independently before returning to Montecatini, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure for all travelers. Dinner: Included at a local restaurant. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. |
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3/17/25 |
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