Package SMART TUSCANY

Independent trip through the most important cities of art – By Train

PROGRAM:

DAY 1
Arrival in Pisa or Florence Airport and transfer at your own arrangement and your own charge to the reserved hotel or (on request) by private car.
Accommodation in hotel and free time. Dinner and Overnight in hotel (*).

DAY 2 – Lucca
Breakfast in hotel and departure by train to Lucca and independent visit to the ancient town. This quaint and evocative city retains the charm of a small and ancient Italian City State. The imposing tree-lined Renaissance walls which totally enclose it, the labyrinth of medieval streets flanked by towers and smart boutiques, the enchanting Romanesque churches and bright inviting squares captivate the visitor who stands in awe of such unexpected beauty. The historical centre, now a pedestrian precinct, plunges the visitor back in time and provides the perfect setting to savour the old world charm. You can visit Piazza S. Michele in Foro, to admire the church bearing the same name; Piazza Napoleone, from this square we can admire Ducale Palace and Giglio Theatre; Cathedral San Martino, important destination for medieval pilgrims who came here to worship “Il Volto Santo” (The holy Countenance of Christ), is still today an important symbol of the city. Inside the sacristy is the renowned sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia (admission fee); the characteristic medieval streets, worthy of mention is “via degli antiquari” where we can see the fine antique shops and the teeming and smart Via Fillungo; Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of the ancient Roman arena, is still today one of the most picturesque landmarks of the town; Guinigi Tower (admission fee), one of its kind, has a very suggestive tree lined hanging garden right on the top; the 16th century Walls, built for defence reasons, are today a public garden for the enjoyment of all. Return in the town of your stay. Dinner and overnight (*).

DAY 3 – Pisa
Breakfast in hotel and departure by train to Pisa for independent visit of the most representative squares and monuments of the city; Piazza dei Miracoli, with the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery (admission fee), this square is the highest expression of the Romanesque style in Pisa and symbol of the maritime power, in the medieval period. Cavalieri Square, walking along one of the most ancient city streets we come to the square which was in the Middle Ages the political and commercial centre of Pisa and later symbol of the Medici’s dominion. Enclosed around the square is the splendid Palace of “La Scuola Normale Superiore”, the tower of Conte Ugolino in memory of Dante and the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri (admission fee); Borgo Stretto, a very characteristic medieval street lined with enticing shops and elegant cafés is the hub of city life. Walking under its arcades we reach the church of S. Michele, characteristic for its splendid façade.
Return in the town of your stay. Dinner and overnight (*).

DAY 4 – Florence
Breakfast in hotel and if you don’t sleep in Florence, departure by train for independent visit of Florence. As soon as you will leave the station you can admire the “Santa Maria Novella” church (admission fee), then you can continues to: Cathedral S. Maria del Fiore, an example of the artistic genius of the most important Tuscan architects, from Arnolfo di Cambio to Giotto and even Filippo Brunelleschi, inventor of the famous dome, in a Spain of time that sees technological and artistic revolutions, from the Gothic period to the Renaissance;
Bell-tower (admission fee), masterpiece of Giotto then the Baptistery S. Giovanni (admission fee), dedicated to the city patron and is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Tuscany. Inside are many spectacular mosaics representing episodes from the old Testament. A landmark still today for the city’s many religious celebrations (admission fee). Church Orsanmichele, once an old “loggia” for wheat was later converted into a church becoming a symbol of the mercantile art of Florentine Renaissance. Walking along one of the many enchanting streets we reach the home of Dante Alighieri, father of Italian language and literature. Then you can continue to Santa Croce Square, a square with a Franciscan church bearing the same name (admission fee), houses of the tombs of famous Italians as well as a series of frescoes of the 14th century begun by Giotto. Then you can continue to Signoria Square, heart of the historical Florentine Republic, is still today the political centre of the city with Palazzo Vecchio, symbol of the power of the city-state. Opposite the Palazzo, symbol of the city virtue, is the famous copy of David’s Michelangelo; The “Loggia della Signoria”. Ponte Vecchio, famous for its beguiling views of the city from Lungarno is lined with glamorous and sparkling goldsmith shops; then returning to the rail station you run to the Loggia del Porcellino, a very busy and characteristic marketplace, the arcade takes its name from the sculpture of a wild bronze boar whose snout is said to bring luck when rubbed. Try it, you never know! Then Piazza della Repubblica, ancient Roman forum of Florence, where are some of the most elegant historical cafés of the city. Return to the rail station to the town of your stay. Dinner and overnight (*).

DAY 5 – Pistoia
Breakfast in hotel and if you don’t sleep in Pistoia departure by train to Pistoia. A traveller wrote at the end of the 19 century -” Those who don’t know Pistoia can’t even imagine what artistic treasures are hidden there” and it is exactly this that surprises visitors who wind on foot through its enchanting streets and squares, not only because of its world renowned artistic masterpieces but because of the atmosphere you feel as you lose yourself in its streets.
Visit to: S. Andrea church, is one of the leading examples of the Romanesque style in Pistoia; The Ospedale del Ceppo, with the characteristic glazed frieze; Piazza del Duomo, famous buildings which have strongly influenced the history of this city as the Palazzo Comunale (town hall), Palazzo del Podestà, the Duomo (cathedral), the Battistero (Baptistery) and the Palazzo dei Vescovi (bishop’s palace-admission fee) all dominate this square; Piazza della Sala, a very colourful market takes place here twice a week. Return in the town of your stay by train. In the afternoon time for shopping or relax. Dinner and overnight in hotel (*).

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PISTOIA

Residence in the city center (Bed & Breakfast )                  €   315,00

Historic House in the city center (Bed & Breakfast )       €   275,00

4 stars Hotel in the city center (Bed & Breakfast )            €   400,00

3 stars sup. Hotel on the hills (Half Board )                        €   415,00

3 stars sup. Hotel 7 km from city center (Half Board)    €   305,00

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MONTECATINI TERME

3 stars Hotel in the city center (Half Board )                     €   265,00

4 stars Hotel in the city centre (Half Board )                     €   358,00

4 stars sup.,Hotel in the city centre (Half Board )           €   520,00

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MONSUMMANO TERME

Grotta Giusti Spa (Half Board )                                               €   670,00

Fattoria Medicea (Half Board )                                               €   355,00
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PESCIA
4 stars Hotel near the rail station (Half Board )             €   325,00

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Info & reservations: Ranieri Tour operator

Ph.+39 0572 772603
incoming@ranieritouroperator.com
www.ranieritouroperator.com

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