This is a Global Expeditions Travel Club Trip:

The group will travel May 13 - 19, 2012

Explore the beauty and history of Tuscany and Rome with an exciting 7 Day Global Expeditions Travel Club group tour to Italy. Starting in Florence and ending in Rome, join us as we tour Florence and San Gimignano, participate in an Italian cooking demonstration, go wine tasting in the Chianti region, walk through the amazing history of Rome and the Vatican with an experienced local guide, witness the splendor of the Sistine Chapel, and much more.

This group tour is full of amazing history, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and wine, and - as it is with all Global Expeditions Club group tours - wonderful new friendships that will last a lifetime. br>

Make Friends. Travel the World. The Global Expeditions Club is a unique and exciting social travel club open to anyone interested in traveling to exciting destinations around the world with other like-minded adventurers. Membership is free. Please see The Global Expeditions Club website for more details about the club.

Want to hear what club members are saying about the club trips? Check out the Global Expeditions Club's Testimonial Page!

B: Breakfast | L: Lunch

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Florence. Evening group orientation.
Day 2: Guided tour of Florence. (B)
Day 3: Full day guided tour of San Gimignano. Italian cooking demonstration. Wine tasting tour in Chianti. (B, L)
Day 4: Full day at leisure to explore Florence. (B)
Day 5: Florence to Rome through Tuscan countryside. (B)
Day 6: Full day guided tour of Rome, Vatican and Sistine Chapel. (B)
Day 7: Trip ends after breakfast. (B)


Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1
Arrive in Florence.

Arrive in Florence, Italy. The trip officially begins with the afternoon group orientation meeting held at the hotel (details provided before departure). Here you will get a chance to meet your GEC Trip Leader, as well as all of your fellow travel companions for what is sure to be the beginnings of many great friendships! Tonight, start your trip off right by joining the group for an optional dinner in Florence.

Day 2
Guided tour of Florence. (B)

Starting the day off after breakfast, we head out on a guided tour of the magical city of Florence. Being the heart of the Tuscan region, Florence seeps with history and beauty. Known as the Athens of the Middle Ages and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, it once was the center of medieval European trade and finance and, in its time, one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Because of this rich history, and a centuries old love for extraordinary architecture and art, today Florence is simply known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Among the places that we will visit today are the Academy of Fine Arts, Piazza Della Signoria (to see a replica of Michalangelo’s David statue), Palazzo Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo (for stunning views of the city), Ponte Vecchio (the famous pedestrian bridge lined with shops), and we will get the chance to tour through the impressive Cathedral di Santa Maria.

In the evening we’ll head out into town with our fellow club members.

Day 3
San Gimignano. Italian cooking demonstration. Wine tasting (B, L)

Getting a bright and early start, we will travel through the Tuscan countryside to the picturesque medieval hill-town of San Gimignano. Famous for its medieval towers and quaint atmosphere, San Gimignano is one of the main attractions in Tuscany.

After touring the town, we will participate in an Italian cooking demonstration which will end up as our delicious lunch. Included in the demonstration is the preparation of a proper tomato sauce, pasta, olive oils, bruschetta, vegetables and various Italian meats. We’ll also enjoy some local wines.

Following lunch we will visit the beautiful Castello Verrazzano winery in the Chianti region for a private wine tasting of 3 different local wines.

In the evening we return to Florence.

Day 4
Full day at leisure to explore Florence. (B)

Today is a free day to spend as you like. You may want to venture off with the group to relax in one of the numerous cafes that line the many ancient piazzas in Florence and later stop by a local specialty shop and pick up a bottle of local wine, cheese, bread and olives and spend the day in leisure... Italian style! Many members have also ventured off on day trips to Venice or Cinque Terra. Your Tour Leader will have many ideas for you.

Day 5
Florence to Rome through Tuscan countryside. (B)

Following breakfast, we will again travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, this time to the south enroute to the city of Rome. Arriving in Rome, we will have the afternoon free to wander through and explore the quaint streets of this magnificent city.

Day 6
Full day guided tour of Rome, Vatican and Sistine Chapel. (B)

Today we will enjoy a full day guided tour of Rome and the Vatican. Rich with an incredible amount of history that has been lovingly preserved and incredibly integrated with modern life in the city, Rome is full of surprises and wonder.

Today's tour will encompass some of Rome and the Vatican's prize sites. Included will be a visit to the Vatican, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more. If you haven't been to Rome before, you will most certainly be amazed by its awesome beauty and incredible history.

Day 7
Trip Ends After Breakfast. (B)

Today your Global Expeditions Club group trip officially ends after breakfast.