Our grand Italy: The Men's Tour follows the footsteps of some of the greatest artists and thinkers in history. We start in Florence with Michelangelo and his archetypal work David. We proceed to Assisi and the private hermitage of St. Francis, and we end at Caesar's doorstep – Rome. Along the way we witness the legacies of many other great men of this land, from Dante to Caravaggio, from Titian to Byron. For those with more time, we offer three-day extensions in Venice and Rome.

Make a historical date with some of the most important Italian men in art, architecture, literature and philosophy. See David, walk with Caesar, visit Lord Byron and contemplate St. Francis on our Men's Tour. Our expert guides will bring these men and their work alive, as we enjoy world class food and wine to complement our visual pleasures.

Highlights of this trip include:

• See the great art treasures of Italy with a learned Renaissance art historian.
• Enjoy two full days in Florence and witness male perfection -- Michelangelo's David.
• Stroll the streets of Siena, a beautiful walled medieval city.
• Feast on fabulous food and enjoy wine from the neighboring vineyards.
• Contemplate the life of St. Francis of Assisi in his city, his hermitage and his namesake Basilica.
• Tour the traditional hilltowns of Tuscany and Umbria.
• Explore Rome, the center of Western civilization.
• On a three day pre-tour extension, explore the sights of Venice with our elegant guide.
• On a three day post-tour extension, experience Rome in depth and visit Hadrian's villa.

Get ready for La Dolce Vita as we head to Italy to study and appreciate the great art, savor fine Italian cuisine, drink world class wine from the surrounding vineyards and enjoy a tour designed to showcase the best that Tuscany, Umbria and Rome have to offer.

Itinerary

Most travelers will join the group in Florence. A pre-tour visit to Venice starts three days prior to our gathering in Florence, allowing two full days to experience the wonders of the city with our elegant Venetian guide who has been our hostess in Venice for over 20 years. Those on the Venice pre-tour will travel by train along with our Hanns Ebensten Travel Leader, to join the group in Florence.

Day 1 - 3 - November 4 - 6, 2011
Florence
The main tour begins in Florence, where we stay in a charming hotel for three nights in the heart of the city. We will gather in the evening of arrival day with an orientation and Welcome Dinner. Then for the next two days we will explore Florence and its treasures.

Art and history are alive at every step along the cobblestone streets of this exciting Renaissance city. Stroll the Via Dante Alighieri and contemplate the great writer's life and you will begin to understand why we call this The Men's Tour. We will cross the paths of so many world–class writers, philosophers, artists, architects and history makers, it boggles the mind. In many ways, Florence is the epitome of the power of the imagination, and the Men whose work we will see will attest to this greatness. With so much encompassed in such a relatively small area, we will have much to see.

We will enjoy two half-day walking tours of the major sites including the Duomo, which dominates the cityscape, surrounded by a wonderful piazza inviting visitors to stroll through the surrounding shops, cafes, and museums.

We will enjoy the archetype of male beauty set in marble -- Michelangelo's David -- at the Accademia. The Uffizi Gallery offers some of the greatest works by Titian, DaVinci, Rafael, and Boticelli.

On our second full afternoon (day three), we will visit the village of Impruneta south of the city. Gaze at the Tuscan hillside as we take a short ride through the countryside. We will enjoy dinner at a quaint local restaurant

Day 4 -5 - November 7 - 8, 2011
Siena and the Chianti Countryside
Next we head to the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Along the road, we'll see picturesque hillsides covered with vineyards and olive trees, old-fashioned stone farmhouses overlooking fields of grazing sheep, and stately ancient towers rising out of the mists. We will visit Siena, a charming example of an ancient walled city, with its narrow alleys that twist and turn along the hills and wind down to the city center where the famous Palio horserace is held each July and August. Look for the colorful flags with their various animal mascots for the seventeen different contrades (parishes or neighborhoods) of Siena.

Our accommodations for the next two nights are at a lovely small inn in the town of Castellina in Chianti. The origins of Castellina in Chianti go back to the 7th century B.C. Now, it is a quiet hilltop town, yet at one time it was at the frontline of the wars between Florence and Siena. A striking remnant of those times is the Via delle Volte, a covered gallery that was once part of the town fortifications. The old fort, in the central square, is now home to municipal offices.

In the morning (day five), we will visit nearby San Gimignano, known as the "City of Beautiful Towers" for its lovely and historic windowless towers which have welcomed pilgrims since the 13th century. Fourteen of the original seventy-six towers remain intact, reaching up to create a magnificent skyline. San Gimignano is also home to a number of magnificent churches and museums, including the Museo Etrusco, where you can view early Etruscan stone work. During our stay we will enjoy lunch at the family-owned Castello di Volpaia. After these sumptuous lunches, dinner will be on your own, to choose, perhaps, lighter simpler fare. Our Hanns Ebensten Travel Leader will be happy to assist the group in choosing a spot, it so desired.

Day 6 - 7 - November 09 - 10, 2011
Torgiano and Assisi
Passing from Tuscan to Umbrian hill towns, we travel to the hilltop village of Torgiano, in Umbria, where we stay for two nights. Overlooking the Tiber Valley, Torgiano is the perfect place from which to explore the Umbrian countryside. En route, we will stop to visit other small hillside towns, such as Cortona. Although the towns have similarities to each other, each also has its own personality as well. In the evening, we will enjoy a wine tasting and dinner in our hotel's elegant 17th century dining room.

The next morning, we head to the mystical and enchanting town of Assisi. From a distance we can see the Basilica of St. Francis, a striking vision resplendent with a Cosmati rose window. The Basilica, built in 1253, has been almost completely restored after suffering major damage in a 1997 earthquake. From Assisi, we drive into the hills to the Benedictine hermitage, Erema delle Carceri, formerly a retreat of St. Francis. It is an ideal spot to ponder the life of this man whose love of animals, mysticism and the simple life created a way of life for many generations to follow

Day 8 - November 11, 2011
Rome
In the morning we drive to Rome. The "Eternal City" is a stunning collection of Classical Antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. History lives side by side with contemporary life with incredible ease. One can walk along Caesar's footsteps then dance in the splendor of Italy's most fashionable trendsetters. We will taste a bit of "La Dolce Vita" with an afternoon walking tour, including the Pantheon and a stop for gelato near the Trevi Fountain. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner, Roman style.

Day 9 - November 12, 2011
Departure day or begin Rome Extension
Today we say arrivaderci to those returning home.

For those who continue on our extension, we will explore Rome in more depth. The immensity of this great center of civilization has persuaded travelers to spend decades discovering its wealth. Byron ended his days here, Gore Vidal has never left. Rome has a way of insinuating itself into the lives of artists and writers. It captivates them with its history, its art. It makes love to the senses in a warm embrace of fine food and world-class wine.

Day 10 - 11 - November 13 - 14, 2011
Rome Extension
There are so many sights to see in Rome, one could explore for a lifetime. Over the next few days we'll visit the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. Vatican City itself is a treasure trove of architecture and public space. Inside some of the grandest buildings in Western civilization lies art and sculpture without equal. Later, we will turn our attention to Ancient Rome, including a tour of the Coliseum and remains of the Roman Forum. Dinners will be on your own.

With so many opportunities for exploration, we have left the last day of our tour free for you to choose what activities you would like to do. Our tour leader will be available to help you with your choice or assist in arranging transportation or reservations. Perhaps you'll want to linger at the Piazza de Spagna (Spanish Steps), sip a cappuccino and watch the world go by. Or maybe shop at the trendy stores along Via Veneto, or explore the catacombs of ancient Rome. If there is enough interest, we will arrange a visit to Hadrian's villa, just outside Rome. Whether you want more art, history, culture, or nightlife, Rome has more and more and more to offer. Enjoy!

Day 12 - November 15, 2011
Departure Day
Our time in Italy is over. Until next time-Ciao!

Price includes:

• Group transportation between Florence and Rome and for local sightseeing;
• Accommodations each night in accordance with the tour itinerary;
• Breakfast each day, 4 special dinners and 2 lunches;
• Entrance fees for sightseeing, accompanied by knowledgeable guides;
• Transfers from hotel in Rome to Rome airport for those departing on the final day of tour or extension;
• Venice pre-tour extension includes hotel for three nights, breakfast, one dinner, two guided half-day tours of Venice, and train ticket from Venice to Florence;
• Rome post-tour extension includes hotel for three nights including breakfast, and guided tours of Rome;
• All hotel services charges, government taxes, porterage, and gratuities for included meals.

Not included:

• Transportation to and from starting and ending points;
• Individual transfer to hotel on arrival in Italy;
• Personal items including: alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls;
• Gratuities for guides.