Florence
Michelangelo’s Home
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in 1475 just outside of Florence in the small town of Caprese. His family, distant relatives of the ruling Medici family, lived in genteel poverty and disapproved of their son’s penchant for “common” activities like sculpting and painting. Nonetheless, the young man clearly had talent and attracted the attentions of Lorenzo di’Medici.
Michelangelo began his career in Florence and felt drawn home all his life. Visit the early work of a young student at the Casa Buonarroti. See the last work of an aging sculptor at the Opera del Duomo. Stand before his David and marvel as his contemporaries did. And visit the Laurentian Library, a masterpiece of elegant design.
Florence is a city of grand art, beautiful architecture, and lovely people. Still home to generations of artisans, Florence offers great shopping as well. Antiques, leather goods, beautiful papers, and ceramics are among the prizes waiting to be purchased.
And the food? As the largest city in Tuscany, Florence boasts some of the finest dining in Italy. Enjoy Steak Florentine, pecorino cheese, crusty breads, fine wines, and incredible regional cuisine.
Sample Itinerary
January, 2009
Day 1: An Introduction
Your plane will be met by a driver who will take you to our hotel. Once every one has arrived and is settled in, we will gather for a group dinner and a walk through the city center. We might visit:
The Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo
Day 2: Michelangelo’s Origins
Michelangelo loved Florence and spent his childhood studying the city’s finest artists. Walking the cobbled streets, we can visit:
Casa Buonarroti, Santa Croce, and the Bargello
Day 3: Academia di Belle Arti
Michelangelo succeeded where other artists had failed and produced his David: a powerful testament to his own skill as an artist as well as to Florence’s influence in the 16th century. We can also take in:
Accademia di Belle Arti, Santa Maria del Fiori and the Baptistry, the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library
Day 4: Shopping? Museums? Both?
A day to do as you please, now that you know the lay of the land. Of course, I’d be happy to offer suggestions, if you aren’t sure what to do next.
Day 5: The Uffizi Museum
Today we can visit one of the world’s finest art museums. With a collection this outstanding, the first visit can be intimidating, so we will hit the highlights with plenty of time to explore on your own if you are inspired.
Day 6: Travel First Class on the Eurostar to Rome. Click here to find out what awaits you in Rome!
Typical Daily Schedule
8 am: breakfast at the hotel
8:45-9:15: morning briefing
9:30: depart for daily outing
2:30: free time to explore, nap, or shop
7:30: wine and cheese at the hotel before dining with new friends
"Traveling with Angela is like having a back-stage pass to the entire city. We bypassed long lines because of her advance planning. She brought us to hidden, out-of-the-way treasures that even locals were surprised to learn about.
I always thought I was too independent to travel with a group, but this was no ordinary "group tour." Our itinerary had the perfect balance of scheduled activities and free time, city and country, magnificence and simplicity.
Angela is very knowledgeable and her
enthusiasm is absolutely contagious.
She's a great storyteller. Who knew
art history was so scandalous,
comical and heart-rending?"
Terra Widdifield
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michelangelo’s Home
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in 1475 just outside of Florence in the small town of Caprese. His family, distant relatives of the ruling Medici family, lived in genteel poverty and disapproved of their son’s penchant for “common” activities like sculpting and painting. Nonetheless, the young man clearly had talent and attracted the attentions of Lorenzo di’Medici.
Michelangelo began his career in Florence and felt drawn home all his life. Visit the early work of a young student at the Casa Buonarroti. See the last work of an aging sculptor at the Opera del Duomo. Stand before his David and marvel as his contemporaries did. And visit the Laurentian Library, a masterpiece of elegant design.
Florence is a city of grand art, beautiful architecture, and lovely people. Still home to generations of artisans, Florence offers great shopping as well. Antiques, leather goods, beautiful papers, and ceramics are among the prizes waiting to be purchased.
And the food? As the largest city in Tuscany, Florence boasts some of the finest dining in Italy. Enjoy Steak Florentine, pecorino cheese, crusty breads, fine wines, and incredible regional cuisine.
