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. 

 

8 am:         breakfast at the hotel

8:45-9:15:  morning briefing

9:30:          depart for daily outings

2:30:          free time to explore, nap, or shop

7:30:          wine and cheese at the hotel before dinner with new friends


Each day is a bit different depending on the day’s activities, the weather, and the group’s needs.

Sample Itinerary

2010

 

Florence:  Michelangelo’s Hometown

 

Typical Daily Schedule

 

Day 1:  An Introduction

Your plane will be met by a driver who will take you to Hotel Benivieni, our accommodations for our stay.  Once every one has arrived and is settled in, we will gather walk through the city center and on to Casa Buonarroti, our first museum. We also might visit: Casa Buonarroti, Santa Croce, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria


Day 2:  Michelangelo and the Medici

Much of Michelangelo’s work was commissioned by the Medici Family.  Today we will visit several spectacular examples including his sculpture, David. Walking Florence’s cobbled streets, we can visit: Galleria dell’Accademia, the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library, and the Bargello

Dinner tonight at a local little restaurant.


Day 3: Florence on Your Own

A day to do as you please, now that you know the lay of the land. Of course, I’d be happy to make some suggestions.


Day 4:  The Uffizi Museum

Today we will visit the Uffizi Gallery,  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.

Another fabulous dining experience on our last night in Florence.


Day 5:  Travel First Class on the Eurostar from Florence to Rome

The train will be met by a driver who will take you to our accommodations.  Read on to see what we will do in Rome!

"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