The Benedictine Abbey of St. Antimo

The Heart of Italy

Rome, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti

Typical Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1: FRIDAY ARRIVAL

Welcome to Italy!
Upon arrival at Rome airport please proceed through the Passport Control and collect your luggage inside the customs area. Pick up your transportation, transfer on your own to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Eternal City.
Overnight in Rome.

DAY 2: SATURDAY ROME

After breakfast, transfer to the Vatican for a guided visit of the Museums. Vatican art and history have always left a profound impression on visitors to Rome: discover the masterpieces of Greek and Roman ancient art, works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
After the end of the tour, time at disposal.
Afternoon available to explore the city on your own. In the evening, enjoy a tasty dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Rome.

DAY 3: SUNDAY ROME

Morning Guided Visit of Imperial Rome including Colosseum and Imperial Forum.
Tonight you can enjoy a great dinner served in a traditional Roman Trattoria Romana, away from the touristic crowds and amongst the locals. Overnight in Rome.

DAY 4: MONDAY SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO

In the morning, with the transportation of your choice departure to Siena.
The drive itself is a magnificent path along the roads of Tuscany, where it is possible to enjoy the view of hills covered by vineyards, olive trees, small villages and original bell towers. You can have a lunch in a typical farm house near Montepulciano, where it is possible to see the hills covered by vineyards and olive trees.
Upon arrival in Siena, meeting with local guide (always suggested) for a walking tour of Siena, probably the loveliest medieval town in italy. The heart of Siena’s is Il Campo or Campo square, where the famous horse race Il Palio takes place two times each summer. The town offers magnificent masterpieces and incredible views.
Continue to Florence and en route stop in San Gimignano. The town is listed as a World Heritage site and fascinates for its medieval look. Its high towers create a unique skyline.
Enjoy the village on your own. Arrival in Florence in the evening and overnight.

DAY 5 TUESDAY FLORENCE

In the morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city.
Lorenzo de Medici transformed Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance by attracting the best artists, architects and writers of the time such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli to whom he commis- sioned various works. Visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Dome with Giotto’s bell tower, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Florence on your own, maybe taking the opportunity to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Dinner will be served in a local Tuscan restaurant in Florence. Overnight in Florence.

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY CHIANTI

Breakfast in hotel.
Half day visit of Chianti area with wine and cheese tasting along scenic roads.
You can have a farewell dinner in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Florence. Overnight in Florence.

DAY 7: THURSDAY

Breakfast. Continue to your next destination.

Excellent short itinerary, for a brief visit or first time visitors of Italy. I suggest this itinerary, that can be, very easily, stretched a few more day, away from crowded periods like a week before/after Easter weekend, and the months of June, July, August.