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For more information, call: 800-935-5000 or visit:
www.centralholidays.comDAY 1
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TUE
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ROME
Arrive Rome and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon
is at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at
a lovely local restaurant. (D)
DAY 2
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WED
I
ROME
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Rome
highlighting the main districts and iconic sights of the city. Explore
ancient Rome through the Circus Maximus Palatine hill with a stop at
the Colosseum. Your local guide will introduce the traditions and
culinary arts during Roman Times. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or
book an optional tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to
skip the long entry line and discover the artistic masterpieces inside,
including Michelangelo’s famed ceiling. This evening, savor a culinary
adventure through Campo dei Fiori, Trastevere, the historical Jewish
Ghetto, and Piazza Navona. During tonight’s walking tour you will
meet vendors, taste local specialties and live the ambiance just like a
Roman, rounding out the night’s fun at a famous local Gelateria for
delicious artisanal Gelato. (B,D)
DAY 3
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THU
I
ROME
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ORVIETO
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MONTEPULCIANO
This morning,
depart for Tuscany and stop en route in Orvieto, famed for its Duomo,
wines, and the Culinary Art Institute Zeppelin. Meet your local chef for
a private cooking class, followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon
drive through Umbria and the southern Tuscan hills to Montepulciano.
Arrive at your hotel late in the afternoon. (B,L)
DAY 4
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FRI
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MONTEPULCIANO
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CORTONA
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PIENZA
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MONTEPULCIANO
Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel then
drive to Cortona where much of the popular movie “Under the Tuscan
Sun” was filmed showcasing the spectacular region's lush
countryside, narrow meandering roads, and quaint piazzas. Tour the
medieval buildings of this early Etruscan hilltop settlement’s historic
center. Continue to Casale il Podere, a full-working Tuscan farm, for
light lunch featuring fresh ingredients and produce from the
farmhouse itself and from other local organic farmers. At your leisure
this afternoon, explore Pienza, a tiny village in the Orcia Valley widely
known as the "ideal city of the Renaissance.” Late afternoon return to
Montepulciano. (B,L)
DAY 5
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SAT
I
MONTEPULCIANO
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SIENA
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CHIANTI CLASSICO
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SAN GIMIGNANO
This morning, a scenic drive through gentle rolling
hills dotted with lush vineyards, green olive trees and sunflowers
fields, will take you to Siena, a medieval city made up of yellow-ochre
buildings, terracotta rooftops and green shutters. Learn about the
world’s oldest bank, spectacular Duomo and Piazza del Campo, a
shell shaped 12th century square and site of the 600 year old bi-
annual Palio horserace. Later, explore the heart of the Chianti
Classico, the oldest wine region in the world that sits just South of
Florence and North of Siena. Enjoy a wine tasting at a castle in
Chianti then head to San Gimignano for check in. Enjoy a Tuscan
barbeque dinner at your hotel that features a splendid 360 degree
view of the Chianti hills and the medieval Tuscan city. (B,D)
DAY 6
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SUN
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SAN GIMIGNANO
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MODENA
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PARMA
Welcome the
day with a morning drive through the Appenine hills to Modena, world
renowned as a culinary haven and famous for being the home base
of Ferrari. Here you will visit one of the area’s famed balsamic
vinegar producers followed by a pasta-making demonstration and
traditional lunch to savor the tasty local eats. In the afternoon drive
to Parma and check in to your hotel, centrally located in the heart of
the old town and perfectly positioned for exploring on your own. (B,L)
DAY 7
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MON
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PARMA
Travel through the province's hilly zone and
take in some of Italy’s finest flavors and aromas with private tastings
at Parmigiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma establishments. Visit
Seafood traditions
Alley near Cathedral of Orvieto