Travel-Learn Program
Italian Riviera
When: September 28, 2013 - October 06, 2013 (iCal)
Description
“Great people, great services, great fun!”
A much sought after destination by our travelers, our home for this journey is the charming town of Sestri Levante, with stunning coastal and mountain views. We will have opportunities to experience the panoramic views of Santa Margherita and Portofino, and the amazing ambiance and colorful homes of Cinque Terre. We will stroll past medieval churches in Genoa, believed to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and journey to Lucca’s magnificent medieval monuments in the Tuscan region. A visit to Michelangelo’s quarry in Carrara and a focus on local cuisine are other special features.
Activity Level: Moderate
Cost
Price From: $3,145
Price From: $2,895 (if booked by April 30, 2013)
Includes land only; per person,based on double occupancy. Limited single supplement waivers available!
For an early booking incentive and to avoid the disappointment of a sold out program, Register Now!
Contact
Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323.
Itinerary
Day 1 - In Transit
Depart our gateway cities for Florence.
Day 2 - Florence/Sestri Levante
Upon arrival at the Florence airport, we will transfer to Sestri Levante and the Hotel Vis à Vis. Tonight, we will attend a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - Sestri Levante/Santa Margherita/Portofino
Today we will explore the spectacular seaside town of Sestri Levante on a walking tour focusing on the concept of the Riviera del Levante as a “painter’s palette.” We will walk along winding streets to see the Piazza Matteoti’s Town Hall and the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth. Or, we may choose to travel to the nearby Santa Margherita, a town of flowers, swaying palm trees, and hillside villas, and embark on a cruise to Portofino for panoramic views from the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio, and the Punta del Capo lighthouse.
Day 4 - Genoa
Today, we will have the option to visit Genoa and learn about the Cinque Terre. We will first visit La Spianata di Castelleto and see the Renaissance palazzi on the Via Garibaldi. Then, we will stroll past medieval churches to the house believed to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, walk to Piazza Mateo, visit Palazzo Ducale, the Church of Gesù, and the black and white Cathedral of San Lorenzo. We will also sample Italian cuisine at its best during lunch at a local restaurant in Genoa. Or, we may choose to remain in Sestri Levante for a day on our own.
Day 5 - Cinque Terre
We will take in the unforgettable sights, sounds, and aromas of Cinque Terre today as we travel by boat to Portovenere and Vernazza, where we will see elegant architecture, Genoese towers and the Gothic Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. We may also take a train to Riomaggiore and take in its breathtaking vistas on a stroll along La Via dell’Amore, a paved coastal trail leading to picturesque Manarola. We will also have the opportunity to see Manarola’s colorful homes hugging the cliffs before we return to Sestri Levante by train.
Day 6 - Carrara
Today we will travel to nearby Carrara and visit the quarry where Michelangelo chose his prized marble, as well as the town’s museum dedicated to the history of marble. We will learn from a demonstration by a local sculptor and see the town’s Duomo, whose rose window is considered to be a marble masterpiece. We will conclude with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Carrara before returning to Sestri Levante for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 - Lucca
Today we will have the chance to take in the walled, tree-lined city of Lucca and see the Romanesque Duomo di San Martino, the Church of San Frediano, and the Church of San Michele. We will learn about both ancient and contemporary Italy as we explore this richly historical and influential city. We will sample Tuscan cuisine during our lunch in Lucca.
Day 8 - Sestri Levante
Our final day is at leisure, exploring and relaxing independently. This evening, we will meet for a farewell reception, followed by dinner.
Day 9 – In Transit
Today we will transfer to Florence airport for return flights to our gateway cities.
*Price and Itinerary are tentative and subject to change
617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu
