Copyright2017UltimateItalyTours

Copyright2017UltimateItalyTours

Disclaimer:

Feel free to share this itinerary, but please respect the author and do not make any changes. This is just a guideline and our opinion for what to see and how much to see in a specific time frame. There will be occasions when your plans will need to change or be different than what is outlined. Ultimate Italy Tours is not responsible for planning or what happens in Italy. Some sights are not open on certain days, so be sure to check before you go. Transportation and sights can be closed unexpectedly for renovations, strikes and other random events that are also not the responsibility of Ultimate Italy Tours. Your planning and in country experience is up to you.

How to use this Itinerary:

This itinerary reflects our expert guides’ style of touring. Visiting the sites, but leaving time to get lost, reflect on the history and art, people watch and enjoy the culture of the city around you. Not for people who want to rush around and see everything in a short amount of time, and never really enjoy anything. Having time to wander without a plan is the best way to find some new places and have a unique experience. At the end of the itinerary you will find some additional suggested sights for flex days and relaxed afternoons. Flex days and afternoons are times we leave for you to add in sights that are more unique to what you want to see. This way you can visit a specific history museum, a garden or a gallery that not everyone wants to visit or leave it unstructured. You can change around, add on, or eliminate anything you want. For example: -See the cities in different order -Change the days to a different order -Stay longer or shorter in each city Some things to remember when planning: -Not all sights are open every day -You may need to book your sights and attractions in advance -You don’t need to structure every minute of your time -Your schedule can and will have unforeseen changes at any time, be flexible -Lines can be very long in the high season so plan accordingly -Have fun and enjoy

Copyright2017UltimateItalyTours

Cinque Terre: This area consists of five beautiful towns along the Liquirian Coast of Italy in the Mediteranean. The easiest way to reach each town is by train. You can also travel by hiking trail and, during the summer months in good weather, by boat. Since these towns are very small, this is the perfect destination for some R&R, while still seeing some true Italian culture and amazing vistas. We suggest visiting for approximately 3-4 days and no less than 2 days. Florence: Florence is filled with art, history, architecture and more. Here you can find Michelangelo’s David, as well as the famous Ponte Vecchio, a beautiful bridge lined with jewelry shops. This town is a nice balance between a bustling city and relaxing atmosphere. Florence is easy to navigate by bus and even by foot. Our recommendation for visiting is 5-6 days and a minimum of 3 days. Tuscany: Some places of interest for day trips to Tuscany are Siena – one of Italy’s best medieval cities, Lucca – an impressive fortress city, and any of the famous Hill Towns, many of which were around well before the Roman Empire. No matter where you go here try to adapt to the pace of the countryside while you are there, don’t rush. Pisa: No trip to this area would be complete without seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Field of Miracles. You can easily visit Pisa in an afternoon and enjoy the color of the setting sun on the beautiful white tower. Take the time to climb the 294 stairs for incredible views. There is also a magnificent cathedral and baptistery as well as museums and a cemetery. We suggest at least visiting the Leaning tower, Duomo and Baptistery and then enjoying dinner nearby before catching the train.

Copyright2017UltimateItalyTours

12 Days in Florence and Cinque Terre Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Italy You will most likely be tired this day so rest a little if you need, and don’t push yourself to see too much. Today is a great day to just get acquainted with the town you are staying in. Walk around or take a short, guided tour to get the lay of the land. Day 2: Boat down the coast to Portovenere Head to the town of Monterosso and catch the boat to Portovenere. There is no better way to see the Cinque Terre than from the water. The boat will take you to Portovenere and will leave you here for a couple of hours before heading back to Monterosso for a beautiful round trip. Day 3: Cliff Towns of the Cinque Terre Today can be a leisurely day to hop on and off the train visiting either two or all four of the remaining towns of the Cinque Terre. Day 4: Optional Side trip to Santa Margherita Ligure Visit the remaining two towns (if you only saw two yesterday) or catch the train north to the towns of Santa Margherita Ligure. From here you can also continue on to Portofino by bus, bike, and boat, or even by foot. Day 5: Pisa and travel day Depart Cinque Terre for Florence and stop at Pisa on the way. This is a great day to maximize your travel time. Get off the train in Pisa, drop your luggage off at the baggage check desk and take a bus or taxi to the Leaning Tower. After you visit you simply head back to the train station, grab your luggage and continue on to Florence. Day 6: Getting acquainted with Florence Take time today to get to know the city. Hop on a bus or walk around to see some of the free sights, like the Ponte Vecchio, and learn your way around the town. A fun way to do this is to ride the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to get some culture, history and where the sights are located in the town.

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Day 7: Uffizi Gallery and Flex Afternoon Start today by visiting the Uffizi Gallery. Make sure to book your tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. After visiting the gallery it’s great to pick one or two smaller sights to see at a leisurely pace or just enjoy the afternoon. Day 8: Siena, Lucca or Hill Towns of Tuscany Day Trip The most time efficient way to see a little bit of Tuscany is to hire a driver for the day. You can also easily take a train to the different towns, but be aware that some towns you will also need to take a bus to get to the center. Don’t rush yourself and try to see everything in one day. Just pick one or two places to explore. This is a great area for cooking classes and wine tastings. Day 9: Brunelleschi’s Dome, The Duomo and more The Florence Duomo is incredible. Take time to climb to the top of the dome as well as visit the inside, the baptistery, and it’s bronze doors, and the Duomo museum . A couple other churches you should add to your list for today are Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. Santa Croce has the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Santa Maria Novella is full of breathtaking paintings and statues. Day 10: Michelangelo’s David and Flex Afternoon Start your day by visiting the Gallaria del Accademia, which is home to The David. After your visit you can go to one or two smaller sites if you choose. (Suggestions listed on the next page) Day 11: Flex Day This is a day you can leave for the end of the trip, move to the Cinque Terre, visit more towns in Tuscany or do with it whatever you like on any day in any place on your trip. Day 12: Depart Italy Pack your bags and head to the airport or to another location in Italy, Europe, or the World. If continuing on in Italy we have more itineraries to help you plan. Rome, Venice, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, or even Sicily!

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Additional sites to see: Florence:

• Bargello – Sculpture Museum • Museum of San Marco – Works

by Fra Angelico • Medici Chapels – Tombs of the

Medici family carved by Michelangelo

• Palazzo Vecchio – Fortified palace and once home of the Medici’s

• Galileo Science Museum – Three of Galileo’s Fingers, Old clocks and more

• Pitti Palace – Several museums and beautiful gardens

• Brancacci Chapel – Works of Masaccio

• San Miniato Church – Renaissance chapel

• Medici-Riccardi Palace – Lorenzo the Magnificent’s home

• Casa Buonarroti – Lesser known works by Michelangelo

• Piazzale Michelangelo – A town square overlooking Duomo and Florence

• Fiesole – A nearby town (quick bus ride) overlooking the city of Florence

Cinque Terre:

• Hiking • Kayaking • Biking • Swimming • Boating

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More Information Looking for more locations? We have itineraries for:

• Rome • Venice • Sorrento, Amalfi Coast and Islands • Florence, Cinque Terre and Tuscany • Sicily – coming soon

You can also find additional information on our website www.ultimateitalytours.com About Ultimate Italy Tours We offer world class, boutique, guided tours to Italy for people who don’t want to or don’t have time to plan their own trip, but still want to have some freedom in their traveling and fully experience the amazing Italian culture and historic sites. This experience is provided by keeping our tour group size half the size, or smaller, than other “small group” tour companies and using mostly local, family run restaurants and accommodations that are close to the heart of the city. Unlike most boutique and specialty tours we provide almost all meals, more activities, optimal free time, and no getting on and off large tour buses to maximize the value for your money. Additionally, because of our intimate travel style we can easily immerse you into the culture of the cities we stay in. As a result, we are able to navigate the towns and cities like the locals, by foot, or on buses, trains and subways. While on our tours, you will truly experience what it’s like to “live” in Italy during the time you are there. Buon Viaggio! Kerri Wood Tour Director Ultimate Italy Tours