May 16th to 23th 2023.
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light” St. Francis Assisi
Our journey to Italy starts in Florence which offers a rare opportunity to step back in time. Its 15th- and 16th-century monuments, buildings, and churches—including, most famously, the Duomo—and its many artworks, such as Michelangelo’s Statue of David, highlight why this small Italian city is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. We will take a pilgrimage to Assisi, the home of St. Francis and visit the charming medieval town famous worldwide for its tower houses and its medieval architecture and have lunch at nearby Tuscan winery. We will stay two nights in the walled city of Lucca, famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, which remained an independent city-state until the end of the 18th century. With a history going back to Etruscan times, Lucca has managed to preserve much of its ancient heritage
Modified Daily Itinerary
After our breakfast and morning meeting, we will meet our local guide and proceed on foot to view the top sights of Florence. This ½ day walking tour will give us insight into the real history and hidden gems that the city has to offer. We will visit the Ponte Vecchio, the famous Piazzadella Signoria, the charming narrow medieval streets, and impressive Cathedral Square with Brunelleschi’s imposing dome. We will end our walking tour at the Addacemia Gallery where we will have a chance to view Michelangelo’s David.The remainder of the day is free to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes and sightsee on your own. We will have a group dinner that evening. (Included) Included: Breakfast and Dinner
After an early breakfast we will be picked up at the hotel for a full day tour. We will cross the province of Umbria to reach Assisi (2 hours). Once in Assisi, we will take a guided stroll through the lanes of this historic town to see: The Church of St. Claire, Piazza del Commune, the Palazzo del Popolo and the Temple of Minerva. Continue to the Basilica of St. Francis which lies near the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries. We will enjoy lunch in Assisi before returning to Florence. Included: Breakfast, Lunch and full day tour
After breakfast and our morning meeting enjoy a full free day at your leisure. Choose from any number of options including but not limited to: private activities/tours of the artisanal side of the city, visit artist’s workshops, enjoy an Italian cooking course or a biking tour of the city. Spirit Tours is happy to assist you in booking. Another option is to join the only tour that takes you to Bologna or Sienna via train, on a one excursion Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will be picked up by private transport and transferred to the Renaissance-era Walled City of Lucca. Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. After checking into our hotel and having lunch on our own we will depart for a ½ day walking tour of Lucca, where we will visit the Piazza dell Anfiteatro, the Guingi Tower, Giacomo Puccini’s House, Church of San Michelse, Lucca Cathedral, and Santi Giovanni e Reparta. Included: Breakfast, Lunch and full day tour
After breakfast and our morning meeting we will be picked up by our guide for a private tour. We will travel off the beaten path to the Tuscan country side to visit the town of San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a town perched on the hills of Tuscany. Along the way, we will have lunch together in a Tuscany farmhouse. Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic legacy, and its influence on high culture. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. After the day in the country we will return to Lucca for dinner.
Dinner will be on our own that evening
Included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, we will have the day free to explore the cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades of Lucca. Lucca is a living testimony to past times, kingdoms and dominions and green valley. There will be an opportunity to rent bikes and explore the perfectly intact, 17th century walls that once protected the city. Here you will find amazing restaurants, beautiful views and wonderful shopping. This evening we will have our farewell dinner together in the piazza.
Included: May 16 2023 Breakfast and Dinner.