LIVORNO, ITALY — Oct. 4

The Essence of Tuscany

Marvel in the jewels that are the Tuscan countryside as you travel to San Gimignano and Siena, two Medieval towns sitting atop the colorful and hilly panorama that is Tuscany.

While exploring the essence of Tuscany we will:

* The minibus will take you on a scenic 11⁄2-hour journey to San Gimignano, recently the landmark for the highly successful movie Under the Tuscan Sun.
* View breathtaking Tuscan countryside that await you as you explore this beautiful town independently.
* See the “Manhattan of Tuscany” skyline, bristling with a large number of towers dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries. Fifteen out of the 72 towers remain unbroken, giving an unmistakable mark to this wondrous town.
* Enjoy a typical local meal in a nearby farmhouse before heading to the enchanting town of Siena.
* Explore Siena, amazingly rich in masterpieces of art and rising above three hills, where your guide will take you to the Piazza del Campo, the square where the world famous folkloric event called Palio Horse Racing takes place twice a year during the summer.
* Discover this fan-shaped, gently sloping square is lined with marvelous buildings like the City Hall, erected in the 13th century, and the Torre del Mangia bell tower, rising 102 meters high. The Sansedoni Palace and the Gaiai Fountain are also close by.
* Enjoy your exterior views of the gothic-style Duomo of Siena dating back to the 12th century and the Battistero, both adorned with a variety of frescoes, sculptures and painting masterpieces created by some of Italy’s most famous artists.