“Tuscany and Umbria” A Gentle Journey Through the Italian Countryside
Five (5) nights in a private Tuscan villa, visiting: Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano, Florence and Siena. Five (5) nights in an Umbrian Medieval farm-estate, visiting: Assisi, Spello, Perugia, Spoletto, Montefalco, Gubbio, Orvieto… and finally Rome.
A thirteen-Day Italian Journey
June 11th – June 23rd, 2020
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, New York 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 Day#1: Departure for Tuscany
Thursday: June 11th, 2020
In conjunction with AAA Travel (Ithaca, NY), Keyrow Tours is pleased to make all flight arrangements, including primary flights originating from anywhere in the United States and international flights.
We will depart from a major international airport located on the east coast of the United States [usually JFK (NY) or Philadelphia (PA)] and fly into Florence, Italy with one international layover. We will be returning to the United States from Rome.
Transportation to and from your primary airport of departure is each person’s responsibility.
“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.” ~ Erica Jong
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, New York 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 Day #2:“Life in the Tuscan Hills”
Friday: June 12th, 2020
Flight arrival into Florence’s Peretola Airport After passport control and collecting our luggage, private minivans will carry us to our private Tuscan villa… a 30 minute ride.
Mid-afternoon at villa
Welcome to the glorious hills and countryside of the Tuscany Region, where simple pleasures are elevated to an art form. Our home for the next five nights is a beautiful private Tuscan villa, situated in a charming and secluded setting. Our villa will be an oasis as we explore, celebrate and enjoy the heart and bounty of Tuscany.
Orientation with time to relax and explore our new surroundings
Light lunch provided
Visit to the neighboring Fattoria Torre e Cona Winery for tour and tasting
Cena! (Group Dinner!)
“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.” ~ Giuseppe Verdi
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, New York 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 Day#3: “Under the Tuscan Sun”
Saturday: June 13th, 2020
Italian Breakfast
A.) Departure for World War II American Cemetery Just outside Florence, we will offer our respects to over 4,000 American service men and women who paid the ultimate price during the Second World War.
B.) New! The Tuscan village of Volterra
C.) Departure for Torciano wine tasting school and lunch (included)
Tenuta Torciano is about 30 minutes away, and has been producing wine and olive oil since 1720. Featuring panoramic views with hillsides, vineyards, and olive groves, Tenuta Torciano has been in the Giachi family since its inception. Pierluigi, the vineyard owner, will offer us an in depth explanation of his wines, how they are made, and the science of wine tasting and wine pairing. His mother will prepare an incredible luncheon for us using local, organic foods. Bravissima!!!
D.) Departure for San Gimignano
San Gimignano is known as the “Manhattan of Tuscany” because of its many medieval towers that look like skyscrapers from a distance. 15 minutes from Tenuta Torciano, this is a charming town. Visit its central square, stroll into numerous shops, or dare to walk into the Medieval Torture Museum…we will have about two hours to enjoy this gem in the heart of Tuscany. Sample some wild boar meat while you’re here!
Return to our villa
Day’s Recap
Cena! (Dinner)
“For us to go to Italy and to penetrate into Italy is like a most fascinating act of self- discovery – back, back down the old ways of time. Strange and wonderful chords awake in us, and vibrate again after many hundreds of years of complete forgetfulness.” ~ D.H. Lawrence
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#4: “Florence and Villa Life”
Sunday: June 14th, 2020
Italian Breakfast
Mid morning departure for Florence
A.) The Ponte Vecchio Ponte Vecchio, translated, means “The Old Bridge.” This historic bridge that crosses the Arno River is laden with gold and diamond shops. Conveniently located just around the corner from our hotel, shoppers…this one’s for you!
B.) Piazza Signoria This is Florence’s central square. See the Palazzo Signoria (Florence’s City Hall since the reign of the Medicis), the outdoor Loggia contains ancient Roman, Greek and Renaissance statuary, including Celini’s famous bronze of Persius holding Medusa’s severed head. C.) Santa Croce Church This wonderful medieval church is the parish church of Michelangelo, Leonardo DaVinci, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini, Dante Alighieri and others. Many of these Florentine masters , including Michelangelo, have been interred here.
D.) Florence’s Academia Museum Enjoy incredible Renaissance artwork including Michelangelo’s monolithic statue of David and his famous series of “Prisoners” designed for Pope Julius II’s tomb in Rome.
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own) and Mid afternoon departure for Cooking Class dinner in a private Tuscan villa
“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to other eyes as mine see it.” ~ Michelangelo
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #5: “Medieval Time Travel in Siena”
Monday: June 15th, 2020
Italian Breakfast
Siena The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited attractions, and is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race that is held twice a year. Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans (c. 900– 400 BC). According to local legend, Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, two sons of Remus and thus the nephews of Romulus, after whom Rome was named. Legend has it that after their father was murdered by Romulus, they fled Rome, taking with them the statue of the she-wolf suckling the infants and appropriating that symbol for the town. The most famous daughter of this important medieval city is Saint Catherine of Siena: a medieval mystic, poet and feminist-figure of her time. We will learn about Saint Catherine over lunch… and why she referred to God as an “inebriated lover.” Cheers!
Guided Tour Pranzo! (Lunch on your own)
Personal time in Siena
Return to our villa
Day’s recap and Cena! (Dinner!)
“Traveling forces you to lose sight of all the familiar comforts of home. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” ~ Cesare Pavese
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#6: “Pisa and Lucca”
Tuesday: June 16th, 2020
Italian Breakfast
New! Departure for Pisa
Pisa is a legendary city and one of the most famous in this region of Italy. Located on the western coast of Italy, Pisa is only 20 minutes from the Ligurian Sea and has great transport links to Florence, Livorno and La Spezia.
During the 11th century and onwards Pisa rose to prominence and became one of the major maritime republics of Italy. During the Middle Ages Pisa was involved in various battles and played an important role in the wars and feuds. Today the city still maintains its ports and this accounts for much of its economy. Enjoy historic buildings such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta…
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own)
New! Departure for Lucca
Lucca is one of the cities most loved all of Tuscany. Located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps and is less than half an hour from the coast of Versilia. Since it isn't a hilltop village, it is ideal for anyone with mobility issues as well as for anyone wishing to take a break from climbing… Most of the attractions in Lucca today show its ancient history: from traces of the Roman amphiteater that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, to the various towers and villas from the 12th to 16th centuries. The walls that surrounded the old town were maintained eventually lost their military importance… but today serve as a scenic pedestrian promenade, today one of Lucca's main attractions.
Return to the villa for Cena! (Dinner) and day’s recap
“Everything about Tuscany seems to be coloured with a mild violet, like diluted wine.” ~ Henry James
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#7: “Umbria Awaits”
Wednesday: June 17th, 2020
Departure for Assisi by train The train ride to Assisi is a pleasant two-hour journey. We will enjoy the beautiful countryside of the Umbrian Region, famous for its olive orchards and rolling hills. As a medieval city, Assisi stands frozen in time and is set high on top of a hill. As the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan history of the town permeates every narrow cobblestone road and piazza.
Assisi arrival and check-in at our medieval farm-estate
Pranzo! (Lunch included)
A.) The House of St. Francis’ family, including the prison cell where Francis was locked-up by his irate father. (Ah, medieval parenting!)
B.) The gothic Basilica of St. Clare which houses the San Damiano Cross.
C.) Piazza Communale: sit outdoors and drink Umbria’s famous hot chocolate.
D.) An ancient Mythric Temple that predates Christianity, which Christianity has now embraced.
E.) The Cathedral of San Ruffino
F.) The Basilica of St. Francis
Formal Umbrian wine tasting experience
Day’s recap (Group Dinner)
Return to the farm estate
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” ~ Jack Kerouac
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #8: “A Peace of Assisi”
Thursday: June 18th, 2020
European breakfast
A.) The Rocca Maggiore Castle of Assisi The Rocca Maggiore Castel stands high above all of Assisi, commanding a superb view of the valleys and hills below.
PRANZO! (Lunch on your own)
B.) Free afternoon to tour the shops and explore Assisi, and Umbria in general, is famous for its pottery, linens, and fine olive oil. There are dozens of small shops in Assisi which sell these items, and store owners will happily ship your purchases back to the United States in one piece. Happy Hour!
Day’s recap during dinner
“All journeys have destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” ~ Martin Buber
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #9:“Spello and Perugia”
Friday: June 19th, 2020
Italian Breakfast
New! Departure for Spello
Spello is located on the lower southern flank of Mount Subasio. This medieval walled town was a Roman settlement in the 1st century BC. Later in the 4th century, the village was named Flavia Constans unde the reign of Constantine the Great. We will visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore built in 1159, which was built over an ancient temple dedicated to Juno and Vesta. Other high lights include the Palazzo Communale Vecchio (“Old Town Hall”) built in 1270 and the Palazzo dei Canonici which now houses the town’s art gallery. Winding streets with flowers everywhere… this is a gem to explore!
Pranzo! (Lunch!) …. Let’s do another Umbrian wine tasting, but this time with lunch!
New! Departure for Perugia
Perugia is the Etruscan capital of Umbria, first settled long before the Romans existed! Today this medieval town is the home of the University of Perugia, founded in 1308. Perugia is a well- known cultural and artisitic center for Italy. It hosts multiple annual festivals and events such as the Eurochocolate Festival in October) and the Umbria Jazz Festival in July. Italy’s best chocolate is created here, so we will certainly sample some of its sweet goodness.
Return to our farm-estate
Cena! (Group Dinner) and day’s recap
“Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries.” ~ Rene Descartes
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com
Day #10:“Exploring Gubbio’s Treasures”
Saturday: June 20th, 2020
Italian Breakfast
New! Departure for Gubbio
Today we travel to the village of Gubbio, a town in the northeastern part of Umbria. Located on the lowest slope of Mout Ingino, this picturesque village is an absolute treat with ancient origins! Originally occupied in the Bronze Age, this town became very powerful in the Middle Ages. The town sent 1000 knights to the First Crusade and they were the first to reclaim the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem in 1099.
Main sights inclide the Palazzo Consoli, the Porta dei Morti, a Roman Theater, and cathedral. It’s primary festival is on May 15, the Feast of Saint Ubaldo… who was a bishop in the 12th century. During this festical, three teams run through throngs of cheering supports clad in medieval costumes… each team carrying a statue of a saint mounted on a wooden pillar that stands 13 feet tall and weights over 600 pounds.
Free time to shop and explore in Gubbio.
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own)
Return to our farm-estate
Day’s recap
Cooking Class and Cena! (Group Dinner) and day’s recap
“ Preach the Gospel always. But only when it is necessary use words.” ~ Saint Francis of Assisi
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #11:“Spoletto and Montefalco”
Sunday: June 21st, 2020
Italian Breakfast
New! Departure for Spoletto
Located in east-central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines, this area was first settled in the 5th century BC. After the famous Battle of Lake Trasimene in 217 BC, Spoletto was attacked by Hannibal and partly destroyed. Later under the empire of Rome, the city flourished and grew in importance and beauty because of its location.
Major sites include a 2nd century Roman theatre, the Rocca Albornoziana castle, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Frozen in time, we will enjoy exploring this Umbrian countryside village!
New! Departure for Montefalco:
Montefalco is a stunning town located in the heart of Umbria. Its ancient walls, cobbled streets, stone buildings, medieval architecture and beautiful churches all are a feast for the eyes. Just across the Spoletto Valley, Montefalco provides breathtaking scenic views of the Umbrian landscape: Lovely orchards, olive groves and vineyards surround the town… offering all the charm and beauty of Italian nature.
Like many Umbrian towns, this village was conquered by the Romans, as well as tthe Lombards, and other invaders. In the 13th century it became a free commune under the local nobles and merchants. The most famous sites include the Church of Saint Francis, the Palazzo Comunale or “Town Hall”, and its beautiful city gates in the walls including the Porta Sant’Agostino, Porta Camiano and Porta Federico II.
Montefalco is especially known for its wines… so we will sample varieties including Montefalco Rosso, Sagrantino, and Montefalco Sagrantino secco. Other local products include oil, honey, salami and cheese.
Pranzo! (Lunch on your own during personal exploring)
Return to our farm-estate
Day’s recap
Cena! (Dinner!)
"Life for the Italians was what it was, no more and no less, an interlude between meals." ~ Abraham Verghese in "Cutting for Stone”
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day #12: “Orvieto and Rome-ward Bound”
Monday: June 22nd, 2020
Italian Breakfast
New! Morning departure for Orvieto
The journey to Orvieto is approximately 1.5 hours from Assisi. Orvieto is located in the southwestern region of Umbria, situated on the summit of a high mountain. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost- vertical face of a cliff with impressive defensive walls built of local volcanic stone. Originally populated by the Etruscans, Orvieto is a charming village that is rich in history and tradition.
The Duomo of Orvieto
On November 15, 1290, Pope Nicholas IV laid the cornerstone for the present Cathedral and dedicated it to the Assumption of the Virgin, a feast for which the city had a long history of special devotion. The façade is particularly striking and includes some remarkable sculptures. Inside the cathedral, the Chapel of San Brizio is frescoed by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli's masterpiece, his Last Judgment (1449–51).
The Pozzo di San Patrizio “Saint Patrick’s Well” was created between 1527 and 1537, at the behest of Pope Clement VII who had taken refuge in Orvieto during the sack of Rome in 1527. The cylindrical well is 174.4 ft deep, with 248 steps and 70 windows providing illumination. An inscription on the well states: QUOD NATURA MUNIMENTO INVIDERAT INDUSTRIA ADIECIT (what nature stinted for provision, application has supplied).
Lunch on your own
Departure and afternoon arrival in Rome
Closing Banquet in Rome
“It’s not only the physical beauty of the place…It’s the smell of it, the aura of great history in the stones of every street and every building. To be in Rome is to be in touch with everything in life that really matters.” ~ William Murray in “City of the Soul”
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#13: “Ciao, Italia!”
Tuesday: June 23rd, 2020
A.) TBA… Morning Departure for the airport
B.) TBA… Flight Departure for the United States
C.) TBA… Arrival in U.S.A
“Open my heart and you will see, graved inside of it, Italy.” ~ Robert Browning
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 35.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com