Insider’s Florence Explore the birthplace of the Renaissance November 8 - 15, 2014 Book Today! SmithsonianJourneys.org • 1.877.338.8687 Insider’s Florence Overview Florence is a wealth of Renaissance treasures, yet many of its riches elude all but the most experienced travelers. During this exclusive tour, Smithsonian Journey’s Resident Expert and popular art historian Elaine Ruffolo takes you behind the scenes to discover the city’s hidden gems. You’ll enjoy special access at some of Florence’s most celebrated sites during private after-hours visits and gain insight from local experts, curators, and museum directors. Learn about restoration issues with a conservator in the Uffizi’s lab, take tea with a principessa after a private viewing of her art collection, and meet with artisans practicing their ages-old art forms. During a special day in the countryside, you’ll also go behind the scenes to explore lovely villas and gardens once owned by members of the Medici family. Plus, enjoy time on your own to explore the city’s remarkable piazzas, restaurants, and other museums. This distinctive journey offers first time and returning visitors a chance to delve deeper into the arts and treasures of Florence. Smithsonian Expert Elaine Ruffolo November 8 - 15, 2014 For popular leader Elaine Ruffolo, Florence offers boundless opportunities to study and share the finest artistic achievements of the Renaissance. Having made her home in this splendid city, she serves as Resident Director for the Smithsonian’s popular Florence programs. She holds a Master’s degree in art history from Syracuse University and serves as a lecturer and field trip coordinator for the Syracuse University’s program in Italy. Read a Q&A with Elaine Ruffalo Itinerary November 8 & 9 — U.S. and Florence wonder. At the Baptistery, admire Lorenzo Depart the U.S. for Florence on individual Ghiberti’s 15th-century Gates of Paradise, a flights. Upon arrival the next day, transfer monumental set of cast bronze doors. Explore to your hotel, situated on a quiet street in the Baroque Palazzo Corsini and view one the historic center of Florence, designated of the finest private painting collections in a World Heritage site. Enjoy an afternoon Florence, then enjoy a private meeting with tour of your historic neighborhood near Principessa Corsini for tea. (B,R) the Duomo before the evening welcome festivities. (R,D) November 12 — Renaissance Florence, Uffizi, and Casa Buonarroti November 10 — Uffizi Gallery, Vasari During a special walking tour, you’ll Corridor, and the Oltr’arno travel back in time to view some of the The 16th-century Uffizi Gallery and Vasari city’s earliest architectural works. You’ll Corridor hold some of Florence’s most tour the Palazzo Davanzati for a glimpse renowned paintings, including famous of a typical household in Renaissance portraits. Though closed on Mondays, the Florence. Then visit the Romanesque Uffizi will open its doors for the Smithsonian. Church of the Holy Apostles, and view the Through special access you’ll stroll through fine collection of Renaissance paintings, the gallery’s stunning rooms without the sculpture, and decorative arts at the Museo press of crowds and view Renaissance della Fondazione Horne. On a specially masterpieces, including Botticelli’s Birth arranged, behind-the-scenes tour with staff of Venus, Michelangelo’s Holy Family, and restoration specialist Diane Kunzelman, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation. Elaine watch conservators at work on a Uffizi Ruffolo guides you through the Vasari masterpiece at the Fortezza del Basso, one of Corridor, the long passageway to the Pitti Italy’s foremost art restoration laboratories. Palace that spans the Ponte Vecchio and You’ll also enjoy an exclusive visit at the houses portraits of famous artists. In the Casa Buonarroti, a museum dedicated to labyrinthine Oltr’arno neighborhood, visit Michelangelo’s life, and see some of the artisan workshops and learn about ancient master’s early pieces. (B,D) traditional crafts, including paper-making, enameling, and silversmithing. (B) November 13 — Tuscan Villas and Gardens and Palazzo Ginori November 11 — Baptistery, Duomo, and Seeking refuge from the city, the Medicis Palazzo Corsini built splendid estates in the peaceful Tuscan Brunelleschi’s distinctive dome helped hills surrounding Florence. Spend part of transform Florence’s cathedral and the city the day in the countryside exploring lovely itself. Join an Italian Renaissance expert for villas, beginning with an exclusive visit to a guided tour of the Baptistery and Duomo the gardens of Villa Medici, which is closed before opening hours. Then climb up to to the public. Meander through the gardens the dome for a closer look at its marvelous of Villa La Pietra, once owned by Sir Harold frescoes and the revolutionary technology Acton, and go behind the scenes to view the behind this 15th-century architectural villa’s Renaissance art collection. Return To register call 1-877-338-8687 or visit SmithsonianJourneys.org “This is the perfect trip for to Florence to tour the Palazzo Vecchio, the serious traveler – who the former residence of Duke Cosimo de’ wants an in-depth view of Medici. During a guided tour of the 17th- century Palazzo Ginori, admire stunning Florence, not the typical frescoes, paintings, and the Ginori family tour. The tour provides porcelain, then join the Marchesi Ginori for a private evening reception. (B,R) both an artistic and historical prospective with November 14 — Frescoes by Fra Angelico, visits to unique sites.” del Sarto, and del Castagno Venture off the beaten path to discover lesser- – Susan F., Insider’s Florence known frescoes by Florentine masters. At the Dominican convent of San Marco, examine the rich paintings of Fra Angelico. See Andrea del Sarto’s stunning monochromatic fresco of the life of St. John the Baptist at the charming 16th-century Chiostro dello Scalzo. At the former Benedictine convent of “I learned an amazing Sant’Apollonia, admire Andrea del Castagno’s amount, met many masterpiece of the Last Supper. Following an afternoon at leisure, celebrate your Florentine wonderful people and sojourn at a farewell reception in the hotel’s was more than impressed museum followed by dinner at a local with the professional restaurant. (B,R,D) organization of the tour. November 15 — Depart Florence A splendid experience!” Depart Florence for the U.S. on individual flights. (B) – Richard S., Insider’s Florence To register call 1-877-338-8687 or visit SmithsonianJourneys.org Hotel Brunelleschi Hotel Florence The four-star Brunelleschi Hotel is an elegant boutique property situated in the heart of Renaissance Florence. Housed in a reconstructed 6th-century Byzantine tower and medieval church, it’s within walking distance of restaurants, historic sites, and shops, including the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and the magnificent Duomo. Well-appointed rooms offer wonderful views of the city, and the private museum features artifacts discovered during the hotel’s restoration. The roof terrace and unique bar are delightful places to relax after a day of touring. 6 nights Tour Cost Price based on double occupancy ......................$4,995 Price based on single occupancy ........................$5,985 Explore the birthplace of the Renaissance and enjoy special access and exclusive tours of the city’s hidden treasures.