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THE ART
OF ITALY & FRANCE
15 Glorious Art filled Days
September 14 - September 28
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INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to "The Art of Italy & France"
including the Venice home of the Biennale. Our tour is is designed
for art lovers of all ages who have never traveled to Europe or for the
repeat visitors who will gain new and exiting insights on this tour.
Your hosts will enhance your experience with informal lectures and conversations.
If you hate tours and packaged lectures, but love socializing with people
who live life as an art, this is your program.
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ITINERARY
| DAY 1, WED. SEP 14: FLIGHT
TO ROME |
| Your European adventure begins as
we depart for the "Eternal City", Rome, Italy.. (in flight meals) |
| DAY 2, THU. SEP 15: ROME |
(D) |
| At the airport we'll be joined by
an expert, English speaking guide for a short orientation tour of Rome.
Rome boasts an unrivaled 3,000-year heritage of art and architecture. Rome
Introduction tour and transfer to your hotel. |
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| DAY 3, FRI. SEP 16: ROME
- ROMAN FORUM & COLOSEUM |
(B,D)
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| A full day of sightseeing includes
a visit of the ancient Roman Colosseum, site of many gladiatorial battles.
Next you'll view the Roman Forum, cradle of western civilization, then
up Palatine Hill, redesigned by Michelangelo, with its fine view of the
Circus Maximus. Next is the most imposing of Rome's landmarks, the Vittorio
Emanuele Monument, a Baroque fantasy of sculpture and architecture in bronze
and marble. most imposing of Rome's landmarks, the Vittorio Emanuele Monument,
a Baroque fantasy of sculpture and architecture in bronze and marble. |
| DAY 4, SAT. SEP 17:
ROME - VATICAN MUSEUM - SISTINE CHAPEL |
(B) |
| After breakfast you'll begin a journey
through the largest art collection in the world at the Vatican Museums.
If we spent just 20 seconds looking at each work contained in the museum
it would take us 17 years to complete our task! Here you'll find great
collections from the Greek, Roman, Egyptian and other past civilizations.
Our journey culminates with a viewing of the freshly cleaned and restored
Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo, probably the greatest painting ever created.
Viewing it is an experience of a lifetime! Next we'll visit St. Peter's
cathedral in the Vatican. There you'll see Michelangelo's famous Pieta
and numerous other masterpieces by Bernini, Canova and Giotto. For those
with a real sense of adventure you can climb to the top of the dome for
a glorious view of Rome while the less adventurous ascend by elevator to
the base of the dome for an equally thrilling view. Tonight you'll experience
Rome by night as we stroll to the unforgettable Trevi Fountain, then on
to the Roman Pantheon built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa (here is the most
praised ice cream in Italy, try some!) and we’ll finish at Piazza Navona,
considered the most beautiful square in Rome with its 3 Bernini fountains
including the Fountain of the Four Rivers. |
| DAY 5, SUN. SEP 18:
ROME - |
(B) |
| This morning we’ll discover some
of the “hidden?treasures of Rome. Our first stop is the little known crypt
of Santa Maria de Concepcion where the bones of 4000 monks were used to
create the wall and ceiling decoration! Next are the two cathedrals with
the greatest illusionistic ceiling frescoes in the world. IL Gesu has an
enormous ceiling, which the artist has completely dissolve into the illusion
of infinite space. St. Ignasco achieves a similar effect through the use
of linear perspective. Next you will see three major paintings by Caravaggio
in the cathedral of San Luigi del Francesi. The remainder of the afternoon
is free to enjoy any of the hundreds of other sights, museums or cathedrals;
some might want to tour the Catacombs, visit the Goethe Museum, the Orientale
Museum, the Mausoleum of Augustus Caesar or the Gallery Borghese. |
| DAY 6, MON. SEP 19: ORVIETO
- SIGNORELLI MURALS - FLORENCE |
(B,D) |
| This morning a short journey across
the lush Italian landscape brings us to medieval, walled city of Orvieto.
We'll ascend by funicular to the fortress city to view the stunning fresco
by Signorelli set in one of Italy’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals. Signorelli’s
fresco has undergone more than 10 years of restoration and now for the
first time we will have the opportunity to behold their magnificence! One
of the most unspoiled Italian cities, Orvieto is a visual feast for the
eyes, you’ll explore and lunch here! Then on to Florence called "La Bella"
where Italian literature and language were created and where Italian art
attained its finest form. This afternoon you'll visit the Duomo (cathedral)
and its magnificent Baptistery. Entering through the bronze doors by Ghiberti,
you'll be dazzled by the glittering mosaic covered ceiling. Later
stroll among the goldsmith's shops on the Ponte Vecchio bridge or visit
one of the many chic Italian fashion designers shops. After dinner, our
bus will take us into the hills surrounding Florence to the Piazzale Michelangelo
with its vast panorama of Florence. |
| DAY 7, TUE. SEP 20:
FLORENCE - UFFIZI - MEDICI CHAPEL |
(B) |
| Our day begins in the world's greatest
painting museum, The Uffizi, to view masterpiece after masterpiece by Leonardo
(Adoration of the Magi), Michelangelo, Bottocelli (The Birth of Venus &
The Primavera), Lippi, Ruben, Rembrandt and all the other great masters.
The Uffizi Galleries probably contain more masterpieces from the Italian
Renaissance than all the world’s museums combined! Next we visit the Galleria
dell' Accademia to see the seven sculptures of Michelangelo including his
famous David. Last you'll visit the place containing Michelangelo's finest
work, the Medici Chapel. This vast chapel-crypt was built to house the
tombs of Lorenzo and Guiliano Medici and contains the famous sculptures
of Night & Day and Dusk & Dawn. Evening free in Florence. |
| DAY 8, WED. SEP 21: FLORENCE
- VENICE (MESTRE) - BIENNALE |
(B,D) |
| There is only one Venice and its
uniqueness is not just a matter of water and canals. It is due to the way
it reflects light, mirrors the moon in its canals, and shows its
monuments and buildings in shadows of light and dark, chiaroscuro and color.
Braudel, has written, "in the strangeness of this city, full of myth
and magic, we find ourselves in a world, half real and half dream, a world
each of us comes to love in our own special way." For centuries Venice
has formed our concepts of romance, enchantment, beauty, art, pleasure
and decadence. After settling into your hotel you’re off to the greatest
of all Venetian palaces, the Palazzo Ducale, seat of the Doge (ruler) and
political power since the 9th century. After ascending the fine marble,
Renaissance staircase surrounded by sculptures of Mars and Neptune, you'll
admire the refined rooms and the paintings of great masters who decorated
them. Astounding paintings by Veronese, Bellini, Titian, Carpaccio and
Tintoretto line the walls and ceilings. This wealth of painting reaches
its climax with the enormous "Paradise", one of Tintoretto's greatest works,
said to contain over 1000 figures! You'll marvel at the view from
the second floor loggia with its sweepings vistas of the St. Marks Square,
the lagoon, the Isle of San Giorgo and on a clear day, the snow covered
Italian Alps. This evening is free. |
| DAY 9, THU. SEP 22:
VENICE (MESTRE) - BIENNALE |
(B) |
| All day free to visit the various
exhibitions (architecture, galleries, photography and performing art) connected
to Biennale. Established in 1895 by the Mayor of Venice this world- renowned
international festival of painting, sculpture, modern, graphic and decorative
art is an ongoing event. Students will have time for a morning drawing
session. Evening is free for more Biennale or just relax at one of the
many street cafes and watch the world go by. |
| DAY 10, FRI. SEP 23:
VENICE (MESTRE) - ACCADEMIA - GUGGENHEIM |
(B) |
| Today we visit the greatest collection
of Venetian paintings in the world at the Accademia Museum. You'll
see Giorgione's mysterious "The Tempest" which still casts its hypnotic
spell on viewers. Masterpieces by Titian, Veneziano, Mantegna, Tintoretto,
Bellini and Veronese's controversial painting, "Feast in the House of Levi".
You'll marvel at the exacting details in Caraccio's complete cycle of paintings
illustrating the story of St. Ursula. Next you'll visit the enchanting
palace of the American, Peggy Guggenheim. She spent her entire life
collecting the best art of the early 20th century including Pollack, Dali,
Picasso and Calder. Afterwards we'll browse the museum bookstore then linger
over coffees in the museum cafe. The streets around museum hosts a large
number of private art galleries, handmade paper shops and antique curio
sellers which should not be missed. Later in the afternoon we visit
some of Venice's less frequented, but highly picturesque areas, the Cathedral
of San Pantalon, next you'll visit the Venetian equivalent of Michealangelo's
Sistine Chapel, the rarely visited, Scuola San Rocco Grande where Tintoretto
spent 24 years painting the walls and ceilings with splendid works. Here
Tintoretto’s paintings display daring invention and an extraordinary use
of light/dark interplay. Adjacent to the Scuola is the Church of San Rocco
containing eight more Tintoretto masterpieces. A two minute walk brings
us to the Frari (Santa Maria Gloriosa) Cathedral and monastery complex.
This enormous Gothic-Renaissance church contains so many masterful paintings
and sculptures that it is almost a museum! You will find paintings by Bellini,
(Madonna Enthroned and Child with Saints) maybe Bellini’s finest painting,
Donatello, Vivarini, Titian (Our Lady of the Assumption ) and Tintoretto. |
| DAY 11, SAT. SEP 24:
NICE - MANTUA - PALAZZO TE |
(B,D) |
| Early morning departure through the
Lake district to Mantua. Here we’ll view Palazzo Te to view the unbelievable
work of Giulio Romano. His Salon of the Giants is considered the most fantastic
and frightening creation of the whole Renaissance. Evening arrival in Nice
& the French Riviera, then dinner at the beach! |
| DAY 12, SUN. SEP 25:
NICE - CHAGALL MUSEUM |
(B) |
| The French Riviera, also known as
the Cote d'Azur is the sun and fun playground of Europe, filled with
million dollar yachts and wall to wall, scantily clad tanned bodies. The
afternoon is yours to explore, relax, look, photograph, sunbathe, eat and
enjoy, but first you’ll visit the important Chagall Museum to view his
jewel-like paintings. Then we’ll see the only Russian Orthodox onion-skinned
domed cathedral in France that rivals the ones in Moscow! |
| DAY 13, MON. SEP 26:
NICE - MODERN ART MUSEUM- MONTE CARLO |
(B,L) |
| This morning is beach time. After
lunch we’ll explore the Nice Museum of Modern Art, four stories of the
best of modern European art. Here you’ll find old favorites, Warhol, Dine
Rauschenberg plus many new European artists. Spend the rest of the day
freely exploring the Roman ruins, the Matisse Museum, the Museum of Naïve
Art, or some of the many palaces or churches or simply sit at one of the
many cafes and watch the beautiful people. Tonight you're off to the bright
lights, fast action and beautiful people that typifies Monte Carlo &
its famous casino. |
| DAY 14, TUE. SEP 26:
NICE - PROVENCE - PICASSO |
(B,D) |
| This morning we’ll drive through
Provence’s lush hills to see the two most amazing art institutions in Europe.
The Maeight Foundation contains a superb collection of Miros, a Giacometti
sculpture garden and continually changing contemporary exhibitions. You’ll
lunch in Saint Paul de Vence, a stunning, picturesque medieval hill village
filled with fantastic modern art galleries. Finally we conclude with a
visit to the Picasso Museum in Antibes.The evening is free enjoy a special
farewell dinner before dancing the night away at one of the many discos |
| DAY 15, WED. SEP 27: RETURN
FLIGHT |
(B) |
| This morning we’ll take some last
minute photographs of Nice before transferring to the airport for our return
flight to the USA. Late Sunday afternoon arrival back home.
(in flight meals) |
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TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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FIRST CLASS HOTELS WITH PRIVATE BATH
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ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE FROM LAX OR DENVER
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ALL HOTEL TAXES
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ALL AIRPORT/HOTEL/AIRPORT TRANSFERS
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ALL BREAKFASTS (B)
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PRIVATE, DELUXE MOTORCOACH
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DINNERS (D) AND LUNCHES (L) AS INDICATED IN
THE ITINERARY
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LOCAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES GUIDES
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HOSTED BY TWO ART EXPERTS FROM THE ART INSTITUTE
OF COLORADO IN DENVER
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26 BONUS ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED:
1. Vatican Museums
11. Signorelli Chapel
21. Frari Chapel
2. Rome City Tour
12. Funiculare ride - Orvieto
22. Accademia Museum
3. Bourberg Collection
13. Uffizi Museum
23. Guggenheim Museum
4. Picasso House
in Antibes
14. Maeght Foundation
24. Golden Altarpiece
5. Venice Historical
Museum
15. Palazzo Te
25. Russian Church in Nice
6. Chagall Museum
16. French Riviera
26. Sistine Chapel
7. Florence Baptistery
17. Vaparetto Pass
8. Medici Chapel
18. Palazzo Ducale
9. Galleria Accademia
19. Nice Museum of Art
10. S.M.Concepcion Crypt
20. Scuola San Rocco
PLEASE NOTE: There is no refund for admission
fees for any of the above sights in case you don't participate. There also
might be additional entrance fees for exebitions at the Biennale.
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TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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DINNERS (D) AND LUNCHES (L) NOT LISTED IN THE
ITINERARY
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BEVERAGES (WINE, SOFT DRINKS, BOTTLED
WATER ETC.) AT INCLUDED MEALS
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PRIVATE TAXI OR SUBWAY TRANSPORTATION
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ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE
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ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS & PLACES NOT SPECIFICALLY
LISTED
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TIPS FOR GUIDES & BUS DRIVER
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
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TOUR PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM:
$ 3,385.00 from Los Angeles or Denver -
$ 3,280.00 from JFK, land only $ 2,575.00
Single Supplement is $ 649.00.
Many tour participants do not have a travel companion when they sign
up; UET will make its best efforts to find a suitable roommate for those
who do not wish to stay in a single room. Group size is limited ! |
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BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
This itinerary is very popular. Make your reservations
early to avoid disappointment. Prices are subject to currency fluctuation
and are subject to change. |
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