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AHI: Italian Riviera
September 5 - 13, 2009
ITINERARY
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Italy aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
Day 2
Sestri Levante
Upon your arrival in Italy, transfer by motorcoach to the Hotel Vis à Vis in stunning Sestri Levante. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.)
Local Flavor: Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel and dinner featuring Ligurian specialties.
Day 3
Santa Margherita and Portofino
Educational Focus: The Riviera del Levante~A Painter's Palette.Trace the history and diversity of this enchanting region crowned by the magnificent Cinque Terre, a home to artists, writers and explorers.
Excursion: Walking Tour of Sestri Levante.Set out with a guide along winding cobbled streets to the Piazza Matteoti, with its baroque Town Hall and Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth.
Excursion: Santa Margherita and Portofino.Travel the breathtaking coastal road along sun-soaked panoramas to tour glorious Santa Margherita, a town of colorful flowers, swaying palm trees and hillside villas. Linger awhile by the glamorous harbor. Then, embark on a cruise to enchanting Portofino, a national monument and playground of the rich and famous. Stroll its promenade between the yacht-filled harbor and the fragrant flower boxes that adorn brightly colored shops and houses. Delight in the pink and yellow cottages that dot lush emerald hills from one of the Piazzetta's cafés. Thrill to panoramic views of the sparkling bay from the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio and the Punta del Capo lighthouse.
Day 4
Genoa
Educational Focus:Genoa~The Suberb Maritime Republic. Genoa, the reputed home of Christopher Columbus is also known as La Superba. Examine its legendary history of seamanship and exploration between the 11th and 15th centuries.
Excursion: Genoa.During your guided tour, admire the amazing view of the city from atop La Spianata di Castelleto. See the incredible Renaissance palazzi on the lovely Via Garibaldi. Explore labyrinthine streets past medieval churches to the Columbus House, believed to be the birthplace of navigator Christopher Columbus. Continue to the magnificent Piazza Mateo and visit the superbly restored Palazzo Ducale, the impressive Church of Gesù, and the majestic black-and-white striped façade of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
Local Flavor: A restaurant hosts your lunch.
Independent Exploration: Spend time at leisure to experience Genoa's many charms.
Day 5
Cinque Terre
Excursion:The Cinque Terre. Made up of five villages overlooking the ocean, the Cinque Terre was isolated for centuries by the ruggedness of the surrounding mountains and is still only accessible by train, boat or foot. Sail the sparkling sea to pretty Portovenere. Then, soak up the sun on your way to Vernazza, a beautiful village of pink, red and yellow houses overlooking an expanse of azure water. Amid its elegant architecture, marvel at Genoese towers and the Gothic Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. Next, relax on a train ride to Riomaggiore, where colorful houses stack up against the cliffs. Browse the shops and cafés as you descend to the rocky beach. Photograph the terraced vineyards as you walk along romantic La Via dell'Amore, a paved trail that reveals breathtaking vistas of the glistening sea and craggy coast. At the trail's end, Manarola's vivid homes clinging to the cliffs will captivate you before you return to Sestri Levante by train.
Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch and the scenery at one of Vernazza's charming restaurants.
Independent Exploration: Afterward, visit your own corner of Portovenere and Vernazza.
Day 6
Carrara
Educational Focus: Michelangelo~When Marble Comes Alive. The artist who painted the Sistine Chapel actually preferred to express himself through sculpture. Be awed by his incredible talent as you examine Michelangelo's magnificent works.
Excursion: Carrara. High atop these ancient hills, where Michelangelo chose his prized marble, visit a local quarry and a museum in which exhibits display the many facets of Carrara's renowned marble industry. Watch a local sculptor's demonstration and see the town's extraordinary Duomo, constructed using a variety of architectural styles. Study its rose window, a masterpiece of marble.
Local Flavor: Lunch is served in Carrara.
Independent Exploration: After returning to Sestri Levante, the afternoon is yours to pursue your own interests.
Educational Focus: Meet the People. Participate in a panel discussion and learn about life on the Italian Riviera through the eyes of local residents.
Day 7
Lucca
Excursion: Lucca. Travel past olive groves for a memorable walking tour of the historic walled city of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini. Roam its ancient ramparts and visit the breathtakingly grand Romanesque Duomo di San Martino with carvings by Nicola Pisano. Admire the white marble, art-filled chapels of the Church of San Frediano and the astounding Church of San Michele.
Local Flavor: Savor a taste of Tuscany during lunch in a local restaurant.
Independent Exploration: Spend time at leisure to explore Lucca on your own.
Day 8
Sestri Levante
Educational Focus: A Contemporary View of Italy. Learn about life in Italy and discuss its role in the European Union.
Independent Exploration: Enjoy the day at leisure to explore or relax independently.
This evening, gather for a special Farewell Reception and Dinner and your Graduation Ceremony at the hotel.
Day 9
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.)
Note: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
*Call 1-800-323-7373 to check dates and book your trip today!
For more information, click here
Excursion: Santa Margherita and Portofino. Travel the breathtaking coastal road along sun-soaked panoramas to tour glorious Santa Margherita, a town of colorful flowers, swaying palm trees and hillside villas. Linger awhile by the glamorous harbor. Then, embark on a cruise to enchanting Portofino, a national monument and playground of the rich and famous. Stroll its promenade between the yacht-filled harbor and the fragrant flower boxes that adorn brightly colored shops and houses. Delight in the pink and yellow cottages that dot lush emerald hills from one of the Piazzetta's cafés. Thrill to panoramic views of the sparkling bay from the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio and the Punta del Capo lighthouse.
Excursion: The Cinque Terre. Made up of five villages overlooking the ocean, the Cinque Terre was isolated for centuries by the ruggedness of the surrounding mountains and is still only accessible by train, boat or foot. Sail the sparkling sea to pretty Portovenere. Then, soak up the sun on your way to Vernazza, a beautiful village of pink, red and yellow houses overlooking an expanse of azure water. Amid its elegant architecture, marvel at Genoese towers and the Gothic Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. Next, relax on a train ride to Riomaggiore, where colorful houses stack up against the cliffs. Browse the shops and cafés as you descend to the rocky beach. Photograph the terraced vineyards as you walk along romantic La Via dell'Amore, a paved trail that reveals breathtaking vistas of the glistening sea and craggy coast. At the trail's end, Manarola's vivid homes clinging to the cliffs will captivate you before you return to Sestri Levante by train.
Excursion: Lucca. Travel past olive groves for a memorable walking tour of the historic walled city of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini. Roam its ancient ramparts and visit the breathtakingly grand Romanesque Duomo di San Martino with carvings by Nicola Pisano. Admire the white marble, art-filled chapels of the Church of San Frediano and the astounding Church of San Michele.