TOUR 1: "ITALIAN JEWELS" Private Customized Itinerary with Audrey as private driver-guide

Guests Dan, Martha, Joey, Nancy, Jim and Sherry to Italy, May09-20, 2017. I flew out on LH447 on 28 April from DEN to FRA 17:25 departure and arrival 11:00 with cnx to LH252 FRA-MXP 12:20 arr 13:30 on 29 April

Accommodations in Emilia Romagna with private tour of the castle on the hotel property-Locanda Del Re Guerriero SAN PIETRO IN CERRO, ITALY Set on the park-like grounds of the castle of San Pietro in Cerro in the heart of the Emilia Romagna countryside is the elegant oasis of Locanda del Re Guerriero (“Inn of the Warrior King”). This renovated 18th century residence offers spacious and modern guest rooms with views over the vast sculpture-filled grounds. The museum-quality artwork and 2,000-volume library, along with the friendly staff and impeccable service, make for a memorable stay.

Aceto Balsamico tour and tasting near Castelvetro di Modena at Acetaia Boni

Pisa

The construction of the Tower of Pisa dates back to 1173. It fame is owed to its inclination, caused by the shifting ground in the subsoil and for this reason works were often interrupted throughout its construction. In 1275, the tower was enlarged with the addition of three levels while the belfry was added only in 1350. The Leaning Tower is 55 meters high and is inclined 5° southward. One has to climb up 294 steps to reach the top. Each of the levels has galleries and arcades except for the last one, where there are 7 bells. The tower was closed from 1990 to 2001 because of instability but is once again open today to visitors.

Palazzo della Carovana

Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights’ Square), is an important landmark in Italy, being one of the squares of Pisa. A political centre in medieval times, the place holds significance due to the fact that it used to be the headquarters of the Order of the Knights. The Knights of St. Stephen built this society in the middle of the 16th century. Currently, the square is the main part where the Scuola Normale di Pisa is housed. Situated in the forum of Portus Pisanus, the square is also referred to as the Piazza delle sette vie (The Square of the seven streets). It was the political centre of its time and after 1140 saw the construction of many churches and buildings belonging to different municipalities and administrators.

Private villa booked for the week. I stayed at Locanda del Molino a typical Tuscany country inn situated in an oasis of peace and tranquility in Cortona.

Leather shopping in Florence

San Gimignano

San Gimignano, a small walled village about halfway between Florence and Siena, is famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the other buildings offering an impressive view of the city from the surrounding valley. At the height of its glory, San Gimignano's patrician families had built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano still retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, San Gimignano offers visitors the chance to step back in time while enjoying its local products including saffron and its white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

San Gimignano, with wine tasting and lunch

Siena guided tour with Susanna including the Duomo

Assisi lunch and visit

Civita di Bagnoregio

Exclusive wine tasting and tour near Orvieto with lunch-Decugagno dei Barbi