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Overview

The birthplace of the Renaissance

Italians have a special gift for la bella vita. Come enjoy the good life as we explore two of Italy’s most spectacular regions, the Riviera and Tuscany. We call on longtime Stanford contacts to help immerse you in the scenic beauty, spectacular regional cuisine and rich traditions of these unique areas. 

In Liguria, hike among the rustic fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and soak up the glamor of Portofino. In Tuscany, stay in a 13th-century castello, savor great wines and cuisine, and explore Siena, Cortona and Lucca, each a treasure trove of history and art. Conclude with two nights in Florence, home to works of the master painters and architects that defined the Renaissance.

Dates

October 20–30, 2024

Duration

11 days

Price

From $10,795 per person

Trip size

32 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Barbara Pitkin

Religious Studies

Barbara’s research and teaching focus on the place of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions in the intellectual traditions and cultural life of medieval and early modern Europe, roughly from 1000-1700.

“Professor Pitkin offered insightful lectures that were perfectly tied to our journey and its experiences. She helped to open our eyes to what was unfolding around us. An inspiring intellectual experience.”

—Robert “Wake” Wheeler, ’73

Itinerary

Along the Ligurian coast to Tuscany

Experience the best of the Italian Riviera as we wend our way through Cinque Terre, soak up the international glamour of Portofino, ride bikes atop Lucca’s city walls, and explore the marble quarries of Carrara. Next, spend three nights at a restored 13th-century hilltop castello in Tuscany, visiting the nearby towns of Siena and Cortona before concluding our journey in Florence.

  • Genoa, Italy / Santa Margherita

    Upon arrival in Genoa, transfer to our hotel in the charming town of Santa Margherita on Italy’s Ligurian coast. Take a stroll through town before a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Continental

    Included meal: Dinner
  • Portofino

    A short train ride brings us to Camogli, a picturesque town with a beautiful harbor. After time to explore, take a scenic boat ride to the medieval Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso, a hidden gem set in a rocky cove overlooking the emerald-green waters of the Bay of Tigullio. Continue to Portofino by local ferry or begin a spectacular 2.5-hour hike there along a scenic trail that winds its way above the sea. Relax and explore the Italian Riviera’s most famous town, with its brightly painted houses set along an elegant harbor lined with private yachts. Return independently to Santa Margherita by local ferry and enjoy an evening at leisure.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Continental

    Included meal: Breakfast
  • Cinque Terre

    Take the local train to Riomaggiore, the first of five fishing villages strung out along a rugged coastline and linked by a walking path closed to traffic. This spectacular section of the Italian Riviera rivals the Amalfi Coast for stunning views and gorgeous sunsets. Begin in Monterosso al Mare, where we stroll the cobblestone streets and explore the harbor. From here, take the local ferry to Vernazza for lunch on our own in one of the many seafood trattorias. Or, weather permitting, opt for a guided 2.5-hour hike on the scenic trail that links the villages high above the sea. Return to our hotel in late afternoon, then head to a seafood restaurant for dinner this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Continental

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Santa Margherita / Carrara / Lucca

    Begin the day with a spectacular drive to Carrara, Michelangelo’s source of marble for the David and other masterpieces. Visiting the quarries is an unforgettable experience; walls of shining white stone soar skyward, cut out of the high mountains and accessible only by narrow roads that switchback to the summit. After lunch in Carrara, continue to Lucca and check in to our charming hotel in the city center. Ride bikes on the historic walls, do some window shopping on the elegant side streets, or sample the traditional meat-filled tordelli lucchese.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Universe

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Lucca

    Enjoy a walking tour of Lucca this morning, home of the opera composer, Puccini. Walk through the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a sun-bleached ellipse of medieval houses built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. Visit the Romanesque church San Michele in Foro with its “wedding cake” façade. This evening enjoy dinner together in the heart of Lucca.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Universe

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Lucca / Gargonza

    Depart Lucca this morning and travel south to Castello di Gargonza in the hills of southern Tuscany. En route stop at the famous estate of Badia a Coltibuono for winetasting and lunch. Arrive at Castello di Gargonza in the afternoon to check in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. We’re guests of the Guicciardini family at this evening’s reception, followed by dinner in the award-winning restaurant.

    Accommodations:

    Castello di Gargonza

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Siena

    Spend the day in the beautifully preserved Tuscan city of Siena. This town still retains its medieval character, and along with Gargonza, is a great place to get a feel for what Tuscany was like in the Middle Ages. Our walking tour includes the Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral with its brilliant marble façade. Lunch will be on our own in one of Siena’s many great trattorias. Return to Gargonza this afternoon and play a round of bocce with the locals.

    Accommodations:

    Castello di Gargonza

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Cortona

    Board our coach for a short drive to the hilltop hamlet of Cortona. Though it has been continuously inhabited for some 3,000 years, Cortona more recently gained fame as the locale in Frances Mayes’ lovely book, Under the Tuscan Sun. Explore the mysterious world of the ancient Etruscans with a visit to the Accademia Etrusca and see the lovely Annuciation by Fra Angelico in the Diocesan Museum. Enjoy lunch independently in this most inviting of Tuscan towns. Back at Gargonza, sample some outstanding regional wines during a special tasting.

    Accommodations:

    Castello di Gargonza

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Gargonza / Arezzo / Florence

    Say farewell to Gargonza and take a short drive to Arezzo, a beautiful city rich in art treasures, antique shops, and outdoor cafes. See Piero della Francesca’s restored fresco cycle, The Legend of the True Cross, in the church of San Francesco. After lunch on our own, transfer to Florence and check into our centrally located hotel. A late afternoon walking tour includes the Piazza Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo. Later, gather for a fun pizza dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Helvetia Bristol

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Florence

    Art and historical treasures are everywhere in Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Begin with a morning visit to the Uffizi Galleries, the world’s most important repository of Italian Renaissance art. In the late afternoon, visit the Accademia, housing Michelangelo’s peerless David. Celebrate our journey together at this evening’s farewell reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Helvetia Bristol

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • Florence / Home

    Transfer to the airport for homeward bound flights.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

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Cinque Terre, Italy - Scenic view of marina In colorful fishermen village Vernazza, Liguria

Castello di Gargonza

Pricing

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The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

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