Insider’s FlorenceExplore the birthplace of the Renaissance

November 8 - 15, 2014

Book Today!SmithsonianJourneys.org • 1.877.338.8687

OverviewFlorence 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.

Insider’s Florence

Elaine RuffoloNovember 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

Smithsonian Expert

To register call 1-877-338-8687 or visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

November 8 & 9 — U.S. and FlorenceDepart the U.S. for Florence on individual flights. Upon arrival the next day, transfer to your hotel, situated on a quiet street in the historic center of Florence, designated a World Heritage site. Enjoy an afternoon tour of your historic neighborhood near the Duomo before the evening welcome festivities. (R,D)

November 10 — Uffizi Gallery, Vasari Corridor, and the Oltr’arnoThe 16th-century Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor hold some of Florence’s most renowned paintings, including famous portraits. Though closed on Mondays, the Uffizi will open its doors for the Smithsonian. Through special access you’ll stroll through the gallery’s stunning rooms without the press of crowds and view Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Holy Family, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation. Elaine Ruffolo guides you through the Vasari Corridor, the long passageway to the Pitti Palace that spans the Ponte Vecchio and houses portraits of famous artists. In the labyrinthine Oltr’arno neighborhood, visit artisan workshops and learn about ancient traditional crafts, including paper-making, enameling, and silversmithing. (B)

November 11 — Baptistery, Duomo, and Palazzo CorsiniBrunelleschi’s distinctive dome helped transform Florence’s cathedral and the city itself. Join an Italian Renaissance expert for a guided tour of the Baptistery and Duomo before opening hours. Then climb up to the dome for a closer look at its marvelous frescoes and the revolutionary technology behind this 15th-century architectural

Itinerarywonder. At the Baptistery, admire Lorenzo Ghiberti’s 15th-century Gates of Paradise, a monumental set of cast bronze doors. Explore the Baroque Palazzo Corsini and view one of the finest private painting collections in Florence, then enjoy a private meeting with Principessa Corsini for tea. (B,R)

November 12 — Renaissance Florence, Uffizi, and Casa BuonarrotiDuring a special walking tour, you’ll travel back in time to view some of the city’s earliest architectural works. You’ll tour the Palazzo Davanzati for a glimpse of a typical household in Renaissance Florence. Then visit the Romanesque Church of the Holy Apostles, and view the fine collection of Renaissance paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts at the Museo della Fondazione Horne. On a specially arranged, behind-the-scenes tour with staff restoration specialist Diane Kunzelman, watch conservators at work on a Uffizi masterpiece at the Fortezza del Basso, one of Italy’s foremost art restoration laboratories. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive visit at the Casa Buonarroti, a museum dedicated to Michelangelo’s life, and see some of the master’s early pieces. (B,D)

November 13 — Tuscan Villas and Gardens and Palazzo GinoriSeeking refuge from the city, the Medicis built splendid estates in the peaceful Tuscan hills surrounding Florence. Spend part of the day in the countryside exploring lovely villas, beginning with an exclusive visit to the gardens of Villa Medici, which is closed to the public. Meander through the gardens of Villa La Pietra, once owned by Sir Harold Acton, and go behind the scenes to view the villa’s Renaissance art collection. Return

To register call 1-877-338-8687 or visit SmithsonianJourneys.org

“This is the perfect trip for the serious traveler – who wants an in-depth view of Florence, not the typical tour. The tour provides both an artistic and historical prospective with visits to unique sites.”

– Susan F., Insider’s Florence

“I learned an amazing amount, met many wonderful people and was more than impressed with the professional organization of the tour. A splendid experience!”

– Richard S., Insider’s Florence

to Florence to tour the Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of Duke Cosimo de’ Medici. During a guided tour of the 17th-century Palazzo Ginori, admire stunning frescoes, paintings, and the Ginori family porcelain, then join the Marchesi Ginori for a private evening reception. (B,R)

November 14 — Frescoes by Fra Angelico, del Sarto, and del CastagnoVenture off the beaten path to discover lesser-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 Sant’Apollonia, admire Andrea del Castagno’s masterpiece of the Last Supper. Following an afternoon at leisure, celebrate your Florentine sojourn at a farewell reception in the hotel’s museum followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,R,D)

November 15 — Depart FlorenceDepart Florence for the U.S. on individual flights. (B)

Hotel

Brunelleschi HotelFlorence

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 specialaccess and exclusive tours of the city’s hidden treasures