Group Size: 15 - 32 participants
Price: Starting from $9,990 per person, double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard Exclusive
Single occupancy sold out!
Trip Overview
Step into the heart of Renaissance Italy on a journey that uncovers how curiosity, innovation, and imagination reshaped our understanding of the universe. From Galileo’s experiments and Medici patronage to anatomical theaters and celestial mosaics, the itinerary brings the scientific revolution to life. In Florence, explore the birth of modern thought through architecture and astronomy. Padua reveals the foundations of anatomy and physics within its historic university halls. Venice offers a cosmic finale, where sacred art and maritime science intertwine. Expert guided visits, curated collections, and meaningful moments of reflection make this a rich and immersive exploration of past insights that still shape our world today.
Highlights
- In Florence, discover Galileo’s world at Museo Galileo, including Medici scientific collections, Coronelli’s globes, and rare instruments of prediction.
- Experience the masterworks of da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Giotto on a privately guided tour of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.
- Visit Arcetri, including the exterior of Galileo’s final residence and a small-group experience at the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory.
- Dine at Trattoria Omero, a beloved Florentine institution nestled in the hills, known for its classic Tuscan dishes and sweeping views over the city — a favorite of locals, celebrities, and even royalty.
- Take a privately guided tour of Palazzo Bo in Padua, where Galileo once taught, featuring the original Anatomical Theatre and Galileo’s podium.
- Discover insight into centuries of astronomical history with a curated visit to Museo La Specola in Padua, with original 18th-century telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Weave past the quiet canals and hidden corners of Venice on a private walking tour before arriving at the iconic Piazza San Marco and the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Delve into the grounds of Venice’s legendary shipyard and see full-scale gondolas, 18thcentury naval weapons, and the Enrico Dandolo submarine.
Schedule by Day
Pricing
- $9,990 per person, double occupancy
- $11,990 single occupancy
Accommodations
- Three nights at the Lungarno Gallery Hotel - Art/Gallery Room
- Three nights at the Hotel President - Terme/Classic Room
- Two nights at the Starhotels Splendid - Venice/Deluxe Room
What to Expect
In order to make the most of what each locale has to offer, this moderately active program is at times physically demanding and busy, with some early departures from the hotels and activities scheduled throughout the day. While we will maintain a moderate pace throughout the program, participants should be fit, in active good health, and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff.
Local travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoach, with most drives generally lasting under 60 minutes at a time, sometimes over winding roads. In addition, there will be travel by high-speed train on when the group travels from Florence to Padua, which takes approximately two hours. Motorcoaches may not have close access to historic city centers, and you will need to walk some distances where the streets are cobblestoned and uneven, and where stairways occasionally may not have handrails. Excursions involve up to three miles of walking on some days, and you can expect to spend up to three hours at a time on your feet, sometimes remaining fairly stationary, as in a museum or church, and sometimes covering a moderate distance. Note that many historic buildings do not have elevators.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
