Alumni Campus Abroad: Chianti and the Italian Riviera

Download the ACA Chianti and the Italian Riviera Brochure

Book Now

Approximately $2795 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

From the silvery olive groves of Tuscany to the turquoise seas of the Italian Riviera, Italy is a country that always delights. Embrace the best of these two storied regions on a unique travel program that allows you to explore Tuscany from your bases in Chianti and on the Levante coast. Travel the Chianti Road and discover the charm of Tuscan hill towns San Gimignano and Castellina. Embrace the glory of Florence. Wander through historic Siena and Lucca. In Carrara, discover the origin of the beautiful white marble that, for centuries, sculptors have turned into works of art. Your journey continues on the Italian Riviera, where you’ll discover delightful coastal towns of Sestri Levante, Santa Magherita and Portofino. Visit Portovenere and Vernazza in the Cinque Terre.

ITINERARY

DAY ONE
Depart your gateway city for Florence, Italy, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants
only.)

DAY TWO
Upon arrival, transfer to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda. (Transfer provided for Air
Program participants only.)

Tonight, attend a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

DAY THREE
Excursion: Tuscany’s Magnificent Hill Country.
Journey to the fortified town of San Gimignano, where towerhouses stand as symbols of wealth and power. Journey along the Chianti Road to the well-preserved medieval town of Castellina, once an important Florentine garrison. Continue to Castello di Monsanto for a wine tasting.

Educational Focus: Contemporary Italy.

DAY FOUR
Educational Focus and Excursion: Florence.
The heart of Tuscany and the soul of the Renaissance, Florence proudly displays its prodigious heritage of architecture and art. See the Old Palace and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence.

DAY FIVE
Educational Focus: Michelangelo, When Marble Comes Alive.

Cultural Event: Tuscan Cooking Demonstration.
Join the chef of the Villa Borgo di Cortefreda for a demonstration of Tuscan cooking.
 
Excursion: Siena.
On today’s walking tour, visit the Gaia Fountain, the Mangia Tower, which houses magnificent art, and the Duomo.

DAY SIX - SESTRI LEVANTE
Excursion: Carrara & Lucca.
While en route to the Italian Riviera, travel to beautiful Lucca and enjoy a walking tour of its highlights, including the splendid Duomo, the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele. Stop in Carrara for a visit at a local quarry with a museum whose exhibits showcase the marble industry. Watch a demonstration by a local sculptor and see the town’s Duomo.

Educational Focus: Meet the People.
In Lari, visit a family-owned pasta factory where members of the Martelli family have produced artisanal pasta since 1926. Meet the family and watch a pasta-making demonstration.

Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Upon arrival in Sestri Levante, check in at the Hotel Vis à Vis.

DAY SEVEN
Educational Focus: The Riviera del Levante—A Painter’s Palette.

Excursion: Walking Tour of Sestri Levante.
See the Piazza Matteoti, with its Town Hall and Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth.

Excursion: Santa Margherita and Portofino.
Tour Santa Margherita, a town of flowers, swaying palm trees and hillside villas. Embark on a cruise to
Portofino and see the Church of San Giorgio, the medieval fortress of Castello di San Giorgio and the Punta
del Capo lighthouse.

DAY EIGHT
Educational Focus and Excursion: Cinque Terre.
Cruise to Portovenere and Vernazza to see the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia.
Take a train to Riomaggiore and admire stunning vistas as you stroll along La Via dell’Amore to Manarola.
Return to Sestri Levante by train.

DAY NINE
Independent Exploration: The morning and afternoon are at leisure.

Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Sample regional foods and wine while mingling with local residents.

Tonight, attend a Farewell Reception, Graduation Ceremony and a Farewell Dinner.

DAY TEN
After breakfast, transfer to the Florence airport for the return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)