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Italy

Living and Learning in Siena: Independent Stay and Language Study

Program No. 24536RJ
Live like a local in Siena, Italy! Stay in an apartment and take local language classes while experiencing the culture, people and history of this region of Tuscany.
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Living & LearningLanguage StudySmall GroupCity DiscoveriesTransformational Journeys
Length
45 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
10,599
Flights start at
950

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
45 days
44 nights
What's Included
19 meals ( 5B, 8L, 6D )
30 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
43 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Educational content will be provided by a local expert and our knowledgeable Group Leader. Program-related travel will be primarily via motorcoach — requiring ascending and descending a few steps — unless specified otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine and will include wine, coffee, and water with other beverages available for purchase. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles in about 1 hour; even and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined at the hotel by a local expert who will give us a lecture on Siena and Palazzo Pubblico. We will set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the historic center of Siena. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena is famous for its monuments, palaces, museums, and art. We’ll learn about Siena’s long history, dating back to the ancient Etruscans, and we will be immerged in the town's Medieval architecture. Siena has an interesting connection to Rome; according to legend, Siena was founded by Senio and Aschio, who are descendants of the brothers — Romulus and Remus — who founded Rome.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue exploring the streets of Siena with our Group Leader. During our field trip of the city, we will stop at Pasticceria Nannini to taste a variety of cookies, such as traditional siennese Ricciarelli (almond cookies). The recipe for these traditional Italian cookies dates back to the 14th century.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take public transportation with our Group Leader to practice the route to the University for Foreigners of Siena. The University aims to promote the study of Italian language, culture and society through its connection with the cultural history and the centuries-old Italian heritage. The participants can take advantage of the most modern technologies available for language teaching, and audiovisual and IT resources. At the end of the course, the participants can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details. They can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. At the university, we will take a written and oral placement test in order to define our linguistic level. We'll attend the first course according to the standards of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off taxis. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will be joined by a local expert who will give us a lecture on the foreign travelers on the grand tour: the itineraries, the seasons, and the motivations of a tour through Italy. The most famous places of Siena visited by celebrated European and American travelers and writers. We will check out from the hotel. The Group Leader will acquaint us with the local bakery, cleaners, market, drugstore, and all of the other services needed for our time in Siena. The Group Leader will hand out train and bus timetables and also discuss how to create a connection with the local community by pursuing a personal interest or hobby during our stay.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
We will board taxis and transfer to the residence where we will check in. Free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the Contrada Priora della Civetta (The Civetta Contrada) and its museum (Museo Contrada Priora della Civetta). The Group Leader will give an on-site lecture with the people of the contrada.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our walking field trip with our Group Leader, and enjoy an on-site lecture on Valdimontone Contrada. We will then visit the charming Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi. We will admire works by Coppo di Marovaldo, famous for the Madonna and Child.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local cafe' for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
We will meet our Group Leader in the city center to attend a concert. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. You may want to bring one nice outfit for the concert.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader and visit the Confraternita di Misericordia, the local assistance confraternity whose volunteers help every day the community. We will then enjoy an aperitif and snacks at a local bar.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local cafe' for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for transfer in the morning. Remember to pack a small bag with a change of clothes and toiletries to take with you for our 1-day adventure in Florence. We can leave the rest of our belongings at the Residence in Siena. Remember to bring your listening device.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 3 miles; approximately 3 hours on even terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our private motorcoach and transfer to the hotel in Florence. We will check-in after dinner. At the hotel, we will be joined by a local expert who will give us an on-site lecture on Michelangelo and his genius and relationship with the town of Florence. We will set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the Uffizi Gallery. We’ll observe the gallery and see works by Cimabue, Giotto, Masaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Titian.
Lunch:
On your own in Florence. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We will continue our walking field trip with our local expert and Group Leader to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (The Florence Cathedral). Commonly known as The Duomo, this elaborate cathedral was constructed from 1296 to 1436 with help from three different designers. With our local expert and Group Leader, we’ll observe the impressive gothic architecture and learn about its construction. Before dinner we will enjoy some free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will return to the hotel and check in. Prepare for transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 178 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to Siena. We will stop en route to Lucca, a city that exudes charm and history and where the people are particularly pleasant and ready to help visitors with their Italian. The charm of Lucca consists in a beautiful mix of eras, stories, characters and architecture. The charm of this small-large city of art, lies also in the fact that it is not yet inflated by mass tourism, and for this reason it is full of possibilities for a visitor who wants to capture the most authentic spirit of life in Italy, in a provincial city where the rhythms are still natural. Lucca is a still hidden jewel, a treasure to be revealed, and whoever discovers it cannot help but be enchanted. It has pre-Roman origins; therefore it is very ancient, and retains evident traces of its entire past. What makes it unique, are its Walls: four kilometers of history, which surround the entire ancient center and can be entirely explored on foot or by bicycle, constituting the city park. We will embark on an expert-led walking field trip of the town. We’ll observe its intact Renaissance-era city walls. We’ll learn about this town’s impressive architectural legacy, from before the Roman Empire to the Renaissance period.
Lunch:
On your own in Lucca. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We will ride to Pietrasanta, a diamond set in the heart of Versilia, an enchanting town of medieval origin. It has become a very important center of attraction for Italian and foreign tourists who, throughout the year, crowd the streets of the historic center to enjoy its beauty, its many works of art and the culture of which it is imbued. Pietrasanta is a reality that was capable of seducing countless poets, writers, artists and above all renowned sculptors from all over the world of the caliber of Michelangelo, Vasari, Miro', Botero. This excellence in the creations in marble & bronze, has led to the creation of small artisan workshops whose presence create a particular atmosphere that immediately captures and enchants the visitor. The atmosphere visitors breathe has an almost bohemian flavor; the small clubs that overlook the narrow streets of the center and the main square have heard many stories. Right there, between a coffee or a glass of wine, ideas and inspirations were born, debates among artists or men of culture, great projects and great initiatives have been realized. It is no coincidence that Pietrasanta is called "Little Athens" because its history has been closely linked to art for centuries. Pietrasanta is also called an "open-air museum" because in every street, alley, square or roundabout it is possible to admire world-famous sculptures. The uniqueness of Pietrasanta is the union that intertwines art and cuisine, manifested in the displays of artwork within the various restaurants. We’ll set out an expert-led walking field trip to explore the village and learn about the history and observe artwork. We will then complete our transfer to Siena.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local cafe' for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with your Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to a local olive oil mill and winery. We’ll learn about the production of olive oil from the estate expert.
Lunch:
At the winery.
Afternoon:
We will then ride to the Certosa di Pontignano, a magnificent Carthusian Monastery founded in the 14 C. Dating back to the fourteenth century, the imposing monastery, as it appears to the eye, is the result of important restoration work carried out in the sixteenth century, after a disastrous fire almost entirely destroyed the Certosa. It retains all the elements of Carthusian architecture with large cloisters, individual monks' cells, each with a small garden, and a large church that still preserves 14 C features. The charm has not disappeared from the structure, however: in the main cloister there is a well from the 14th century, original and still working; in the adjacent church, the frescoed vault is a triumph of colors that act as a counterpoint to the Tuscan sky. The arched portico that is part of the large cloister outlines the perimeter of a vast lawn and acts as a backdrop, from time to time, to intense moments of peace or to great events. With our Group Leader and the local expert, we’ll visit an old charming monastery, now the most important academic and congress center of the University of Siena. We will return to Siena after our field trip.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to a local cheese factory and learn about the production of pecorino cheese. We will then ride to Pienza. The village is one of the purest incarnations of the concept of the ideal city. It is known not only for the balanced beauty of its architecture but also for the harmonious way in which it combines with the landscape. Result of a dream of pure beauty, Pienza remains a little jewel to fall in love with at first sight. The singular story of the utopian town is doubly intertwined with that of Pius II, and this time what made the fortunes of one was the misfortune of the other, who thanks to his premature death effectively allowed Pienza to remain the same: the village no longer underwent changes and today it is possible to admire it as it appeared in the mid-1400s. Recognized as a UNESCO site in 1996, it is a wonderful testimony to the urban planning canons of the Renaissance: the rational organization of its spaces and the incomparable perspectives of sixteenth-century squares and buildings capture the gaze of those who visit it. We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore this charming village. Designed in 1405 by Renaissance humanist Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, it was built as an ideal Renaissance town and was the first example of humanist urban planning concepts. We will then ride to a local winery and learn about the tradition of the Tuscan wines.
Lunch:
At a local winery.
Afternoon:
We will ride to Montalcino with our Group Leader. On arrival, we’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore and learn about this historic town. The hamlet has remained almost intact since the 16th century. It’s famous for its production of Brunello wine and its rich art and culture. The historic center is dominated by the mighty fortress, built in 1361 to mark the end of its independence as it was absorbed into the larger city of Siena. We’ll walk along the fortress wall and take in the breathtaking panorama. We will return to Siena.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1 mile; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Language class.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local cafe' for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with your Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 2 miles, less than 1/2 hour throughout the day. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 1 hour; generally flat and downhill terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will walk and visit the local market with our Group Leader for and authentic experience of how people from Siena go food shopping in preparation for cooking. We will walk to the “Scuola di Cucina di Lella” for a cooking lesson. With an expert chef, we’ll prepare some local specialties.
Lunch:
At the cooking school, we will enjoy the results of our cooking lesson.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for transfer in the morning. Remember to pack a small bag with a change of clothes and toiletries to take with you for our 1 day adventure in Anghiari. We can leave the rest of our belongings at the Residence in Siena. Remember to bring your listening device.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and transfer to Anghiari. We will stop en route to Borgo Solomeo, and enjoy an on-site lecture on Brunello Cucinelli, the philosopher of cashmere by our Group Leader. This medieval hamlet is also known as Hamlet of the Spirit. Italian designer and entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli has invested millions of dollars into restoring and preserving this medieval village. Free time in Borgo Solomeo. We will then ride to Perugia, the treasure chest of medieval charm. The center is surrounded by Etruscan walls and is characterized by towers, churches, palaces and museums, all worth visiting to discover the great cultural liveliness that animated the Umbrian capital in the past. It lovingly contains splendid treasures evidence of the city's glorious artistic and cultural past. Its historic center is a real fourteenth-century village, one of the most beautiful and loved in Italy. We will set off to explore the town with local expert.
Lunch:
At a local family house restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then complete our transfer to Anghiari and check into our next hotel.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to Siena. We will stop en route at Arezzo, a city of art and history, stands out for its inestimable architectural heritage, from the Basilica of San Francesco to the Vasari Logge. Arezzo is a gem suspended in time, where past and present intertwine in a harmonious dance. A journey through time, amid flavors, events, stories and antiques, evocative glimpses and vintage charm. We will be joined by a local expert who will provide background information for our field trip. We'll visit the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francis, where will admire masterpieces of Piero della Francesca.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Arezzo.
Afternoon:
Free time in Arezzo. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will expect to arrive in Siena in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Independent meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Walking about 0.5 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Independent meal.
Morning:
Free time.
Lunch:
Independent meal.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Residence check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program's “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Independent meal. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Mar 30, 2026 - May 13, 2026
Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
Feb 15, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026
Mar 30, 2026 - May 13, 2026
May 24, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026
Aug 23, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026





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