
Optional Florence Prelude
May 11 - 14, 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026
Depart United States
Depart the US on Monday, May 11 for your overnight, transatlantic flights for Florence (airport code FLR).
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Arrive in Florence
After arriving in the city regarded as the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture, take a taxi from the airport to the IL Tornabuoni Hotel, our luxurious 5-star accommodations. Take the day and evening of Tuesday, May 12, to unwind and recharge. You will meet your fellow intrepid travelers in the morning as we embark on our adventure.
Wednesday, May 13
Basilica Santa Maria Novella - Uffizi Gallery - Central Market - Immersive Walking Tour
We begin with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a Gothic masterpiece adorned with breathtaking frescoes. Adjacent to the church lies the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, an apothecary of legendary heritage, where monks have crafted perfumes, elixirs, and herbal remedies since the 13th century. Embark on an immersive walking tour of Florence’s most celebrated landmarks including Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Piazza della Signoria, a grand open-air museum, where statues by Michelangelo and Cellini watch over the city. Take a leisurely lunch on your own in the bustling Central Market, where chef-driven food stalls purvey some of Tuscany's finest food delicacies.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Renaissance with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned museums in the world. Marvel at the artistic genius of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio, whose masterpieces continue to inspire awe with timeless beauty and innovation.
As dusk settles over the city, indulge in an exquisite Michelin-starred dining experience, where masterful chefs reinterpret Tuscan traditions with innovation and finesse.
Thursday, May 14
Chianti - Castello di Vicchomaggio - Florence Marketplace
Greet the morning of our second day in Tuscany with breakfast at our hotel before our journey into the rolling hills of Chianti, a region where vineyards and olive groves form a pastoral masterpiece. Arrive at the historic Castello di Vicchiomaggio, a magnificent estate that once inspired Leonardo da Vinci. We'll stay onsite to indulge in an authentic Tuscan lunch as our private sommelier presents us with the perfect pairings.
After returning to the heart of Florence, put on your walking shoes and hit the town to shop for quality Italian leather goods, handmade paper, and fine jewelry. Don't leave without sampling gelato in the city where it was born! Spiff up early and enjoy a pre-dinner aperitivo during sunset along the Arno River. Following a welcome reception at our hotel, make your own plans for a Florentine dinner at your leisure. Our fellow travelers will join us tonight at the hotel, just in time for a full night's sleep before the Core Itinerary begins.
Florence Prelude Inclusions
2 hotel nights at the IL Tornabuoni Hotel in category corresponding to cabin selection • 2 breakfasts at your hotel • Michelin-starred dinner • Lunch at Castello di Vicchiomaggio • All gratuities, entrance fees, expert local guides and luxury motorcoach transportation
Florence Prelude Pricing*
Cabin Category A: $1680/person
Cabin Category B & C: $1550/person
Cabin Category D, E, F: $1400/person
$490 single supplement for category E, F
*Prices based on minimum of 25 guests