Rome and Tuscany Sept/Oct 2025
ARRIVE ROME FOR A 3 NIGHT STAY
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| Our flight from Newark to Rome took just under 8 hours and business class I might add. BA and I felt this was a trip of a lifetime so why not treat ourselves. We did have to fly from Fort Lauderdale to Newark and then switch after a short layover. Upon arriving in Rome we were picked up by Colette and taken to The Hotel Atlantico |
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| Business Class |
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| Business Class |
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| Business Class |
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| Business Class |
Hotel Atlantico.......Cool hotel with a rooftop bar!
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| Hotel Atlantico Rooftop Bar |
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| Hotel Atlantico Rooftop Bar |
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| Hotel Atlantico Rooftop Bar |
ROME THE VATICAN AND MORE
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| St Peters Basilica |
This morning we crossed the invisible border separating Rome from the enclosure of the Vatican State for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s mural of the Last Judgment concluding with a visit of St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest religious buildings in the world. Links to more photos coming soon
SECOND FULL ROME DAY.......TREVI FOUNTAIN, PIAZZA NAVONA, THE COLISEUM AND THE PANTHEON
We started the next morning with a locally guided tour of the Eternal City’s most iconic monuments. Walked over cobblestoned streets and weathered passageways to discover famous sights such as the Trevi Fountain, Coliseum, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most breathtaking Baroque esplanades.
TRAVEL DAY ROME TO TUSCANY
It's Sunday....and we are leaving Rome for Montecatini Terme to begin our tour of Tuscany. We are heading to the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, nestled in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany.
LUCCA TUSCANY'S BEST KEPT SECRET (AND MORE)
Our first full day takes us to Lucca, Tuscany’s best-kept secret. Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, and medieval streets flanked by towers. The lively city center and the piazza built on top of a Roman amphitheater. Later we headed to a Tuscan winery to learn about the art of winemaking and taste local varieties.
A FLORENCE WALKING TOUR
It’s Tuesday so it must be Florence where an extensive walking tour showcases the beautiful “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Our local Florentine guide took us through the city on foot. At the Piazza del Duomo, we saw the ornate façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery dedicated to St. John. The Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce Square then it was exploration on our own!
TOUR OF MONTECATINI TERME
Today we learned more about Montecatini’s history during a half-day guided walking tour and visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa, known for the health benefits in its mineral waters. In the evening we ventured up to Montectini Alto via The Funicular for dinner
TOURING THE REPUBLIC OF PISA...THEN A COOKING CLASS
Today we explored the historic sites in the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, including the city center and the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, or “Field of Miracles” ….and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the evening, we traveled to the quiet countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine, a cooking class, using local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations. We ate what we prepared for dinner. Oh......and our table won the best Tiramisu
REST UP BEFORE DINNER
Unfortunetely we had to stay back when the rest of the group went to Sienna. I wasn't feeling well so we ventured to town and saw their Pharmacist who gave me something that really helped! We stayed in town for lunch. With what the pharmacist gave me and a little rest I was able to enjoy a wonderful evening at Bistro Del Corso here in Tuscany! 6 of us and 6 more Del Webbers at the adjacent table! That’s 12 of a seating capacity of approx 20. Reservations and once all are in she locks door LOL! There was Florentine Steak and Veal Scallopine with Caprese tomato and buffalo mozzarella! Pictured next is Grandma (burgundy cap) and daughter. Grandma does not let anyone cook but herself!
OUR FINAL DAY IN TUSCANY...AN ORGANIC FARM, SAN GIMIGANO..AND A WEDDING!!
Our final full day in Tuscany took in the rural atmosphere of a family-owned farm called Poggio di Camporbiano. Among the goats, cows, and organic gardens we sampled their local products. We had a tasting of cheeses, yogurt and more that were produced there, then a tour around the farm.
Afterwards we headed to San Gimignano. Had their famous gelato, bought some items and then stumbled upon a wedding! Very cool!
