All Itineraries are tailor-made to suit the specific requirements of syllabus, budget and stamina. If you require a quotation, please send us your wish list!

Day 1

Arrive Florence
Walk the original quadrangular castrum; cardo, (Via Roma) and decumano (Via degli Strozzi & Via degli Speziali), Forum (Piazza della Repubblica), Mura, Arco, Amphitheatre and Theatre.
A decent map helps, but the clue is in the street names, and in some cases, shape and incline!

< Loggia dei Lanzi

Note the Roman statues of Loggia dei Lanzi before visiting Palazzo Vecchio for Imperial Theatre and Vomitorium extending beneath Palazzo Gondi and proskene beneath Via dei Leoni.
Via Bentacordi traces the curve of the ancient amphitheatre and just before the Bargello is a large brass semicircle set into the road; the site of a Turris (Roman Watch Tower) with explanatory wall plaque nearby.

< Palazzo Vecchio, subterranean Roman Theatre

Note the glass floor of expensive boutique A Piedi Nudi Nel Parco which reveals extensive Roman remains and (if you have prebooked) ask very nicely at Hotel Brunelleschi to see their basement Caldarium!
Further Roman archaeology is to be found in the Duomo Crypt, the baptistery walls are decorated with cannibalised marble and the Piazza del Duomo was originally another ancient Temple Site.
Florence Hotel and Evening Meal in local Trattoria

Day 2

< Chimera of Arezzo, Archaeological Museum

If the Archaeological Museum offers the novel experience of entering a Florentine Museum without queuing, the exhibits are a revelation. The Chimera of Arezzo and the François Krater are the most lauded but are supplemented by sarcophagae, Greek and Roman Bronzes, Etruscan armour, a chariot and other burial goods, Attic kylikes (including Little Master Cups), marble Kouroi and marble copies of original Greek bronzes. The central garden boasts a collection of reproduction tumulus, chamber and dado style Etruscan Tombs.
Lunch in Mercato Centrale

< Reconstruction of House of the Vettii, Boboli Gardens

Afternoon for choice of Uffizi, Accademia, Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens and wealth of Churches
Florence Hotel and Evening Meal in local Trattoria

Day 3

< Fiesole Theatre

The hill top Etruscan Sites of Fiesole, Volterra and the Carmignano are all easily accessible from Florence; individually in half a day or combined for a full day excursion.
Comeana: Etruscan Tombs including the Tholos at Montefortini, Tomb of Boschetti, Necropolis of Pietramarina and Archaeological Museum of Artimino.

< Porta All’ Arco, Volterra

Fiesole (Faesulae): Archaeological Site with Etruscan Temple, altars, Roman theatre, thermae & hypocaust, Mura with impressive Etruscan section and Tombs on Via Bargello. The Museum (just inside the site entrance) has an enormous display of excellent Etruscan sarcophagae, Roman sculpture, Corinthian, RF & BF Attic pottery.

< Roman theatre, Volterra

Volterra (Velathri/Volaterrae): Mura, Etruscan Guarnacci Museum (more stupendous funerary sculpture), Etruscan Necropolis, foundations of two Etruscan temples, Hellenistic housing and cisterns, Etruscan Monumental Gateway and Porta Romana, Roman Theatre and Thermae (no entrance, view from walkway, inclusive ticket with Archaeological Museum).
In addition to its ancient sites, Volterra offers a wealth of Renaissance and mediaeval architecture, an alabaster workshop and a Museum of Torture; after which you could take your pupils on an atmospheric walk through the narrow, cobbled streets at dusk…
The famous and spectacular Inghirami Tomb remains within private ownership and special permission must be negotiated before gaining access thus prebooking is essential.
Florence Hotel and Evening Meal in local Trattoria

Day 4

< Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Morning Free in Florence for additional Art and Architecture.
Florence Airport for UK Flight
OR

 

< Pisa Duomo

Transfer to Pisa for Duomo, Cloisters, Baptistry, Tower, Santa Maria della Spina and UK Flight from Pisa Airport

Feel free to contact us to tailor your own tour. 01342 324727