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"Life is a banquet, and most poor fools are starving to death." -- Auntie Mame
pace meter
Travel pace levels are based on criteria such as length of tour, number of cities visited, number of included activities, length of flights/land transfers. This Field Trip is:

Leisurely: Primarily cruises and city stays, these field trips include minimal transfers and offer flexible, relaxed itineraries.

what's included
■ Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
■ The services of a Tour Director
■ A licensed local city guide in Montecatini and Florence
■ 7 nights accommodation in a comfortable, well-located hotel with twin beds and private bath or shower
■ All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
■ Buffet breakfast (B) daily
■ Travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next field trip
what's not included
■ Customary gratuities for your tour director, local guide and driver
■ Porterage
■ Beverages and lunches
■ Public transportation to free time activities
All-Inclusive Insurance
■ Government taxes and fees
trip highlights
9 days in the Tuscan countryside with four visits to some of Italy’s most renowned spas

■ Four included half-day spa visits
■ Guided sightseeing of Montecatini
■ Guided sightseeing of Florence
■ Dinner in the village of Fiesole, which overlooks Florence

suggested reading
100% travel protection
We recommend that all travelers purchase travel protection to cover them while traveling. Although you can purchase Medical, Baggage & Property, and Cancellation & Interruption Protection separately, we recommend our TravelSafe Plus Plan which includes all three of the above packages at a substantial discount. If you purchase the TravelSafe Plus Plan within two weeks of making your reservation, you will also receive our Anytime Protection Plan.
optional excursions
Day 4: Lucca - (Half-day $39)
The former capital of Tuscany, Lucca’s importance stretches back to Roman times, when Caesar, Pompey and Crassus met here in 56 B.C. and decided to rule the Empire together. A local guide introduces you to Lucca’s storied past on a sightseeing tour that includes the 12th-century Cathedral of San Martino, the Basilica of San Frediano, the Romanesque San Michele and the Piazza Anfiteatro. You’ll also visit the historical center of town to see the famous Tower of Guinigi, with its grove of trees growing on the top, and walk on Lucca’s ancient city walls.
 

Day 6: Pisa - (Half-day $59)
Travel through the Tuscan countryside for a visit to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). Here you can view the 12th-century Leaning Tower. This medieval bell tower has been tilted since 1173, and increases its angle each year, with a current overhang of 15 feet. Your guided visit includes a stop at the adjacent cathedral, older even than the Leaning Tower, and a visit to the Baptistery, with its precious Romanesque carvings and echoing acoustics.
 

Day 7: Cinque Terre - (Full-day $69)
Set off on a full-day optional excursion to Cinque Terre, a collection of five isolated Riviera villages. Each village - from Monterosso and Corniglia to fortified Vernazza, Riomaggiore and pastel-colored Manarola - clings to the rocky coastline. You'll take a relaxing boat cruise in and out of each harbor (weather permitting) or explore the villages the traditional way by train.
 

Day 8: Vinci - (Half-day $65)
Take an in-depth look into the life of Leonardo da Vinci during a trip to his hometown of Vinci. You’ll visit the Leonardo Museum, which houses a vast collection of machines and models built to the exact specifications of the great Renaissance master, as well as Leonardo’s birthplace, a small house in the countryside.
 

Day 8: Agritourismo Dinner - (Evening w/dinner $55)
For a truly authentic Tuscan experience, spend your last evening at Il Poderino, an agricultural farm of olive groves and uncultivated forest set in the verdant hills of Tuscany. Begin with a tasting of local wines and olive oils before tonight’s four-course dinner, which features the produce, meats, cheeses and succulent flavors that are typical for the region.
 

itinerary
Montecatini
Accommodations: Hotel Minerva Palace
Day 1
Your trip begins with an overnight flight to Florence.

Day 2
A representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs. Then transfer to the charming town of Montecatini, located in the healing Valdinievole, or “Valley of Mists.” Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3
This Tuscany tour is the perfect combination of elegant relaxation and cultural immersion. Begin with a guided sightseeing tour of Montecatini. This picturesque hill town, known for its spas, springs and thermal baths, lies amid the Pistoian mountains with enchanting views of the countryside. Then head to the spa for the royal treatment—literally. Don your spa robe and slippers for an hour in the natural thermal grotto, a natural thermal cave discovered in 1849. The thermal steam bath eliminates your body’s toxins and all traces of stress. Follow this purifying treatment with a hydro jet massage to prep your body for a 20-minute, full-body therapeutic massage with essential oils. Lunch is included at the spa.(B, L)

Day 4
This morning, return to the spa for another series of rejuvenating treatments. Relax by the outdoor thermal pool or sit beneath a waterfall for a truly natural massage. Then choose one treatment from the spa’s wide selection of therapeutic options, including the Aromatherapy Massage, the Anti-Stress Massage, Spa Facial, Aromatherapy Facial or the Citrus Fruits and Toning Face Massage. Spend the afternoon as you wish, or join an optional excursion to the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Once the capital city of Tuscany, this medieval town offers countless towers, churches, historical villas, excellent wines, and its celebrated olive oil. (B)

Day 5
Cross the sprawling Tuscan plains to the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. Today’s guided sightseeing of Florence introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s massive pink, white and green Duomo, complemented by Giotto’s Campanile. Then discover the church of Santa Croce, home of the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial. Stand before Ghiberti’s legendary Gates of Paradise, and pass the Piazza della Signoria. This evening, travel to the hilltown of Fiesole for a dinner of regional culinary specialties. (B, D)

Day 6
Spend the morning at your leisure or opt to visit Pisa. On this half-day optional excursion, you’ll travel through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). Your guided visit includes a stop at the Leaning Tower and the adjacent cathedral. Return to Montecatini in time for this afternoon's spa visit. Choose another of the spa's five restorative treatments. When you're not being pampered by the spa's attentive staff, submerge in the naturally heated thermal water of the outdoor pool or recline poolside under your own sun-shaded chair. (B)

Day 7
Spend the day as you like or set off on a full-day optional excursion to Cinque Terre, a collection of five isolated Riviera villages, which cling to the rocky coastline. You'll take a relaxing boat cruise to two of the villages (weather permitting) or you'll travel the traditional way by train. (B)

Day 8
The next morning is free to explore the Tuscan countryside. Or opt for a look into the life of Leonardo during an optional excursion to his hometown of Vinci. In the afternoon, rejuvenate at your last visit to the spa. You may return to the Grotto for another hour-long steam bath or receive a 30-minute Cool Mud treatment. After a hydro jet massage, return to the thermal pool for one last relaxing soak. In the evening, spend your last night in Tuscany at our optional Agritourismo dinner at a local farm, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting and olive oil tasting before dinner. (B)

Day 9
A representative escorts you tothe airport for your return flight home.

2008-2009 schedual, departure cities, departure dates, and prices
Spaces are limited. Reserve now!

2008 2009
          Jun 18    
Jul 10 Sep 18     Apr 16 Jul 23 Sep 17 Nov 5
Aug 21 Oct 9 Nov 11 Mar 19 May 14 Aug 20 Oct 8 Dec 3
Los Angeles $4,349 $4,199 $3,909 $3,909 $4,199 $4,349 $4,199 $3,909
Portland
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
Newark $4,479 $4,329 $4,039 $4,039 $4,329 $4,479 $4,329 $4,039
New York
Las Vegas $4,499 $4,349 $4,059 $4,059 $4,349 $4,499 $4,349 $4,059
Phoenix
Sacramento
Spokane
Tucson
Atlanta $4,554 $4,404 $4,114 $4,114 $4,404 $4,554 $4,404 $4,114
Baltimore
Boston
Charlotte
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
Detroit
Dallas
Denver
Houston
Indianapolis
Kansas City
Minneapolis
Miami
Orlando
Philadelphia
Pittsburg
Tampa
Salt Lake City
St Louis
Washington DC
Austin $4,679 $4,529 $4,239 $4,239 $4,529 $4,679 $4,529 $4,239
Little Rock
Louisville
Milwaukee
Nashville
New Orleans
Okalhoma City
Raleigh/Durham
Rochester
San Antonio

Please note: Prices above are quoted in U.S. dollars. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. There is no price difference between one double bed versus two twin beds. If you would rather have a room to yourself, please select that option on the Reservation Form.  Prices do not include between $90 and $195 in government taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security Fee. Airline fuel surcharges, as applicable at time of pricing, are included.

enroll now
Field Trips do have limited enrollment and do fill up fast! Book your field trip with Architecture Addiction now!

Please review your insurance options and select an insurance option on your reservation form.

I can't wait! Reserve my spot!
(This link opens the Reservation Form as a PDF.)

After completing your Reservation Form, mail it with your deposit to:
  Kathryn Purviance -- Coordinator
  9618 Exposition Boulevard, Ste #108
  Los Angeles CA 90034


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