The Hill Towns of Southern Tuscany
Dates: May and October, 2010, 8 days/7 nights (specific dates TBD)
Fee: $2495 per person, double occupancy, single supplement $178.
Minimum number of participants 4, maximum 6. Minimum age 18
Step into Southern Tuscany and you will be transported back hundreds of years viewing countryside and hill towns as they were then and still are now. Tuscany is famous for its cities, its food and wines and more but southern Tuscany is relatively unspoiled by growth and tourism. The sights seem fresher and less crowded than its famous cousins up north. And just across the border in Umbria and Lazio are more sights to behold.
Our base for this tour will be Il Castello de Proceno (the castle in the small hill town of Proceno).This delightful gem in the countryside is a XIIth century castle newly renovated by the owner to include very modern suites, a first class restaurant, and more. From here we will venture out to explore many hill towns in the area particularly Sorano, Pitigliano, Sovana, and over to Orvieto in Umbria. A trip north will take us to San Casciano de Bagni and the abbey of Sant Antimo. For a change of pace we will venture south to Lago de Bolsena and the picturesque town of Tuscania, and then to the quaint seaside village of Marta. Besides these picturesque sites there are the famous Maremma animals, vineyards, Etruscan ruins, wonderful restaurants, and friendly people.
During this tour, there will be much to photograph and we will therefore spend time learning about photography including: capturing the perfect image, how the digital camera works and how to control it, and what Photoshop is all about and what it can do for you, and finally some of the intricacies of printing. This is a comprehensive, fun filled, total experience not to be missed.
Accommodations:
In Southern Tuscany we will stay at Il Castello di Proceno, a 12th century fortress built to protect the ancient hamlet. The surrounding region is full of Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance monuments that testify to the presence of ancient civilizations. The castle is a rare example of a medieval fortification surviving in its original state. Its pentagonal base incorporates a main tower and two secondary towers interconnected by walkways and a drawbridge. The complex includes a fort that is attached to one side of the castle by the town's defensive walls. The fort now houses three apartments from whose windows and private terraces guests may enjoy the peace of the countryside and the beauty of the surrounding landscape of woods and hills. Additional apartments and suites are within the complex, all with marvelous views of the countryside and interconnected within the castle. The swimming pool is situated just outside the Castle ramparts on spacious grounds of wide panoramic terraces connected to the tower gardens by a landscaped path through a park of cypresses. A first class restaurant and bar are available within the castle.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival in Proceno
Arrive in Proceno, relax and tour the town, dinner at the castle.Day 2 Exploring Proceno and Sorano
Today we take a tour of the castle and then explore the town of Proceno. Following this we drive to the hill town of Sorano.Day 3 Sovana and Pitigliano
Our drive today takes us to the marvelous hill towns of Sovana and Pitigliano.Day 4 Abbeys and Castles and Baths
Venturing north we go to San Casciano de Bagni, then west to Santa Fiora for touring and photographing. Then north to the marvelous abbey and castle at Sant Antimo and Castelnuovo dell Abate. In the area we will visit the home of the baths at Bagno Vignoni and then to the imposing tower, Rocca d’Orcia.Day 5 Sites around Lago de Bolsena
For a change of pace, we head south into Lazio to the west side of Lago de Bolsena. We visit the picturesque town of Tuscania and then go to the lakeside village of Marta. Returning to Proceno we visit the town of Grotte di Castro.Day 6 The Etruscans
No visit is complete without a tour of the Etruscan ruins. Then on to the picturesque town of Semproniano and other towns in Tuscany and Lazio.Day 7 Orvieto
Today we drive east into Umbria for a visit to the marvelous hill town of Orvieto. We spend the day here exploring the many facets of the town.Day 8 Leave Proceno
Today we leave Proceno and return to the airport.Package includes:
Guide/instructor, land transportation, 7 nights lodging and breakfast, 2 dinners, photography instruction, and any entry fees.
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