-2010 Tours-
Oct 11 - 22
Wheaton College Alumni Relations
Itinerary
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Day One and Two
Departure and Arrival
Arrive at Florence Airport and transfer to San Gimignano for the next six nights.
Day Three
Pisa
Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. It is a strangely appealing building yet it is just a single component of Pisa's breathtaking and dazzling architectural buildings of the Campo dei Miracoli where we visit the Duomo and Baptistry before an optional climbing of the tower. Return to San Gimignano. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day Four
Siena
Siena is one of the most appealing towns in Tuscany with its well-conserved medieval streets and the square, the Piazza del Campo. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico which dates back to 1250. We also visit the monumental Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Return to San Gimignano for overnight. (B,D)
Day Five
Tuscan Countryside
We slow down the pace but not the experience. We explore the beautiful countryside of Tuscany with its verdant vineyards. Take an optional vineyard tour with a Tuscany farmhouse lunch included as well as a local wine tasting event. Or on your own explore the countryside and soak up the local atmosphere. Simply stroll the streets of San Gimignano and climb one of its towers. The medieval towers of San Gimignano are among Tuscany's most famous views and are a World Heritage Site. End each day with a palate-pleasing Tuscan dinner. (B,D)
Day Six
Florence
Florence is truly one of the amazing cities of Italy. Some of the greatest works by Michelangelo are found here. We visit the Academia and view the majestic David, then to the Duomo, Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome, predominant on Florence's skyline and the world's fourth-largest cathedral. The Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery are not to be missed. Then to the Basilica of Santa Croce with its walls lined with the tombs of Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo and Bardi. Return to San Gimignano for overnight (B,L,D)
Day Seven
Tuscan Cooking
Again, we slow down the pace but not the experience. Take an optional Tuscan cooking class and prepare a full Tuscan menu as you spend time with a local chef. You may choose to visit the many find churches of San Gimignano or shop for ceramics, local wines, or water colors of the sunflower fields of Tuscany. We will end the day together with a wonderful Tuscan dinner. (B,D)
Day Eight
Umbria Countryside/ Assisi
Walled Assisi is miraculous with its many churches including Santa Maria Maggiore, San Pietro and St Clare. St Francis was born here and work began on his basilica two years after his death. It's a magnificent tribute to the patron saint of animals, with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and Martini. Overnight in nearby Spoleto. (B,D)
Day Nine
Rome: Roman Forum
All roads lead to Rome…for thousands of years tourists, merchants and pilgrims have journeyed to the city of seven hills on the Tiber. Rome has unarguably one of the richest, fullest histories of any city on earth…and all the while incorporating some of the finest architecture still surviving. The tour begins with a visit to the Colosseum followed by a walking tour through the ancient Roman Forum. We also visit the Mamertine Prison where Peter and Paul were held captive. (B,L)
Day Ten
Rome: St. Peter’s and Vatican City/Sistine Chapel
We stroll along the Tiber and enter Vatican City where we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. We also visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica where Michelangelo's "Pieta" is but just one of many highlights. An afternoon walking tour to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps is also available. (B,D)
Day Eleven
Martyrdom of Apostle Paul
We travel along the Appian Way and visit the Catacombs. Then we visit the church of St. Paul of the Three Fountains, site of his martyrdom as we spend time in worship, thanking God for this great man of faith. Concluding Paul’s life, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, built over the recently excavated site of his tomb. We end our time in the Eternal City with our farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day Twelve
Departure to USA
Return home with renewed faith and new friends!
Wheaton College Alumni Relations
ITALY 12 DAYS
Tuscany - Umbria - Rome
October 11th - 22nd, 2010
$4,349 from Chicago
A note from the President of the
Wheaton College Alumni Association
Dear Friend,
Have you ever said “I’m going to go there someday?” Well someday is here! Please join us on this journey to Italy where you will retrace many of the paths taken by the Apostle Paul, drink in the art and architecture of great cities like Siena, Pisa, Florence and of course, Rome, and escape to the magnificent countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. Best of all, you’ll be traveling with good friends (some of whom you have yet to meet!) as we listen, learn, and laugh together during twelve memorable days. We are thrilled to host this visit to one of the most beautiful, significant, and historical places in all the world. But this trip is more than just sightseeing. With the help of our tour directors, Dr. David Sparks ’75, and his wife Elizabeth Iliadou-Sparks, we will be learning much about the first century world and the historical background from which Paul penned his letter to the Romans. 
For us, one of the most important parts of any trip to a foreign country is the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine. And since one of us is Italian, we are already anticipating the sauces, spices, pastas, and palate-pleasing flavors we’ll encounter at each of our tour stops. Sound good? Then make plans to come along! Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. We don’t want to leave without you!
Tim ’82 and Chris Bartolone Stoner
President, Wheaton College Alumni Association
