Page 124 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018

leatherwork skills under master craftsmen at the Scuola del Cuoio, or Leather School, the very
best place for leather shopping in Florence. In Piazza Santo Spirito, stroll through the Oltrarno
neighborhood ("on the other side of the Arno"), which has been home to artisans for the last five-
hundred years. The neighborhood is virtually carpeted with a maze of small workshops on tiny
side streets, representing some of the most historic enterprises in the city.

During this family-friendly, 3-hr tour with Angela, explore the private workshops of these
characteristic neighborhoods for a behind-the-scenes look at the current state of artisan
production. Perhaps visit the very best "Scuola" for leather goods production, a Florentine
mosaic workshop where they still follow the technique established during the era of the Medici,
an artisan perfumery where the maestro can create your special perfume or the carpenter's shop
with the most incredible variety of wooden accessories for furniture and interior design, hand-
painted etchings, prints and more. Visits to specific workshops are based on availability. Spend
the afternoon at leisure.

On your own, you might like to visit the Uffizi Museum, the most important collection of
Renaissance paintings in the world, which allows one to relive the evolution of Italian painting
thanks to works by Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci,
Michelangelo, Andrea del Sarto, Raphael and Titian, among others. Let us know if you would
like for us to arrange tickets for you (advanced reservations must be purchased at least one
month in advance). Please see Appendix II for additional suggested activities for time on your
own. Angela can provide recommendations as well.

Dr. and Mrs. Tolan can consider a special dinner out this evening at La Giostra, a hidden gem
tucked away on the side streets near Santa Croce. The constantly changing menu pays homage
to the boldness of the flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine with attention to great quality.

Proposed Accommodations: Hotel Santa Maria Novella

Day 9 - Sunday, July 23: On to Venice. This morning, walk 5 min or taxi 2 min to Santa
Maria Novella railway station followed by first-class train service 2 hrs to Venice (cost of taxis
not included in your program). Upon arrival to Santa Lucia railway station, water taxi for a 20-
min transfer directly to your
accommodations. Enjoy a regal
entrance to this magical city. We’ll
request an early check-in, which is
subject to availability.

After lunch on your own, meet
Donatella or another of our Venice
guides at hotel reception in the
morning for a private walking tour of
not only the most notable highlights of

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