stillLUV2go

Day 11, 12 & 13 Exploring Florence Santa Croce - Basilica of the Holy Cross "The vastness, the lightness, the open spring of the arches, the beautiful shape of the high and narrow choir, the impression made of mass without weight, gravity without gloom -  these are my frequent delight." Henry James Known for its pure Gothic style, famous works of art and historical importance, it was begun in 1294 near the site of an earlier Franciscan church.  Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it was consecrated in 1443.  At that time, the Franciscan mendicant order was obliged to live an ascetic life without personal belongings, so they were dependent on generous donations from wealthy families. It was also these wealthy families who funded and donated the extensive works of art that decorate the interior of the church as a way to secure a prominent burial site for themselves inside Santa Croce. In time, Santa Croce became known as a pantheon of important figures, fine arts...

Day 11, 12 & 13 - Exploring Florence Piazza della Signoria "More than any other piazza in Italy, the Piazza della Signoria evokes the antique world, not only in the colossal deified statues - the David, the Neptune, the hideous Hercules and Cacus, but in the sober Loggia, with its three lovely full arches and its series of statuary groups in bronze and marble.  Some are antique Greek and Roman; some are Renaissance; some belong to the Mannerist epoch; one to the nineteenth century.  Yet, there is no disharmony among them."   from The Stones of Florence 1959  Piazza della Signoria is located halfway between the Duomo and the Arno River and represents, together with the Palace, the heart of Florence's political life.  The square is L-shaped and is the place where every day thousands of tourists meet to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Fountain of Neptune, the Loggia della Signoria and the centuries-old Vecchio palace and more. Palazzo della Signori...

stillLUV2go Lake Como, The Italian Riviera, Venice & Florence June 15 - 28, 2019 Itinerary Day 1 -  Overnight to Milan Day 2 -  Arrive Milan's Malpensa Airport.  Transport to Lake Como Region.  Check in hotel and welcome dinner. Day 3 -  Explore the city of Como.  Optional self-guided tour of Villa Carlotta.  Optional excursion is "Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio". Day 4 - Transfer to Milan.  Guided tour highlighting the Brera District, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza della Scala, Milan Cathedral and Storza Castle. Day 5 - Free day in Milan.  Optional excursion is "Scenic Lugano: A Day in Switzerland". Day 6 - Travel to the Italian Riviera.  On the way is a stop near Pavia to see the Certosa di Pavia monastery. Day 7 - Explore Cinque Terre with visits to the villages of Monterosso and Vernazza. Day 8 - A free day to explore more of the Italian Riviera on your own or choose the optional e...