DAY 01 ISTANBUL – BOLOGNA – FLORENCE – BOLOGNA CITY TOUR
Meeting at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal at the time specified by our guide. Following baggage check-in and passport control procedures, departure for Bologna at 07:50 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1321. Arrival at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport at 09:30 local time and transfer to the city center with our awaiting private vehicles.
We begin our walking tour in Bologna, known as “La Dotta” (The Learned) for hosting Europe's oldest university, “La Grassa” (The Fat/Abundant) for its rich cuisine, and “La Rossa” (The Red) for its terracotta facades. In Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, we view the magnificent Basilica di San Petronio, whose facade remains unfinished to this day, Palazzo d’Accursio, and Palazzo del Podestà; and in the adjacent square, the famous Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna.
Walking beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed porticoes stretching for kilometers, we proceed to the medieval market streets of the Quadrilatero, discovering the showcase of Bolognese cuisine with its shops of cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and handmade fresh pasta. Our tour concludes around the Two Towers (Due Torri), the symbol of the city, consisting of Torre degli Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda.
During free time, opportunity to taste Bolognese gastronomy with its handmade fresh pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and traditional desserts. Afterwards, departure for Florence crossing the Apennine Mountains. Arrival at Grand Hotel Adriatico 4*, check-in, and free time. You can explore the streets of Florence in the evening from our hotel, which is within walking distance of the historic center. Overnight stay in Florence.
DAY 02 FLORENCE CITY TOUR – MEAL AT A TUSCAN FARMHOUSE – ANDREA BOCELLI CONCERT
Following breakfast, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, on foot. We begin our tour at Piazza del Duomo: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore clad in white, green, and pink marble, Brunelleschi's dome regarded as a milestone in architectural history, Giotto's Campanile, and the Baptistery famous for Ghiberti's “Gates of Paradise”.
Passing through narrow medieval streets, we reach Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. Accompanied by Palazzo Vecchio, the statue-filled Loggia dei Lanzi, and a replica of Michelangelo's David, we learn about the legacy left to Florence by the Medici family. Descending to the banks of the Arno River from the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery, we view Ponte Vecchio lined with jewelry shops. We conclude our tour at the square of the Basilica of Santa Croce, which houses the monumental tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The tour is conducted as an exterior and walking tour.
After short free time, meeting at the hotel and departure at around 14:30 for the heart of Tuscany, to a typical Tuscan farmhouse (agriturismo) near San Gimignano. At this family-run farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on hills overlooking the towers of San Gimignano, we enjoy our special pre-concert meal accompanied by Tuscan products and local wines around 15:30.
Following the meal, departure for Lajatico, where Andrea Bocelli was born and raised, and to Teatro del Silenzio. Taking its name from remaining silent throughout the year and coming alive only with Bocelli's summer concerts, this natural amphitheater offers a unique stage among the Tuscan hills. At 20:30, accompanied by the last rays of sunset, the Andrea Bocelli concert: the highlight of our program. At the end of the concert, meeting with our vehicles according to the organizer's exit/shuttle arrangement and return to Florence. Late-night arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 03 FLORENCE – FREE DAY & OPTIONAL GRAND TUSCANY TOUR
Following breakfast, the day is at leisure. Guests wishing to stay in Florence may visit the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia housing Michelangelo's original David statue, Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens; and enjoy shopping and Florentine cuisine at the leather market around San Lorenzo and Mercato Centrale. Offering a postcard view of the city at sunset, Piazzale Michelangelo is among the must-see spots. Advance booking is recommended for museum entrances due to crowds during the summer months.
Guests who wish may join the optional Grand Tuscany Tour. Driving through the vine-covered hills of the Chianti region, we reach Siena. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, famous for hosting the Palio horse race every summer, along with Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, is one of Italy's most impressive medieval urban spaces. We walk through narrow medieval streets and view Siena Cathedral, notable for its black-and-white marble stripes, accompanied by our guide's explanations.
Afterwards, we proceed to San Gimignano, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. We explore the town's historical center with its surviving stone towers, Piazza della Cisterna, and Piazza del Duomo surroundings; during free time, you have the opportunity to discover the town's world-award-winning ice cream parlors and local artisan shops. Following free time, return to Florence. Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Adriatico.
DAY 04 FLORENCE – BOLOGNA AIRPORT – ISTANBUL
Following breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures. Free time until flight time as allowed by the schedule; an ideal opportunity for last-minute shopping, a visit to the historic pharmacy Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella operating since the 13th century, or a final Italian coffee at a square café.
Meeting at the time specified by our guide and transfer to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. Following ticketing and baggage procedures, departure for Istanbul at 15:25 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1324. Arrival in Istanbul at 19:05 and end of our tour. Looking forward to meeting you on our next journey.
