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OPTIONAL CONGRESS TOURS Drive through the Chianti region to one of the best-preserved medieval town of Siena and view the Cathedral, Town Hall, and Piazza del Campo. Siena is rich both in works of art and in expensive antiques shops. This town was built on 3 hills, and there are many steep hills or stairways in this town. Continue to S. Gimignano where lunch will be taken at a local restaurant en route. S. Gimignano is perhaps the most delightful of the Tuscan medieval hill towns, where once more then 70 tall towers were seen, being the symbols of power for the wealthy families of the Middle Ages. About 15 of these towers are still standing. This charming town with narrow streets paved with red bricks has remained almost intact since the Middle Ages. Euro 77 per person (lunch included) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2003 Visit of the Duomo or Church of San Romolo, an ancient church with an
unusual bell tower. View the Roman theatre, which was built during the
first Imperial Period, and later enlarged by Septimius Severus. Continue
to Piazzale Michelangelo, where there is a wonderful view of Florence
in all its beauty with the Duomo, Santa Croce, the towers and bell towers
peaking out from the reddish roofs, the gardens and the Arno River that
winds its way across the city. Here one can admire the Basilica of San
Miniato al Monte. This church is one of the most famous examples of the
Florentine Romanesque style. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2003 Drive through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa. Visit the famous Leaning
Tower (Torre Pendente) really one of the world's more quizzical sights.
Once you have admired the extraordinary group of edifices in the cathedral
complex on the Piazza, visit the Baptistry and Monumental cemetery. Lunch
will be taken in the town of Pisa in a pleasant restaurant. Depart Pisa
and drive to the Lucca district and view one of the beautiful villas and
the forest of columns that fronts the 11th century Cathedral.
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