For thousands of years, art, culture, wine and food treasures have been integral to the spirit and balance of Italy, its people and their businesses.  In an exclusive six day tour for HBS alumni, you are invited to discover the many hidden jewels of Italy in the beautiful region of Tuscany.

The trip will begin in Florence, capital of the arts and a leader in the Italian flair for innovation and tradition. Guests will be staying for 3 nights at the Hotel Lungarno - on the Arno River - overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
Italian art has nearly always been closely allied with the intellectual and/or religious currents of its day. It has retained its own remarkable past as a continual source of inspiration for new design. The Hotel is within walking distance of the Uffizzi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and Palazzo Pitti.  The Lungarno’s walls are covered with its extensive modern art collection, typifying the melding of Italian history and contemporary ideas.

Alumni will have a complete yet unique exposure to Florence and its culture. The tour combines extensive and in depth opportunities for sightseeing with a variety of unique activities. There will be trips to the upper private gallery of the Uffizzi, The Boboli Gardens and the Duomo Museum.  In addition, to emphasize the importance of wine, food and design to the people of Italy – the Ferragamo family has kindly agreed to provide a custom tour and private cocktail party at the Ferragamo Museum. 

Following the tour of Florence and on the way to the heart of Tuscan wine country, stops will be made in San Gimignano and Certaldo - both towns are steeped in Italian history. San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town - famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, which may be seen from several kilometers outside of the town. Certaldo is also a medieval walled town of Roman and Etruscan origin accessible only by cable car.

Guests then arrive for what is truly the high point of the trip - Castligion del Bosco (CdB), Massimo Ferrgamo’s elegant private club and vineyard.  The estate, just like the Ferragamo name, epitomizes the ideals of exquisite design, fine craftsmanship and an exclusive sense of style. During the three night stay, guests will be able to enjoy one of Tuscany’s largest continuous estates (close to 5000 acres) and appreciate its many hidden treasures.  Scattered across the property are remnants of a rich cultural history: a circular Etruscan stronghold dating back to 600BC, a 12th century castle fortress, ruins of an early Gothic chapel (c. 900 BC) and Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, with its spectacular Lorenzetti fresco.

In addition, while staying at CdB, alumni will enjoy all the pleasures and beauty that Tuscany has to offer - wine and cigar tastings, cooking classes, an elegant spa, site seeing and numerous outdoor activities (including golf, cycling, tennis, fishing and hiking).

This private tour is truly unique and a once in a life time opportunity to explore the unique history, beautiful culture and intrinsic charm of Italy and its people.

The total tour cost excluding airfare starts at $3,790 per person for either July 21-28 or September 29 - October 6 dates and includes all breakfasts, one dinner at Bosco, all transfers (including transfers from the Pisa Airport and to the Rome Airport), guides, tips, and taxes.  All other meals are additional.  Please note that the USD rate quoted is based on the Euro-USD Exchange Rate at 12/6/2010.

Click here for a detailed tour itinerary.

For more information and tour details, please contact:

Mary Kleen
General Manager
Pisa Brothers Travel
630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2207
New York, NY 10111
(212) 265-8420 ext 211
Toll Free 1-800-729-7472 ext 211
Fax (212) 265-8753
Email: maryk@pisabrothers.com