From Rome to Florence

BACKGROUND: JEWISH ART AND CULTURE

Jews have lived in Italy for the last 2000 years—longer than in any country outside of Israel. Although always a small community (the Jewish population in Italy today is estimated at around 35,000), they have over the years developed an incredibly rich tradition, including religious art objects and books, and wonderfully preserved synagogues—in amazingly disparate parts of Italy. Sophisticated Italy is pleased to present this tour,,on the Jewish tradition in Rome and Tuscany. While it focuses on Jewish culture and history in these areas it does not overlook the other art highlights in this heartland of Italian art and culture. The group will be small (from 14-20 people). It will be led by art historians specialized in Italian and Italian Jewish art and culture. Please note that this is not a kosher tour although non- kosher foods will not be included on the menus.

Arrive Rome Airport and transfer (on own) to Empire Palace Hotel, a deluxe four start hotel, recently completely renovated, located close to the fabled Via Veneto. Lunch on own. Group Welcome to Italy Dinner at classic Roman trattoria. Special guest this evening will speak on the history of the Jews in Italy and Rome.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. Depart hotel for the first Jewish tour, visiting the ghetto, the synagogue and its museums, Tibernia Island, the Theater of Marcellus and the Roman Forum to view the Arch of Titus with its Jewish symbols. Lunch on own and afternoon free. Dinner on own and evening free.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. Depart hotel after breakfast to view Michelangelo's Moses in the Church of St. Peter in Chains, the Basilica of SS Quattro Coronata, the Appian Way to visit the Jewish Catacombs (opened especially for this group) and the Fosse Ardeatine, site of the famous Nazi massacre. Lunch on own. Afternoon visit to the Vatican Museum and St. Peters. Dinner on own and evening free.

Day Four: - Pitigliano/Florence.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. After breakfast, check out and depart to Pitigliano, where a very old Jewish community flourished between the 15 and 19^th centuries. It is called “The Little Jerusalem” because it located on a hill surrounded by an ancient city wall. In 1995, the synagogue was restored to its former beauty, after being closed for more than 20 years.

Group Lunch in a typical Tuscan trattoria. Visit the ghetto, the Jewish matzoh bakery (still functioning), the recently restored Mikvah, the synagogue,(a small jewel ), and the museum. In afternoon depart for Florence and check into the Grand Hotel Minerva, a very attractive four star hotel in the center of Florence. Dinner on own.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. Depart for a visit to Siena's historic center to see the Piazza del Campo, the Cathedral and the Baptistry. Group Lunch in the Piazza Del Campo, the sight of the famous Palio horserace. Afternoon visit to the old ghetto area, the synagogue including a meeting with a member of the Jewish Community. In late afternoon return to Florence. Dinner and evening on own.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. Morning free for those who may want to attend Shabbat morning services in Florence’s magnificent synagogue. Lunch on own. After lunch, tour of Florence’s highlights including pre-set visit to The Academy Museum for Michelangelo’s David, visit to the Piazza del Duomo, Baptistry and the old Ghetto area. Dinner and evening on own.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. After breakfast visit the Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. Lunch on own. . After lunch there is a pre-set visit to the Uffizi Musuem and the Piazza Signoria. Dinner and evening on own.

Buffet Breakfast in hotel. After breakfast, check out and depart for return flight to U.S.

° 8 nights in 4 star hotels, as per program, including buffet breakfast, tax and service

This tour will ONLY operate if the minimum passenger count is met of 14 passengers. If this minimum count is not met by tour deposit the tour will be cancelled and all deposits will be refunded with no penalty.