Galileo's Tuscan Sky: 400th Anniversary of the Galileo Telescope

March 25 – April 2, 2009

Join our springtime exploration of Renaissance Italy and its unrivalled legacies of art, architecture, philosophy, and science, as we combine four centuries of work with the telescope. During the event-filled days in Rome and Florence we cross paths with the work of artists like Brunelleschi, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Bruno, the masters who set the stage for the life and work of Galileo Galilei. In observing the four hundredth anniversary of the invention of the telescope, we visit many of the places associated with the Tuscan artist who revealed mountains in the Moon, the satellites around Jupiter, and the multitudinous stars of the Milky Way, so changing our way of regarding the universe forever. Dennis Mammana, photographer extraordinaire, and astronomical historian, William Sheehan will lead this tour focused on the life and times of Galileo.

Tour includes:

• First Class accommodations
• Astronomical lectures
• Sightseeing tours in Rome & Florence
• Special Visits in Rome:
• Vatican Museum
• Sistine Chapel
• Colosseum
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Special Visits in Florence
  • History of Science Museum
  • Palazzos Pitti and Medici
  • Santa Croce Church
  • Duomo and Baptistery
  • Arcetri Observatory
• Breakfasts daily, one lunch and three dinners, beverages included
• All hotel service charges and taxes

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Rome
Upom arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Stroll down to the Sranish Steps or sip a cappuccino at a sidewalk café. Welcome to Galileo's Italy! Meet our fellow travelers at a welcome pizza and wine supper. (D)

Day 2 — Rome
Following breakfast we will be taken on a tour of Rome including such as the Piazza della Repubblica, Aurelian Walls, Borgheses Park , Piazza del Popolo, the Pantheon, Castel St. Angelo and the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter. (B)

Day 3 — Rome
Today a visit to the Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the last judgment by Michelangelo is planned. This afternoon there will be an opportunity for an optional visit to the Castel Gondolfo and Pisa. (B/D)

Day 4 — Rome/Florence
Journey to beautiful Tuscany and Galileo's Florence for four nights. After checking in to our hotel, there will be a walking tour of Florence culminated with a visit and possible climb of the "Cupola di Brunelleschi". At the Cathedral you will see the Baptistery and Ghilberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated. (B/D)

Day 5 — Florence
We begin today with a lecture before visiting the Science History Museum , the Palazzos Medici and Pitti and Galileo's resting place at the Church of Santa Croce. (B)

Day 6 — Florence
After the lecture today, we will visit the Uffizi Museum, Palazzo Vecchio and Santa Maria Novella to witness the influence of art and engineering. (B)

Day 7 — Florence
Today we will visit Galileo's House and Observatory and a visit to the San Matteo Convent where his beloved daugher, Suor Maria Celeste, lived until her death in 1634. (B/L)

Day 8 — Florence/USA
Arrivederci to Galileo's Italy and the engineering and art which influenced the world we live in today. Extend your Italy stay with one of several extensions. (B)

For a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates at tours@melitatrips.com.

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