DETAILS
Enjoy a fascinating exploration of Galileo’s pivotal role in launching the field of astronomy and visit observatories only open by special invitation. During this journey, also enjoy the best of Italy’s cultural and culinary highlights. Space is limited to just 30 participants on this fascinating program!
- Pricing from
- $7,690
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Sep 6, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
VENICE OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION – September 15–17
On a two-night post-trip extension in Venice, explore the enduringly romantic city, including the Basilica di San Marco, the Sansovinian Library, Doge’s Palace, the Dorsoduro university district, a textile workshop, and a specialty boatyard to learn the art and science of constructing gondolas.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
ITINERARY
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day 1
USA / ROME
Depart on overnight flights to Rome. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the heart of Rome, located on the right bank of the Tiber River. This afternoon, enjoy an optional walking tour to the Borghese Gallery, housed in a splendid 17th century villa and home to great artistic works of beauty by Titian, Caravaggio, Canova and Bernini. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
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day 2
ROME
After a welcome lecture by Dr. Richard Binzel and lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and discover the Clementine Sundial, the “camera obscura” ordered by Pope Clement IX, which dates back to 1702. Continue on a private after-hours visit to the Angelica Library known for its stunning hall.
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day 3
ROME
Start the morning with a private tour of La Specola Vaticana, one of the oldest astronomical institutions in the world. Enjoy lunch in Castel Gandolfo at a local restaurant overlooking Lake Albano. This afternoon visit the extraordinary Copernican Museum in the heart of Rome. Learn about the history and technology of astronomy through a beautiful collection of ancient instruments illustrating the evolution of research in the subject.
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day 4
ROME / FLORENCE
After Dr. Binzel’s second lecture, depart Rome by high-speed train to Florence. Explore Florence’s historic center by foot. In Piazza della Repubblica, discover the city’s beginning, then wander the narrow streets of the medieval town to emerge at the Piazza della Signoria, the political center of the city since the Middle Ages. Visit the Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce, where Galileo is buried. Continue to Ponte Vecchio, then enjoy a traditional Florentine dinner at a local restaurant.
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day 5
FLORENCE
Begin the day at Galileo Museum and its important collections of scientific instruments. After lunch on your own, enjoy a private visit to Il Gioiello, where Galileo spent the last years of his life. By special arrangement, conclude the day at the Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, with a sunset visit to the Sky Theater, a visit to Arcetri library, and an evening stargazing session by historic telescope.
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day 6
FLORENCE / PISA / FLORENCE
After Dr. Binzel’s third lecture, head to Pisa where Galileo worked for three years as professor of mathematics. Explore the Campo dei Miracoli complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of the Duomo, Baptistry, the Camposanto Monumentale and famous leaning Bell Tower, forever linked to Galileo’s famous experiment concerning mass and descent. Return to Florence late this afternoon.
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day 7
FLORENCE / PADUA
Take the high-speed train to Padua. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s porticoed streets and splendid piazzas and the Piazza dei Signori’s famous Astrological Clock. See Galileo’s home, and the Palazzo Bo and its renowned Anatomy Theater. Conclude the day at the Scrovegni Chapel, a masterpiece of Italian painting.
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day 8
PADUA
After Dr. Binzel’s last lecture, visit La Specola, the place from which, according to legend, Galileo made his extraordinary astronomical discoveries. This afternoon drive to Asiago for a special private visit of the largest operating astronomical observatory of Italy. After a special farewell dinner in Asiago, return to the observatory for a night sky observation session where we hope to view the moons of Jupiter (just as Galileo did from this same location!), before returning to Padua late this evening.
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day 9
PADUA / VENICE / HOME
Transfer to the Venice airport for flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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