2017 “Dreaming Sophia”
Florence Reader Fan Tour
Walking in the steps of Sophia in Florence, Italy!
In September 2017, alongside a group of eight enthusiastic “Dreaming Sophia”
readers, we embarked on a four-day, four-night journey, tracing Sophia’s
footsteps and experiencing Florence through the eyes of an artist!
Melissa, along with two local Florentines—Giulia Bucciarelli, a talented artist, and Benedetta Bronzino, an Italian teacher and experienced tour guide—joined forces to lead a group of Dreaming Sophia readers on an unforgettable four-day, four-night journey through the historic heart of Florence.
During the immersive 4-day, 4-night program, we delved into Florentine art and the lives of its renowned artists. We visited artisan shops in the charming Oltrarno district and enjoyed guided tours of the Academia, the Uffizi, and the Duomo Museo. Our exploration included the grandeur of the Pitti Palace, home to Eleonora de’ Medici, and the stunning Boboli Gardens, where Giulia led us in a watercolor painting lesson. We gained insights into Renaissance history and the influential Medici family by visiting the chapels in San Lorenzo and the Medici Palace. Additionally, we savored authentic local cuisine and wines during a special Florentine food crawl.
We concluded our program with a delightful day in the Chianti countryside, where we indulged in wine tasting and enjoyed a delicious lunch at an Osteria during the vibrant Vendemmia, the grape harvest season. During our four-day, four-night stay in Florence, we were accommodated in charming Bed and Breakfasts near the Academia, specifically at Residenza Johanna and Antica Dimora.
Dreaming Sophia Fan Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Wednesday, September 13 – Benvenuti! Welcome to Florence• Check-in Morning (arrangements can be made for check in a day early — but let us know soon)
• Afternoon walking tour with Melissa & Giulia a local Florentine artist
• Visit to San Lorenzo & Medici Palace
• Evening welcome dinner finishing with gelato! Did you know gelato was invented during the Renaissance?
Day 3 – Friday, September 15
• Guided tours with Benedetta Bronzino– We will visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens and spend several hours walking through the open air museum, enjoying landscapes and works of art and architecture— There will be an opportunity to have an outdoor watercolor painting lesson with Giulia. Art supplies will be supplied
— Lunch in Florence (out of pocket expense)
— Afternoon walking tour in the Oltrano to discover the bohemian side of Florence with its workshops, cafes, art galleries, canteens, and picturesque narrow streets. We will meet artists and artisans at their workplace.
— Sunset wine-tasting experience
—Dinner with wine will be provided at a local Florentine trattoria Pallottino
Day 2 – Thursday, September 14
• Guided tours with Benedetta Bronzino, resident of Florence and professional tour guide
– We will visit Duomo Museo were we will meet “meet” Brunelleschi and learn about how Florence’s famous cathedral Dome was constructed
– We will visit the Academia where we will “meet” Michelangelo’s David
– Lunch in Florence at All’Antico Vinaio near the Uffizi (out of pocket expense)
– We will visit the Uffizi Galleries where we will rub elbows with Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Caravaggio AND Bronzino who painted the portrait of Eleonora de’ Medici.
— Dinner with wine will be provided at a local Florentine trattoria Cafaggi
Day 4 – Saturday, September 16
• All day trip to Chianti in the countryside – it’s time for the Vendemmia!– In a private van, we will visit the most beautiful spots of the Florentine countryside. Duration: whole day tour. The tour includes: visit to a wine cellars in Chianti with wine tastings
— Lunch in Chianti included at Osteria Fuori Porta (as this will be an all day eating and drinking excursion, dinner not included)
Day 5 – Sunday, September 17• Baci & Abbracci! Morning guest checkout
