A Literary Tour of Venice and Florence

A Literary Tour of Venice and Florence

7 Day Tour

Overview

Paideia Classical Tours is a full-service student travel program, designed by teachers for teachers. This sample itinerary was specifically designed around the interests and needs of English teachers and their students, highlighting the dialogue between major figures of 19th and 20th century English literature and the rich histories of Venice and the Florence. To facilitate student travel, we have developed our Classical Tours service to cover all aspects of educational travel, allowing our partner teachers to concentrate on their teaching and time abroad with their students. Whether you have traveled with your students abroad before or it will be your first time, Paideia Classical Tours will help make your vision for the trip a reality.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Walking Tour

Stroll through the narrow streets of Venice, visiting iconic landmarks such as the stunning St. Mark's Square with its impressive basilica and the Doge's Palace, where you can admire the intricate architecture and learn about the city's rich history. Encounter charming bridges, picturesque canals, and hidden corners that reveal the unique beauty and romantic allure of the "Floating City."

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Piazza San Marco in Venice

Day 2: San Marco, Doge's Palace, Lido Walking Tour, Armenian Monastery

While living in Venice, Lord Byron was resided and wrote at Armenian Monastery in Venice, located on the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni. This monastery served as a haven for Armenian monks and scholars, and Byron's interactions with the community there contributed to his deep interest in Armenian culture and language.

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Interior view of the Doge's Palace

Day 3: Lagoon Islands, San Giorgio Maggiore

Visit the islands of Murano, Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torcello on the Venetian Lagoon, where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote. It is said that Hemingway found inspiration in the island's peaceful atmosphere, and he often visited its historic sites, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, immersing himself in its ancient history and enchanting landscapes.

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A canal on the island of Murano

Day 4: Gallerie dell'Accademia, Transfer to Florence

The Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice is a prestigious art museum that houses an exceptional collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th century. Visitors can marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto, showcasing the rich artistic heritage and cultural legacy of Venice.

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Detail from Paolo Veronese's The Feast in the House of Levi, fresco, 1573

Day 5: Palazzo Pitti, Gallerie degli Uffizi, San Miniato al Monte

Palazzo Pitti in Florence is a magnificent Renaissance palace that served as the residence of the powerful Medici family and later became the seat of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. This opulent palace houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, displaying an impressive collection of Renaissance art, and the Boboli Gardens, offering a sprawling outdoor space adorned with sculptures, fountains, and lush greenery for visitors to explore and admire.

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A view of Palazzo Pitti from the Boboli Gardens

Day 6: Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistry, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral, is a majestic symbol of the city's architectural grandeur and artistic prowess. Its distinctive red dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is an engineering marvel and offers panoramic views of Florence, while the intricate marble facade and breathtaking interior, adorned with stunning frescoes and sculptures, leave visitors in awe of its beauty and historical significance.

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Piazza Duomo in Florence

Day 7: Departure

Departure from Florence.

Request a Proposal

To request a proposal for a Paideia Institute Classical Tour, please click the button below and submit the form. A member of our staff will be in touch shortly thereafter to begin your journey.