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

April 16-24, 2008

Join us on our exploration of Renaissance Italy as we celebrate four centuries of work with the telescope, and Italy's unrivalled legacy of art, architecture, philosophy, and science. Astronomical lectures with astronomical historian Dr. William Sheehan and astronomer/photographer Dennis Mammana during this trip to Rome and Florence. Enjoy first class accommodations, sight seeing to such wonders as the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, Arcetri Observatory, and most of all a visit to Galileo's House & Observatory.

Tour includes:

• Round trip airfare from SFO/LAX
• 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

April 16 — Depart USA
A transatlantic flight from the USA to Rome where our tour begins.

April 17 — Rome
We will be met and transferred to your 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)

April 18 — Rome
Our enrichment tour will review Galileo's major discoveries in astronomy and mechanics. Today we being with a tour of Rome including the Piazza della Repubblica, Aurelian Walls, Borgheses Park, Piazza del Popolo, the Pantheon, Castel St. Angelo and the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter. (B)

April 19 — Rome
Today you will visit the Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the last judgement by Michelangelo. This aftenoon there will be an opportunity for an optional vist to the Castel Gondolfo and Pisa. (B/D)

April 20 — 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's fifteenth century engineering feat. At the Cathedral you will see the Baptistery and Ghilberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated. (B/D)

April 21 — Florence
We begin today with a lecture before visiting the Science History Museum, the Palazzos Medici and Pitti and Galileo's resting place and memorial, opposite the tomb of Michelangelo at the Church of Santa Croce. (B)

April 22 — 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)

April 23 — 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)

April 24 — 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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