Events

Please note, should the Britannia Bar not be available,
alternatively you can make use of the Cumberland Bar upstairs.
Dress code : Britannia Bar (downstairs): Smart casual
                    Cumberland Bar (upstairs): Lounge suit

 

Enclosed you will find the RABC's events calendar for 2008.

Not only are the First Tuesday's Drinks popular for meeting members, new members and their friends and guests, but they are also an occasion to meet guest speakers from different interesting backgrounds. The First Tuesday's Drinks take place in an informal and relaxed atmosphere and have a great appeal to young and old.

Why not contribute to this successful gathering by giving the Club your suggestions, thoughts and comments. They would be very welcome.

We would like to thank all members who have joined us on the First Tuesday Drinks to make it such a great appeal.

8th -12th May 2008 - Art Tour in Florence
Events >>

 

 

Art Tour – 8-12 May 2008

FLORENCE – THE MEDICI VILLAS

 

Florence is so rich in art treasures that a visit there leaves little or no time to see some of the equally interesting sites in the surrounding areas. This tour focuses on the Medici, their villas outside Florence and their more important buildings in Florence. To add to our enjoyment we will attend the Opera Carmen in the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

 

Our itinerary is:-

 

Thu. 8 May        We will meet British Airways flight BA2600 London Gatwick to Pisa  arriving at 11.10.

(Meridiana fly directly to Florence airport which is a 20 minute taxi ride to the hotel).

Transfer to our hotel “Pensione Bencista”. With its origins in the 14C this charming hotel stands in lovely grounds just below Fiesole and with sweeping views over the whole of Florence.

2.30 pm. In the afternoon we will visit Villa La Petraia owned by the Medici between early 16C until 1738.

Dinner (by invitation).

Fri. 9 May          9.30 am. We spend the morning in Florence where we will visit first the convent and museum of San Marco with the famous works by Fra Angelico. From there we go to Palazzo Medici-Riccardi whose chapel is sumptuously decorated with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli. Then we visit the Church of San Lorenzo and the Cappelle Medicee with the magnificent monumental group by Michelangelo portraying Day and Night, Dusk and Dawn – as part of the Medici Tombs.

Allowing a break for lunch, we then go to the Bargello Museum which contains a rich collection of Renaissance sculpture, in particular works by Donatello and Michelangelo. Return to the hotel.

                                In the evening we go to the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino for the performance of the Opera Carmen at 9 pm.

                                Dinner before or after the opera at leisure.

Sat. 10 May       10 am We will visit Villas Careggi and Cafaggiolo. Villa Careggi was originally a 14C fortress and was renovated by Michelozzo for Cosimo il Vecchio. It was Cosimo’s favourite villa and he died here in 1464 while Lorenzo il Magnifico died in the villa in 1492. Sir John Sloane bought the villa in the 19C and added a huge park laid out in the English style.

                                A wonderful drive among the hills north of Florence takes us to Villa Cafaggiolo. The villa was also renovated by Michelozzo for Cosimo il Vecchio. He retained the original aspect of a medieval fortification but enhanced it with gardens, fountains and paths. Later in the 16C Cosimo I extended the villa and turned it into a reserve for hunting – a favourite Medici sport.

                                Return to hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Sun. 11 May       10.00 am We will visit Villas Poggio a Caiano, Cerreto Guidi and Artimino. The former was projected by Giuliano da Sangallo for Lorenzo il Magnifico and owned by the Medici between 1470 and 1738. Villa Cerreto Guidi was built by Cosimo I on the site of the castle of the Guidi counts. He developed it as a hunting lodge since when it has always been associated with hunting. Villa Artimino whose magnificent structure is adorned with 40 chimneys is our next visit (subject to special permission).

                                Return to hotel. Dinner (by invitation).

Mon. 12 May        

We will leave the morning free for those who might prefer a further visit to Florence or alternatively we will arrange a tour along the Via Chiantigiana – a beautiful road that meanders through the Chianti region between Florence and Siena. A stop in Greve in Chainti provides an opportunity for wine lovers to visit some Enoteca specializing in the local wines.

Return to hotel for transfer to Pisa airport for British Airways flight BA2619 at 8.05 pm arriving at

London Gatwick at 9.15 pm.

 

Price:                   £1,050 (£995 Friends of the Accademia)        No single supplement.

The price includes four nights’ bed and breakfast, 2 dinners on 8 and 11 May, Opera, transport throughout, guides and entrance fees. The price does not include flights.

Clients are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover such items as medical treatment, loss of property and cancellation charges.

 

 

 

Accademia Art Tours, 59 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RA - Tel: +44 (0)20 7235 6650 - Fax: +44 (0)20 7235 6659 Email: info@accademia-club.com  -  www.accademia-club.com – www.accademiatours.com

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