Florence
Monday, June 20th - Florence has long been perceived as one of Italy's most enchanting cities. And it's easy to see why, with some of the most famous art in the world (by Michelangelo, Botticelli, et al) on display, a beautifully romantic setting, shopping aplenty and superb Tuscan food. Arrive at your Tuscan home where you will meet BlackGirlTravel.com's founder, Fleace Weaver and your other housemates for a welcome/orientation wine sip and lunch. Rest and relex from your flight as you leisurely perpare to watch your first Floerence sunset over from Piazza Michelangelo.The hill top square offers a great view of the city’s medieval rooftops piercing through the orange sky. The area was designed in the late 19th century by the architect Giuseppe Poggion around the time of Florence’s brief stint as Italy’s capital. 
After the sunset you take ride atop an open top bus to view this beathtaking city at nigh. Later, have dinner under the stars in a music filled Piazza.
Tuesday, June 21st - After breakfast meet your local guide for a walking tour of Florence featuring all the must-see sights of Florence including; Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Duomo, Santa Maria Novella Cathedral, Brunelleschi Cupola, Gates of Paradise, Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell tower. Along the way you will stop at Perchè no!, one of Florence's oldest gelato shops. We suggest you try the Torta di Mele (Apple Pie) flavor...mmm GOOD! The tour will end at with a visit to the Accademia to see the glorious statue of Michelangelo's David.After the Accademia tour stop a shop where you can buy some cheese, bread, wine, fruit and other treats for a picnic in the amazing Boboli Gardens. After the picnic spend the afternoon at the leather market.
Wedesday, June 22nd - What better way to enjoy authentic Italian food than to learn how to cook in the countryside "Under the Tuscan Sun" . Today you will take a train to a private villa in the Chianti Region. Your lesson (which lasts approx. 3 hours) will take place in the kitchen of the Villa. You will learn how to prepare some of the most renowned dishes of the Tuscan tradition, from handmade pasta to the famous "pappa al pomodoro". At the end of the class enjoy your creation with wines while enjoying conversation with the chef and other Italian guest. After lunch take a tour of the vinyard and learn about wine making and enjoy a tasting. After a day in the countryside take the train back to Florence.
Thursday, June 23rd - Today you will like the Italians with a bike ride and spend the day at Estate Fiesolana / Fiesole Summer festival. The Estate Fiesolana festival of Florence is a theater, music and cinema festival that takes place in Fiesole, a city 8 kilometers above Florence. The event takes place is held in an ancient Roman amphitheater, capturing the true essence of the region of Tuscany. Later in the evening put on your dancing shoes for a night of Salas dancing.
Friday, June 24th - Chaaaarge it! Grab your shopping tote and get ready to shop until you drop at the THE MALL outlet in Leccio outside of Florence. The Mall is the biggest outlet in the area and has great prices for the following exclusive brands: Alexander McQueen ,Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hogan ,La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod's ,Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent. Also in Leccio you will find the FENDI and DOLCE e GABBANA outlets. Return to Rome in time for Happy Hour, dinner and live music.
Saturday, July 25th - For the true Shopaholics! Today will be spend traveling to the Prada and Gucci outlets! If you are done with shopping maybe spend your day taking an optional tour to Pisa. Although it is world wide famous due to its Leaning Tower, the city of Pisa also has many other great attractions and amazing characteristics to offer. After you've seen the Leaning Tower , walk along the River Arno's sweeping riverside and discover Pisa's many secrets. Plunge into medieval laneways surrounding Pisa's market to hunt out back-street shops and trattorias (traditional Italian restaurants). You can also just spend a relaxing day exploring Florence on your own before heading home to get dress for a night of dancing BlackGirlTravel style.
Sunday, July 26th - Start your Sunday by attending an Italian mass (optional) follow by a morning at a spa. What better way to regenterate from two days of intense shopping and a long night of partying than a relaxing with full body massage followed by lunch and champagne alfresco in a beautiful Piazza. Spend the remainer of the day with the girls or take off for a little alone time. Later in the evening host an "apperativi" (happy hour/lite dinner mixer) where you can try your new culinary skills and say goodbye to all your new Italian friends.
Monday, July 27th - Your last day in Italy will not be spend in Tuscany but in the magical city of Venice. No words can truly prepare you for the beauty and uniqueness of Venice. Venice is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities, built on the water in a lagoon. It's small, traffic-free streets along the winding canals. It actually consists of 117 bodies of land connected by more than 400 bridges over its 150 canals. St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). This great square overlooking the water is a mixture of spaces, volumes and styles: Fashionable boutiques. After your walking tour take some time on your own to explore the water wonderland or take a gondola ride through the scenic canals. Return to Florance for night of vino and packing...or should that be packing then vino. :-)
