Alumnae Travel Program
Sansepolcro – In the Heart of Italy
June 13-23, 2012
Imagine yourself traveling to…
Perugia—home of Perugina chocolates, a delightfully colorful and patterned city hall chamber and a fine regional museum, all built on the foundations of an ancient Etruscan city. The views from here are spectacular.
Arezzo—a bustling regional center for transportation and culture, famous for antiques, gold and frescoes. The grand piazza is featured in the films Life is Beautiful and The English Patient.
Anghiari—site of a famous battle between the armies of the Pope and Florence, today it offers a glimpse into the past with winding, pedestrian streets, small shops, churches, a town museum and the famous Busatti weaving atelier. If you stop to enjoy a gelato on the rooftop patio restaurant, you can view the entire valley below, divided by the ruler-straight road leading back to Sansepolcro.
Assisi—the burial place of St. Francis and his beloved, St. Clare, the skyline of Assisi is dominated by San Francesco, containing Francis’ crypt, frescoed ceilings and beautifully carved wood. The Assisi experience elicits a range of emotions, from the moving silence of the crypt, to the sound of countless vendors encouraging you to buy a memento of your pilgrimage.
Monterchi, Montecasale, and Montalcino —these small villages embody what the Tuscany of your dreams looks like—or perhaps better. We will have two days to savor the food, wine and views of the wonderful Tuscan countryside.
Sansepolcro—Sanspolcro is the base for your exploration of the historic, Tuscan countryside, birthplace of the Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca and home to Meredith students in Italy. Surrounded by a medieval wall, the life of the town takes place in the city square and on the Via XX Septembre, directly outside the front door of Meredith’s Palazzo Alberti.
Siena—This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts the world famous Palio, and its Piazza Grande is just that—perhaps Italy's grandest piazza, which is saying something!
Florence—Nestled among green hills, in many ways the Florence of today looks as it did when it gave birth to the Renaissance; it is a living museum with a “gift shop” that stretches down every street and through every piazza. (The nicest purses are in the piazza with the bronze pig; rub his nose and leave a coin to assure your return to Florence!)
Special Events
Guided tour of the Bargello Museum, the premier sculpture museum in Florence
Wine tasting and guided wine country tour
Photography tip session on-site in beautiful Anghiari
Private jewelry and art show at the Palazzo Alberti
Guided tours of museums or historic sites in Sansepolcro, Monterchi, Montecasale, Deruta and Arezzo
Open house with coffee and aperitifs at the Palazzo Alberti
Trip Price:
Includes accommodations and breakfast, transportation, 6 meals, admissions and special events. Trip price is per person based on double occupancy. Secure your tour reservation with a $500 deposit; total amount due by March 1, 2011. To confirm your spot, please contact Jane Mitchell at mitchelj@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8060.
$3,300 per person (airfare not included)
Single supplement: $550
Trip Details
Dates: June 13-23, 2012
Airfare and Arrival: Trip pricing is without airfare. Travelers must schedule flights to arrive in Florence airport by 1 pm on Wednesday, June 13 and depart Florence on Saturday, June 23. If you need assistance with your flight, or wouuld like to join in a group flight, please contact Jane Mitchell at mitchelj@meredith.edu.
Accommodations: If you reserve early, your hotel will be inside the medieval walls. Additional accommodations are located within a few minutes walk of the city center outside the walls. Rooms will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Please note if an elevator is essential.
Mobility: Participants need to be able to walk at a moderate pace for 30 minutes without resting if they want to be immersed in the entire trip experience. Many of our walking tours will be within charming, hill towns with uneven, stone-paved streets.
Meals: Six meals are included in the trip price. A daily European breakfast is provided with your hotel accommodations.
Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to all museums and cultural sites are included.
Transportation: Travel will be by private coach for most excursions, including pick up at the Florence airport.
Weather and Clothing: The average temperature for mid-June is much like North Carolina at the same time of year. Evening temperatures are moderate as well. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking excursions, but evenings out may call for something more stylish.
College Hosts: Jo Allen, '80, president; Lennie Barton, vice president for Institutional Advancement; and Jane Mitchell, director of The Meredith Fund.
Tour Guides: Becky Bailey, Professor Emerita, Department of Art; Betty Web , '67, Professor Emerita, Department of English and Director of Meredith in Sansepolcro
Questions? Please contact please contact Jane Mitchell at mitchelj@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8060.
Meredith College reserves the right to make changes in the program itinerary, schedule, cost, etc., as necessary.
Two-Week Tuscan Intensives
Sponsored by the Meredith College Office of International Programs for alumnae, faculty, staff, and community friends.
Spring and Summer 2012
Have you ever dreamed of studying in Italy?
Here is your chance! Meredith College is offering for the first time two-week mini-courses at our beautiful Tuscan Palazzo in Sansepolcro. We want to introduce you to Borgo Sansepolcro and share with you the Palazzo Alberti, home to Meredith’s Semester Programs in Italy. A variety of intensives will be offered, all with Italian themes or influences. You will be sharing the Palazzo with students in our semester programs.
Courses will be taught primarily by retired faculty. We have kept the costs affordable to make this opportunity available to as many participants as possible. As part of the course, you will see the real Italy as few tourists do when you participate in local hospitality and culture. Where else can you study in Italy for two weeks while living in a 16th century palace, go on excursions to neighboring towns, and eat gourmet Italian meals prepared by the Palazzo chef for our very affordable price?
Course Descriptions:
FOLLOWING THE PIERO TRAIL
April 12-25, 2012
Instructors: Maureen and Jim Banker
In 15th century Renaissance Italy, Piero della Francesca was born and lived his 80 years in and around Sansepolcro. This walled town is now home to Meredith College’s International Campus in the Palazzo Alberti. Our introduction to the life and town of Piero will begin here, and then follow his steps to Arezzo, Monterchi, Urbino, Perugia, Rimini and Florence where we shall be able to examine and study, up close, the masterworks of this stellar Renaissance man. All throughout our travels we will not only see his paintings, but look at his worlds, both natural and man-made. This is a chance to go back in time 600 years and participate in the visual world of Piero. Fortunately for us, much remains the same. This mini-intensive course is part of a year-long celebration of the 600th birthday of Piero della Francesca. The town of Sansepolcro not only celebrates his birthday, but it also continues to acknowledge this native son’s death on October 12, 1492, which coincides with our Columbus day.
We will keep the schedule flexible to take advantage of any local experiences that may present themselves and to adjust for any rainy days. Class/excursions will usually last until late afternoon. Shops remain open until 7:30pm. Our day will begin in the classroom and continue from there to our destinations. Please keep a written daily journal of everything you do each day. If you are too tired to write one night, try to catch up the next night. We will share with each other some of our journal entries and experiences on our last day. Our special guest, co-founder of these Tuscan Intensive Programs and Professor of Art Emerita, Linda FitzSimons, will be assisting with our excursions.
Before you come to Tuscany, you have some pleasurable work in the USA. Please read John Mortimer’s Summer’s Lease. (Paperback from Amazon $10.20) If possible rent the DVD Summer’s Lease, which is based on the book. Read John Pope Hennessey’s The Piero della Francesca Trail. Familiarize yourself with the map of Tuscany, Umbria, and the Marche where we will be traveling. Look up online and read the general story line of The Legend of the True Cross.
Wednesday, April 11
Depart for Italy
Thursday, April 12
Arrive in Rome, Florence or Milan. We recommend Rome. Travel to Sansepolcro.
Orientation at the Palazzo Alberti in the evening. We will go out for a light, sleep-inducing dinner at a local restaurant. Go to bed early. Catch up on your sleep!
Friday, Lucky April 13
8:00-9:15am Buffet breakfast in dining room
10:00am Class begins. Meet and greet. Short history of places we will visit.
Weather permitting, a street tour of Sansepolcro
12:30pm Pranzo (lunch) in dining room
2:30pm Tour of the Museo Civico and/or Piero’s city (weather will determine what we do today, and when)
*Piero Trail: “Altarpiece of the Misericordia”
“San Giuliano”
“San Ludovico”
“ Resurrection”
The empty frame where the “Baptism” of Piero once was, with flanking saints by another artist. The “Baptism” is now in the National Gallery in London.
After class Walk to the grocery store. Buy snacks and foods for Saturday and Sunday. Write in your journal before you fall asleep tonight.
Saturday, April 14
9:00am Leave for Urbino. On the bus to Urbino we will discuss the day’s itinerary. Our major stop will be at the National Gallery of the Marches, and if time permits, the house of Raphael. This will be a day-long excursion. Either bring food to eat during the day or go with us to a bar that makes good sandwiches.
We plan to return to Sansepolcro in time for Saturday night.
*Piero Trail: “The Flagellation”
“The Madonna di Senigallia”
Remember to write in your journal before you go to sleep!
Sunday, April 15
Morning free We suggest attending local mass at the Cathedral in the center of town. It’s a beautiful ceremony.
2:00pm Weather permitting, a welcome to Sansepolcro at our house in the country nearby. We hope to do this your first Sunday, but if we have rain, we will hope for better weather next Sunday. Read up on The Legend of the True Cross in preparation for our trip to Arezzo tomorrow. Continue your journaling at night.
Monday, April 16
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
10:00am Day trip to Arezzo by public bus to see:
* Piero Trail- “Legend of the True Cross” in the church of San Francesco, and
*Piero Trail- “Mary Magdalene” in the Arezzo Cathedral
We will carry a lovingly-prepared picnic, which we will eat in a park near the Cathedral. We plan to return to Sansepolcro in late afternoon. Journaling continued.
Tuesday, April 17
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
10:00am Public bus trip to the ancient city of Anghiari with its over 600 year road through the Tiber Valley to Sansepolcro.
12:30 Pranzo
3:00 P.M. Read up for tomorrow’s trip. Class time we will go over what to expect in Perugia.
Don’t forget your journal entry.
Wednesday, April 18
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
10:00am *Piero Trail: “Altarpiece of Sant’Antonio” in the National Gallery of Umbria.
We leave for Perugia with another bag lunch lovingly prepared by chef Margherita. This is a day-long excursion. We plan to return to Sansepolcro in late afternoon.
- Visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria
- See ancient Etruscan ruins.
- Lunch in Perugia.
- Visit the Rocca Paolina, a fortress built by Pope Paul III over the houses and buildings he destroyed.
- Before leaving, we will stop by one of the famous Perugian chocolate shops.
In the evening, write in your journal.
Thursday, April 19
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
Free Day for your own Day Trip. You will be given information sheets before you leave for Italy on possible day trip destinations to help you decide and to assist you with transportation. Class will begin on Friday after lunch tomorrow in case you want to spend the night on your day trip or get back late. Remember, the last bus from Arezzo to Sansepolcro leaves at around 8:30pm during the week. If you miss it, you will be sleeping in the station! Check updated schedules. If you miss the bus and do not like the idea of a night at the station, you can take a taxi from Arezzo to Sansepolcro for around 75 euros.
Do remember your journal entry even on this free day.
Friday, April 20
Free Morning to return from your own day trip or to SHOP in Sansepolcro!
12:30pm Pranzo
2:00pm Bus trip to the delightful nearby town of Cittá di Castello and their noteworthy museum of art. Although you may be tired, do enter today’s activities in your journal.
Saturday, April 21
9:00am Day trip to Florence. On the bus ride we will discuss what to expect in Florence. We will be gone until late afternoon. We’ll visit as many sites as is possible in one day. We will have previously polled the group to learn special interests. The Uffizi would be high on anyone’s list, we would guess. *Piero Trail: Urbino Diptych of “Battista Sforza and Federico da Montefeltro” in the Uffizi Gallery. You might find the train or bus ride back to Sansepolcro good for journaling.
Sunday, April 22
Morning free Again, we suggest attending mass at the Cathedral.
Afternoon: If for weather reasons, the group was unable to visit our house last Sunday, we will schedule this today. After the visit to our house you will a chance to explore the area on your own. Enter your chosen activities and destinations in your journal.
Monday, April 23
8:00-9:00am Buffet breakfast in dining room
10:00am We leave for Monterchi.
*Piero Trail: “Madonna del Parto”
12:30pm Pranzo back at the Palazzo Alberti
3:30pm We will visit the churches of Sant’Antonio Abate with the beautiful Signorelli double-faced altarpiece in sito, and San Lorenzo with the breadth-taking deposition from the cross by Rosso Fiorentino. Both of these jewels are in Sansepolcro.
So few journaling days left.
Tuesday, April 24
8:00-9:00am Buffet breakfast in dining room
10:00am Weather permitting, a walk, or with some car assistance, to the monastery of Montecasale where St. Francis slept.
12:30p.m. Pranzo
8:00pm Our “Last Supper” together at a local surprise restaurant. Be forewarned; we will expect journal sharing by participants!
Wednesday, 25 Arrivederci!!
8:00- 9:15 Breakfast buffet.
You may extend your stay in Italy through the weekend. If you do not plan to extend your stay, you should arrange to spend the night in Rome or Florence tonight, so you will be near the airport for your morning flight on April 26.
Thursday, April 26 Fly back to USA in the morning
A Taste of Tuscany
May 5-17, 2012
Instructor: Margherita Tirabosco with Assistant Aleksandra Burza
We will keep the schedule somewhat flexible to take advantage of any local experiences that may present themselves and to adjust for any rainy days. Class/excursions will usually last until 5:00pm. Shops remain open until 7:30pm. The cooking classes will be held in the Servi because the kitchen is larger. Santa Maria dei Servi is a 13th century monastery that has been remodeled into a bed and breakfast/hostel. Margherita, her husband and family live at the Servi and manage it. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Palazzo Alberti on the Piazza Dotti. Check out the website. http://www.santamariadeiservi.it/english/english/convento.html
Please check the Meredith College website for more information on Sansepolcro and the Palazzo Alberti: http://www.meredith.edu/abroad/italy/default.htm Click on 2-Week Tuscan Intensives on the left in blue to see a description of the program, a PDF file of the brochure and another link to the Application.
Saturday, May 5
Depart for Italy
Sunday, May 6
Arrive in Rome, Florence or Milan. We recommend Rome. Travel to Sansepolcro. Orientation at the Palazzo Alberti in the evening. Go to bed early. Catch up on your sleep!
Monday, May 7
8:00-9:15am Buffet breakfast in dining room
9:30am Ciao! Class begins in the Servi. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there. Meet and greet.
Cooking lesson today: Primi Piatti First plates (usually pasta or soups), Tagiatelle (Thin egg noodles)
Lasagna, Gnocchi (Noodles made with flour, egg, and potatoes)
12:30pm Pranzo (lunch) in dining room
2:00pm We will explore Sansepolcro and visit the Museo Civico
Tuesday, May 8
8:00-9:15am Buffet breakfast in dining room
9:30am Five Pasta Sauces
Ragu’ with tomatoes and meat
Carbonara with egg, bacon and cream
Pesto with basil, olive oil, cheese
Amatriciana with tomato, pork, hot pepper plus other ingredients
Funghi mushrooms
12:30am Pranzo (lunch) in dining room
2:00pm We will visit the Ortobono, an azienda Agricola in Tubbiano or large farm with a store which sells produce.
Wednesday, May 9
9:30am Tuscan soups:
Zuppa di Porri Leek soup
Le Mistre Toscane A very typical regional vegetable soup
Minestra di Legumi Vegetable soup
Pappa al Pomodoro Bread and tomato soup
12:30pm Pranzo (lunch) in dining room
2:00pm This afternoon we will visit Il Faggeto which is a farm with olive trees in the hills of Anghiari. Il Faggeto sells a number of products, such as olive oils, breads and sweets http://www.ilfaggeto.com/
Thursday, May 10
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
9:30am Il Riso dall’Antipasto al Dolce Menus with Rice from the Antipasto to the Desserts
12:30pm Pranzo
2:00pm This afternoon we will visit Arezzo for wine tasting and caffé
Friday, May 11
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
9:30am I Dolci Tipici Toscano Traditional Tuscan Desserts
12:30pm Pranzo
2:00pm We will go by bus to Caprese Michelangelo where we will visit the internationally famous Chef’s School.
Saturday, May 12 Free Day for your own Day Trip
This is a free day to travel to nearby towns. You will be given information sheets before you leave for Italy on possible day trip destinations to help you decide and to assist you with transportation. You may wish to spend the night if you go to Siena or Florence. Sunday is also a free day. Remember, the last bus from Arezzo to Sansepolcro leaves at or before 8:30pm. If you miss it, you will be sleeping in the station!
Sunday, May 13 Free Day for your own Day Trip.
Monday, May 14
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
9:30am I Primi Piatti le Paste Ripiene First Courses that are filled with meat or sauces
Two examples of this type of course: Ravioli and Tortelli
12:30pm Pranzo
2:00pm This afternoon we will visit Azienda Montemercole which is an Agricultural Cooperative where they make and sell many food products.
Tuesday, May 15
8:00-9:15am Breakfast buffet
9:30am Umidi e Rosti di Carne e verdure Second Courses: Roasted Meats and Vegetable
12:30pm Pranzo
2:00pm Cooking Contest
Students will participate in a culinary contest working in pairs. Eat your culinary masterpieces for your farewell dinner tonight!
* In addition, Margherita will take you out to eat one night at a nearby restaurant. The day will be determined by how best it fits into the schedule
Wednesday, May 16 Arrivederci!!
Depart for home or extend your stay in Italy through the weekend. If you do not plan to extend your stay, you should arrange to spend the night in Rome or Florence tonight so you will be near the airport for your morning flight on May 17.
Thursday, May 17 Fly back to USA in the morning
Please check our website for more information on Sansepolcro and the Palazzo Alberti: http://www.meredith.edu/abroad/italy/default.htm Click on 2-Week Tuscan Intensives on the left in blue to see a description of the program, a PDF file of the brochure and another link to the Application.
Costs:
$1,275 + airfare & personal expenses
Includes accommodations for 13 nights, 6 breakfasts and lunches at the Palazzo Alberti, excursions to nearby towns, the course fee for 11 days of instruction and local cultural experiences. Airfare and train/bus fares to and from Sansepolcro are not included. A small fee will be charged for those classes requiring supplies or extra excursions.
We are able to make the Palazzo Alberti accommodations available very affordable because the rooms have 3 or 4 beds. Each bedroom has a bathroom although not always en suite. You will also be sharing the Palazzo with semester students.
Costs for those staying off campus:
$725 + airfare, accommodations & personal expenses
If couples wish to have a more private room for two, we refer you to these nearby hotels listed below. You will still have your lunch (pranzo) at the Palazzo. Breakfast comes with hotel accommodations.
Locanda del Giglio, www.ristorantefiorentino.it/
Da Ventura, www.albergodaventura.it/homeeng.html
Hotel Fiorentino, www.albergofiorentino.com/
Enoteca Guidi, www.locandaguidi.it/enoteca.php
All participants will receive a complete schedule for your Tuscan Intensive, a guide for flying into Rome, Florence or Milan, further transportation directions to Sansepolcro by train and bus and any other necessary forms. Meredith College reserves the right to make changes in the program itinerary, schedule, cost, academic program, etc., as needed.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Betty Webb, Director of International Programs (webbb@meredith.edu) or class instructors.
Where in the World is Meredith?
Germany … Singapore … New York … Italy … London … oh the places Meredith alumnae go!
Meredith alumnae travel far and wide. As you travel with your Meredith friends, we encourage you to take Meredith with you! Just let us know where you’re going and what size shirts you need. Once you return, send us a photo of your group wearing your Meredith T-shirts.
To see where we've been, click here.
We’ll post photos on the College web site, and maybe even in “Meredith Magazine!” Please take photos using the highest resolution setting on your camera.
To request your shirts please, please email or call us at (919) 760-8751.
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