TUSCANY WEEKEND TRIP

Date from: Thursday, January 12, 2012

Date to: Friday, February 10, 2012

JCU will take you to three of the most beautiful and characteristic cities of this region: Montepulciano, Siena and Pisa.

Montepulciano, a Renaissance town in Southern Tuscany, is an important agricultural center that is famous for its wine. An ancient Etruscan city, Montepulciano is situated on a hilltop providing an impressive panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. Recently the city hosted the shooting of the movie “New Moon” from the Twilight Saga!

Surrounded by olive groves and Chianti vineyards, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. Famed for the "Palio", the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.

Pisa is undoubtedly one of the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. Parted by the Arno River, Pisa is composed of four historical neighborhoods which used to fight each other in ancient times. Students have the chance to walk the streets of the city and discovered that, in addition to the famous one, there are also other leaning towers scattered around the city center such as the bell tower of St. Nicola and the bell tower of St. Michele degli Scalzi.

People are usually enchanted by the view of the Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of the Miracles) considered to be the heart of Pisa; in fact, the square, which is regarded as a metaphor for the path of life, encloses the Baptistery symbolizing birth, the Cathedral, symbol of life, and the Holy Field, or Cemetery, symbolizing death. The Leaning Tower, however, is what catches everyone’s attention. The Pisa day trip features a comprehensive guided tour by a professional tour guide, great food and, of course, photographs of students pretending to prevent the tower from falling!

Participation fee: € 150

What's included?

• Roundtrip private coach bus service

• 2 nights at a Hotel

• 2 Breakfasts

• 2 Dinners

• Private guided tours

• Insurance

• Helpful and knowledgeable Student Services Staff as Trip Leaders!