TF EU 062011

Ancona

Urbino

>1 hour bus ride from Urbino to Ancona

ANC01 - URBINO 4.5 hours - 2011 Long Bus Trip Walking on rough terrain:comfortable walking shoes advised Level of difficulty: moderate Limited Availability

Budding painters, photographers and dreamers all will enjoy the art and aesthetics of Urbino and delight in the quaint streets and squares of this lovely walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Urbino you will meet your guide that will take you round the historic old town, one of the best preserved medieval centres in Italy. Urbino is located on a sloping hillside and you will admire its picturesque medieval aspects while strolling around its streets and squares. Admire the Palazzo Ducale begun in the second half of the XV century and now housing the National Gallery of Marche, one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings.

Price per person Starting from: $74.00(Adults) $52.00(Children)

• Ducal Palace - Urbino's huge Ducal Palace, Palazzo Ducale, is one of the most impressive (and also the first) in Italy. The Ducal Palace was built in the second half of the fifteenth century. Top sites are the impressive Courtyard of Honor, the Duke's study with stunning trompe l'oeil inlaid woodwork panels, and the vast network of kitchens, laundry rooms, cellars, and stables. It's easy to spend several hours wandering through the palace and two musuems, the National Gallery and the Archaeological Museum.
• Marche National Gallery - Inside the Ducal Palace, the National Art Gallery of the Marche, Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, has one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world.
• Duomo - The Duomo or cathedral was constructed on top of a sixth century religous building. Completed in 1604, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1789 and then rebuilt. The duomo now has a neo-classical appearance and houses several important art works, including a painting of the Last Supper by Federico Barocci. The Museo Diocesano has a collection of glass, ceramics, and religious items.
• Piazza Rinascmento, Piazza della Republica, and Piazza Duca Federico - The center of Urbino is formed by these two squares. Here you'll find cafes, shops, and lots of people.
• Raphael's House - The Renaissance painter Raphael was born in Urbino (in 1483) and his family's house is now a museum.
• Oratorio di San Giuseppe - This medieval church on Via Barocci is known for its presepio, or nativity scene. Nearby is the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista with beautfiul 15th century frescoes.
• Albornz Fortress - The small fortress at the top of Urbino is a great place for views of the town and surrounding hills. It was built in the fourteenth century and was the defensive point for the walls, built in the sixteenth century. It's now a library and public park.
• Botanical Garden - The small orto botanico is nicely laid out with labeled plants, ponds, and pathways. Entrance is free.

Argostoli

DROGARATI CAVES & MYRTOS BEACH - 4.5 hours - 2011

A 45-minutes bus drive will takle you to one of the most stunning cave complexes in the world discovered following an earthquake 300 years ago. Admire the numerous stalactites and stalagmites created more than 100 million years ago. A peculiar walk through the accessible part of the cave will lead you to the wondrous spectacle Big Chamber, known as Apotheosis Chamber due to its excellent acoustics. We will continue with a 45-minutes transfer to the pristine Myrtos beach, a wide, graceful arc of shimmering sand and pebbles protected by staggeringly steep cliffs. Free time to spend there to enjoy the sea.

Note : the tour includes lwalking on uneven ground ; due to the strong currents at Myrtos beach it is advisable to remain close to the shore while swimming. Limited seats. Beach chair and sun umbrella are not included ; you have the possibility to rent them on the spot. This tour is run from June through all September

Price per person Starting from: $76.00(Adults) $53.00(Children)