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Duomo, Florence
Bargello Museum
Michelangelo’s Pietà
Statue of David
St. Peter's Basilica
Starting at $6,750 per person
Journey to Italy with the guidance of art historian, filmmaker, and Great Courses expert Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts to explore the lives, works and legacies of two of the world’s most famous artists: Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci. Trace their work in Florence and Rome and visit their masterpieces in their social, political, and religious contexts under their famous (and sometimes notorious) patrons. See Michelangelo’s Bacchus, his David, his Medici Chapels and his frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, Leonardo’s Annunciation, Adoration of the Magi, and St. Jerome, as well as the works of artists who inspired these two creative giants. Through carefully curated visits and insight from Dr. Isbouts, you will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the lives and timeless works of these Renaissance rivals through their exemplary creations.
with Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Exploring Italy's Renaissance: Da Vinci and Michelangelo
DEPARTURE DATE AND PRICING
October 18-24, 2026
Experience the grandeur of the Vatican Museum in Rome with a guided tour.
Admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling, a testament to his artistic genius, and delve into Leonardo da Vinci’s evocative St. Jerome, a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind of the Renaissance master.
Discover the life and legacy of Michelangelo through his masterpieces. Stand in awe of the David at the Accademia, marvel at the Pietà’s emotion and detail in the Duomo Museum, and explore the innovative architectural genius of the the Medici Chapel, where art and design converge.
Explore the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most renowned art museums, housing iconic works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Uncover the stories behind these masterpieces and also witness two rare Last Supper frescoes in Florence—Ghirlandaio’s and Castagno’s—that profoundly influenced Leonardo’s groundbreaking mural in Milan.
Highlights
Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Jean-Pierre Isbouts is a historian, biblical scholar, author, and filmmaker. He is faculty emeritus at Fielding Graduate University, where he served for 15 years as a member of the doctoral faculty. Professor Isbouts has led tours for several decades to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, and delivered public talks all over the world. A best-selling author, together with Christopher Heath Brown, he is co-author of three books on Leonardo da Vinci: The da Vinci Legacy, The Mona Lisa Myth and Young Leonardo. Professor Isbouts has been on numerous radio and TV shows and hosted the TV series In Search of Masterpieces. Born in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, he earned his DLitt at Leiden University. His Great Courses include The History and Archaeology of the Bible (produced in partnership with National Geographic), In the Footsteps of van Gogh, Searching for the Historical Jesus, and Searching for People and Places of the Bible.
Journey Expert
Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, and settle into your accommodations. This afternoon, explore Florence’s historical center on an orientation walking tour, including the gilded Baptistery doors, the intricate sculptures of the Orsanmichele, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops. Later, indulge in a traditional Florentine meal with your fellow travelers.
Included Meal: Dinner, Reception
Accommodations: Hotel Executive, Florence
Laurentian Library
Begin the morning with a lecture from Professor Isbouts on the Florentine Renaissance and Michelangelo’s influence on sculpture and architecture. After, discover Brunelleschi’s groundbreaking Renaissance design with a visit to the San Lorenzo Church, featuring classical symmetry and balance. Continue to the Medici Chapel and admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking sculptures, including the allegories of Night and Day. Examine Michelangelo’s innovative architectural designs, blending functionality with artistic expression, with a tour of the Laurentian Library, a Mannerist masterpiece (on request, due to limited availability). Enjoy time to sample local cafés and trattorias at your own pace. After lunch on your own, visit the cathedral with the dome designed by Brunelleschi, followed by a visit to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo to see Michelangelo’s Pietà. Conclude your day with a meal showcasing seasonal Tuscan flavors at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Executive, Florence
Castagno’s Last Supper frescoes
The day begins with a brief lecture from Professor Isbouts about Leonardo da Vinci’s visionary techniques as exemplified in the Last Supper. Then, visit the Convent of Ognissanti and the Sant’Apollonia to view Ghirlandaio and Castagno’s Last Supper frescoes, precursors to Leonardo’s revolutionary interpretation. Continue to the Accademia to admire Michelangelo’s grand statue of David, along with his other signature works, including his unfinished Prisoners and Palestrina’s Pietà, showcasing raw artistic genius. Relish local specialties like ribolita or pappa al pomodoro during a group lunch at a local café. After lunch, gain appreciation of the contrasting styles and philosophies of Leonardo and Michelangelo during an afternoon visit to the renowned Uffizi Gallery, including the recently renovated Vasari Corridor. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore Florence’s vibrant streets on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Executive, Florence
Brunelleschi’s Pazzi Chapel
Gain insight into the political and cultural dynamics that shaped Michelangelo and Leonardo’s artistry with a morning lecture from Professor Isbouts. Afterward, head as a group to the Bargello Museum to discover the sculptors and sculptures that inspired the work of both artists. Continue to Brunelleschi’s Pazzi Chapel, an architectural gem at the Santa Croce. Enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the charming restaurants overlooking the historic Piazza Santa Croce Church. Then, set out on a guided walking tour of Florence, including a visit to the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio, where Michelangelo and Leonardo’s works, no longer extant, once reflected their ideological rivalry. Relax with tea and pastries while soaking in the elegant ambiance of the Piazza della Repubblica, a Florentine landmark.
Included Meals: Breakfast, High Tea
Accommodations: Hotel Executive, Florence
Capitoline Museum on the Campidoglio
Depart Florence for Rome this morning, traveling approximately three hours south through the picturesque Italian countryside. On arrival, savor Roman culinary delights like cacio e pepe or supplí in a traditional eatery during lunch as a group. Then, explore the Capitoline Museum on the Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, featuring ancient Roman sculptures. Discover Rome’s vibrant nightlife or relax at your hotel on your own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Doria Palace Boutique Hotel, Rome
Creation of Man, Sistine Chapel
Prepare for a visit to the Vatican with a lecture from Professor Isbouts about its vast art collection. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and Pinacoteca and uncover the stories behind these iconic works. Following lunch on your own, those who choose can visit Michelangelo’s masterpiece, St. Peter’s Basilica, with its breathtaking dome. Toast your journey with a final celebratory meal at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Doria Palace Boutique Hotel, Rome
Myndos Gate
Begin your day by exploring Bodrum (the ancient city of Halicarnassus), home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the ruins of the mausoleum, then continue to Bodrum Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views and a fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Walk along the Hellenistic city walls and see the Myndos Gate, where Alexander the Great once battled to breach the city's defenses. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore Bodrum or relax at your hotel’s pool with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner as you toast the ancient treasures of Turkey.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hilton York
Depart your hotel and transfer as a group to Bodrum Airport for individual flights home or onward.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Doria Palace Boutique Hotel Rome
Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Doria Palace Boutique Hotel offers an intimate retreat a few steps from the historic Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and a short walk from the train station.
The recently renovated property boasts modern, stylishly decorated and well-appointed rooms. Breakfast is served on a charming rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Rome's skyline. The Doria Palace seamlessly blends contemporary design with classic Roman architecture, creating a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere.
Nestled near the Arno River, The Hotel Executive blends historic charm with modern luxury. Located in the historic center of Florence, the Executive’s prime location offers easy access to Florence’s main attractions, including the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio, the Santa Maria Novella, and Pitti Palace. The restored 18th-century palace features a refined interior, spacious rooms with plush bedding, and marble bathrooms. This boutique hotel boasts sophisticated decor, spacious rooms with plush bedding and Florentine charm, and a peaceful courtyard garden.
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