Chamber sponsoring trip to Tuscany in 2019

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

The Alice Chamber of Commerce is putting together a nine-day trip to Tuscany in October 2019 through Collette Travel.
“We are partnering with the Chamber of Beeville and Cuero to present this trip to not only our members but our communities as well,” Chamber Executive Director Juan Navejar said. “This is something new for our Chamber and wanted to try something new. We know this is working for other Chambers throughout the state who have been using Collette Travel for years.”
The nine-day trip begins with an overnight flight out of Corpus Christi before connecting a flight in Houston before departing to Tuscany. Enjoy rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food and stunning architecture. 
First stop in Italy will be Montecatini Terme with tours of the famous spa resort town in the heart of Tuscany with a welcome dinner with regional foods and Italian wines.
Florence kicks off day three where cultural tour in the “Cradel of the Italian Renaissance” showcases the beautiful city. A guided tour highlights many of the city’s priceless treasures including a visit to the Academy Gallery – the housing of the Michelangelo’s monumental statue of David. At the Piazza del Duomo, the center of religious life in medieval Florence, see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery dedicated to St. John.
Set out on a guided tour to Lucca – Borgo a Mozzano Gothic Line with Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, medieval streets flanked by towers to the Basilica di San Frediano. Then it’s off to Borgo a Mozzano to the remarkable Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) and the Gothic Line.
Day five is off to the historic sites in the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa including the Piazza dei Miracoli or Fields of Miracles not to mention the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The evening is a travel to the countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Partake in a cooking class featuring a bounty of local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Siena begins day six with the discovery of this charming town. Embark on a walking tour through narrow Gothic streets, stunning palaces, missions and the historic Piazza del Campo.
Day seven finds you in Montecatini Terme with relaxing and experiencing the local flavors. Take the time to shop at the local boutiques and dine in one of the many fine local restaurants or an optional excursion to Cinque Terre with its rugged coastline vineyards and fishing villages.  
Your last day will visit the Cheese Farms in San Gimignano, one of the most picturesque places in Tuscany. Explore the vineyards with breathtaking views on your way to the cheese farms.
A formal presentation will be made in March 2019 at the Alice Chamber of Commerce. Cost for the trip is $3,229 plus a $315 land and air insurance. Trip begins on October 24, 2019 and returns on November 1, 2019.