Traditionally, our first dinner together at Al Mangia Ristorante in Siena's town square "Il Campo"

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Siena & Venice
Summer 2025

=>Siena & Venice: 15 Days / 14 Nights
=>Siena/Venice: ​May 28 - June 11
Siena/Venice total $6,445 per person double occupancy
See price breakdown per city, Siena room upgrade option, and trip excursions below

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SIENA Dates
Siena Dates: May 28 - June 8
Siena: 12 days, 11 nights

A downpayment is not necessary.
Full payment is due November 10, 2024
Full refund for cancelations in email message before January 1, 2025
​Prices are per person, double occupancy, garden view standard rooms

SIENA COST
$3,750 Standard Garden View Room per person, double occupancy
$4,400 Upgrade Superior Garden View Room per person (limited)
(airfare not included)

TRIP INCLUDES

• 12 Days / 11 nights at Siena’s Palazzo Ravizza  (standard, garden view room)
• All rooms are on the desired "Garden" side of the hotel with views of Tuscany.​
• Private transportation from Florence Airport to Siena’s Palazzo Ravizza (Taxi alliance €200 per couple).
• Private Prosecco Welcome Reception in the Palazzo Ravizza garden.
• Two meals per day most days. Hotel breakfasts daily plus lunch or dinner with wine, water, gratuity, etc.
• Evening meals are usually Tuscan banquet style; lunches are Ala cart
• Brief lay-of-the-land walking tour of Siena with Miles.
• Admission to Siena's top museums and historical buildings, including Duomo, Crypt, Baptistery, Dumo Museum, Palazzo Pubblico, Museo Civic, Santa Maria della Scala museum
• Private bus round-trip transportation for excursions (departs from Porta San Marco down the hill from the hotel).
• BROLIO EXCURSION: Castello di Brolio for ”Private Privilege Tour Wine Tasting) hosted at the Grand Hall of the Castle,” followed by lunch at Brolio’s Osteria Restaurant in the forest near the vineyard.
• MONTALCINO EXCURSION: A trip to the Tuscan hill town of Montalcino, home of Brunello wine. A private wine tasting at the historic Montalcino Fort will include a light lunch. Plus, there will be time to explore the delightful village both before and afterward leisurely. Then on to Bagno Vignoni hot springs of the Tuscans in Roman times.
• Tour and dinner with Dario Castagno at his Bruco Contrada (one of seventeen Siena neighborhoods
• Private mini-concert with Prosecco in the Ravizza with Italian soprano Antonella and keyboardist Aldo.
• Train from Siena to Florence.
• Some room upgrades from Standard to Superior are available.

Great way to start the day: Breakfast in the Ravizza Garden

Great way to end the day: Drinks in the Ravizza Garden

The Hotel Palazzo Ravizza is the Ravizza family palace in Siena. 
It opened as a hotel in the 1920s. It is still owned and run by the family.
​It served as the Allied headquarters during WWII.
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NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BUCKET LIST TOUR

• It caters to those who have a travel preference of arriving in Tuscany and staying there unmoved for 12 days. No packing/unpacking then re-packing/re-unpacking again for 2 days here and 1 night there and so on. Or spending half our precious time in Italy in transit lugging our luggage between towns.

• It is a chance to be immersed in Tuscan culture, food, wine, and people and live like a Sienese. Rest, relax, chill, eat local cuisine, and drink the world’s best red wine. ​

• Want to go to Florence or Pisa or San Gimingano, or Pienza, or the Italian Riviera for the day? All these places are in Tuscany and they are all nearby. Get a small group together and take the bus or train or better yet rent a car for a day or two. (Avis and Hertz are both in siena.)

• Want to arrive a few days early and do Florence? I can help with that.​
• Most travelers have always added the Venice trip.  Whether it’s your first or tenth time, Venice at the 5-Star Metropole is always a great way to end a trip to Italy.​
• Each summer, more than one-half of our travelers are returning with me for their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time.

        --MILES

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BROLIO EXCURSION:
Castello di Brolio Winetasting 

Excursion to Castello di Brolio for their “Privilege Tour” wine tasting at the Castle’s Grand Hall. Includes VIP tour of many of the castle's public rooms. Brolio is  Italy’s oldest winery, the innovator of the Chianti wine, and the fourth oldest family business in Europe. Castello di Brolio was errectd in the 11 century and has been the home of Brolio's Ricasoli family for over 800 years.  Because the family still resides at the historic castle, the family allows only limited Castle wine tastings. (Photos in ALL the slideshows below are mostly MFish's photos from our 2023  and 2022 trips.) Transportation: private bus

ALL photo slides: Hit PLAY upper left for 3 seconds each or hit SCROLL upper right

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​BROLIO EXCURSION:
​Osteria Castello di Brolio 

 After winetasting at the Castle, we have lunch at Brolio’s Osteria Restaurant in the forest near the vineyard. It's a four-course Tuscan lunch with (more) wine. Osteria di Brolio offeres us contemporary Italian cuisine at it best.  Always a foodie highlight of the summer. After lunch, we meet at the Brolio wineshop for those who want to send a little something home. 

ALL photo slides: Hit PLAY upper left for 3 seconds each or hit SCROLL upper right

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​MONTALCINO / BAGNO VIGNONI EXCURSION:
​Montalcino--Brunello Wine Tasting at the Fort

A trip through beautiful Tuscany to the hill town of  Montalcino, home of Brunello wine. A private All-Brunello wine tasting at the historic Montalcino Fortezza will include a light lunch. The Fort was established in 1555 to defent Siena against Florentine troops. The enoteca la Fortezza was founded in 1980. There will be time to explore the delightful village before and after. One of the best places to ship wine adn olive oil (some of the best in the world) back to the USA. Afterwards we'll visit Bagno Vignoni.   Transportation: private bus

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ALL photo slides: Hit PLAY upper left for 3 seconds each or hit SCROLL upper right

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​MONTALCINO / BAGNO VIGNONI EXCURSION:

Bagno Vignoni is unique as nowhere else in Italy will you find a central square with a large pool filled with hot springs water.  The Renaissance-era piazza is built directly over the original source of hot springs as enjoyed by the Roman royalty and popes. A short walk from the piazza will take you to the hot springs of the Estruscans. You can bath your feet in the ancient trenches.

ALL photo slides: Hit PLAY upper left for 3 seconds each or hit SCROLL upper right

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SIENA

Siena has been called the best-preserved medieval town in the world which makes it a great place for walking and exploring.  Our hotel and the sites and resturants we will visit are all within Siena's old town walls. We will include a brief lay-of-the-land walking tour of Siena with Miles.  PLUS Admission to Siena museums and historical buildings, including Duomo, Crypt, Baptistery, Dumo Museum, Palazzo Pubblico, Museo Civic, Santa Maria della Scala museum. The weekly open-air market is not to be missed.  The University of Siena was founded here in 1472 making it one of the world's oldest. Many of the buildings here are from the 13 and 14 centuries. Siena is internationally famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums, and it's medieval town square Piazza del Campo. We'll see and tast the best of Siena and find out why visitors keep returning year after year. 

ALL photo slides: Hit PLAY upper left for 3 seconds each or hit SCROLL upper right

 Comparison Shopping for Tuscany 11 Days $3,750

• Below are a few Tuscany trips listed online for Summer 2025
• None of them are exactly like our trip, so it's not really an apples-to-apple compairson but the sites below will give you an idea of the value of our Tuscany/Venice trip.
• Prices are per person, double occupancy, airfare not included.

Tuscany 3 nights/ 4 days - $3,809
https://www.tourradar.com/t/200199

Tuscany 5 nights / 6 days - $9,768 
https://www.tourradar.com/t/160201

Tuscany 6 nights/ 7 days - $4,775
https://www.tourradar.com/t/251015

Tuscany 10 days / 9 nights $5,525
https://www.zicasso.com/i/italy/10-day-umbria-tuscany-exploration-tour

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​VENICE
The World's First Destination City

Venice Dates: June 8-11
4 Days / 3 Nights
Most travelers combine Siena and Venice
​
Venice Cost
Three Nights / Four Days at Venice's 5-Star Hotel Metropole
$2,695. Per person Double Occupancy 
=>Cost includes  an upgrade to Metropole's Jr. Suite, Deluxe, and Grand Deluxe rooms
​Airfare not included

• Business/First Class speed train from Florence SMN Train Station to Venice Santa Lucia XVQ train station. (Local train from Siena to Florence.)
• Private water taxi from Venice Train Station to Hotel Metropole.
• Private water taxi from Hotel Metropole to Marco Polo Airport at the end of stay.
• Brief Lay-of-the-land walking tour of the St. Mark's historic area.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 nights at one of Venice's premiere 5-Star Metropole Hotels.
• ​Price includes upgrade to Metropole Jr. Suite or Grand Deluxe rooms
• Full American Breakfast daily (it's one of the best in Venice).
• The Metropole is one of Venice's premier hotels on the lagoon near St. Mark's

       Square short walk to St. Mark's Square ("The World's Living Room"), historic sites, and               restaurants.

• Vapertto (water bus) pass for two days of unlimited "on-and-off" use.
• Dinner at Ristorante Grand Canal, one of Venice's finest on-the-water restaurants.
• Self-guided "Doge's Palace" tour (entrance included).
• Tickets valid for the Doge’s Palace and the combined itinerary of Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
• NEW this summer: VIP entrance to St. Mark's Duomo (normally about an hour wait)
• Excursions to the Venice Isle of "Murano" for glass and lunch (private water taxi).
• Self-guided tour
• Saint Mark's Square for drinks.
• Group lunch w/wine at one of our favorite Venetian restaurants.
• Bellini at Harry's Bar.
• ​I'll lead a group across the canal to Peggy Guggenheim's for those who would like to view her amazing and historic collection of modern art.
• Hotel Note: The Metropole is located where Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi taught for more than 30 years, and next door is the church where his students performed. If you are a Vivaldi fan and would like me to arrange a Private Vivaldi walking tour with Micky White, one of the world's foremost Vivaldi historians, let me know, and I'll inquire about availability and cost.
• TRANSPORTATION NOTES for departing Venice: A private boat for 2 (or more) from the Hotel Metropole to Marco Polo Airport is included at the departure time you request (the Metropole front desk and I will help with time departure).​
• The single-stay price for Venice is not available

ALL photo slides: Hit PLAY upper left for 3 seconds each or hit SCROLL upper right

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Summer 2025 in Siena
Restaurants Lunch/Dinner


Al Mangia Ristorante (dinner)
http://www.almangia.it/en/home-2/


Vivace Ristorante (dinner)
https://www.facebook.com/vivacesiena/


Osteria di Brolio (lunch after wine testing at the castle)
https://www.ricasoli.com/en/restaurant/

I Barberi (lunch)
https://www.trattoriaibarberi.it/

Ristorante Numero Unico (lunch)
https://www.facebook.com/RistoranteNumeroUnico/

La Taverna di San Giuseppe (dinner)
https://www.tavernasangiuseppe.it/

Mugolone (lunch)
https://www.ristorantemugolone.it/en/

Enoteca la Fortezza in Montalcino (Brunello tasting and lunch)
https://www.enotecalafortezza.com/GB/Home

Compagnia dei Vinattieri (lunch)
http://www.vinattieri.net/

Osteria da Cice
http://www.osteriadacice.it

Spadaforte (pizza dinner)
https://www.spadaforte.eu/

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IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that international itineraries are subject to change, slight or significant, at any time due to circumstances beyond our control; this includes any fees, dates, itinerary, and program activities. If an excursion or dinner is canceled, one of equal value will substitute.

We will do our best to inform everyone promptly of any changes.
Travelers can not be reimbursed for missed meals, excursions, hotels, or transportation.

I advise all travelers to wait to make air reservations for this trip until after January 10, 2025. Details can be confirmed after that date, and we will email the group.

Prices do not include travel insurance, medical insurance, cancellation insurance, or city tax (usually about $3 per day per person paid to the hotel at the end of a stay).

Full refunds are made when a cancellation is made with an email sent before midnight on December 31, 2024 (milesfish@mac.com). After December 31, 2024, refunds are not possible. Of course, a cancellation may be filled by a "waiting list" traveler; in that case, payment reimbursements/arrangements/negotiations would be between the two travelers and would not involve NWACC Foundation or Miles Fish Travels LLC.

We usually "tip" our bus driver by passing the hat after an excursion. This gesture is voluntary and not included. Most guest tip one or two euro or more per person. We also leave a group tip for hotel housecleaning and bar staff and again, this is voluntary.

International itineraries are subject out change, slight or major, at any time due to circumstances beyond our control; this includes any and all fees, dates, itinerary, meals, and program activities.  If an excursion or dinner is canceled, one of equal value will substitute.  We will do our best to inform everynein a timely manner of any changes.  Travelers can not be reimbursed for missed meals, excursions, hotels, transportation.

Make Checks to:
Miles Fish
Add “Summer 2025 Trip" to the memo line

Mail Checks to:
Miles Fish
3002 Loring Street
Bentonville, AR. 72712

When you submit your payment, you acknowledge that you have read the information provided on this website regarding cancelation, reimbursement, and the services the trip offers and does not offer.

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PURCHASING AIRLINE TICKETS

​I advise travelers to wait until AFTER January 10, 2025, to purchase their airline tickets.
Details and dates will be confirmed as final after that date. I'll email the group.

However, early booking might be best if “air miles” are used.
Check with your airlines to understand their refund/change date policy.

The old standard of booking international airline tickets three months in advance still holds. When purchasing our tickets to Italy, we start looking in January and usually book by the first week in February. When booking airline tickets with air miles, we book much earlier.

REMEMBER:
If you are signed up for Tuscany AND Venice you will
ARRIVE Florence Airport (FLR) and
DEPART Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

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TUSCANY & VENICE Summer 2025 is escorted by NWACC's Miles Dayton Fish ad Miles Fish Travels LLC. Miles has been a Professor of Music at Northwest Arkansas Community College for more than 26 years. He has been a summer resident of Siena, Italy since 2001. Miles is the founding faculty director of NWACC in ITALY, Northwest Arkansas Community College's study abroad summer campus in Siena. He was named an NPR "Music Scholar" and winner of several NWACC faculty research grants for Mozart, Beethoven, and a sabatical for Vivaldi.

Photos on this website by M.Fish

CLICK HERE
for Miles Fish Profile also available at MilesFish.com

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Cost and Payment Info
Summer 2025

​Siena & Venice
15 Days / 14 Nights

$6,445.00
Siena Standard Garden Room + Venice Jr. Suite/Deluxe/Grand Deluxe
Italian breakfast each morning, plus...
daily meals, wine tastings, entry fees, ground transportation, and excursions listed below
per person double occupancy

$7,095.00
Siena Superior Garden Room (limited) + Venice Jr. Suite/Deluxe/Grand Deluxe
per person double occupancy

Siena only: $3,750 per person double occupancy Standard Garden room
Venice only: $2,695 per person double occupancy upgraded room

Single supplement is possible: est. $1,500.00 

​Airfare not included

Make Checks to:
Miles Fish
Add “Summer 2025 Trip" to the memo line

Mail Checks to:
Miles Fish
3002 Loring Street
Bentonville, AR. 72712

ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY STATEMENT
I acknowledge that Miles D. Fish, MilesFishTravels LLC, the organizer of the activities and events in which I may participate, will use this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form to govern my actions and responsibilities at said activity or event.

In consideration of my registration and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:

I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any liability, including but not limited to liability arising from the negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this event, THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: MilesFishTravels, LLC, Miles Fish and Byretta Fish.

I certify that I am sufficiently prepared for participation in the activity or event and have not been advised not to participate by a qualified medical professional. I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems that preclude my participation in this activity or event.

I INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise.

I acknowledge that international travel may involve a test of a person's physical and mental limits and may carry with it the potential for death, serious injury, and property loss. The risks may include but are not limited to, those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of participants, equipment, vehicular traffic, and actions of other people, including, but not limited to, participants, volunteers, spectators, coaches, event officials, and event monitors, and producers of the event, and lack of hydration.

I CERTIFY BY MY OWN FREEWILL THAT I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT, AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

I hereby consent to receive medical treatment that may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, or illness during this activity or event.

By the act of submitting payment, I acknowledge and agree to this ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM.

Miles Fish, MilesFishTravels, LLC

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