Discover Michelangelo's World Central Italy: Tuscany: Viareggio Excursions Main | Cooking Programs | Gourmet Dining & Wine Tasting | Girlfriends' Getaways | Special Interest Carrara's white marble is unrivalled for its texture and purity, and was chosen by Michelangelo for many of his masterpieces. He lived three years in the area, traveling to the quarries to personally select the perfect blocks. Enjoy three nights at the Hotel Plaza E De Russie in the seaside town of Viareggio, and from there trace the footsteps of Michelangelo, visiting the Fantiscritti white marble quarry to see blocks being cut from the mountain, the quarry museum to learn the history and production of the stone, a studio to see sculptors at work, and the Renaissance churches and fountains of the ancient town of Colonnata. A walking tour of the nearby artist colony of Pietrasanta includes its historical center, its marble and mosaic workshops and its numerous galleries selling paintings and sculpture of exceptional quality. Fine gourmet dining at the hotel's outstanding La Terrazza restaurant, with accompanying wines selected by the hotel's sommelier, complete the package. Day 1: Arrival at the hotel. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with Prosecco di Valdobbiadene and Chef canapés. In the evening, a romantic candlelight four course dinner with wine will be served in the hotel's La Terrazza roof garden restaurant with a view of the sea. Day 2: Buffet breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free to explore the shops of Viareggio or relax by the sea. In the afternoon you will be picked up at the hotel for a tour of the marble quarries, museum, and the town of Colonnata. Evening is on your own. Day 3: Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will meet you at the hotel and direct you to Pietrasanta for a private tour of the artist workshops (both marble and bronze are worked here), various art galleries and the charming town itself. Don't miss the small church with murals painted by the artist Botero as a gift to the town. The afternoon is at leisure, followed by a farewell dinner with wine in La Terrazza restaurant. Day 4: Buffet breakfast and departure. Package Includes: Rate: Three nights accommodation Welcome cocktail and canapés Bottle of sparkling wine and fruit in the room Buffet breakfast daily, either in the restaurant or served in your room at no additional charge Newspaper each day Two four course dinners with wine Visit to the Fantiscritti marble quarry and Colonnata, as outlined above Entry tickets to the quarry museum Private guided tour of Pietrasanta Gift from the manager Tax and service NOTE: Clients must use their own transportation for the visit to Pietrasanta. € 510 per person, Superior room € 582 per person, Deluxe room € 640 per person, Junior Suite € 594 single occupancy, Superior room Valid: April 1 - July 25; August 30 - October 15, 2008 Minimum two persons required.