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La dolce Vita!

You can tool along the autostrada from Nice, France to Florence, Italy in about 4 hours, but why rush?

"Soup 2 Nuts" production of " Nice to Florience...with a Detour" opts for a more leisurely pace, with plenty of time to soak up the ambiance of charming villages and stunning countryside along the way.

Their trip begins in Nice, France with a visit to its vibrant Sunday market and a stroll along the Promenade de Anglais. Then they are off to the 9th century village of Eze, perched high above the Cote d'Azur/ Its cobble-stone byways and shops chiseled into the mountain are a delight to explore.  Monaco, with its famed casino and yacht harbor is next, it its here that they leave the riveria and begin a detour north to the Italian Alps. Along the way, they will tour the majestic Basilica of Superga with its commanding view of Turin.  Aosta, surrounded by snowy peaks, makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. They will then meander up the Val d'Ayas, reputed to be the most beautiful valley in the Italian Alps and check out the hamlet of Brusson, the last stop before the famed St. Bernard Pass into Switzerland.

Seeking warmth, they head for the striking beauty of the Italian Riviera and the town of Rapallo, a bustling seaside hub and embarkation point for Portofino, haunt of the glitterati, visiting the town and the famed Hotel Splendido. They then head to the Cinque Terra, stopping along the way to savor quaint Ligurian Sea fishing villages, just famed for their scenic splendor, giant lemons and pesto sauce.

Then it is off to Pisa's "Torre Pendente", then its on to San Gimignano, Italy's quintessential hill town and Siena, a medival city where they will climb the bell towner for a view of its famed piazza and the Tuscan countryside.

Florence, home to Michelangelo and Medicis, is only 30 miles away via the Chianti Trail, a 14th century wine route that wanders through vineyards. Beautiful, exicting Firenze. the Uffizzi art gallery, Boboli Gardens, a turn through the Mercato Centrale - Europe's largest indoor food market - and a shopping spree in a city that delights in luxury goods.

" Nice 2 Florence..with a Detour" also acquaints you with Italy's famed monestary system, where lodgings are open to visitors of all faiths and every room has a view. Join them, we think you'll find it " benissimo!"