SPECIAL EVENTS

As of 28 October 2014

WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

Sightseeing Walking Tours & Group Luncheon (optional)

The morning sightseeing tour and luncheon are NOT INCLUDES in the conference delegate or guest registration fees. An additional supplement of $175 USD applies. Please see the registration information for further details. Advance reservations by 20th September are required due to availability. Prepayment is required. In case of cancellation after 20th September, refunds will be given only if another delegate is accommodated in your place on the tour. 

General Information:
Maximum group size - 15 per guide.
Comfortable shoes required.
The tours include walking on rough terrain throughout the entire itinerary. They may not be suitable for people with ambulatory problems. 
Casual attire and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes recommended
 

Choose from three tour options:

Highlights of Renaissance Florence
9:30

Visit the main square and Medici’s Palaces in Florence’s city center.

For centuries, these landmarks have been the center of the political, economic and religious life of the city. The squares of Florence have a thousand stories --both funny and tragic--to tell of the powerful. With the goal of making the public spaces around Florence more beautiful and alive, the Grand Dukes of Tuscany ordered the construction of palaces and churches--built and adorned by world-famous architects and masters of art.

ITINERARY
• Three-hour walking tour to Piazza (square) Santa Maria Novella
• Piazza San Lorenzo
• Piazza Duomo
• Piazza Signoria
• Piazza Pitti and its palaces

The Evolution of Florentine Architecture 
8:45

On this tour we follow the evolution of Florentine architecture -- from the medieval tower-house to the renaissance palace. The tour starts at the Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of the civic power of Florence and, for a time, home to the great Medici family; their former residence is now Florence’s City Hall. Walking through the cobbled streets,  you will proceed to Palazzo Davanzati. Originally home to a rich Florentine merchant family, this has now been restored to its original state. We will then visit the Palazzo Medici Riccard, which is representative of the transition from the medieval tower-house style to the Renaissance palace. Home of the wealthy Medici banking family, the interior of the palace displayed their wealth. Their private chapel, sumptuously decorated by Benozzo Gozzoli, is open to the public. 

ITINERARY
3 1⁄2 hour walking tour of the visiting the interiors of:
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Palazzo Davanzati
• Benozzo Gozzoli Chapel

Uffizi Gallery
9:30

A three-hour walking tour through the streets of Florence to the Uffizi Gallery. 

This is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world.  Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings comprises several universally-acclaimed masterpieces, and includes works by Giotto, Simone Martini, Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. 

The Uffizi Gallery occupies the top floor of a large building erected by Giorgio Varsari between 1560 and 1580 to house the administrative offices of the Florentine City State.  The Gallery was created by the Grand-Duke and was subsequently enriched by various members of the Medici Family, who were great collectors of paintings, sculpture and works of Art.

ITINERARY
Three- hour tour of the Uffizi Gallery and Vesari Corridor. You will walk from the Westin Excelsior to the Gallery and then to the luncheon afterwards.  This tour includes walking up stairs, on rough terrain throughout the entire itinerary.  It may not be suitable for people with ambulatory problems.

Group Luncheon (Included in sightseeing tour package)
12:30 – 2:00
Frescobaldi Ristorante & Wine Bar
Via dei Magazzini, 2-4/R, 50122 Florence

A place of culture, enjoyment and enjoyment and sophistication, where the main focus in wine with great food. All of the walking tours will end at dei Frescobaldi Ristorante & Wine Bar is located in the city’s historic heart in the Piazza Signoria. It offers a complete panorama of wines produced by the Frescobaldi family, all accompanied by the most classic Tuscan dishes. 

Welcome Reception
5:30 – 7:30
SE*STO on Arno Terrace, Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence
Sponsored by Fox Rothschild
(Included in the conference registration fee)

The rooftop of The Westin Excelsior is has gorgeous panoramic terrace that allow you to indulge in what is reputed to be the best view of Florence available. The glamour of Florence is your backdrop as you great old friends and meet new colleagues.
Cocktail or Business attire suggested

 

THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER

Awards Luncheon
12:30 – 1:45
Vespucci Room, Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee.)

IMGL President Joerg Hofmann will be honoring the 2014 Regulator of the Year and an IMGL Member with the President’s Award. 

Gala Dinner
7:00 – 10:00
Palazzo Borghese
​Via Ghibellina, 110, 50122 Florence
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee. An additional supplement applies for Guests.)

Sponsored by 

The Gala Dinner will be in a Florence Palazzo in the countryside. More details will be provided soon. Motor coach transportation provided. 
Formal or Business attire and comfortable shoes suggested.

 

FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER

Luncheon
12:30 – 1:30
Vespucci Room, Westin Excelsior
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee.)     

Winery Tour in Tuscany, Tasting & Closing Reception         
4.00 – 8.30
Villa Le Corti
​Via San Piero di Sotto, 1-5, 50026 San Casciano In Val di Pesa FI, Italy
motor coach transportation provided
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee. An additional supplement applies for Guests.)

Take a ride into the country side for the Closing Reception. You will guided on a private tour of a local winery and then enjoy homemade regional food by the locals. More details to follow. Motor coach transportation provided.
Casual or Business attire suggested

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER

Shopping Addiction (Optional)
9.00 – 2.00
The Mall
​Via Europa 8 50066 Leccio Reggello (FI)
Optional – supplement applies
Meet in Hotel Lobby, Westin Excelsior. Motor coach transportation provided 

The Mall & Prada Outlets
Those who love to dress well and like Italian style will enjoy a visit to The Mall & Prada Outlets. At The Mall you can buy unique, high quality clothing and accessories from the most important brands in the world at very good prices. The Mall overlooks the beautiful Valdarno countryside.

Here it is possible to find all the most important designer shops including Valentino, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Giogio Armani. The shops are close to each other, so you can all of them, time permitting. Gucci, Fendi and Emanuele Ungaro show their jewels in wide and refined spaces.