Presented by DATCU Travel Club

Day 1: Monday, June 28, 2010
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, "The Eternal City."

Day 2: Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Rome - Vatican City - Papal Audience
This morning, visit Vatican City to attend the weekly papal audience* and receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Benedict XVI. Later, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. Known as the grandest of the world’s churches, St. Peter’s is unsurpassed in beauty. In the Vatican Museum* you will view such historical treasures as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s restored mural of the Last Judgment.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Thursday, July 01, 2010
Rome
This morning enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain. This afternoon, explore Rome on your own - perhaps visit the legendary Spanish Steps or shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 5: Friday, July 02, 2010
Rome - Assisi - Perugia
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Today you are off to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, travel to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Saturday, July 03, 2010
Perugia - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. Upon arrival in Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Sunday, July 04, 2010
Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Monday, July 05, 2010
Florence - Padua - Venice
Today you journey through central Italy to the medieval city of Padua to view the impressive six-domed Saints Basilica, dedicated to St. Anthony. Then it is on to the canal-laden city of Venice. This enchanting city was built on 117 tiny islands and is characterized by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Venice - Murano Island - Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 10: Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Venice - Trento - Oberammergau, Germany
Today you make the scenic journey to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. En route, travel through the majestic Dolomites with a special stop made in the Alpine town of Trento. During your visit, stroll the quaint streets and admire the artistic heritage of this Renaissance-inspired center.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 11: Thursday, July 08, 2010
Oberammergau - Passion Play
The morning is at leisure for you to explore this lovely village. This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break in the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 12: Friday, July 09, 2010
Oberammergau - Tour Ends

Today Breakfast is included.

June 28 - July 9, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 4
	Rome Hotel, Rome
DAY 5
	Sangallo Palace Hotel or Hotel Gio, Perugia
DAY 6 - 7
	Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence
DAY 8 - 9
	Venice Hotel, Venice
DAY 10 - 11
	Oberammergau or Garmisch- Partenkirchen, Oberammergau
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate Collette vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information or assistance to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
• *The Papal Audience is, at times, unavailable due to the Pope's travel schedule. Proper dress is required when visiting religious sites, sanctuaries, basilicas, etc. *On occasion, due to inclement weather, your boat trip to Murano Island may be substituted with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice. Most national museums in Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy, are closed on Mondays.
• *Vatican Museums are not available on Saturday afternoons & Sundays.
• Collette air passengers will depart from the Munich, Germany airport. All Collette transfers will depart from Oberammergau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen for this airport. All tours will be subject to the finalization of play tickets. In the event that Collette cancels the tour, you will be refunded 100%. Due to flight restrictions, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel. Please note that single accommodations are extremely limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to secure single accommodations it is highly recommended that you book early. Also, triple and child rates are not available.