Our Lady of the Lake University
Alumni Association Presents...

Rome and Florence Getaway

Day 1: Monday, March 09, 2009
Overnight Flight
Join Collette Vacations for a fabulous week in Italy, exploring the magic of Rome and Florence. These cities are filled with history, culture, art and romance, waiting to be discovered. Your vacation begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Arrive Rome - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Rome, "the Eternal City." This evening, meet your fellow travelers for "Dinner with the Tenors." Enjoy a menu of regional delicacies and fine Italian wines during a delightful live performance of opera classics. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Rome
Enjoy a tour of Classical Rome visiting the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary highlights are also featured, including the legendary Spanish Steps and the beautiful Trevi Fountain. This afternoon you are free to continue exploring Rome on your own. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own pleasures in Rome. Perhaps you will take an optional excursion devoted to the splendors of Vatican City and the Vatican Museums. Or perhaps you would like to shop on your own. Rome is a shopper's mecca; from bustling outdoor markets and craftsman's workshops to designer fashions, there is something for everyone! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Friday, March 13, 2009
Rome - Assisi - Florence
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. Depart Rome this morning for the medieval walled city of Assisi. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic old city featuring the magnificent Basilica dedicated to St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order of monks. Continue on to the spectacular capital of Tuscany, Florence. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Florence
Begin the day learning the traditional Italian techniques of leather-making during a visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Shop. A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic and architectural gems. A local expert provides a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the Piazza Del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo. You have the afternoon to explore Florence on your own; shop for traditional Florentine crafts such as goldware, leatherware and porcelain; or stroll among the piazzas and see some of the city's magnificent museums. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Sunday, March 15, 2009
Florence
Discover the evolution of Italian art at one of the finest art collections in the world, the stunning Uffizi Museum. A guided visit features work by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Tintoretto. This afternoon you may continue independently exploring the city's cultural riches. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Italian cuisine and local wine. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Monday, March 16, 2009
Florence - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in the city of Florence. Today breakfast will be included.