Day 1: 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: Arrive Rome, Italy

  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.  (D)

 

Day 3: Rome

This morning it’s your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums*, will be on your personal sightseeing list.  *This afternoon enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring St. Peter's Basilica, the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, and the famous Trevi Fountain. *  (B)

 

Day 4: Rome - Assisi - Perugia

Travel to Assisi for a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then travel to medieval Perugia, the capital of Umbria.  Behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.  (B, D)

 

Day 5: Perugia - Siena - San Gimignano - Florence

A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena.  Discover the narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and the historic Piazza del Campo. En route to Florence you stop in San Gimignano, overlooking the Tuscan countryside, permeated by vineyards and olive grove plantations.  Enjoy a stroll along Piazza Del Duomo and Piazza Della Cisterna, two of Italy’s most evocative squares.  *In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” you see Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David, located in the Academy Gallery. *  (B, D)

 

Day 6: Florence

On your cultural tour of Florence, view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, located in the religious center of the Piazza Del Duomo.  You also view the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure.  (B)

 

Day 7: Florence - San Marino - Ravenna - Venice

*Today, you visit one of the smallest countries in the world, the Republic of San Marino - only 23 square miles.**Next, travel past the lagoons and rice-growing fields of the Po River en route to enchanting Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.  (B, D)

 

Day 8: Venice - Murano Island - Venice

*Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. * Return by boat to charming St. Mark’s Square, a hub of quintessentially-Italian activity and events.  A local expert provides a leisurely walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, with its famous Moors; St. Mark’s Basilica; the Doge’s Palace; and the famous Bridge of Sighs. *Later, a local artisan explains and demonstrates the art and history of carnival mask making. * This evening, an optional gondola serenade cruise is available.  (B)

 

Day 9: Venice - Como

Travel to the picturesque Italian Lake District region and the beautiful resort of Como. *Visit one of the areas most distinguished silk producers and learn how this famous fabric is made. *  This evening gather for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.  (B, D)

 

Day 10: Como - Depart for Home

Your tour ends in Como this morning.  (B)