Day 1: Saturday, October 31, 2009
Overnight Flight
Depart for Italy where you will experience the wonders of Classical Rome, the legends of Christian Rome and the magnificent culinary treasures produced by this Mediterranean country. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, “The Eternal City.”

Day 2: Sunday, November 1, 2009
Arrive 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 will be included.

Day 3: Monday, November 2, 2009
Rome - Classical Rome City Tour
Spend your day exploring Rome with a local guide. A tour of Classical Rome features such incredible sights as the Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. You will also visit the catacombs, burial place of early Christians, the mythic Pantheon and elegant Piazza Navona. The evening is yours to explore Rome independently. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Rome
Your day is at leisure to enjoy the city of Rome on your own. Visit some of its many monuments and museums or stroll its animated streets filled with shops, cafes and gelaterie. You may choose to begin your day with an optional tour of the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums” featuring the Sistine Chapel and a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rome - Naples - Isle of Capri - Vietri Sul Mare
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. Journey south toward the region of Campania via the Autostrada. As you travel along the brilliant Bay of Naples you'll see charming villages built into the hillsides high above the sparkling blue sea. A short boat ride* brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Explore this island paradise with a visit to the picturesque town of Capri, full of chic designer boutiques and charming outdoor cafes. End your day on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Thursday, November 5, 2009
Vietri Sul Mare - Pompeii - Sorrento - Vietri Sul Mare
Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. A local guide will provide an in-depth view of this remarkable archeological sight. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento. Here you’ll visit a local factory and watch a demonstration of the art of inlaid wood making. Take some time to explore this charming town on your own before returning to Vietri-sul- Mare. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Friday, November 6, 2009
Vietri Sul Mare - Florence
Today you travel to the northern region of Tuscany, known for its spectacular vineyards and olive groves. This region’s capital city, Florence, is known as the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” and offers some of Italy’s best art, architecture, and cuisine. Upon arrival, visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. Your day ends with a delicious Tuscan dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Florence
A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic and architectural gems. Begin the day learning the traditional Italian techniques of leather making during a visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Shop. Enjoy this opportunity to shop for unique high-quality, Italian-made leather goods. Next, a guided tour of the city includes the Piazza Del Duomo, where you will see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.You also view the Palazzo Vecchio in Signoria Square and the Baptistery of St. John. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 9: Sunday, November 8, 2009
Florence - Pisa - Venice
Drive toward the coast to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa where you will find the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistery, and the famous Leaning Tower. Make a special stop at a winery and farm in the heart of Tuscany to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialties. Then, journey through central Italy across the beautiful Apennine Mountains toward the enchanting city of Venice, where 117 tiny islands are connected by a beautiful latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 10: Monday, November 9, 2009
Venice - Murano Island - Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Then, return to charming St. Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. A local expert will take you on a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent exploring. This evening, perhaps you will take an optional gondola serenaded cruise through the city's quiet canals. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 11: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Venice - Verona - Stresa
Today you depart from Venice and drive to Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's epic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Later, travel north to the breathtaking Italian Lake District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa. This afternoon, take advantage of your free time to admire the beautiful views of Lago Maggiore and delight in the charms of Stresa. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 12: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Stresa - Locarno, Switzerland - Isola dei Pescatori, Italy - Stresa Driving through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Locarno. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Maggiore and excellent shopping opportunities. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery and celebrate the end of your memorable tour of Italy. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 13: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Stresa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in the city of Stresa. Today breakfast will be included.

October 31 - November 12, 2009

Highlights...
Rome • Colosseum • Trevi Fountain
Isle of Capri • Amalfi Coast
Ruins of Pompeii • Florence
Statue of David • Leaning Tower of Pisa Tuscan Winery • Venice • Murano Island
Verona • Stresa • Locarno, Switzerland

13 Days • 18 Meals:
11 Breakfasts • 1 Lunch • 6 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $4,479
Single $5,279 • Triple $4,429

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $490 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport
Click Here for Details
Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person

Click here for: Important Reservation Information, Registration Form and Available Options.

For more information call:
Community Ed
West Valley College
408-741-2096

Experience It!
Pompeii: Frozen in Time

It’s the summer of A.D. 79, and the city of Pompeii, Italy is thriving. Imperial Romans rule the land, and the local farming industry has never been better. Soon, however, things will change. It was the fateful day of August 24 when the once dormant Mt. Vesuvius volcano erupted, unleashing its fury on an extremely prosperous city. Flames shot out from the volcano, and a cloud of smoke covered the sun. Volcanic matter poured down on the city for three straight days. When it was all said and done, the town was completely buried in ash and mud – in some cases it was more than 20 feet deep. Sadly, more than 2,000 people perished in the disaster. The city of Pompeii would remain buried and forgotten for nearly 1,600 years. Archeologists began excavating Pompeii in 1800, unearthing a city that was literally frozen in time. Buildings, houses, streets and artwork were found extremely well preserved. Peer into the daily life of an ancient Roman city with a fascinating tour of Pompeii.

Please Note:
• 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.
• Due to tour scheduling, return flights should not be scheduled prior to 3:00 PM.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• Air rates and availability are based on 10 or more passengers.