Depart for Italy
Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure in this magical city built over a hundred small islands and connected by 400 bridges, before tonight’s orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the upcoming journey that awaits you in Italy, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Dinner
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. While here enjoy a visit to one of the factories to witness the art of glass blowing. Afterward, to St. Mark’s Square where you begin the guided walking tour of this romantic city. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Walk via the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Continue, to the pink marble Doge’s Palace, the official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently. Or, participate in this afternoon’s optional Gondola Ride with music – it’s definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday!
Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a typical Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa, to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The monuments on the extraordinary Piazza create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Florence is indeed the center of the world’s finest art and architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery* that provides insight into the history of the structure and its collections. The tour highlights include exceptional examples of Florentine painting to help you better understand the works of the masters, including Giotto, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Tonight, a delightful evening that begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment
*(Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour PM, US $62): available for purchase only in Italy from your Tour Manager. Tour Participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits or lines. The museum has a limited maximum capacity and therefore reserves the right to restrict admission. In this case, we may not be able to offer the tour. Price is based on minimum number of passengers.
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Florence to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi – patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto’s astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Afterwards, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the legendary Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiator contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Stop at a local café and just people-watch, or linger over a cup of coffee, indulge in a delectable gelato or try an authentic Italian pizza. Tonight join a scenic drive through the city and dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections of the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the Sistine Chapel, with its great frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St. Peter’s Square, passing Bernini’s famous colonnade to view St. Peter’s Basilica*, built on the burial site of Saint Peter, with the most famous Michelangelo’s Pieta. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City’s grand piazzas that begins at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight linger and explore on your own and perhaps enjoy the typical Roman cuisine
*Due to Religious events, the opening times of St. Peter Basilica are subject to change without notice. In these cases, you will visit the Vatican Library instead of the Basilica.
Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Traveling south to Sorrento, at a distance you can view (weather conditions permitting) the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino, perched high on the mountaintop, scene of a huge battle near the end of World War II in which the abbey was completely destroyed, but has now been lovingly restored. As you pass the Bay of Naples, majestic Mt. Vesuvius marks your way to Pompeii, visit the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. The tragic fossils of people attempting to escape, along with their children and dogs are still visible, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. You’re welcomed to the Sorrento coast with a spectacular panoramic view and by the sapphire blue waters of the Gulf of Naples. Tonight, join a lovely dinner together with the group
Overnight: Castellammare, Sorrento Coast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A stunning day on the picturesque Sorrento coast, strikingly beautiful with its seaside setting and soaring cliffs plunging into the sea. Don’t miss the optional full day tour to the enchanting and picturesque Isle of Capri by boat – it will be a highlight! Here, you’ll walk through the narrow lanes of Anacapri, with its chic boutiques and shops offering tastings of the island’s famous Limoncello. Then, on to La Piazzetta where everyone gathers to socialize and to the Gardens of Augustus, a natural paradise, from where you can see splendid views of the sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations, one of the island’s natural wonders. After a lovely day in Capri, return to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers
Optional: Full Day Capri
Overnight: Castellammare, Sorrento Coast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the airport in Naples for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
