Overview

1. Day 1: USA - Europe

   Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

2. Day 2: Arrive Rome (2 Nights)

   On arrival to Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Tread in the footsteps of emperors and slaves, through the annuls of history that span millennia – your first encounter with intoxicating Italy is the Eternal City and its glorious past which you will have an opportunity to explore on your own terms before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. This evening, we enjoy an enchanting antipasto of our Italian Discovery during an orientation drive past some of the city's most famous sights.

   meal(s):WR

   hotel:Cicerone

3. Day 3: Rome Sightseeing

   Our exploration of Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we have priority access allowing entry to view the masterpieces collected by Popes throughout the centuries. During our included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, gaze in wonder at Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter's Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Crossing the Tiber, we venture to Ancient Rome to see where hundreds of thousands of spectators would cheer chariot riders to victory at Circus Maximus and visit where brave gladiators met their fate in the imposing Colosseum. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the magnificent sites of what was once the capital of the world, or kick back in a piazza soaking up the aromas of fine coffee while you watch the world go by.

   meal(s):BB

4. Day 4: Rome – Florence

   Today we drive north through rolling Tuscan landscapes to the Renaissance city of Florence. Beauty and artistry seep through the walls of exquisite palazzi, churches and bridges, the most famous of which is the Ponte Vecchio which we will view during a walking tour with our Local Specialist. Visit the expansive Piazza della Signoria, which once lay at the heart of the flourishing Florentine Republic and view the exquisite marble Duomo and famous Baptistery renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the fine art and architecture of this beautiful city on your own terms. This evening, we gather at a Tuscan castle set within a celebrated wine and olive oil estate for an unforgettable Be My Guest dining experience.

   meal(s):BB, BG

   hotel:Grand Mediterraneo

5. Day 5: Florence – Pisa – Turin

   A short journey brings us to Pisa and its Square of Miracles, home to the famous Leaning Tower, ornate Baptistery and the Cathedral del Duomo. We continue northwards, past the marble quarries of Carrara and the charming resort hubs of Portofino, Rapallo and Genoa in Liguria before arriving in sophisticated Turin. This afternoon, we venture through the grand boulevards of this aristocratic city during an orientation drive which will unveil the majestic Piazza Vittorio Veneto and River Po, Italy's largest river.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Concord

6. Day 6: Turin – Lake Como – Milan

   We leave Turin and travel to the exquisite Italian lakes for a stop at Lake Como. Then on to the economic powerhouse of Milan, where we'll enjoy a walking tour with a Local Specialist to explore the city's spectacular sights. We view the ornate Duomo, one of the grandest Gothic cathedrals in the world, the ancient Galleria shopping arcade and the celebrated La Scala opera house. This evening, join your companions for a delicious Regional Meal at a local restaurant.

   meal(s):BB, RM

   hotel:Starhotels Business Palace

7. Day 7: Milan – Verona – Venice (2 Nights)

   Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered during our stop in Verona where we'll view Juliet's Balcony and the first-century ancient Roman arena still in use today. Crossing the Veneto Plains, we arrive in what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, the magical city of Venice.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:Viktoria Palace

8. Day 8: Venice Orientation

   We board a private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square – our introduction to such sights as the Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica. Witness first-hand the fine glassblowing tradition that spans centuries during a Cultural Insight on Giudecca Island before enjoying free time to explore Venice on your terms. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet piazze as you get lost in this enchanting city.

   meal(s):BB

9. Day 9: Venice – Ferrara – Bologna

   Go off the beaten track and into the medieval city of Ferrara, revealing its fascinating northern Italian culture, before arriving in Bologna – perhaps more famous for its gourmet achievements than being the site of the oldest university in Europe. Join a Local Specialist to explore the sights, including Neptune's fountain, the Kissing Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Of course, a visit to the home of tortellini, mortadella, tagliatelli and ragù, would be incomplete without taking the time out to sample its delicious cuisine. Buon appetito!

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Flyon

10. Day 10: Bologna – Assisi – Rome

    Today, we cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the mystical town of Assisi on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Come face-to-face with the legacy of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order in 1208, during a walking tour of his hometown with a Local Specialist. Visit the magnificent Basilica that bears his name and see his tomb, before traveling back to Rome past the scenic hilltop town of Orte. Tonight, we celebrate a journey of discovery through Italy during a Farewell Dinner with our companions and Travel Director.

    meal(s):BB, FD

    hotel:Sheraton Parco De Medici

11. Day 11: Depart Rome

    Our journey together has come to an end so for now it's a fond arrivederci to your newfound friends at the end of your memorable Italian vacation. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 7am and 9.30am. Conditions apply.

    meal(s):BB