| Day 1 | Depart for your overnight flight to Rome. |
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| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN ROME
Welcome to Italy! Your Tour Director will meet you at the airport upon arrival and direct you to transportation to transfer to your hotel in Rome, the "Eternal City." Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers. |
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| Day 3 | ROME SIGHTSEEING
This morning, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour including a visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Here we admire Michelangelo's emotive "Pieta." View the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Roman Forum and the mammoth Colosseum as well during your tour. See the Caracalla Baths and Circus Maximus, with memories of the movie, Ben Hur. The afternoon is free to explore and learn the history of Rome at your leisure or window-shop along the Via Condotti with its designer boutiques. (CB) |
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| Day 4 | ROME - ASSISI
Depart Rome this morning following the broad valley of the River Tiber, until reaching the rounded hills of Umbria, which form part of the Appenine chain. Our destination today is the peaceful hilltop town of Assisi, the home of St. Francis. After an orientation tour of Assisi, visit the great Basilica of St. Francis with its magnificent frescoes by the artist Giotto. (CB, D) |
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| Day 5 | ASSISI - VENICE
A pleasant drive brings us to the richly romantic city of Venice. What better way to see Venice than from our own private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13th century palazzos to St. Mark's basin, where we see the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Byzantine Basilica. Disembark for a short stroll to St. Mark's Square and then to a Venetian glass-blowing factory to watch one of the few remaining Masters of this art blow molten glass into a unique creation. This evening, enjoy an included dinner. (CB, D) |
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| Day 6 | VENICE
Enjoy another private launch into the heart of Venice for a free day to enjoy the wonders of this beautiful city. Explore the area around the famous Rialto Bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal, rebuilt in stone at the end of the 16th century, and is undoubtedly one of the most recognized symbols of Venice. Relax in one of the outdoor cafes of St. Mark’s Square, and be entertained by the string orchestras playing romantic melodies. You can also cruise on a gondola along the Venetian canals if you wish. (CB) |
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| Day 7 | VENICE - FLORENCE
Head to Florence, where our guided walking tour takes us into the Academia to see Michelangelo's original statue of David. Visit the open-air museum of Piazza Signoria, the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, which are housed in Santa Croce. View Giotto's belltower, the Baptistry and the Cathedral. Finally, see a leatherwork demonstration with time to perhaps purchase a special leather jacket. (CB, D) |
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| Day 8 | PISA AND FLORENCE
This morning, make your way to the city of Pisa, to visit the Field of Miracles. In the center stands a famous landmark, The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Admire the beautiful Baptistry and Cathedral, and shop for marble souvenirs. This afternoon return to Florence to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. (CB) |
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| Day 9 | FLORENCE - ROME VIA SIENA
Travel south to the beautiful town of Siena in Tuscany. Take a delightful stroll through the medieval streets to the dramatic Campo, scene of the annual Palio horse race, and view the black and white striped Cathedral. Continue on to Rome, for your final night in Italy. (CB) |
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| Day 10 | FAREWELL TO ROME
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA with fond memories of Italy! (CB)
Please Note: This is a sample itinerary.
Order of events is subject to change.
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