12 NIGHTS/13 DAYS
Featuring Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Venice, Ravenna, Lake Maggiore, Lugano and Milan
Giotto's Bell Tower, Florence
DAY 1: DEPART U.S.A.
You’ll leave this evening on an overnight flight to Rome.
DAY 2: ROME
Welcome to Italy. You arrive in the Eternal City, and are greeted by your tour escort. After checking into the hotel, you have time to become acclimated to a new time zone. Overnight in Rome. (D)
DAY 3: CHRISTIAN ROME
Today you are at the center of Western civilization and the heart of modern Italy. The “Eternal City” where three millennia of Mediterranean civilization exist is full of larger than life monuments, which you see during the Ancient and Christian tour. You see the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Via Veneto, Aurelian Wall, Castle Sant’ Angelo, the Pantheon, the Major Basilicas, St Paul Outside the Walls, and the Holy Stairs. Enjoy the treasures of the Vatican City and the Museum including the incomparable Sistine Chapel, and learn about the life of followers of St. Peter and St. Paul, as you walk along the chambers of the Catacombs, where the early Christians buried their dead. Overnight in Rome. (B.D.)
DAY 4: POMPEII-SORRENTO
After a leisurely morning in Rome depart for Sorrento you tour the most visited attraction in Italy- Pompeii. As you walk through the ancient ruins, which are in many ways unchanged in the last 2000 years, marvel at the idea of this city and its people who came to their end in such a sudden and terrifying way. Overnight in Sorrento. (B.D.)
DAY 5: ISLE OF CAPRI
Today you have time to explore Sorrento. In the afternoon visit the scenic isle of Capri and weather permitting the famous Blue Grotto. Overnight in Sorrento. (B.)
DAY 6: FLORENCE- MONTECATINI
Today head north towards the groves of silvery olive trees, majestic cypresses and sage green hills of Tuscany to the Renaissance City. Your afternoons are at leisure to exlore this lovely quintessential Tuscan town, or perhaps enjoy a spa treatment at the famous Montecatini Spa, where Borghese cosmetics are made. Overnight in Montecatini. (B.D.)
DAY 7: FLORENCE
The city of visual splendor awaits you. Florence is graced with majestic monuments, magnificent churches and unparalleled works of art. Morning tour of Michelangelo’s city includes a visit to the Academia to see the Statue of David, “Gates of Paradise” of the Baptistery and the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and Santa Croce Church. In the afternoon you may wish to visit the famous Uffizi Gallery Medici Chapel. Overnight in Montecatini. (B.D.)
DAY 8: TUSCANY
Day at leisure, to explore the sweeping scenery, shop for leather or take a full day excursion to Pisa and Lucca passing by the hilltop castle the villages and lush vineyards of Tuscany. Overnight Montecatini. (B.)
DAY 9: RAVENNA-PADUA- VENICE
The astounding brilliance of Ravenna’s mosaics will glow in your memory long after you depart. You explore Ravenna’s splendid collection of mosaics including the Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe, the Tomb of Galla Placidia and the Church of St. Vitalis. Before arriving Venice we stop in Padua to see the impressive Basilica of St. Anthony with bronze works by Donatello beautiful Cathedral of St. Anthony. Overnight Venice area. (B.D)
DAY 10: VENICE
Venice is a city of mystery and fancy. Tour Venice and see the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, marvel at the play of light on the canals of the city and the feeling of romance which permeates the air. In the afternoon explore the unforgettable city or visit the islands of Burano and Murano. Overnight Venice area. (B.)
DAY 11: MILAN-LAKE MAGGIORE-STRESA
Lake Maggiore
DAY 12: LUGANO
Today take an excursion to Switzerland and the beautiful town of Lugano, the land of the majestic mountains and valleys, glaciers, lakes and unspoiled villages. Overnight Stresa. (B. D.)
DAY 13: RETURN TO THE U.S.A
Transfer to airport for your flight back home. (B.)
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
- Airfare NYC/Rome X Milan/NYC
- Accommodations in first class hotels
- English speaking tour escort throughout
- Buffet breakfast daily and dinners as noted
- Comprehensive sightseeing as listed
- Transportation by private motorcoach
- Baggage handling
- Select International travel bag and portfolio