DAY 1: Depart for Italy
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DAY 2: Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Como
- Arrive in Milan and then transfer to your hotel in the town of Como, home to exquisite Lake Como, one of Italys most romantic destinations. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager to discuss the upcoming journey that awaits you in Italy. We recommend you to flights that arrive no later than 4 PM. The meeting will be followed by a light dinner with your fellow travelers
- Overnight: Como
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 3: Cross Lake Como to the Village of Bellagio
- Today embark on a scenic morning cruise of the lake to the charming village of Bellagio, termed one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and "The Pearl" of Lake Como. Nestled amidst cypress groves, its earthy-colored buildings climb up from the lakeside promenade. Wander along the narrow streets and alleyways, lined with craft shops, boutiques and cafes. Or, visit some of the gorgeous gardens with manicured lawns and fountains at Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni. Sail back to Como with time to experience the delights of this lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views, wonderful restaurants, and boutiques
- Overnight: Como
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 4: Verona Walking Tour, Travel to Venice
- After breakfast, set out for Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest cities in Roman remains, representing today one of the best examples of a fortified city. Its urban structure developed progressively and without interruption over the last 2000 years. Verona is also known worldwide as the setting of Shakespeares famous play Romeo and Juliet. Participate in an orientation walking tour followed by free time to savor the atmosphere of this unique city. Continue to Venice and enjoy dinner together
- Overnight: Venice
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 5: Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice, Gondola Ride
- The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. While here, visit a local factory to witness the art of glass blowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Marks Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doges Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the citys most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is countinued with Gondola Ride, One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
- Overnight: Venice
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 6: Tuscany & Pisa en route to Florence
- Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a local 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 Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery, and its famous Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The four 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
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 7: Tour of Florence
- Today, take a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. View the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" of the Baptistery by Ghiberti and Giottos Bell Tower. Youll be enchanted as you walk through the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family that today houses the seat of the city government. Continue to the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge". Florence is indeed the center of the worlds finest art and architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city. This evening, travel through the Tuscan hills, where a sumptuous dinner with unlimited wine and entertainment awaits
- Overnight: Florence
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 8: Medieval Assisi City Tour en route to Rome
- This morning, depart Florence and travel to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region with its rugged, winding streets and sacred shrines. Participate in a walking tour of Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture and 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 Giottos amazing frescoes. Afterward, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Tonight, savor dinner together
- Overnight: Rome
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 9: Vatican Museums & Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, Piazzas of Rome
- Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelos 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. Peters Square, passing Berninis famous colonnade to view St. Peters Basilica, built on the burial site of Saint Peter. Spend the afternoon in Piazzas of Rome, This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Berninis Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk. Tonight, explore on your own and choose one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine
- Overnight: Rome
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 10: Tour Ancient Rome
- The historic tour of ancient Rome begins with a walk along the uneven and irregular paths of the Roman Forum, the original central plaza of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantines 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 gladiatorial 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. Tonight, embark on a scenic drive through the city before stopping for dinner in a local restaurant with wine and music
- In case of impossibility to visit the Colosseum due to unforeseen circumstances, you will visit the Palatine Hill instead
- Overnight: Rome
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 11: Depart Italy
- Transfer to the airport in Rome for your departure flight
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