10 Days / 8 Nights - Rome, Florence, Venice
Tour Departs Daily
DAY 1 :: DEPART USA
Evening departure. Meals and refreshments served on board.
DAY 2 :: ROME
Morning arrival into Da Vinci Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. After unpacking,
you may want to sample your first, but not your last, Roman cappuccino “al fresco.”
DAY 3 :: ROME
Your morning tour reveals Rome’s infinite aspects and eras. Drive through Via Cavour and see Piazza della Repubblica with
Najads’ Fountain. Continue on Via Bissolati and Via Veneto (the “Rodeo Drive” of Rome) and see Palazzo Margherita
(seat of the American Embassy), Aurellan Walls (3rd century AD), and Piazza Barberini. Pass by the Quirinale Palace, residence
of the president of the Italian Republic, then see the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Drive past Piazza Navona, Palace of
Justice, Castel Sant’ Angelo, via della Conciliazione, then visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Afternoon and evening are
free for independent exploration.
DAY 4 :: ROME
Today you may want to enjoy an optional excursion to Pompeii, Capri and idyllic Sorrento with its beautiful panoramic view
of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
DAY 5 :: ROME / FLORENCE
This morning, transfer from Rome to Florence by rail. Depart Rome and head north through the gentle Umbrian hills that have inspired saints, artists and admirers of beauty. Your route continues through the Tuscan countryside to Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance. Balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 6 :: FLORENCE
Today you’ll see examples of an age of unbounded creativity. Your morning tour begins at the splendid Duomo crowned with the magnificent Brunelleschi dome, the Baptistry with its exquisite golden doors by Ghiberti, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Piazza Della Signoria, the Academia Museum, and the charming Piazzale Michelangelo with its splendid views of the domes and red-tiled roofs of the city. This afternoon is free for you to explore Florence’s lovely shops and boutiques.
DAY 7 :: FLORENCE
Full day for your own activities. The city is a museum in itself with endless possibilities: Michelangelo’s David in the Academia, the Uffizi Gallery or perhaps an excursion to Siena, San Gimignano, or Pisa.
DAY 8 :: FLORENCE / VENICE
This morning, travel north by first class rail to your hotel in Venice. Aptly called the Queen of cities, Venice is a magical tapestry of Renaissance buildings perched on narrow canals with sleek gondolas gliding silently beneath ornate bridges. Balance of the day is at leisure. Rediscover romance in a gondola or take a “vaporetto” ride on the Grand Lagoon and mingle with the Venetians.
DAY 9 :: VENICE
Your morning walking tour is highlighted by visits to the golden Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace decorated by 16th Century artists such as Titian and Tintoretto. Also view the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. Remainder of the day is free.
DAY 10 :: VENICE TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Venice’s Marco Polo airport for your return flight home, arriving the same day. |