Italian Escapade Escorted Vacation

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Your arrival transfer is included only if you arrive on the actual day the tour commences. For customers arriving earlier an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost. Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.) The rest of the day is at leisure until you meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Begin your exploration of Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory and watch a master artisan demonstrate this traditional Venetian art. Continue to St. Mark’s Square, where a walking tour of Venice will show you the highlights of Venice: St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bell Tower, and the Bridge of Sighs. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, browse through the shops, or take an optional gondola ride. (B)

Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, located on the banks of the Po River. After a short tour, continue to Pisa where you will view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the Duomo. Continue to Florence. (B,D)

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Florence. Start at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way. (B)

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here, take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome. (B,D) 

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Rome showing you all the highlights of this Eternal City. Visit the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Continue with a visit of the Coliseum, the ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum. (B,L) 

Enjoy a day at leisure in spectacular Rome. Your tour director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the chic shops, galleries, and museums; do some more sightseeing on your own or relax in a sidewalk cafe with a glass of fine Italian wine, a cold Limoncello, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner is the perfect way to end your Italian vacation. (B,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Rome airport for your return flight home. (Your departure transfer is included only if you depart on the actual day the tour concludes. For customers departing later an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost. Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.) (B)