Welcome to Rome!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Roman Holiday
ROME This afternoon’s guided sightseeing includes a visit of the Colosseum and views of the Arch of Constantine and Roman Forum. Free time this morning and evening.* (B)* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Rome is a vibrant city with a strong character and overflowing with art, culture, history, gastronomy, monuments, fascinating stories, and much more. Built on 7 hills and considered to be the “Cradle of Western Civilisation”, it is the city with the most churches and fountains in the world. Today, when you stand in the heart of Ancient Rome, discovering stories about the Roman Empire whilst admiring the Colosseum and Roman Forum, it becomes easy to understand the origins of the saying “All roads lead to Rome”.
The Tilted Tower
ROME Scenic drive en route to Pisa.* PISA See the Leaning Tower en route to Florence. (B) 298 mi / 480 km* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio. Free time to explore. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle while Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Italian Treasures
FLORENCE Take a scenic drive en route to Cinque Terre.CINQUE TERRE [LF] Take a guided boat ride (weather permitting). Free time before boarding your train to Sestri Levante. (B,D) 298 mi / 490 kmLOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre for an exquisite look at sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
Island Beauties
LAKE MAGGIORE Boat ride to [LF] Isola Madre. Visit the botanic garden followed by dinner on the island. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Isola Madre is one of the starring beauties of the Borromean Islands and transport those who cross Lake Maggiore into a reverie of Baroque palazzos and perfect gardens. On the island, a showcase of exotic botanical beauty surrounds the 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo with magnificent magnolias, myrtles, wisteria, and citrus groves. Enjoy dinner at the island restaurant combining good food and stunning views of the lake.
Swiss Views & A Scenic Cruise
LUGANO Enjoy an orientation tour and free time.VENICE ISLAND Take a private boat ride on the canals. (B) 295 mi / 475 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Discover the city of Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss, style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Benvenuti a Venezia
VENICE ISLAND Guided walking tour to see St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblowing demonstration. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms.
Medieval Marvels
ASSISI A guided walking tour includes St. Clare’s Church and St. Francis’ Basilica. (B,D) 261 mi / 420 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescs by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.
Time Standing Still in Pompeii
POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations. Later enjoy a scenic drive to reach your hotel. (B) 267 mi / 430 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescs, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings of the people who perished here.
Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea
SORRENTO AREA Jetfoil ride to Capri.CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including [LF] Augustus Gardens and a granita (semi-frozen drink) tasting. Free time for lunch.SORRENTO AREA Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical brilliance on the cliffs overlooking the island and the sapphire sea below. Toast the view with a glass of granita for a frozen treat amid the sun-washed monuments and mesmerizing vistas.
Arrivederci, Roma
ROME This afternoon enter the Vatican City State for a guided sightseeing of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and the spectacular St.Peter’s Basilica. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.* (B,D) 193 mi / 310 km* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
