Italy's Northern Highlights
10 days Escorted Tour visiting Venice (2 nts.), Florence (3 nts.), & Rome (3 nts.)
 Roman Forum, Rome |
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Itinerary
Day 1/Sun
Depart USA
Evening departure. Meals and refreshments served on board.
Day 2/Mon Venice
Morning arrival into Venice's, Marco Polo Airport. Here you'll be met
and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at
leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant.
Day 3/Tue Venice
Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will highlight the Basilica
of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace, with its splendid rooms decorated by
16th century artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. Also view
the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. Afternoon is at leisure with enough
time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. In the evening the
tour director will assist you in locating restaurants where you will enjoy
savoring the pleasures of Venetian cuisine.
Day 4/Wed Venice/Padua/Modena/Florence
This morning depart Venice and stop in Padua to visit the Basilica of
St. Anthony and its art, including the large bronze works of Donatello.
Continue your scenic drive to Modena, famous for balsamic vinegar (Maranello
is nearby, where Ferrari sportscars are manufactured). In Modena you'll
be treated to a special balsamic vinegar-tasting session plus lunch, featuring
local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence,
home of Michelangelo. Tuscan cooking is a true gastronomic feast. The
tour director will suggest restaurants according to your preferences.
Day 5/Thu Florence
Morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of
the city, the Academia to see Michelangelo's original "David"
statue, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry with its "Gates of Paradise"
doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Afternoon is free. Tonight,
enjoy a festive dinner with wine and music at a charming villa located
on a beautiful Tuscan hillside outside Florence.
Day 6/Fri Florence (Pisa excursion)
This morning is free for some last minute shopping, or join us for an
optional tour to Siena famous for "Il Palio" the bareback horse
race. During this optional excursion you will travel through the heart
and hills of Tuscany to explore breathtaking landscapes with Chianti vineyards,
cypress trees, olive groves, and medieval villages. In the afternoon enjoy
an included excursion to one of the world's best-known sights - the Leaning
Tower of Pisa. Late afternoon return to Florence and dinner on your own.
The tour director will suggest Florentine restaurants you will certainly
enjoy.
Day 7/Sat Florence/Perugia/Assisi/Torgiano/Rome
Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbria
countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno, past the medieval
city of Perugia and on to Assisi. Here you will stop at the Basilica of
St. Francis, the burial site of St. Francis. Continue south to Torgiano,
known for the production of fine red wine, where you will enjoy a rustic
lunch and a wine tasting at the Lungarotti wine cellar. Resume your journey
to Rome. Tonight, experience a taste of the Roman dining scene on your
own, then explore the exciting Roman Dolce Vita and nightlife.
Day 8/Sun Rome
Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites
worth exploring. Use this free day to discover the ancient and modern
aspects of cosmopolitan Rome for yourself. You might also choose to take
an optional tour to Ostia Antica, the Castelli Romani, or attend a Papal
Blessing. There's only one Rome, so make sure you bring home enough memories
to last a lifetime. In the evening, again, discover on your own why Roman
trattorias are famous for their fine food and wine.
Day 9/Mon Rome
This morning experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless
collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum.
You will be amazed by the beautiful wall frescoes created by Michelangelo,
Perugino and Botticelli. The unique ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is surely
one of Michelangelo's greatest achievements. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica,
the largest church in the Christian world, built over the tomb of St.
Peter. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop
at the Colosseum - a testament to the greatness of Rome's past. Continue
your full day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus,
the synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant'Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci
to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant.
Day 10/Tue Rome to USA (or
extend your stay)
Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. Meals and refreshments
served on board. Same day arrival into USA.
Call for reservation
Preferred 4 Star Hotels |
|
| City | Hotels |
| Venice (2 nights) | Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal |
| Florence (3 nights) | Hotel Anglo American or NH Firenze |
| Rome (3 nights) | Visconti Palace Hotel |