Here’s a look at what you can expect for our Italian Adventure:

 Some Meals included: Breakfast (B) and Dinner (D)

Fri. April 3

Depart for Italy

Relax aboard your transatlantic flight to Venice. Meals and refreshments are served on board. 

Sat. April 4

Arrive to Venice

From the airport we will take a water taxi to our hotel in Venice where you can unpack and freshen up. The afternoon is at leisure – enjoy a relaxing Italian meal or wander across this beautiful city. 

There are over 400 bridges in Venice. Gondole (the plural of gondola) have been a means of transportation in Venice since the 11th century.

This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant (D)

Sun. April 5

Muraro & Venice

We will begin our day with a relaxing boat ride to the island of Murano where we will visit a glassmaking factory to see first-hand the impressive craftwork of traditional Venetian glassblowing, performed by master craftsmen. 

Afterwards, we will hop back on a boat to the main island of Venice to St. Mark’s Square for a private walking tour. We’ll have time to see the splendid St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace and enjoy views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day is your choice – take a romantic ride in a gondola, enjoy some gelato, or spend time shopping. (B)

Mon. April 6

Venice, Bologna, Florence (Tuscany)

We will depart Venice and head through the Pianura Padana and Apennine Mountains to the region of Tuscany. Our day continues with free time for lunch in Bologna, famous for prosciutto, risotto, Barilla pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar. 

Upon arrival to Florence, check-in at your hotel, followed by a typical Tuscan meal. 

Tuscany is one of the most famous and prolific wine regions anywhere in Europe. It is best known for its Sangiovese-based dry red wines which include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. (B, D)

Tues. April 7

Florence 

We will start our day with a private walking tour through Florence, known as “The Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.”  We will visit the Accademia Museum to see the original David by Michealgelo, followed by a view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, located in the religious center of the Piazza del Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. 

Catch a glimpse into the creative fashion of Florence and learn about “leather gilding”. The rest of the evening is yours to savor the Tuscan capital. (B)

Wed. April 8

Pisa & Lucca

This morning we will drive to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower. We will visit Piazza del Miracoli, the Baptistery, and Duomo. You will have time in Pisa for photos in front of the leaning tower and lunch on your own. 

We will continue to Lucca, home of the famous composer Puccini. We will see the Cathedral of San Martino, Piazza del Anfiteatro, and Guinigi Tower.

This afternoon we will visit an “agriturismo” farm that embodies the spirit of sustainability. Explore the vineyard and olive grove, savor wine and olive oil tastings, and inside in traditional home-cooked cuisine for dinner. (B, D)

Thurs. April 9

Orvieto & Imperial Rome

Enjoy the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside as we travel to Orvieto. Enjoy the cobblestone medieval streets and admire the facade of the Cathedral. 

After a leisurely lunch on your own, our journey continues to Rome, where we will catch our first glimpse of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. This evening you may choose a local restaurant to dine on your own, a great introduction to Roman Dolce Vita. (B)

Fri. April 10

The Vatican

The morning begins with a guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You will be amazed by one of Michelangelo’s greatest achievements. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world, built over the tomb of St. Peter. 

This evening we have our farewell dinner at a popular Roman restaurant, a great way to say “Arrivederci, Italy.” (B, D)

Sat. April 11

Depart for Home

We will provide a transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your return flight home. (B)