The Splendors of Italy

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: ROME

The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start the included introduction to Rome’s landmarks from St. Peter’s Square with a Local Guide. Enjoy a drive along the iconic landmarks of the city: the Tiber River, the Caius Cestius Pyramid, the Aurelian Walls, and the Caracalla Baths. Complete the experience with a walk back in time from the Circus Maximus to the Arch of Constantine and to the fascinating Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the treasures of the Vatican Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel on our optional excursion. (Breakfast)

Day 3: ROME–ORVIETO–SIENA

Journey to charming Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit the black basalt and travertine cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Reach Siena, with time to visit this Tuscan jewel. The focal point of the town is Piazza del Campo, a special square, famed all over the world for its medieval-style Palio horse race.
Today’s Distance: 152 mi/ 245 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: SIENA–SAN GIMIGNANO–GREVE–MONTECATINI

Arrive in San Gimignano and discover one of Tuscany’s greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers are truly unique. Continue into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards, where Chianti Classico wines are produced. Stop in Greve for wine tasting at a local wine estate. Arrive in Montecatini in time to join the optional Tuscan farm dinner.
Today’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km (Breakfast)

Day 5: MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE

Florence, the Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled the entire day. Wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features special city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Doors of the Baptistry, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”
Today’s Distance: 62 mi/ 100 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 6: MONTECATINI–PISA–VENICE AREA

This morning, drive to Pisa and enjoy a mini-train ride to see the impressive Square of Miracles with the amazing Leaning Tower—180 feet high and approximately 4 degrees out of the perpendicular. Head across the wooded Apennine hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley to the Venice area.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km (Breakfast)

Day 7: VENICE AREA

Venice is more like a magical film set than a real-life city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers create their delicate works of art as they did centuries ago. Spend some time at leisure or join one of our optional excursions, such as the gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME

Travel across the Po Delta, then into the green Apennines to Umbria. Stop in medieval Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the town and the upper and lower basilicas with a Local Guide, then head for Rome.
Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (Breakfast)

Day 9: ROME

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)