9 Day Venice, Florence & Rome by Rail (Los Angeles)

Accademia Gallery 11:15 AM During your vacation in Florence don't miss out on meeting one of the most famous and eclectic artists in the world: Michelangelo. Your personal guide will reveal the secrets of the Accademia Gallery and the creation of Michelangelo's world renowned masterpieces, such as the original version of David, I Prigioni and San Matteo. This is a must and will be a discovery for anyone interested in Michelangelo. It really is a once-in-the-life experience to stand in front of David. At the end of the guided tour you will have the possibility to stay in the museum for as long as you like. Departs at 11:15 am from meeting point: Ciao Florence Office, Via Cavour 12, Black. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time. Approximate tour duration is 1 hour. OnDay : 5 Price : $52 #2B Ancient Rome 2:30 PM Take a tour of Ancient Rome's major sights and skip the long lines for the Archaeological Area with a professional guide. Gain special access to the Colosseum, the giant amphitheater used for gladiator fights and public spectacles, and the largest building ever built in the Roman Empire. Walk along the pavement of the original Roman grid, which crosses the ruins of the Roman Forum. Enjoy views of the Temple of Vesta, Basilica Julia, and Arch of Constantine. Departs 2.30 pm from Arch of Constantine, look for the “I Love Rome” pink flags. Please arrive 15 minutes prior. Tour ends in the Archaeological area. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. Important: Due to security restrictions no backpacks, large bags, electronic devices, or knives are allowed inside of the sights. OnDay : 7 Price : $71 #3C Vatican Museums 8:30 AM This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, skipping the long lines. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums, where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections of the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the famous Sistine Chapel, with its great frescos by Michelangelo, then continue to the unforgettable Basilica, one of the four major Basilicas of Rome, built on the burial site of Saint Peter Please note that on Wednesdays during the Holy Father's Audience, the visit inside St. Peter's Basilica will not take place. Departs at 8:30 am in front of the Bar L'Ottagono in Piazza Del Risorgimento. Please arrive 15 minutes prior. Tour ends in the Vatican Area. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours. *Please note that conservative clothing should be worn when visiting the Vatican, meaning legs and shoulders should be covered. OnDay : 7 Price : $79 Pompeii & its Ruins with lunch from Rome 7:30 AM Visit the world-famous city of Pompeii and explore the ruins of this city trapped in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Depart Rome in the early morning for a drive along the Highway of the Sun, past the Roman countryside and the scenic regions of Lazio and Campania. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean and the still active volcano Vesuvius, as you learn how people lived in ancient times, before reaching the UNESCO Archaeological Site of Pompeii. Explore this once thriving city, frozen in time by layers of volcanic ash. The city's sudden burial served to protect it for the next 17 centuries, when it was finally dug by experts and brought back to its ancient splendor. After lunch, enjoy the scenery on the drive back to Rome, returning in time to enjoy an evening in Rome. OnDay : 8 Price : $159 Walking Tour of Venice (#1) This morning's walking tour through the most charismatic and important historical places in the unique city of Venice begins with an orientation of St. Mark's Square, considered the historical heart of the city, where you will learn about the Square's main monuments including the Golden Basilica of San Marco, Ducal Palace, the Bell and Clock Towers, and the Procuratie buildings. Proceed to Santa Maria Formosa Square and Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, the second largest square in Venice. Continue on to the corner of Marco Polo's House and Malibran Theater. Then, return to St. Mark's Square through the Mercerie, a series of interconnecting streets that connect Ponte di Rialto and St. Mark's Square, and are the main streets in the city for shopping. Please note: This is a walking and orientation tour of Venice that does not include entry into any landmarks. For Apr - Oct departures tour departs at 8:50 AM, Nov - Mar departures tour departs at 9:00 AM from in front of the Bucintoro agency in Campo San Luca. Drop-off to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours. OnDay : 3 Price : $35