Italian Vista

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2

ROME When in Rome ROME Guided Sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà and visit the Colosseum. Free time this late afternoon and evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY 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.

Day 3

ROME–ORVIETO–ASSISI Historic Halls ORVIETO Spend free time in Piazza del Duomo.
ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
137 mi / 220 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC 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 frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.

Day 4

ASSISI–FLORENCE–PADUA Legendary Landmarks FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes sights of the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square.
PADUA Take an orientation drive, followed by an [LF] Italian aperitivo (pre-dinner cocktail) at Café Pedrocchi. (B)
249 mi / 400 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES They say aperitivo is life. Indulge in the Italian specialties served at Café Pedrocchi with a traditional cocktail before dinner. From the Latin word for ‘open,’ aperitivi cocktails or wine are served between 6 and 9pm as an opener to the evening meal. Alla salute!

Day 5

PADUA. EXCURSION TO VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE A private boat ride and guided walking tour, includes a visit to St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblower demonstration. (B)
50 mi / 80 km

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.

Day 6

PADUA–VERONA–MILAN Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona VERONA Walk to Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra to admire the Arena.
MILAN Orientation walk includes stops at La Scala Opera House, the Galleria, and the Duomo. Free time for dinner. (B)
174 mi / 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.

Day 7

MILAN. EXCURSION TO LAKE COMO Life on the Lake LAKE COMO Take a [LF] private boat ride to Bellagio.
MILAN Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
106 mi /170 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Glide on the gorgeous waters of lago di Como on your private cruise to beautiful Bellagio - Lake Como’s most loved village with narrow streets and stunning views. A magical experience to take in Italy’s most famous lake.

Day 8

MILAN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)