Enchanting Italy:  9 Day Tour

• DAY 1: Depart the U.S.A.
• DAY 2: Arrive in Venice
• DAY 3: Venice
• DAY 4: Pisa-Florence
• DAY 5: Florence
• DAY 6: Assisi-Rome
• DAY 7: Vatican and Sistine Chapel
• DAY 8: Rome
• Depart Italy

DAY 1: DEPART THE U.S.A.

Depart the USA for Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

DAY 2: ARRIVE IN VENICE

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your tour escort, followed by a welcome dinner Stay Overnight in Venice. Meals: Dinner

DAY 3: VENICE CITY TOUR

Today begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known throughout the world for its fine glasswork industry. Then, visit St. Mark’s Square to begin a guided walking tour of romantic Venice. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and visit the Doge’s Palace, whose facade features a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. Take the remainder of the day to explore Venice on your own. Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (P.M.). Stay overnight in Venice. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: PISA SIGHTSEEING EN ROUTE TO FLORENCE

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany to Pisa. On arrival, view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. The four monuments of this extraordinary piazza make for a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. En route to Florence, visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting with local specialties. Evening at leisure. Stay overnight in Florence. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5: FLORENCE CITY TOUR

Today’s morning tour begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Continue to explore the open air art museum of Signoria Square ending at Ponte Vecchio, known as the “Old Bridge.” Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Florence. This evening, dine in an authentic Tuscan restaurant in the countryside (Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour PM, $65): **available for purchase Only in Italy from your tour escort. ** Florence and the fine arts are synonymous. Gate 1’s guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery provides insight to the history of the structure and its collections. Originally the private collection of the Medici family, the palazzo was opened to the public in 1765. Your tour highlights exceptional examples of Florentine painting with an aim to help you better understand the works of masters including Giotto, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Following the tour, enjoy a refreshment break and complimentary beverage at the museum’s café, which features a breathtaking view of the city. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in oftentimes two-three hour queues. ** Important: Please note that the Museum has a limited maximum capacity and therefore reserves the right to restrict admission. In this case we may not be able to offer the tour. Price is based on minimum number of passengers. Stay overnight in Florence. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 6: SUN ROUTE VIA ASSISI TO ROME

Today travel along the famous “Sun Route” motorway to the medieval city of Assisi, renowned for its 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto’s frescoes. Continue to your hotel in Rome. Stay overnight in Rome. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 7: VATICAN MUSEUM AND SISTINE CHAPEL

Today begins with the visit to the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Stroll through St. Peter’s Square, passing Bernini’s famous colonnade, to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will view Michelangelo’s Pieta. This highly-finished marble sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of Mary after the Crucifixion and is considered to be among the most compelling of all works of art in the Western world. The remainder of the day is at leisure Optional: Piazzas of Rome (P.M.). Stay overnight in Rome. Meals: Breakfast.

DAY 8: TOUR ANCIENT ROME

This morning, a historic tour of “ancient Rome” takes you to the Roman Forum, the political center during the Roman Republic, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, dine in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, then enjoy an illuminated tour of the city. Stay overnight in Rome. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9: DEPART FOR THE U.S.A.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast