Venice, San Giorgio island

Italy’s northern highlights

Travel to Italy and revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites; Doge’s Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Rome’s Colosseum, plus so much more during their 10-day immersion into “la dolce vita”! Travelers will live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors and feelings of the true Italy on this Escorted tour. They will travel in deluxe motor-coaches and stay in well appointed, centrally located first class hotels. Enjoy Italy’s renowned and savory cuisine at each lunch or dinner plus such included extras as wines, mineral water, coffee or cappuccino. With this tour to Italy you can experience vinegar tasting in Modena and a wine tasting at a castle in Umbria. But we are sure your heart and soul with delight in the unforgettable sights disseminated along the way. Piazza San Marco in Venice, Michelangelo’s masterpiece of the David at the Accademia in Florence and the ceiling frescoed by the artist in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican city, St. Francis’ town of Assisi, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Even though the included city tours will show the “essential” sights of each city, there will be unlimited art, monuments, landmarks to be discovered and side walk cafes, trattorias and places to mingle with Venetians, Florentines and Romans to enjoy the leisurely way life is lived in Italy.

Typical Itinerary

Day 1

Morning arrival into Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)

Day 2

Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will highlight the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. (B)

Day 3

This morning depart Venice and stop in Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and its art, including the large bronze works of Donatello. Continue your scenic drive to Modena where you’ll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. (B, L)

Day 4

Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city, the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s original ”David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its ”Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Afternoon is free. Tonight enjoy a festive dinner with wine and music at a charming villa located on a beautiful Tuscan hillside outside Florence. (B, D)

Day 5

Today you will be taken on a full day excursion to Cinque Terre (Five Lands), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved natural and semi-natural parts of the Mediterranean. Hillside olive groves and vineyards perched along the coast are typical of this dramatic region where for over a thousand years people have lived cultivating the steep hillsides and fishing the blue waters. Your guided tour will explore the mustsees of the Cinque Terre from both land and sea, with a combination of easy walks, village visits, train rides and short boat trips between the villages. (B

Day 6

Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Magione Castle, presently the private residence of the Prince and Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of Knights of Malta. Here a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced at the castle and a light lunch. Continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B, L)

Day 7

Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worth exploring. Use this free day to discover, on your own, all the Eternal City has to offer. Take an optional tour or discover why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. (B)

Day 8

This morning experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum – a testament to the greatness of Rome’s past. Continue your full day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B, D)

Day 9

Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home, or continue to your next destination. (B)