Classical Italy
All hotels are centrally located, superior first class; 3 nights in Rome (Hotel Cicerone or similar); 4 nights in
Florence (Hotel Kraft or similar), 2 nights in Venice (Hotel Laguna
Palace or similar). Breakfast daily, 1
lunch with wine tasting at Castle Oliveto and 3 dinners. Private round-trip transfers, including Venice by private water-taxi, guided excursions with tour leader and local
guides including entrance fees, as outlined in itinerary. Air is based on departure from Boston, all major gateways available, call for pricing.
Itinerary
- DAY 1 Rome
Arrival in Rome, where you will be met by your tour leader who will assist with
your arrival transfer. Rest of the day free to explore the city with your tour leader.
Welcome Dinner at typical restaurant in Rome.
- DAY 2 Rome
After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the ancient ruins of Rome, featuring the
Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Imperial Forum and the Colosseum. Continue
on to the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Aventine Hill and the Trevi Fountain.
Rest of the day at leisure.
- DAY 3 Rome/Vatican
After breakfast, join your tour guide for a private tour of the wonders of the Vatican
Museums. The Vatican Museums represent the largest art collection in Europe with
over 65,000 masterpieces. Among them; the Bernini Staircase, the Candelabra, the
Tapestry Gallery, the Historical Maps and the Sistine Chapel built in XV century by
Pope Sixtus, adorned by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino and Ghirlandaio. Visit
St. Peter’s Basilica the largest Church in the world, resplendent with golden mosaics,
tombs of the Popes and the most important Statue of Michelangelo, “The Pietà”.
Afternoon at leisure.
- DAY 4 Rome/Assisi/Florence
After breakfast, travel through the picturesque Umbrian countryside to Assisi. Join
your tour leader for a guided tour of Assisi where you will visit the Basilica of San
Francesco and Santa Chiara. St. Francis, patron saint of Assisi, was the son of a
noble, he renounced his worldly possessions and took a vow of poverty. Continue
to Florence for a late afternoon check-in at your hotel. Dinner at restaurant Il Latini
in Florence.
- DAY 5 Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided walking tour of one of the most famous cities in the
world and cradle of the Italian Renaissance. The tour includes a visit of the magnificent
downtown, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore crowned with Brunelleschi’s
splendid Duomo and the Baptistry with its famous bronze doors, Giotto’s Belfry,
Piazza della Signoria, with the great Loggia, the Museum of the Academy with the
statue of David by Michelangelo and the Ponte Vecchio. After the tour, you will
have time to explore the charming streets and markets of Florence on your own.
- DAY 6 Florence/Siena/San Gimignano/Wine Tasting
After breakfast, board your motor coach for a drive through the region of Chianti,
leading to Siena. You will be immersed in the medieval character surrounding this
important city. Visit the Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis, and St. Domenic and
the Town Hall. After a visit to a Chianti winery/castle with wine tasting and lunch,
continue on to the town of San Gimignano, perched on a hilltop and noted for its
famous towers. Back to your hotel in Florence.
- DAY 7 Florence/Pisa/Cinque Terre
After breakfast, take a ride through beautiful Tuscan countryside to Pisa, the historic
university town located on the Arno River. Visit the Piazza dei Miracoli to see
the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Continue to Cinque Terre
and discover one of the most enchanting landscapes in the world. Five villages
suspended between sea and land, hanging from sheer cliffs surrounded by hills and
vineyards. Back to Florence.
- DAY 8 Florence/Verona/Venice
After breakfast, journey to Verona and enjoy a tour of the town, including a visit to
the Roman Theatre and the fabled Juliet balcony. Continue to Venice, where you
will be transferred to your hotel by private water taxi. Check-in at the hotel.
- DAY 9 Venice
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice, with its rich
architecture and history. Visit the Doges’ Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs, to
see the prison where Casanova was held before his daring escape. The remainder
of the afternoon free to self-discover Venice. Farewell dinner at typical Venetian
restaurant.
- DAY 10 Venice
Breakfast at the hotel and final transfer or extend your stay.