You will be met at Venice Airport and then transferred to
your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather
with your fellow travelers and your tour director for a
welcome reception and orientation. (WR)
We begin our exploration of Venice at St. Mark’s Square
with a walking tour which includes visits of the St. Mark’s
Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in the amazing
views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. During our
tour we stop for a tasting of Spritz, a typical venetian
aperitif. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy
Venice on your own. (B)
Optional tour: Gondola serenade
Optional tour: Pub crawl “Venetian style”
We drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the EmiliaRomagna region, situated on the banks of the Po River.
After our orientation tour of Ferrara, we continue to Pisa
where we view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its
Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to
Florence for a free evening. (B)
Our morning city tour begins at the majestic Piazza del
Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s
awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the
Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of
Paradise.” Then, we visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where
Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the
Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over
Florence. The remainder of the day is free to savor the
Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital on your own.
(B)
Optional tour: Visit to San Gimignano with wine tasting
We travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany on
our way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here, we
take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the
impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Later, we continue to
Rome for an evening at leisure. (B)
This morning, we visit the Colosseum, a symbol of Rome.
After our visit, we continue to see the splendid Arch of
Constantine, climb the ancient Palatino Hill, overlook
Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace; and stop on the
legendary Via Sacra or “Sacred way”. In the afternoon
we have time at leisure for more discoveries and
activities on your own. (B)
Optional tour: Visit of the Grand Piazzas & food tour
Today we will visit the Vatican Museums, located within
that city's boundaries. We see the works of Raphael &
Michelangelo, and admire the Sistine chapel's
magnificent frescoes. We continue to St. Peter's Square
where some of the most important Papal ceremonies
take place. In the evening, there is a dinner with your
fellow travelers and your tour director. (B, D)
We say goodbye to Rome and travel to Pompeii, a town
caught off guard by a volcanic eruption of Mount
Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Buried under ashes, the well
preserved ruins were rediscovered in the 16th century and
are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey
continues to Sorrento where dinner is served at our hotel,
followed by a free evening. (B, D)
Glide by ferry across the glistening bay to the beautiful
Isle of Capri. Here, we visit the magnificent Gardens of
Caesar Augustus and view the famed Faraglioni Rocks.
Then there’s time to wander through the winding streets
before we return to Sorrento. (B)
We have a full day of free time to take in the sights of
Sorrento. You might want to browse the shops, indulge in
a spa treatment, or simply relax &, enjoy the views.
Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and your tour
director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Optional tour: Amalfi coast with limoncello tasting
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in
Naples for your departure flight.
Inclusion
Arrival transfer from Venice airport to the hotel
11 day/10-night guided tour featuring:
Centrally located first class hotels:
2 nights in Venice
2 nights in Florence
3 nights in Rome
3 nights in Sorrento
Buffet breakfast daily
A welcome reception in Venice (heavy hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine, beer or soft drink)
A dinner in Rome (coffee or tea included)
A farewell dinner in Sorrento (coffee or tea included)
Hotel taxes and service charges
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor-coach
Professional English-speaking tour director
Sightseeing tours with licensed local guides
Admission included where indicated
Luggage handling at the hotels
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Departure transfer from Sorrento to Naples airport
Tour spotlights:
Venice, a fabled city with palazzos, bridges, masks, churches, canals and gondolas
Pisa with the famous Leaning Tower
Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, The Santa Maria del Fiore, culture, art and monuments
Assisi with the Basilica of St. Francis
Rome, a magnificent eternal city with truly stunning architecture, the capital of Italy, fountains, churches,
fashion and sublime food Vatican City, seat of the Roman Catholic Church
Special features:
Tasting of the typical Venetian aperitif Spritz
Exclusion
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Note
Hotels Accommodations / Select Hotels
Venice: Carlton Grand Canal (F) or similar
Florence: Starhotels Michelangelo (F) or similar
Rome: Starhotels Metropole (F) or similar