Itinerary

1. Overnight Flight

   Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight.

   Accommodation: Grand Hotel Palatino

2. Rome, Italy - Tour Begins

   Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

   Meal included: Dinner
   Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel

3. Rome

   On a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums* explore the Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt along with works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgement. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini’s altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome – still the tallest in the world. Later this afternoon, take in views of the River Tiber, the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum during a panoramic drive back to your hotel. The evening is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.

   Meal included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel Albani

4. Rome - Assisi - Perugia

   Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Piazza IV Novembre or visiting medieval palaces and elegant cathedrals.

   Meal included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel Albani

5. Perugia - Cortona - Florence

   Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance” – and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery* to see Michelangelo’s David.

   Meal included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal

6. Florence

   This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment.

   Meal included: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal

7. Florence - Venice

   Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of its 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

   Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch
   Accommodation: Regina Palace Hotel

8. Venice

   See Venice from the water and take a boat** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark’s Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent façade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride.

   Meal included: Breakfast

9. Venice - Lake Maggiore

   This morning, you’ll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to the shores of glamorous Lake Maggiore. During a boat ride to alluring Isola Bella, admire a succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake’s blue waters. On Isola Bella, join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo Palace and gardens before sailing back to the mainland where you check into your hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel.

   Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner

10. Lake Maggiore - Tour Ends

    Your journey comes to a close in Lake Maggiore this morning.

    Meal included: Breakfast