A TASTE OF ITALY
  7 DAYS FROM $1,849 US  
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM

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You’ve heard about Italy—its romance, mouth-watering cuisine, excellent wine, fabulous art, splendid beauty, ancient ruins, extraordinary statues, and remarkable architecture. On this tour, get a taste of what Italy has to offer and explore its most famous cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice. Have your camera ready as you discover the historical sights of Rome, including the Colosseum, the amphitheater used for deadly gladiatorial contests and public spectacles; the Roman Forum, the political, social, and commercial center during the Roman Empire; and the Sistine Chapel, world-famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings. You’ll see ancient buildings and ruins, and you’ll be able to imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.

Explore the maze of streets in Venice, and discover hidden treasures and restaurants in their back alleys. Or relax at an outdoor café in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square and enjoy this prime people-watching spot. In Florence, a highlight is the magnificent east door of the Baptistry of St. John, with the gilded bronze doors depicting scenes from the Old Testament. The doors got their nickname—Gates of Paradise—from the great artist, Michelangelo, who said the 12 bronze reliefs were “so fine that they would grace the entrance of paradise.”

Time in each of these Italian cities gives you the opportunity to taste the sumptuous cuisine, shop for Italian goods, explore the stunning churches and museums, and participate in optional excursions. Just imagine the memories you’ll create on this fabulous vacation.

Note:

This tour offers family-friendly departures with special activities and optional excursions perfect for families.

Day 1 Arrive in Rome, Italy
Time to rest or start exploring the “Eternal City.” At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (Dinner)

Day 2 Rome
Sightseeing with your Local Guide this morning concentrates on ancient Rome: visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Then, time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Rome–Florence
Start with a guided visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Next, visit monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. In the early afternoon, drive along the Highway of the Sun north into Tuscany and its hill-clad vineyards, which house the famous Chianti wine, to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” You may wish to join an optional dinner outing to a fine Tuscan restaurant and try out the Chianti wines. (Breakfast)

Day 4 Florence
During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David, admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE, and visit SANTA CROCE BASILICA with the tomb of Michelangelo. The afternoon is free. Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. (Breakfast)

Day 5 Florence–Venice
Through the wooded Apennine Hills and the lush plains of the River Po, the largest river in Italy, to Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. (Breakfast)

Day 6 At Leisure in Venice
A whole day to explore Venice on your own. Wander through the narrow streets, discover Rialto Bridge, and top it all off with a farewell drink at famous CAFFÉ FLORIAN. Later, why not join an optional cruise to the charming island of Burano followed by a delicious meal of local specialties to celebrate the success of your Italian vacation? (Breakfast)

Day 7 Venice
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

INCLUDED FEATURES

Rome
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica

Florence
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David, Signoria Square, and Santa Croce Basilica

Venice
Private boat ride, guided walking tour, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration; farewell drink at Caffé Florian

Headsets throughout the tour

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS
Full buffet breakfast daily; one special welcome dinner with wine in Rome; farewell drink in Venice

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
ROME Cicerone (SF), FLORENCE Athenaeum (F), VENICE ISLAND Residence Palazzo Selvadego (F)

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