DAY 1: Depart for Italy
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DAY 2: Arrive in Venice
- Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this magical city built over a hundred small islands and connected by 400 bridges. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager on the upcoming journey that awaits you in Italy. We recommend you to flights that arrive no later than 4 PM. The meeting will be followed by a dinner with your fellow travelers
- Overnight: Venice
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 3: Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice, Gondola Ride
- The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. While here, visit a local factory to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Marks Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doges Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the citys most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is countinued with Gondola Ride, One of the experiences of any Italian holiday is a Venetian gondola ride. For centuries, the traditional flat bottom boat has been a major means of transportation in Venice though its primary role today is to take tourists on rides. Gondoliers may seem like "rough-and-ready" characters, however they are actually highly skilled operators constantly working on the perfect balance of this watercraft. The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. Explore part of the Grand Canal as well as some other hidden minor waterways. The gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Your gondolier will indicate the seating arrangements to balance the boat and you may not be seated next to your travel companions. Though you may envision the gondolier singing to you, there will only be a musician aboard one of the boats in your fleet of several different gondolas.
- Overnight: Venice
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 4: Tuscany & Pisa en route to Florence
- Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting paired with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery and its famous Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The four monuments on the extraordinary Piazza create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
- Overnight: Florence
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 5: Tour of Florence
- Today, take a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. View the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" of the Baptistery by Ghiberti and Giottos Bell Tower. Youll be enchanted as you walk through the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family that today houses the seat of the city government. Continue to the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge". Florence is indeed the center of the worlds finest art and architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city. This evening, travel through the Tuscan hills, where a sumptuous dinner with unlimited wine and entertainment awaits
- Overnight: Florence
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 6: Medieval Assisi City Tour en route to Rome
- This morning, depart Florence and travel to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region with its rugged, winding streets and sacred shrines. Participate in a walking tour of Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture and best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giottos amazing frescoes. Afterward, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Tonight, savor dinner together
- Overnight: Rome
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 7: Tour Ancient Rome
- The historic tour of ancient Rome begins with a walk along the uneven and irregular paths of the Roman Forum, the original central plaza of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantines tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum*, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiatorial contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Tonight, explore on your own and choose one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine
- In case of impossibility to visit the Colosseum due to unforeseen circumstances, you will visit the Palatine Hill instead
- Overnight: Rome
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 8: Vatican Museums & Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, Piazzas of Rome
- Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelos masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections of the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the Sistine Chapel, with its great frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St. Peters Square, passing Berninis famous colonnade to view St. Peters Basilica, built on the burial site of Saint Peter. Countinue the afternoon with Piazzas of Rome, This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Domitian Stadium, with Berninis Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk.Tonight, embark on a scenic drive through the city before stopping for dinner in a local restaurant with wine and music
- Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)
- Overnight: Rome
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 9: Pompeii Tour en route to Sorrento
- Traveling south to Sorrento, at a distance, you can view the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the mountaintop (weather permitting). This was the scene of a huge battle near the end of World War II in which the Abbey was completely destroyed, but has since been lovingly restored. As you pass the Bay of Naples, majestic Mt. Vesuvius marks your way to Pompeii. Visit the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. Walk through the original sloping streets of Pompeii and view the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape beside their children and dogs, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Spectacular panoramic views and the sapphire blue waters of the Gulf of Naples welcome you to Sorrento. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner together with the group
- Overnight: Sorrento
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 10: Full Day in Sorrento
- A day at leisure in picturesque Sorrento awaits, strikingly beautiful with its seaside setting and soaring cliffs plunging into the sea. As you stroll along the coastal road and through the charming town, youll understand why this town has long been loved by poets and artists. Countinued with Full Day Capri, Enjoy a full day journey to the colorful Isle of Capri by boat. Visit the lovely Anacapri and explore the charming shops and chic boutiques as you stroll the islands narrow streets. Continue to see "La Piazzetta," the social heart of the island, on your way to the open-air Gardens of Augustus, from where you will appreciate breathtaking views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. Tour includes: local guide, round trip transportation to port, round trip transportation by fast boat, minibus or cable car transportation on the island.After a lovely day in Capri, return to Sorrento. Tonight, savor dinner together
- Optional: Full Day Capri
- Overnight: Sorrento
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 11: The Gorgeous Amalfi Drive
- The rugged Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic landscapes and amazing panoramas, is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Along the road, famous for its narrow curves and hairpin bends, youll see enchanting villages, cliffs terraced with lemon groves, whitewashed villas and sparkling turquoise seas. Drive by Positano and stop in Amalfi, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to spend time at leisure in town. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon
- Overnight: Sorrento
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 12: Depart Italy
- Transfer to the airport in Naples for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
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