Italian Trio

Arriving at Venice’s airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather for a Welcome Dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. (D)

We began exploring Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. Then, on to St. Mark’s Square, for the walking tour, viewing the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoying views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, or join an optional gondola ride. (B)

Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour, continue to Pisa where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for the night. (B)

This morning begins with a city tour of 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.” Walk across the famous old bridge- “Ponte Vecchio”. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way. (B)

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome. An evening at leisure. (B)

A full-day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the incomparable Eternal City. Visit the Vatican Museums with the moving Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Then on to view the Colosseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum. (B)

Your day is free in spectacular Rome! Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the chic shops, galleries, and museums; do some more sightseeing on your own, or relax in a sidewalk cafe with a glass of fine Italian wine, a cold Limoncello, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner with your fellow travelers is the perfect way to celebrate your glimpse of Italy. Farewell dinner. (B, D)

One last breakfast in Italy before you are transferred to Rome’s airport. (B)