Monday
- DEPARTURE: We depart this afternoon on our trans-Atlantic flight.
Meals will be served aloft.
Tuesday
- VENICE: On arrival, we are greeted by our tour manager and escorted
to our hotel in Venice. (D)
Wednesday
- VENICE: Our morning walking tour of will include St. Mark's Square
and Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon
will be free. Overnight in Venice. (CB)
Thursday
- PADUA / RAVENNA / FLORENCE: This morning we visit Padua, a center
for culture, learning, and art. Then we visit the former Imperial
City of Ravenna. Once known as the "Byzantium of the West",
we will see the finest and richest evidences of early Christian art
- especially in the exquisite mosaics. Later, we motor to Florence,
the cradle of the Renaissance. Overnight Florence. (CB, D)
Friday
- FLORENCE: Today we explore this city of the Renaissance, viewing
its renowned monuments and museums. Our tour includes the Cathedral
of Santa Maria della Fiore, Giottos' Bell Tower, the Romanesque Baptistry,
the 13th century church of Santa Croce, and Ponte Vecchio, the ornate
old bridge lined with jewelry shops. The afternoon and evening are
free. Overnight Florence. (CB)
Saturday
- FLORENCE - excursion to PISA and LUCCA: Visit the Roman city of
Lucca founded in the second century. This afternoon we continue to
Pisa and visit the Duomo, the Baptistry, and the Leaning Tower. This
evening, we'll enjoy a special "TUSCAN DINNER" with wine.
Overnight Florence. (CB,SD)
Sunday
- SAN GIMIGNANO / SIENA / ASSISI: Drive through the glorious Tuscan
countryside to San Gimignano, possibly the most remarkable of the
Tuscan hill towns. Later, we visit picturesque Siena, beautifully
set on three hills. Here, we'll stroll through narrow Gothic streets,
lined with palaces and patrician mansions. Then we wind our way through
the Umbrian countryside to the town of Assisi, made famous by its
revered St. Francis. The hilltop, walled-town of Assisi is a treasure-house
of history and art - as well as a monument to the good works of St.
Francis. Overnight in Assisi. (CB, D)
Monday
- ASSISI: Spend the day getting to know Assisi. We'll visit the Basilica
of St. Francis, the Church of Santa Maria della Minerva, the Cathedral
of San Rufino, and see the tomb of St. Clare. The afternoon is free.
Overnight Assisi.(CB, D)
Tuesday
- ASSISI / ORVIETO / ROME: Our route today takes us to Orvieto, a
city remarkably perched on top of a volcanic outcrop. Following our
visit of the Cathedral, a perfect example of the Romanesque-Gothic
style, we'll continue to Rome. Before checking in to our hotel, there
will be a brief overview tour of the city - seeing the Forum, the
Colosseum and several other Roman highlights. Overnight Rome. (CB,
D)
Wednesday
- ROME: All day at leisure. Optional tours may be arranged, or you
may wish to explore and shop in the "Eternal City" on your
own. (CB)
Thursday
- ROME - (Excursion to POMPEII): In the late morning we tour the ruins
of Pompeii, the sumptuous town which was buried in 79 A.D. by the
eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Return to Rome in the late afternoon. Overnight
Rome (CB)
Friday
- ROME: Our morning tour includes the Vatican Museum, the Sistine
Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. After some free time for lunch, we
begin our visit to some of the major basilicas of Rome ... finishing
our day with a tour in the catacombs. This evening we'll enjoy a special
"farewell dinner." Overnight in Rome. (CB. SD)
Saturday
- ROME / USA: Today we say, "Arrivederci" to Italy as we
begin our journey home. (CB)
CB
- Continental Breakfast
B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
SD - Special Dinner
