Arrive in glorious Venice with its astonishing treasures and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure in this city built on over a hundred small islands and connected by 400 bridges, Venice is truly an artistic masterpiece. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight: Venice
Meals: Dinner

The Island of Murano is known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. This morning, visit one of the factories to witness the art of glass blowing. Afterward, take a boat ride to Venice. The guided walking tour of this romantic city begins at St. Mark's Square. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. See the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between the prisons and the inquisition rooms of Doge's Palace. Then, continue to visit the pink marble Doge's Palace, the official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently or, participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride with music - it's definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday.

Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM)

Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Today, discover the peaceful islands of Burano and Torcello on the Venetian Lagoon. Begin with a boat ride to the island of Burano, the most scenic of the islands with its picturesque canals lined with brightly colored houses. Walk along the main street of Via Galuppi, famous for its artisan lace makers and lined with pastry shops, cafes, and restaurants. Continue to the rural and quiet island of Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon. Many artists have spent time here to escape from the noise and chaos of the city, including Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure or join the optional half day off the beaten path Venice walking tour.

Optional: Half Day Off the Beaten Path Venice Walking Tour (PM)

Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive trees. Enjoy a Tuscan cooking class where you learn about making homemade pasta, rural soups & sauces by using seasonal ingredients, according to tradition. All of the Tuscan secrets will be revealed, and using fresh Tuscan olive oil makes a huge difference in taste. Afterwards, sit back, relax, sip a glass of wine and savor lunch, your own creation! Continue to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture, for overnight.

Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today's tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Florence is indeed the center of the world's finest art and architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery*. Tonight, a delightful evening that begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment.
*(Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour PM, US $62): available for purchase only in Italy from your Tour Manager Florence and the fine arts are synonymous. This guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery provides insight to the history of the structure and its collections. Originally the private collection of the Medici family, the palazzo was opened to the public in 1765. Your tour highlights exceptional examples of Florentine painting with an aim to help you better understand the works of masters including Giotto, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in oftentimes two-three hour queues.
Important: The museum has a limited maximum capacity and therefore reserves the right to restrict admission. In this case, we may not be able to offer the tour. Price is based on minimum number of passengers

Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A full day at leisure in Florence for individual pursuits. Don't miss the optional full day tour to the medieval city of Siena, site of the famous Palio horse race. This traditional race takes place each year on July 2nd and August 16th, and runs in celebration of the holy apparition and assumption of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the city. Tour Campo Square and St. Dominic's Basilica before returning to Florence.

Optional: Full Day Siena from Florence (AM)

Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Florence to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is 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 Giotto's astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Afterwards, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Dinner together at the hotel.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections in 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. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade to view St. Peter's Basilica,* built on the burial site of Saint Peter, with the most famous Michelangelo’s Pieta. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City’s grand piazzas that includes the Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, linger and explore on your own and perhaps enjoy the typical Roman cuisine *Due to Religious events, the opening times of St. Peter Basilica are subject to change without notice. In these cases, you will visit the Vatican Library instead of the Basilica.

Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. View the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s 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. This afternoon, discover the delights of Rome on your own. Stop at a local café for lunch and just people-watch, or savor a cappuccino, indulge in a delectable gelato or try an authentic Italian pizza. Tonight, dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, followed by an illuminated tour of the city.

Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast