Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Dinner

Italian Treasures ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica to admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, the Colosseum, and see the Roman Forum. Free time late afternoon and evening.* (B) * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style
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Roman Rulers LUCCA Enjoy an orientation walk, followed by free time. (B) 217 mi/ 350 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Within the walls surrounding the medieval city of Lucca, the modern world fades away. Whilst you walk, see the Piazza Anfiteatro, San Michele Square, the Roman Amphitheatre, the soaring clock tower, and the Guinigi Tower topped with a hanging garden roof – just to name a few of the impressive sights you’ll find in this historic city in Tuscany
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The Italian Riviera Depart for a scenic drive en route to La Spezia. CINQUE TERRE [LF] Take a guided boat ride (weather permitting) to Monterosso, with free time before boarding your train for La Spezia. PISA See the Leaning Tower en route back to Lucca. (B,D) 155 mi/ 250 km LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre and take in fascinating views of the sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline
Breakfast Dinner

Tuscany’s Terra Bella SAN GIMIGNANO Take an orientation walk with free time for lunch. VERRAZZANO Enjoy [LF] wine tasting with local specialties. (B) 186 mi / 300 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit the Castle of Verrazzano’s winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, birthplace of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European to see New York bay. Taste the tradition of winemaking with regional specialties, enjoyed in the vineyards of this beautiful landscape for centuries
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Spend your day your way in Florence. FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes sights of the main landmarks such as the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gates of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. Explore more of Florence with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. TAKE YOUR PICK MEDICI HERITAGE & APERITIVO Discover the magnificent Pitti Palace on a guided walking tour. Admire artwork by Raffaello, Rubens, and Tiziano, as you hear stories about its former residents; once the symbol of the Medici family’s power, it was later the home of Napoleon. In recent times it was a key setting in Dan Brown’s novel “Inferno.” Stroll in the San Frediano district with your local guide and experience traditional life in Florence with an aperitivo in a local bar. OR: FLORENTINE FARE: Celebrate Florence's age-old traditions with a tasty tour featuring historic streets and authentic treats! Sample a selection of fried specialties, refreshing pappa al pomodoro, and luscious gelato at the famous Vivoli Ice Cream Parlor. Sweet smells are also on the menu with artisan perfumes near Santa Croce. Toast your day with a glass of wine from an historic "buchetta" (wine window). (B)
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Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona VERONA An orientation walk includes Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Brà to admire the Arena. Free time for lunch before continuing to Venice. VENICE ISLAND Take a private boat ride on the canals (B) 242 mi / 390 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching
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Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE ISLAND A guided walking tour to see St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs, followed by a glassblowing demonstration. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms
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Medieval Marvels Scenic drive through the Apennine Mountains en route to Assisi. ASSISI Guided walking tour includes St. Clare’s Church and St. Francis’ Basilica. (B,D) 267 mi / 430 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried
Breakfast Dinner

Miracles and Men of the Cloth ORVIETO An orientation walk includes the cathedral with free time to visit San Brizio Chapel. ROME Join in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant (B,D) 137 mi/ 220 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MYSTERY Orvieto’s Cathedral is perched atop a volcanic hill and dominates the skyline. A stunning example of Italian Gothic architecture, it features a large rose window, golden mosaics, and massive bronze doors. Inside, its frescoed chapels are adorned with spectacular works such as the Judgement Day, the coronation of Mary, the Pietà created by the great artist Scalza, and a spectacular organ with 5,585 pipes. Here, a blood-stained relic cloth is stored in the Chapel of the Corporal, remembrance of the 1263 miracle of Bolsena – when a priest who doubted his faith witnessed the Communion Host begin to bleed onto the altar cloth
Breakfast Dinner

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)