Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Italian Treasures Discover the timeless beauty of Italy’s capital and be transported back to Ancient Rome when you join a fascinating guided walking tour of St. Peter’s Square, with beautiful views of the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum, which, for over 1400 years was the hub of the Roman Empire. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences.* (B)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Rome is a vibrant city with a strong character and overflowing with art, culture, history, gastronomy, monuments, fascinating stories, and much more. Built on 7 hills and considered to be the “Cradle of Western Civilisation”, it is the city with the most churches and fountains in the world. When you stand in the heart of Ancient Rome, discovering stories about the Roman Empire whilst admiring the Roman Forum, it becomes easy to understand the origins of the saying “All roads lead to Rome”
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Roman Rulers Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in the beautiful walled town of Lucca and enjoy an orientation walk followed by free time to explore the delightful historic center. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
The Italian Riviera This morning drive to La Spezia, the starting point of your Cinque Terre adventure. [LF] Join a guided boat ride (weather permitting) to admire the dramatic scenery along the Cinque Terre coast. Arrive in Monterosso, one of the 5 villages, and enjoy some free time before boarding your train to La Spezia. En-route back to Lucca, stop in Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the location of one of the most recognizable monuments in the world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Take a stunning cruise along the breathtaking Cinque Terre coastline, where the sparkling Ligurian Sea meets dramatic cliffs and centuries-old colourful villages perched above the water. Soak in unforgettable views of the rugged Italian Riviera before arriving in charming Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and historic old town
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Tuscany’s Terra Bella Often called the medieval Manhattan for its remarkable skyline, San Gimignano is a real treat. Join an orientation walk before exploring the town independently with time to browse the artisan shops and try some of the local produce. Relax on a scenic drive through the heart of Chianti, followed by a [LF] wine tasting accompanied by local specialties at a farmhouse. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Discover the heart of the Chianti Classico region and immerse yourself in centuries-old winemaking traditions. Set among rolling vineyards and timeless landscapes, this experience celebrates the authentic flavors and heritage of Tuscany. Enjoy an exclusive tasting of the finest organic wines, a true expression of sustainable agriculture and local craftsmanship. From bold reds to delicate rosés and the iconic Vin Santo, each wine is thoughtfully paired with local specialties and artisanal Cantuccini. A refined and memorable journey designed to celebrate tradition, excellence, and the beauty of the Chianti countryside
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Spend Your Day Your Way in Florence Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. Explore more of Florence with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.
Enjoy an evening at leisure to discover more of Florence. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona Arrive in the elegant city of Verona, rich in history, but made famous by Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Enjoy a stroll to admire the main squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, with its pink marble Roman Arena, still used today as a concert venue. Continue to Venice Island and take a private boat ride. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Benvenuti a Venezia Enjoy a private boat ride before meeting your local guide for a fascinating sightseeing walk. See St. Mark’s Square, with its landmark columns and Basilica, and visit the ornate Doge’s Palace with the Bridge of Sighs. At a vetreria meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to meander through the typical Venetian “calli and campi” (alleyways and squares). (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Medieval Marvels Scenic drive through the Apennine Mountains to the stunning hilltop town of Assisi, an important center for both religion and art, and birthplace of St. Francis. Meet the Local Guide for a walking tour in the medieval center which includes a visit to the Basilicas of St. Clare and St. Francis. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, mystic, and founder of the Franciscan Orderwho 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Parting is Sweet Sorrow En-route to Rome, stop in Orvieto, perched dramatically on a plug of volcanic rock and dominated by a striking cathedral. Enjoy an orientation walk to see the cathedral, plus free time to visit San Brizio Chapel or to explore Piazza del Duomo. Continue to Rome, meet your Local Guide, and see the famous Passetto di Borgo before reaching Castel Sant'Angelo for a fascinating visit of the former papal fortress. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Rome. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Orvieto’s Cathedral is perched atop a volcanic hill in stunning style that 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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
