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
Roman Holiday Discover the timeless beauty of the Eternal City during your guided sightseeing. Be transported back to the times of Ancient Rome when you stand in the Colosseum and hear stories of gladiators and emperors. Discover more of Rome’s most celebrated monuments with a guided walk to admire the Pantheon, Piazza Navona with its Baroque fountains, and throw coins in the Trevi Fountain.* Depart Rome and drive through the rolling green hills of Umbria to Assisi. [LF] A real treat awaits with a tasting of regional wines at a local cantina. (B,D)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
LOCAL FAVORITE
For two generations, the same family has cared for hectares of fertile ground: an expanse of vines and olives, figs and fruit trees stretching through the valley to the foot of Assisi. Take in the aroma of the estate’s exceptional wine in this timeless cellar and experience a wine tasting in in this blissful vineyard in the Umbrian countryside
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Medieval Marvels The stunning hilltop town of Assisi is an important center for both religion and art and is the birthplace of St. Francis. Free time this morning to independently visit the Basilica of St Francis or stroll along medieval streets before continuing north to Venice Island. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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 and founder of the Franciscan Order. 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
Spend Your Day Your Way in Venice Enjoy a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. On disembarkation, walk to a historic vetreria (glass workshop) to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Explore more of Venice with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.
Spend free time this afternoon and evening exploring more of the island. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
The Tilted Tower Drive across the Apennine Mountains, affectionately referred to as Italy’s backbone, into Tuscany. Enjoy a stop in Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and location of one of the most iconic monuments in the world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This evening, arrive in Florence. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Fine Art in Firenze Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your local guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see the David statue one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces, followed by 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. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are treated to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
La Dolce Vita Join an orientation walk through the medieval streets to the Piazza del Campo, the hub of this delightful city. Twice a year this square is the venue of the Palio, a horse race fiercely contended between the local contrade (city wards). [LF] Taste the traditional sweets of panforte and ricciarelli before returning to Rome. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
A mouth-watering mix of almonds, egg white, honey, sugar, and the pleasing aroma of almond paste are baked into each bite of ricciarelli. Doused with sugar, these oval shaped biscuits are sold by the dozens throughout Siena. Why not make it a baker’s dozen of delight with a slice of panforte? This chewy flourless cake is rich with candied fruit and almonds with a hint of spices. What was once a medieval delicacy prepared for monks and nuns around Siena, panforte (strong bread) is now a sweet staple served in virtually every pastry shop you’re lucky enough to pass
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Arrivederci, Roma Enter the Vatican City State for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums featuring the Sistine Chapel, lift your eyes to the heavens and marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling before continuing to St. Peter’s Square to see the spectacular St. Peter’s Basilica. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.* (B,D)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
