Tour Leader: Camille Shosted

​***Your final, detailed itinerary will be sent to you approximately six weeks before the tour. Please note that while all listed inclusions and experiences will remain the same, the order of activities may vary.***

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DAY 1

Fly from the United States to Italy!

DAY 2

Upon arrival, stop at the historical centre to see some of the most famous city sights – Piazza Navona, Fountain di Trevi, Spanish steps. Later, check in the hotel and overnight.

DAY 3

After breakfast we depart for Vatican City, to visit the splendid Vatican Museums with their world-renowned art collections and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s frescoes. We continue our tour with a visit of the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, we proceed with visit of Castel Sant’Angelo. (B)

DAY 4
After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of the “Imperial” Rome, visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum with Palatine Hill and the famous Arch of Constantine. After some free time for lunch, we also will visit Appian way and the catacombs of St. Sebastiano. Return back to the hotel. (B)

DAY 5

This morning, after breakfast we depart for Sorrento. En route we will stop in Naples for a panoramic tour and some free time for lunch will be provided. Our next stop will be Pompeii where a local guide will take you through this ancient city preserved in ash after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. It is a fascinating walk back in time. Later, continue to Sorrento for check-in and overnight. (B)

DAY 6

Have your breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the day on boat, exploring the beautiful Amalfi coast. Do not forget your cameras, since you will take some incredible pictures during this tour. We will stop in Amalfi and Positano with enough time to explore on own. Some time for lunch on own will be provided. Return in Sorrento late in the afternoon. (B)

 

DAY 7

Today we journey north from Sorrento to the beautiful city of Florence. Along the way, we’ll make a few comfort stops for refreshments and restrooms. Upon arrival, we’ll pause at a scenic overlook so you can enjoy your first breathtaking view of Florence and its iconic skyline. Afterward, the evening is yours to explore at your leisure—whether you choose to wander the historic streets, enjoy a leisurely dinner, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of this remarkable city. Overnight in Florence. (B)

DAY 8

After the breakfast we enjoy of full day guided tour of the city. Next, we will take a walking tour of the of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore (exterior) in the old city center, including Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors and the famous cupola by Brunelleschi. A short walk brings us to the Accademia Gallery which houses the statue of David by Michelangelo. We will also stop at the Central market where you will have some free time for lunch and shopping. A short walk through the heart of Florence brings us to the famous Piazza Signoria, where we can see the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior) and the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi. Last visit today is in Uffizi Gallery – the most visited and famous museum in Florence. Return to the hotel.  (B)

DAY 9

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we depart for full day trip to Pisa and Lucca. First stop will be Pisa. Passing by the austere walls of the Camposanto, or monumental cemetery, you'll discover the secrets of this iconic square. The first monument that you'll visit will be the Pisa Cathedral, also known as the Duomo. Inside, you'll learn all about the history of its construction, taking you back to the 11th century, as well as admiring the collection of artworks showcased in the central nave. You'll be left speechless by the mosaics, intricate paintings in the apse, detailed frescoes, marble sculptures and the impressive pulpit. Having explored the Duomo, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the exquisite Baptistery, dedicated to St John the Baptist and, alongside the other emblematic monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Did you know this is the largest Catholic baptistery in the world? Its dimensions are unbelievable! Your tour will come to an end in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the city's best-known monument and one of the most photographed places in all of Italy. As you marvel at its stunning architecture, your guide will reveal the mysteries of the bell tower... why is it leaning? What does it have to do with Galileo?

 

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the charming city of Lucca. Stroll along its quaint streets and picturesque squares while learning about the city’s history, including the impressive medieval walls that still surround and protect the historic center. Your guide will introduce you to the character and hidden corners that make this Tuscan town so special.

(B)

DAY 10

After breakfast we depart for Venice.  At the afternoon, we meet our local guide for half-day tour of the city of doges. Enjoy a leisurely outdoor stroll in front of the most characteristic sites in Venice. Your experienced

guide will escort you to all of these breath-taking constructions while letting you in on the city’s amazing history. See the magnificent Piazza San Marco and all of its main monuments, such as the Basilica or the opulent Palazzo Ducale. The Doge’s Palace (skip the line) tour takes you into what was the epicentre of Venetian power. (B)

DAY 11

Meet your guide and enjoy a full-day tour to Murano and Burano and be amazed by the history of both islands. We will have a glass blowing tour to see the ancient technology for glass making that brought the world-famous glory of Murano Island. While there, we will visit the Church of Santa Maria before to continue to Burano. Some free time for lunch here as well as time to explore the island on own. On return to the hotel, for those who want to continue to explore Venice on their own, the boat can drop you off in the central part of Venice Return. (B)

DAY 12

Fly home to the United States, welcome home!

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