Arrival transfers at Venice Marco Polo Airport will operate at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Optional extension return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Naples Airport at 4:45 a.m., 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Day
1
Day 1, Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.*
Day 2, Sun. ARRIVE IN VENICE, ITALY.
You will be met and transferred by water taxi along the Grand Canal. Disembark and walk to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner this evening. (D)
Day 3, Mon. VENICE.
Meet your local expert and start your walking tour in St. Mark's Square. Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and view the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. Also visit a glassblowing factory where you will see a demonstration of traditional Venetian glass blowing. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, relax in a café, or join an optional gondola ride. (B)
Day 4, Tue. VENICE / FERRARA / PISA / FLORENCE.
Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. An orientation tour shows you the highlights of this attractive town. Then, on to Pisa to view the Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and Duomo. End your day in Florence. (B,D)
Day 5, Wed. FLORENCE.
Today's morning city tour begins at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti's bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is displayed. Also, find a hidden treasure q. Your tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo for the spetacular view over Florence. The rest of the day is at leisure to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital on your own. (B)
Day 6, Thu. FLORENCE / SIENA / ASSISI / ROME.
Traveling through Tuscany, stop in the beautiful city of Siena for a stroll to the Piazza del Campo and St. Dominic's Church. Afterwards, drive through Umbria to Assisi for a walking tour of the main square and a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis. Continue on to the splendid “Eternal City.” (B,D)
Day 7, Fri. ROME.
A full day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of splendid Rome. Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Then continue on to see the Colosseum, ancient Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. In the evening, take a walking tour to the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. (B)
Day 8, Sat. ROME.
A free day in spectacular Rome. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the shops, galleries and museums, or relax in a sidewalk café. For those not taking the Sorrento Extension, an optional excursion to Pompeii is available. Once a prosperous port city, Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. Your excursion will bring to life the sights and history of this fascinating town. Tonight, celebrate your tour with a Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
Day 9, Sun. DEPART ROME.
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)
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