The Best of Italy

Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Benvenuti to beautiful Italy! This evening our tour director hosts an orientation followed by a welcome dinner with wine.

Today, we'll embark on a boat tour to the island of Murano, world-renowned for its long tradition of glass craftsmanship. Next, we'll return to Venice for a walking tour with a local guide who brings this remarkable city to life as we view Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square); the golden Byzantine Basilica di San Marco (Saint Mark's Basilica, entry fee included); the Doge's Palace and its famous Bridge of Sighs (exterior views only). Late this afternoon we'll lose ourselves in Venice as we explore cobblestone streets, marveling at attractions, and shopping for unique crafts and souvenirs. Later we might consider an optional gondola ride on the illustrious Grand Canal.

Our journey takes us south to Pisa and on to Forence today. We'll see the famous Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral known for its four-degree slant. Next, we'll visit a Tuscan countryside farm for a wine tasting and sampling of local specialties. We'll continue to Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany. Before we reach our hotel, we'll stop at Michelangelo Square to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Florence's historic center.

Our morning tour of Forence, the cradle of the Renaissance, begins with the Galleria dell'Accademia, an art museum best known for housing the iconic marble statue, Michelangelo's David. We'll also enjoy sculpture-filled Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square), the magnificent Duomo (cathedral), and Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge", lined with craft shops. This afternoon is free to explore local museums, stroll along the scenic Arno River, or we might consider an optional visit to the Uffizi Gallery. Tonight, a special treat awaits. We'll head to the hills surrounding Florence to savor a delicious dinner complete with wine at a picturesque Tuscan villa.

Today, we'll travel through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria to the wonderfully preserved medieval hill town of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan religious order. We'll see the fabled pilgrimage site, Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is comprised of an Upper and Lower church, and a crypt where Saint Francis is interred. Both the upper and lower church feature elaborate frescoes by different Italian artists including Florentine artist, Giotto. Late this afternoon, we'll arrive in Rome, "the Eternal City" where we can settle into our centrally located hotel.

This morning, we'll travel back in time to Imperial Rome. In the Colosseum, we'll listen to the echos of centuries of gladiatorial combat and public spectacles. We'll walk under the Arch of Constantine, and marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum, the day-to-day heart of ancient Rome. Our afternoon is free to explore the city's elaborate piazzas and fountains independently. In the late afternoon, we'll come together for a culinary walking tour in the Trastevere neighborhood where our expert foodie guide can provide us with a better understanding of Italian food culture and traditions. This evening, we'll enjoy an included dinner.

Note: Due to high demand, the timing and order of sightseeing across days 6–8 in Rome may be rearranged to ensure our group is able to experience all included visits.

We'll experience one of Christendom's most sacred places this morning: the Vatican. Our visits include the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica (erected over the apostle's tomb), the gloriously painted Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum which is abundant with priceless collections of art and treasures. Tonight, be our guest at a lavish gala dinner at a typical Roman restaurant complete with wine and entertainment. We'll cap our evening with an included tour of illuminated Rome by night.

Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast.