Indulge in your own Italy fantasy on this escorted coach tour including the vibrant cities of Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice and more. Some of the highlights of this trip will be a day in Florence, "the cradle of the Renaissance, where Italian art reached its pinnacle; the elegant city center of Bologna; the St. Mark's Basilica in Venice; the medieval town of Montepulciano in Tuscany; and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Starting at $1,140 per person, Land Only, with guaranteed departures on select dates.
Day 1 – Arrive Rome
Arrive in Rome, where you are transferred to your hotel. (Roma Garden/Bettoja)
Day 2 – Rome/Assisi/Siena/Florence
This morning, begin your tour by coach, traveling north to Assisi. At your leisure explore this tiny town, which is surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. After lunch (not included), board the bus to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square, Piazza del Campo. Continue on to Florence and check in to your hotel. (Raffaello) (B/D)
Day 3 – Florence
After breakfast, spend the day venturing around Florence, the “cradle of the Renaissance,” where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Among the many fascinating monuments, churches and buildings, a highlight is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly referred to as the Duomo, for its magnificent dome built by Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the “Campanile” tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistry, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the “Gates of Paradise.” In the heart of the city, see Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own. (B/L)
Day 4 – Florence/Bologna/Padua/Venice
After breakfast in Florence, depart for Bologna. Discover the elegant city center with its “porticos” (covered walkways) and its shopping streets. From Piazza Malpighi, walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore (Neptune square and Major square) in the heart of the city, then King Renzo’s Palace, Palazzo Podesta and the basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Bologna is a gourmet’s heaven. Don’t miss a tasty meal at your leisure! In the afternoon, continue toward Padua, with the Basilica of Saint Anthony, an important pilgrimage site. Later in the afternoon, arrive in Venice. Check in at your hotel, where you have dinner. (Delfino/Santa Chiara) (B/D)
Day 5 - Venice
This morning, transfer by private water-taxi to Piazza San Marco, with “Skip the Line” tickets to visit the splendid St. Mark’s Basilica. Next, visit the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s glorious past, and the legendary “Bridge of Sighs.” Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/D)
Day 6 - Venice/Montepulciano/Rome
Today, you are transferred to Piazzale Roma. From there, head to Tuscany, known for its landscapes, churches and castles, and delicious wines. Proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, the city hosts an annual jazz and wine festival every July. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace, enjoying free wine tastings in many wine shops and shopping. In the evening, arrive in Rome and check in at your hotel. (Roma Garden/Bettoja) (B)
Day 7 - Rome
This morning, depart from the hotel for your guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, with exclusive “Skip the Line” access. Visit one of the most important art collections in the world. Walk along the Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and visiting the amazing Sistine Chapel. Afterward, you are taken by a privileged door to St. Peter’s Basilica, world’s largest church. The tour ends on St. Peter’s Square. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 8 – Depart Rome
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. (B)
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