INCLUDED FEATURES...

HIGHLIGHTS

Take an exciting journey to the traditional cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Stresa. Multiple-night stays in centrally-located hotels let you truly experience the local flavor of these popular Italian destinations.

Beginning in Rome, visit such architectural delights as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Circus Maximus. You'll then travel along the Bay of Naples for a stop at the captivating Isle of Capri. Tour the excavated ruins of Pompeii and enjoy the panoramic views of the resort town of Sorrento. You'll travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast before arriving in the northern region of Tuscany.

A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic gems, many of which are housed in the Academy Gallery where you’ll see Michelangelo's impressive Statue of David. In the Piazza del Duomo, see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world. En route to Venice, you'll visit the dramatic Leaning Tower of Pisa and medieval Padua with its impressive six-domed Saints Basilica. Your final stay will be in Stresa, located in the picturesque Italian Lake District.

A visit to Lugano, Switzerland, and a fabulous farewell dinner on Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands, is a perfect ending to your vacation.

MEALS

11 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners; 18 meals in total

HOTELS

ROME: Grand hotel Palatino or Hotel Mediterraneo

VIETRI SUL MARE: Lloyd's Baia Hotel

FLORENCE: Grand Hotel Baglioni or Hotel Astoria

VENICE: Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal

STRESA: Regina Palace or Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

*On some dates alternate hotels may be used

Day 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT. Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance awaits you. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, "The Eternal City.

Day 2: ARRIVE ROME, ITALY - TOUR BEGINS. Arrive in Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. Today dinner is included.

Day 3: ROME - CLASSICAL ROME CITY TOUR. Today enjoy a tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted through the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Rome independently. Today breakfast is included.

Day 4: ROME - CHRISTIAN ROME CITY TOUR. You may begin your day with an optional tour to the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums." Later, enjoy a Christian Rome city tour featuring the catacombs, burial place of early Christians, St. Paul's Basilica Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. You then proceed to St. John in Lateran, the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377. Tonight's dinner features traditional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: ROME - NAPLES - ISLE OF CAPRI - VIETRU-SUL-MARE. Journeying toward the region of Campania via the Autostrada, you travel along the brilliant Bay of Naples. A short transfer by boat brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Exploring this island paradise with a local guide, you visit the picturesque town of Capri, full of charm and tradition. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 6: POMPEII - SORRENTO - VIETRI-SUL-MARE. See the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius before continuing your journey to the resort of Sorrento, where each turn in the road reveals panoramic views. Later in the day, travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, offering spectacular views of the ocean and hillside towns. Today breakfast is included.

Day 7: VIETRI-SUL-MARE - FLORENCE. Welcome to the northern region of Tuscany. Florence, the "Cradle of the Italian Renaissance", offers spectacular culture, art and cuisine. Upon arrival, a visit to the Academy Gallery features Michelangelo's monumental figure of David. Your day ends with a wonderful Tuscan dinner. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: FLORENCE. A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic and architectural gems. A guided tour of Florence includes the Piazza Del Duomo to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio in Signoria Square and the Baptistery of St. John. Today breakfast is included.

Day 9: FLORENCE - PISA - PADUA - VENICE. Driving toward the coast to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, you will find the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistery, along with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore this fascinating area before journeying through central Italy to the medieval city of Padua to view the impressive six-domed Saints Basilica. Your travels continue to enchanting Venice, built on 117 islands, with 150 canals and 400 bridges. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 10: VENICE - MURANO ISLAND - VENICE. Your day begins with a boat trip (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass-making demonstration. Return by boat to charming St. Mark's Square, a hub of quintessentially Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a leisurely walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, with its famous Moors; St. Mark's Basilica; the Doge's Palace; and the famous Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, an optional gondola serenade cruise is available. Today breakfast is included.

Day 11: VENICE - VERONA - STRESSA. Depart Venice and drive to Verona, home of the epic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Later, continue north to the picturesque Italian Lake District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 12: STRESSA - LUGANO SWITZERLAND - ISOLA BELLA - STRESSA. Driving through the beautiful lake district of Italy, you cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano, which offers excellent shopping opportunities. Tonight you are transported by boat to your farewell dinner on Isola Bella, the largest of the Borromean Islands. This is the perfect way to celebrate the end of a spectacular and memorable trip. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 13: STRESS - TOUR ENDS. Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. Today breakfast is included.