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Itinerary
DAY 1: Departure from the U.S.A. - Overnight flight to Italy
Refer to the 'Departure Instructions' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures.
DAY 2: ITALY . . Arrival at Milan's Malpensa Airport . . Milan
Your 'Arrival Instructions' page in your Final Documents provides easy to follow instructions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your Milan hotel to check-in, freshen-up and rest a little. At your 'Welcome to Italy' dinner in the hotel this evening, get to know your fellow tour members. (Dinner)
DAY 3: ITALY . . Milan - Verona - Venice
This morning transfer to Milan's city center for free time. Both the modern Galleria and the gothic Duomo dominate Milan's main square. Depending on your interests, the tour manager can direct you toward high-fashion shops or noteworthy sights such as interesting churches, the nearby museums, and La Scala Opera House. Along the way, the 'gelateria' will tempt you with delicious Italian ice cream. Then it's on to Verona, famous for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Find yourself lost in the bittersweet love story as you walk to Juliet's balcony. Also admire Verona's own amphitheater, which is still used for extravagant, outdoor opera performances every summer. Next it's on to your Venice area hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4: ITALY . . Venice
A motor boat transfers you into the magical city of Venice. Marvel at the architecture of the San Marco Basilica, the Doges' Palace, the Clock Tower, and the 16th- and 17th-century Law Courts. Walk through the maze of narrow streets, lined with boutiques that make Venice a shopper's paradise. Numerous little bistros offer pizza and pasta dishes for your independent lunch and dinner. If you do not mind spending a little more, choose an outdoor café along St. Mark's Square, where you will be serenaded by live music. The 'Venice Lagoon Cruise & Dinner' excursion is another option. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals of Venice by gondola, your tour manager can usually arrange a small group. Based on five to six persons to a gondola, the cost is about $45 per person. (Breakfast)
DAY 5: ITALY . . Pisa - Montecatini-Terme
This morning travel south past Bologna and the town of Padua, home to the university where Galileo taught. Your destination is Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Work on the structure began in 1174, but it started to tilt even before completion. After snapping pictures of the Leaning Tower, continue on to Montecatini-Terme, where pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets welcome you to this spa resort town in the Tuscany Region. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6: ITALY . . Florence - Montecatini-Terme
This day is devoted to artistically glorious Florence. The first architectural masterpieces you will notice during the guided tour stand on the Piazza del Duomo: the 'Duomo' (cathedral); the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors by Ghiberti; and Giotto's 'campanile' (bell tower). The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence at your own pace. Admire the piazzas, each with their own distinct character, shop the open-air markets, visit the Uffizi Gallery, or enjoy gathering with Florentines and visitors alike on the Ponte Vecchio. Return to Montecatini-
Terme to dine at your leisure at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant. (Breakfast)
DAY 7: ITALY . . Montecatini-Terme
Spend a leisurely day in Montecatini-Terme. Perhaps begin with a walk through the classic pavilions and parks that characterize this bath town. Take the funicular up to the old town of Montecatini Alte and sip a cappuccino as you enjoy a great panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. Or, you might consider returning to Florence by train to spend your free day. For your independent dinner, you might wish to dine 'al fresco' at one of the sidewalk terraces of the grand hotels in Montecatini-Terme. Another choice for today is the optional 'Siena' excursion which includes dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 8: ITALY . . Rome
Leaving Tuscany, drive south along the Italian Autostrada toward Rome. In the early afternoon, reach the center of the Eternal City for an initial orientation. The best way to become familiar with this vibrant city is on foot. Walk from the center of Rome to Trevi Fountain, discovering the architecturally beautiful churches, fountains and piazzas. As you walk this marvelous city, stop at a few of the beautiful churches, each one a museum in its own right. Among the most remarkable are St. Maria degli Angeli and the Church of Jesus Christ in Old Rome. You will find that this city constantly reminds you of history, yet at the same time, keeps you firmly aware that it is a vibrantly modern capital. This evening, during dinner at your Rome area hotel, take the opportunity to share tour experiences with your fellow travelers and newly made friends. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9: ITALY . . Rome
The entire day is devoted to the wonders of Rome. As legend has it, Rome was built on seven hills by Romulus and Remus. A local guide accompanies the motor coach this morning to point out highlights such as the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum. After the city sightseeing tour, you might indulge in a shopping spree in Rome's highly touted fashion stores. We also recommend a visit to the Gardens and Villa Borghese at the end of the Via Veneto. The tour manager will offer an optional excursion to the 'Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.' Choose from over 2000 restaurants for an independent dining experience, or join the optional 'Rome Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 10: ITALY . . Rome
This is a day to set your own pace. If you wish to have more time to explore Rome, the hotel can assist you with transportation and sightseeing information. Or, add a fascinating slice of history to your travel experiences if you decide to join the full day optional 'Pompeii' excursion. Italy is the cradle of European civilization, art, architechture and music. However you choose to spend your day, the sights are sure to leave you brimming with grand impressions. (Breakfast)
DAY 11: Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.
Transfer to the Rome Fiumicino Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
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