DAY 1 – USA • MILAN
Depart from the U.S.A. on our flight to Europe. Meals and overnight on board. After dinner relax and enjoy the on-board entertainment.
DAY 2 – MILAN • LUGANO
Arrival Milan where you will be met and transferred to the hotel by one of our experienced tour guides who will accompany you for the duration of your trip. Welcome to the pleasures of the Italian Lakes.
Begin by heading north from Milan to Lugano, Switzerland, set on the edge of a lovely lake. Dinner and overnight in Lugano.
DAY 3 – LUGANO
Travel to Tremezzo to visit Villa Carlotta, built in the 18th century, and noted for garden landscaping and sculpture. Admire the dramatic views of the Alps silhouetting the famous villas along the shores of Lake Como on a private boat cruise. Arrive in the picturesque town of Bellagio, and enjoy free time to explore the town as you please; return to Lugano, where the evening is free.
DAY 4 – LUGANO • VENICE
This morning we leave Lugano and travel to Venice. Venice, designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. This afternoon head to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, with a local guide. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the greatest buildings in Europe, featuring exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings. See the Doges’ Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing a precious art collection. A serenade aboard a gondola cruise through the canals is the perfect ending to the day (optional). Dinner and overnight in Venice.
DAY 5 – VENICE
Spend the day exploring the museums and sites that interest you most in Venice, a highlight as you travel Italy as an “insider.” Perhaps tour the Galleria dell’Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or take a boat ride to islands in the lagoon. Dinner on own. Overnight Venice.
DAY 6 – VENICE • FLORENCE
This morning we board a train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city’s architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian prior to a walking tour of the city. At the Galleria dell’Accademia, marvel at Michelangelo’s marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall. View Lorenzo Ghiberti’s bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
DAY 7 – FLORENCE
Gaze at some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces at the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy’s largest art museum. Admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. You have a gallery reservation, and can spend as much time as you like looking at the art. During your free afternoon you can explore as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 – FLORENCE • ROME
Travel Italy through landscapes featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through the narrow streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held. Visit the Duomo, one of Italy’s great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Tuscany to Rome, center of the once-powerful Roman Empire. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
DAY 9 – ROME
Explore the rich treasures of the Vatican, starting at the Vatican Museums. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo’s masterpieces, and admire the art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pursue your own special interests in Rome during the afternoon.
DAY 10 – ROME
Get an insider’s view of Rome from a local guide. A tour highlight is the Colosseum, opened in AD 80 for gladiator combat. Choose among many historic sights and museums for your free afternoon.
DAY 11 – ROME • USA
Transfer to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Depart on your flight home with wonderful memories of Italy.
We can customize any itinerary of your choosing for groups of 20 or more.
Please contact us to obtain a competitive customized price for this tour from your home city (800) 213 9155. Lowest airfares from your home town!
