Welcome to Venice!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Italian Beauties
VENICE Take a private boat ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark's Square and views of the Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Glassblowing demonstration followed by a [LF] Gondola ride with music and free time. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Centuries ago, gondolas were the main form of transportation in Venice, powered by a gondolier with a single paddle to navigate the canals of this historic city. Today, Venetian gondoliers continue generations of family tradition to squire visitors through the iconic waterways while serenading passengers with romantic Italian ballads.
Sweet & Sour in Modena
MODENA Enjoy a [LF] balsamic vinegar tasting at the renowned Acetaia Leonardi en route to Florence. (B) 205 mi / 330 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Creating classic Balsamic Vinegard requires the patience learned through four generations of devotion and respect for the 18th-century traditions at Acetaia Leonardi farm. The farm sits on 27 acres of vineyards where Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes are grown to produce this delicate balance of sweet and sour Modena specialty.
Fine Art in Firenze
FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gates of Paradise," and Signoria Square. Free time before departing for Siena. (B) 62 mi / 100 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Heart & Soul in Siena
SIENA Guided walking tour includes sights of the Duomo and Piazza del Campo.
PIENZA Enjoy an orientation walk and free time for lunch en route to Rome. (B) 155 mi / 250 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Perched within Italy's stunning Tuscany region, the medieval city of Siena is a treasure trove of medieval architecture. The 13th-century Piazza del Campo remains the heart of Siena, where locals stroll and socialise as they have done for centuries. The Duomo di Siena stands majestically with its black and white marble facade amid the serenity of Siena's streets and squares.
When In Rome
ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon and evening. * (B)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.
Time Stands Still in Pompeii
ROME Scenic drive en route to Sorrento. *
POMPEII Take a guided walking tour of the excavations, followed by free time for lunch. (B) 174 mi / 280 km
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded
Jetfoil Ride to Capri
CAPRI Take a funicular ride from the harbour to the village. Guided sightseeing includes the Augustus Gardens with free time for lunch before returning to Sorrento.
SORRENTO AREA Enjoy free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner with Limoncello at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples. (B)