DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy
DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Trieste
Arrive Trieste, the capital city of Friuli Venezia-Giulia region and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city, boasting a unique blend of Italian, Astro-Hungarian, and Slovenian cultures. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend you select flights, that arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Trieste
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Monday - Miramare Castle, Wines of Friuli Region
Begin the day with a visit to the 19th century Miramare Castle, located on the Grignano promontory, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. The castle was built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg for his wife. Explore the alluring interior, still featuring original furniture and decorations. Next, take a stroll through the impeccably manicured gardens and take in the beautiful scenery. Enjoy lunch and sample local wines in a countryside estate, before returning to Trieste. In the afternoon, spend time at leisure in this lively seaport city of the northeast
Overnight: Trieste
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4, Tuesday - Ancient Aquileia, Grado and Venice
Today, head to Ancient Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded as a Roman colony in 181 BC, Aquileia became an affluent trading port, due to its strategic position. The city was sacked and destroyed by Attila in 452. From then on, only the authority of its church and the enduring myth of the powerful city it once was survived. In the 4th century, it became an important Christian center, a legacy still evident today. Visit the Basilica of Sant Maria Assunta, featuring an exquisite mosaic floor. Afterward, a short drive will take you to the charming town of Grado. Spend free time exploring on your own before continuing to Venice, the Pearl of the Adriatic. Arrive in the late afternoon, and check into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner tonight
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Wednesday - Venice and its Lagoon
The discovery of Venice begins in the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. Visit a local factory to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, a boat ride will take you to the Island of Torcello was one of the oldest and most prosperous lagoon settlements in early times. Next, head to Burano, the island known worldwide for its lacemaking. Walk the charming lanes along the channels and admire the colorful houses. Later, continue to Venice, with time to explore and take in the atmosphere of this unique city
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Thursday - Villa Pisani, Ravenna
Visit one of the most beautiful Palladian villas, the magnificent Villa Pisani, located along the Riviera del Brenta, near the city of Stra. The villa of the noble Pisani family is now a National Museum that cherishes 18th and 19th century works of art and furniture, including the fresco masterpiece of Giambattista Tiepolo on the ceiling of the ballroom. Afterward, head south toward Ravenna. Stop for a light lunch with local products, before continuing the drive. Arrive in the late afternoon in Ravenna, the former capital of the Western Roman Empire. Check into your hotel and spend time at leisure
Overnight: Ravenna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Friday - Ravenna
This morning, immerse yourself into the art, history, and culture of Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its artistic treasures. The city preserves the richest mosaic heritage dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, inside its splendid early Christian and Byzantine churches. Take a walk-through history, beginning with the Roman times, through the Renaissance until the 19th century, when the city was rediscovered by famous visitors such as Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Sigmund Freud, and Gustav Klimt. Visit the 6th century Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. The afternoon is at leisure or choose the optional tour to the Independent Republic of San Marino, the oldest republic in the world
Optional: The Republic of San Marino
Overnight: Ravenna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Saturday - Urbino
Discover Urbino today, a city of great historic and artistic importance. Surrounded by walls and embellished with sandstone buildings, the town developed from a simple village into the cradle of Renaissance. Urbino experienced its cultural splendor in the 15th century, thanks to Federico di Montefeltro and his court. The city acquired its artistic and monumental excellence, attracting into the duchy, the very best Renaissance culture could offer. Urbino is also the birthplace of Raphael, one of the most famous painters of the period. Walk through the narrow and steep streets and admire the Renaissance architecture and the imposing Ducal Palace. Next, take a ride in the countryside of Acqualagna to taste black truffle, a delicacy of the area for an early dinner. Weather permitting, experience a truffle tour and watch as specially trained dogs search for the famed fungus*. Continue through the green landscapes reaching Torgiano in the Umbria Region in the evening
*This tour includes interactions with animals. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Overnight: Perugia Province
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Sunday - Medieval Assisi, Perugia
Today discover Umbria, starting with a visit to the town of Assisi perched high on a hill, with its sacred shrines. Take a walking tour of Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture and best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy. Admire its 13th century Basilica of San Francesco, which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's astonishing frescoes. Sample typical dishes for lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Perugia, the lively capital of Umbria Region. Marvel at the impressive Palazzo dei Priori and the stunning Perugia Cathedral. The evening is at leisure
Overnight: Perugia Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10, Monday - Explore Rasiglia and Spoleto
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to Rasiglia, a medieval Umbrian hamlet, known as the village of streams for its abundant waterways. Continue to the historic town of Spoleto, with its rich cultural heritage. Walk through the winding medieval streets and view impressive landmarks such as Rocca Albornoziana fortress and Spoleto Cathedral. Spend free time before travelling through the lush countryside dotted with quaint villages to Canale Monterano for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Canale Monterano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Tuesday - Necropolis of Cerveteri, Santa Severa
Tour the Necropolis of Cerveteri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Etruscan civilization. This expansive burial site features thousands of tombs dating back to the 9th century BC. Explore the intricately carved tombs and gain insight into the Etruscans' views on the afterlife. Continue with a visit to Santa Severa, former Etruscan harbor of Pyrgi, located along the Tyrrhenian coast. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour manager during dinner
Overnight: Canale Monterano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Wednesday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in Rome for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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