8 Day Enchanting Italy

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Venice
Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this magical city built over a hundred small islands and connected by 400 bridges. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend you to select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. Visit a local factory to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Mark's Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doge's Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice at leisure, or to participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride, offering a different perspective of this unique city built on water
Optional: Gondola Ride (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Monday - Tuscany & Pisa en route to Florence
Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting paired with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery and its famous Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The four monuments on the extraordinary Piazza create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Tuesday - Tour of Florence
Today, take a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. View the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" of the Baptistery by Ghiberti and Giotto's Bell Tower. You'll be enchanted as you walk through the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family that today houses the seat of the city government. Continue to Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge." Accademia Gallery tickets are included for an independent visit of one of Italy's most famous museums of art, allowing you to explore on your own. Florence is indeed the center of the world's finest art and architecture. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city. This evening, travel through the Tuscan hills, where dinner with wine and entertainment awaits
*Because tickets to Accademia cannot be purchased for visit on June 2nd, entrance to Accademia is not included on May 29th Departure
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Medieval Assisi City Tour en route to Rome
This morning, depart Florence and travel to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region with its rugged, winding streets and sacred shrines. Participate in 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, patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's amazing frescoes. Afterward, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Thursday - Full Day in Rome
Spend the morning at leisure, or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City's grand piazzas that includes the Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, view of the Pantheon, and the Baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, explore on your own and choose one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine
Optional: Piazzas of Rome (AM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Friday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast