Day 1: Buongiorno Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Benvenuti a Roma! Get swept up in the city 's passion, past and flavors, from storied piazzas to recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin with a private after-hours visit. See the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds, learn the legend behind it and explore the church and crypt, where the relics of Saint Valentine are kept. Later, come together with your travel companions over dinner to celebrate the start of your Italian journey.
Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
Discover Ancient Rome and Vatican City on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Explore the Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo 's masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In St. Peter 's Basilica, pause before the Pietà and take in the scale and artistry of one of the world 's most significant churches. Cross the Tiber to step into Ancient Rome, where you 'll see the Circus Maximus and visit the Colosseum—imagining the roar of the crowd in the heart of this once-mighty empire. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art. From its spot on Capitoline Hill, you 'll have the chance to take in views of the Roman Forum.
Day 3: Journey to Lucca
Travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. In your free time, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.
Day 4: Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa
A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will explore today on your included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later, visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.
Day 5: Onwards to San Gimignano and Florence Connect with Locals
The gentle Tuscan landscape leads us to our next destination, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and historic towers, which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families who lived here centuries ago. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience in a beautiful family-owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills. You will join the Lenzi family for lunch and wine and olive oil tasting on their farm located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence. Later arrive in Florence for an evening at your leisure.
Day 6: Uncover the Treasures of Florence
Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential Medici family to life. Walk along narrow lanes into expansive piazzas, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and a replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old, and admire the spectacular panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. You 'll also learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. The rest of the day is yours to explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Vecchio or shop for high-quality leather and gold.
Day 7: Admire Verona and on to Venice
Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where you'll view the 1st-century Roman arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances and wander along cobbled streets in the city of star-crossed lovers. Then, venture to Venice, spending your leisure time searching for hidden treasures. Watch the sun set over the Venetian lagoon or perhaps join an optional experience.
Day 8: Discover the Floating City Make Travel Matter
On this morning 's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witness the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing that has been passed down from generation to generation. You may wish to buy a souvenir to remind you of the talent and skill of the master craftsmen who delight in sharing with visitors how they 're preserving this local craft. You 'll see St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs next, imagining how prisoners felt when they gazed over Venice for the very last time before being imprisoned. Cruise by private launch to see the city's most iconic attractions before enjoying free time to explore the city on your terms. Wander through alleys, over ornate bridges and into quiet campi as you indulge your inner explorer and get lost in this enchanting city on water.
Day 9: Off to Bologna and Assisi Stays With Stories
Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards one another, seemingly poised to embrace. Continue to your hotel in Assisi for your Stays With Stories experience - a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Day 10: All Roads Lead to Tivoli and Rome
Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this beloved saint. Then, continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO-listed terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this historic hill town. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers and Travel Director.
Day 11: Farewell Rome
It's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and your newfound friends after a memorable journey.
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