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Day 1: Overnight Flight to Rome , Italy
Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance, awaits you. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome , "The Eternal City ".
Day 2: Arrive Rome , Italy
Upon arriving in ROME , the remainder of your day is at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special WELCOME DINNER at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Day 3: Rome
Enjoy a tour of CLASSICAL ROME visiting the PIAZZA VENEZIA, with its MONUMENT (sometimes referred to as the Wedding Cake) to VICTOR EMMANUEL, the ROMAN FORUM, the CIRCUS MAXIMUS, the COLOSSEUM, and the ARCH OF CONSTANTINE . Some more contemporary highlights are also featured, including the SPANISH STEPS and the TREVI FOUNTAIN. Your afternoon sightseeing includes CHRISTIAN ROME , the Cathedral of Rome , and culminates with a visit to VATICAN CITY and ST. PETER'S BASILICA.
Day 4: Rome
Your day is at leisure. An optional tour to the "Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums" is offered.
Day 5: Rome - Naples - Isle of Capri - Vietri Sul Mare
Journey along the Autostrada to the region of CAMPANIA . Part of this drive takes you along the brilliant BAY OF NAPLES . A short transfer by boat brings you to the enchanting ISLE OF CAPRI . Exploring this island paradise, you visit the picturesque town of CAPRI , full of charm and tradition.
Day 6: Pompeii - Sorrento - Vietri Sul Mare
Begin your day with a stop at the excavated ruins of POMPEII at the foothills of MT. VESUVIUS. Your journey continues to the resort of SORRENTO , where each turn in the road reveals panoramic views to delight the eye. Later in the day, travel the breathtaking AMALFI COAST , offering spectacular views of the ocean and hillside towns.
Day 7: Vietri Sul Mare - Florence
Travel north to the region of TUSCANY . You arrive in FLORENCE , the "Cradle of the Italian Renaissance", which is celebrated the world over for its magnificent art treasures. A memorable experience awaits as you enjoy an authentic RENAISSANCE DINNER at PALAZZO GADDI complete with a traditional menu, wines, music and costumes of the era.
Day 8: Florence
A CULTURAL TOUR of Florence includes the ACADEMY GALLERY, which houses Michelangelo's monumental figure of DAVID; the PIAZZA DEL DUOMO, center of religious life in medieval Florence, to see the CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE, one of the largest in the Christian world; and the BAPTISTRY to see the masterfully crafted bronze doors - one of which Michelangelo declared worthy to be the "GATE TO PARADISE". You also view the PALAZZO VECCHIO; the UFFIZI MUSEUM considered one of the finest art museums in the world; and the CHURCH OF SANTA CROCE, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Available to you is an optional dinner with wine, music and dancing at the very popular La Certosa Restaurant.
Day 9: Florence - Pisa - Padua - Venice
Depart Florence and drive towards the coast to the ancient maritime REPUBLIC OF PISA where you will find the PIAZZA DEI MIRACOLI, the DUOMO (Cathedral) and its historic BAPTISTRY, along with the famous LEANING TOWER OF PISA . Time is allowed for you to explore the area before journeying through central Italy to the medieval city of PADUA to view the impressive, six-domed SAINTS BASILICA. Your travels continue to enchanting VENICE , built on 117 islands, with 150 canals and 400 bridges. Venice is truly one of the world's most unique and romantic cities.
Day 10: Venice
Begin your EXPLORER'S TOUR of Venice with a short cruise along the GRAND CANAL (CA DIORO) which transports you to ST. MARK'S SQUARE where a local expert will enhance your appreciation of this fascinating "City of the Sea". View the CLOCK TOWER, with its famous Moors; ST. MARK'S BASILICA; the DOGE'S PALACE; and the famous BRIDGE OF SIGHS . The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, an optional gondola serenade cruise is available.
Day 11: Venice - Verona - Milan - Stresa
Depart Venice and drive to VERONA , home of the epic love story, ROMEO AND JULIET, where you can see JULIET'S famous statue. Continue to cosmopolitan MILAN for a view of the DUOMO (Cathedral), one of the most magnificent late gothic structures ever built, and LA SCALA, the world's most famous opera house. Later, continue north into Piedmont and the picturesque ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT to the resort town of STRESA .
Day 12: Stresa - Lugano , Switzerland - Isola Bella - Stresa
Driving through the beautiful lake district of Italy, you cross into SWITZERLAND and the lakeside resort of LUGANO, which offers excellent shopping opportunities. Tonight you are transported by boat to your FAREWELL DINNER on ISOLA BELLA, the largest of the Borromean Islands . This is the perfect way to celebrate the end of a spectacular and memorable trip.
Day 13: Stresa - Milan - Depart for Home
Transfer to Milan for your return flight home.