Day 1, arrive Venice, Sunday

Arrive in Venice airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 2, in Venice, Monday

Today begins with a sightseeing tour Venice. Start your walking tour in St. Mark’s Square, visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and view the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. Also visit a glass blowing factory where you will see the demonstration of a traditional Venetian glass blowing. Balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop or join an optional gondola ride.(B)

Day 3, to Florence, Tuesday

Drive to Ferrara, a renaissance gem in the Emilia- Romagna region standing on the banks of the Po River. Orientation tour with your Tour Director. Continue to Pisa to view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and Duomo. End your day in Florence with dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4, in Florence, Wednesday

Today’s morning city tour begins at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s bronze “Gate of Paradise”. Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is displayed. Tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with the most spectacular view over Florence. Remainder of the day is at leisure to independently savor the renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital. (B)

Day 5 , to Rome, Thursday

Traveling towards Rome through the stunning panorama of Tuscany, and afterwards, travel through Umbria to Assisi for a walking tour of the main square and a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 6, in Rome, Friday

A full day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the Eternal city. Visit the Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Then continue on to visit the Colosseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking the Circus Max imus and the I mperial Palace, and the Roman Forum. Overnight.(B, L )

Day 7, in Rome, Saturday

A full day free in spectacular Rome.Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the wonderful shops, galleries and museums, or relax in a sidewalk cafe. An optional excursion to Pompei is available. Once a prosperous port city, it was buried under volcanic ash when Mt.Vesuvius erupted in late August of 79 A.D. Your excursion will bring to life the sights and history of this fascinating town. Tonight, a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, complete with wine and music, is the perfect way to celebrate your glimpse of Italy. (B, D)

Day 8, departing Rome, Sunday

Morning transfer to Rome airport. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)