Italian Mosaic

Welcome to Rome!

At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Roman Holiday

ROME: Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and see the Basilica. Visit the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. Free time this late afternoon and evening. * (B)

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

The Tilted Tower

ROME: Scenic drive to Pisa *

PISA: See the Leaning Tower en route to Florence. (B) 298 mi / 480 km

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.

Fine Art in Firenze

FLORENCE: Guided sightseeing includes Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gates of Paradise," Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio. Free time to explore. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battlewhile Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Italian Treasures

FLORENCE: Take a scenic drive en route to Cinque Terre.

CINQUE TERRE: Take a guided boat ride (weather permitting). Free time before boarding your train to Sestri Levante. (B/D) 298 mi / 490 km

LOCAL FAVOURITE - EPIC RIDE: Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre for an exquisite look at sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.

Island Beauties

LAKE MAGGIORE: Boat ride to the botanic garden followed by dinner on the island (B/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - PICTURE PERFECT: Isola Madre is one of the starring beauties of the Borromean Islands and transport those who cross Lake Maggiore into a reverie of Baroque palazzos and perfect gardens. On the island, a showcase of exotic botanical beauty surrounds the 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo with magnificent magnolias, myrtles, wisteria, and citrus groves. Enjoy dinner at the island restaurant combining good food and stunning views of the lake.

Swiss Views & A Scenic Cruise

LUGANO: Enjoy an orientation tour and free time.

VENICE ISLAND: Take a private boat ride on the canals. (B) 295 mi / 475 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Discover the city of Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss, style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.

Benvenuti a Venezia

VENICE ISLAND: Guided walking tour to see St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblowing demonstration. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Locals simply call Piazza San Marco "la piazza." As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called "the drawing room of Europe." St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its facade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison's interrogation rooms.

Medieval Marvels

ASSISI: A guided walking tour includes St. Clare's Church and St. Francis' Basilica. (B/D) 261 mi / 420 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.

Italian Vistas

Depart for a scenic drive to Sorrento. (B) 267 mi / 430 km

Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea

SORRENTO AREA: Jetfoil ride to Capri.

CAPRI: Take a funicular ride from the harbor to the village for guided sightseeing, including Globus Local Favourite Augustus Gardens and a granita (semi-frozen drink) tasting. Free time for lunch.

SORRENTO AREA: Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

Time Standing Still in Pompeii

POMPEII: Take a guided walking tour of the excavations, followed by free time for lunch.

ROME: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. * (B/D) 193 mi / 310 km

* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded

Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)