Day 1 – See the glories of Ancient Rome
Tour begins: 2:30 PM at The Westin Excelsior, Rome. Welcome to Rome, where your family begins this most excellent of Italy tours; a transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to The Westin Excelsior, Rome. A drive through the heart of the city reveals relics of Imperial Rome, once capital of the ancient world. Walk through one of the Colosseum's 80 entrances to step back in time on a guided tour of what might be the world's most famous arena, and pose for pictures with Roman Centurions; and explore the temples and basilicas of the Roman Forum, nerve center of the ancient empire. Join us for a welcome dinner tonight at your hotel, dubbed the "magnificent white palace on Via Veneto."
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy

Day 2 – Rome at leisure and a private after-hours Vatican tour
Most of the day is yours to explore more of Rome's iconic sights on your own, from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain; be sure to make a wish there to ensure your return to the "Eternal City." Later, This family journey through Italy tours one of the world's most famous houses of worship, magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. This evening, join us for an Exclusive – a privately guided after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums, full of fascinating history and artistic masterpieces. View Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel – which the artist originally resisted doing because he considered himself a sculptor, not a painter – without the usual crowds!
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy

Day 3 – Through Orvieto's tunnels and Tuscany's hills to Florence
Discoveries abound on this most delightful of Italy tours today as your family sets off through rural Umbria and Tuscany. The first stop on your travels is walled Orvieto, perched on a volcanic plateau; a guided tour takes you under its cobblestone streets to explore the town's honeycombed medieval tunnels, and caves dating back to the time of the ancient Etruscans. Then it's on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, where you'll check out Michelangelo's famed statue of David and other great works at the Galleria dell'Accademia, the oldest art school in the world. Arrive at your hotel, a former 18th-century palace overlooking the River Arno, for a memorable three-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel*, Florence, Italy

Day 4 – The Leaning Tower and pizza-making in Pisa
An excursion from Florence takes you to Pisa for a look at this maritime city's great medieval buildings – including a glimpse of the remarkable Leaning Tower and more of Pisa's "field of miracles" – followed by a tasty lunchtime pizza-making demonstration. Return to Florence for an evening as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel*, Florence, Italy

Day 5 – Florentine treasures at the Uffizi Gallery
More great Renaissance art awaits in Florence today. A local art historian shares insights about the Renaissance and prepares you for a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, the world's oldest art gallery, where you'll see masterpieces galore – including Michelangelo’s painting of The Holy Family and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus. The rest of the day is free for your family to explore more of Florence as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel*, Florence, Italy

Day 6 – Travel to Venice aboard the high-speed Eurostar
A first-class rail journey aboard the high-speed Eurostar takes your family to Venice, a city of islands where the roads are paved with water, and a treasured memory of many Italy tours. Ride a private boat to the city's heart for lunch along the Grand Canal, followed by a walking tour of massive St. Mark’s Square, and a visit to the Doges’ Palace; learn why a small bridge high above a canal is called the Bridge of Sighs. Later, a musician serenades your family as you ride in a gondola, traveling through the canals as the Venetians have done for centuries!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy

Day 7 – Experience Venice your way
If there is any city in Europe that is perfect for just wandering, seeing and experiencing, it is Venice. Follow the small, cobbled streets and alleyways to see where they lead; visit a museum, sample some gelato (served warmer and creamier than traditional ice cream), or just feed the pigeons in Saint Mark’s Square. Tonight, please join us for a farewell reception and dinner, as this most memorable of family Italy tours draws to a spectacular close.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy

Day 8 – Homeward bound
Tour ends: Venice. Arrivederci! Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Westin Europa & Regina to Venice's Marco Polo Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. If you did throw that coin into Trevi Fountain, legend has it that you will return to L’Italia Bella again someday!
Meals: Breakfast

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