This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands

Day 2: Arrive Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wine.

Day 3: Rome - Classical Rome City Tour
A tour of Classical Rome features such incredible sights as the Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Next, visit the catacombs, burial place of early Christians, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, which contains the relics of St. Paul under its main altar. You will also visit the famous Spanish Steps, a stunning contemporary Roman highlight. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Rome independently.

Day 4: Rome - Christian Rome City Tour
You may choose to begin your day with an optional tour of the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums." Later, visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon and beautiful Piazza Navona during a Christian Rome city tour. Tonight's dinner features traditional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Rome - Naples - Isle of Capri - Vietri Sul Mare
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Journey south toward the region of Campania via the Autostrada. As you travel along the brilliant Bay of Naples you'll see charming villages built into the hillsides high above the sparkling blue sea. A short boat ride brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri. Explore this island paradise with a visit to the picturesque town of Capri, full of chic designer boutiques and charming outdoor cafes.

Day 6: Pompeii - Sorrento - Vietri Sul Mare
Glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Roman city during a tour of the ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius. Continue to the scenic resort town of Sorrento.

Day 7: Vietri Sul Mare - Florence
Today you travel to the northern region of Tuscany, known for its spectacular vineyards and olive groves. This region's capital city, Florence, is known as the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” and offers some of Italy's best art, architecture, and cuisine. Upon arrival, visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. Your day ends with a delicious Tuscan dinner.

Day 8: Florence
A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic and architectural gems. Begin the day learning the traditional Italian techniques of leather making during a visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Shop. Enjoy this opportunity to shop for unique high-quality, Italian-made leather goods. Next, a guided tour of the city includes the Piazza Del Duomo, where you will see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio in Signoria Square and the Baptistery of St. John.

Day 9: Florence - Pisa - Padua - Venice
Drive toward the coast to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, where you will find the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistry, and the famous Leaning Tower. Then, journey through central Italy to the medieval city of Padua to view the impressive six-domed Saints Basilica. Finally, arrive in the enchanting city of Venice, where 117 tiny islands are connected by a beautiful latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 10: Venice - Murano Island - Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to charming St. Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. A local expert will take you on a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent exploring. This evening, perhaps you will take an optional gondola serenade cruise through the city's quiet canals.

Day 11: Venice - Verona - Stresa
Today you depart from Venice and drive to Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's epic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Later, travel north to the breathtaking Italian Lake District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa.

Day 12: Stresa - Lugano, Switzerland - Isola Bella - Stresa
Driving through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery and celebrate the end of your memorable tour of Italy.

Day 13: Stresa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in the city of Stresa.

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