Daily Itinerary

Best of Italy

April 9-21, 2024

Monday, September 30

Day 1 - April 9

Depart from Houston Bush Intercontinental airport to Venice, Italy  – overnight flight

Venice

Day 2 - April 10: Venice

Welcome to beautiful Italy! After landing at Venice Airport, we’ll be met and escorted via water taxi to our hotel located along the water on the Venice Lido. This evening, our tour director hosts an orientation followed by a welcome dinner with wine.  Overnight Venice (D)

Piazza San Marco

Day 3 - April 11: Murano Island & Venice

This morning we will travel by boat to the island of Murano, world-renowned for its long tradition of glass craftsmanship. We will visit a glass factory and see a demonstration of the famous Murano glass being made. After lunch, we journey back to Venice where a local guide will bring this remarkable city to life as you explore on foot the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), the golden Byzantine Basilica di San Marco (Saint Mark’s Basilica), the lavish Doge’s Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon, lose yourself in Venice as you walk the cobblestone streets marveling at attractions and shopping for unique crafts and souvenirs. Overnight Venice (B)

Neptune Fountain

Day 4 - April 12: Bologna

Today we will travel south to Bologna, one of the most beautiful and best preserved historic districts in Europe with many towers from the Middle Ages. We will enjoy a guided tour through the old university city and see the De Gli Asinelli tower, The Della Garisenda Tower, The San Petronio Basilica and the Neptune Fountain. After a typical lunch of Tagliatelle al Ragù, we will continue our journey to Florence. Overnight Florence (B)(L)

Ponte Vecchio

Day 5 - April 13: Florence & The Accademia Gallery

After breakfast, we will explore the beautiful city of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. We’ll enjoy the sculpture-filled Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square), the magnificent Duomo (cathedral) and Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge) lined with craft shops. After lunch, we will visit The Accademia Gallery famous for several Michelangelo artworks which are preserved there and the world-famous Statue of David which was moved from Piazza Della Signoria in 1874 to the Accademia Galleria. Overnight Florence (B)

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Day 6 - April 14: Pisa and free time in Florence with Tuscan farmhouse dinner

This morning we travel to Pisa, one of the most important cities in Tuscany. Pisa is extremely well-known in the world because of its famous symbol, The Leaning Tower. We will tour the UNESCO-recognized Duomo Square and its four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the bell tower, the cathedral, the baptistry and the cemetery. After lunch, we return to Florence where you will have leisure time to check out local museums or stroll along the scenic Arno River. Late afternoon, we will head to the Tuscan Hills for a savory dinner at a local farmhouse. Overnight Florence (B)(D)

Civita di Bagnoregio

Day 7 - April 15: Civita di Bagnoregio

After breakfast we will continue our southward journey and visit Civita di Bagnoregio, one of the most picture-perfect villages in Italy. Civita di Bagnoregio is a one-of-a-kind, stunning hilltop village in Central Italy perched on the top of a steep, crumbling rock formation in the Calanchi Valley, between Rome and Florence. The village is isolated from the surrounding villages and can only be reached via a long bridge connecting it with Bagnoregio, its neighboring town. We will enjoy free time in the village and then continue to Rome. Overnight Rome (B)

Roman Coliseum

Day 8 - April 16: Ancient Rome and Rome by night

This morning we will visit Imperial Rome and listen to the echoes of centuries of gladiatorial combat and public spectacles in the Colosseum. We will walk under the Arch of Constantine and marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum, the day-to-day heart of ancient Rome. Your afternoon is at leisure for shopping or to indulge in Rome’s favorite pastime, people-watching from the bustling Via Veneto outdoor cafes, or explore the many piazzas of Rome. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at a typical Roman restaurant, complete with wine and entertainment. The day ends with an illuminated Rome by night tour. Overnight Rome (B)(D)

St. Peter's Square

Day 9 - April 17: Vatican Museum

This morning we will experience one of Christendom’s most sacred places, The Vatican. Our guided visit will include the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica (erected over the apostle’s tomb), the gloriously painted Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum (abundant with priceless collections of art and treasures). The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy more of Rome’s fascinating sites and history. Overnight Rome (B)

Pompeii

Day 10 - April 18: Naples / Sorrento and Pompeii

We depart Rome this morning and travel towards Naples. We will stop en route and visit Pompeii, a flourishing resort city south of ancient Rome. In 79 A.D., the city was buried under thick volcanic ash after the famous eruption from the nearby Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization that provides outstanding information on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past. After lunch, we will visit Naples, Southern Italy’s largest city,  famous for its mix of old-world charm and modern grit. Overnight Sorrento area (B)

Amalfi Coast

Day 11 - April 19: Amalfi Coast

After breakfast we will enjoy an excursion along the Amalfi Coast. The beautiful and dramatic coastline with cliffs that descend into the blue sea is one of UNESCO’s natural world heritage sites. The lush mountains and the picturesque villages have attracted celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Richard Wagner and Henrik Ibsen. We visit the charming town of Amalfi, once a mighty lake republic. We will have free time for lunch and to visit the famous cathedral. From Amalfi, we will enjoy a boat ride to Maiori where our bus will meet us to continue back to the hotel. We will enjoy a local Limoncello liqueor tasting in the afternoon as we return to Sorrento. Overnight Sorrento area (B)

Capri Island

Day 12 - April 20: Day at leisure or OPTIONAL excursion to Capri

Today is a day of choice – you can enjoy the nearby village of Sorrento or enjoy a visit to the nearby island of Capri. This optional full-day excursion to the stunningly beautiful Capri Island will include a local guide to show us the cities of Anacapri and Capri. We pass Villa San Michele, which was built by the Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe, a close friend and physician to Queen Victoria. There will be time for an optional visit to the Villa and its famous gardens. Overnight Sorrento area (B)

Depart for USA

Day 13 - April 21: Depart for USA

(B) breakfast included (L) Lunch Included (D) Dinner included

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