Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1 - Departure from the USA . . Overnight flight to Italy
The day of departure has arrived. Keep your departure instructions handy, for they will guide you through the check-in
process. After boarding, settle in for your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 2 - Rome . . Pomezia
Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, transfer to the hotel in Pomezia, about 45 minutes outside the city. For the early
arrivals, there may be time to take a morning excursion to the excavated ancient ruins of Ostia Antica. At your 'Welcome to
Italy' dinner in the hotel this evening, get to know your fellow tour members.
DAY 3 - Rome . . Pomezia
As legend has it, Rome was built on seven hills by Romulus and Remus. Youll find that this city constantly reminds you of
history, yet at the same time, keeps you firmly aware that it is a vibrantly modern capital. Highlights during the city
sightseeing tour are the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine, the Appian Way, and the Colosseum. For your free
time we suggest a walking tour from the Piazza Venezia, the center of Rome, to the beautifully restored Fountain of Trevi.
Toss in a few coins and make a wish. Choose from over 2000 restaurants in Rome for your independent dinner. Or, join the
tour manager for the 'Rome Dinner' optional excursion.
DAY 4 - Rome . . Pomezia
If you wish, take a local bus or train to Rome and spend this free day in the Eternal City, or set out to discover the
lakes, beaches, and hillside villages of the surrounding Lazio Region. The hotel desk and tour manager can advise you as to
the best means of transportation. Add a fascinating slice of history to your travel experiences if you decide to join the
'Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii' optional excursion.
DAY 5 - Rome . . Tuscany Region . . Montecatini-Terme
Its off to Rome for further exploration. You might indulge in a shopping spree in Rome's highly touted fashion stores. We
also recommend a visit to the Gardens and Villa Borghese at the end of the Via Veneto. Or, as you walk this marvelous city,
stop at all the beautiful churches. Each one is a museum in its own right. Among the most remarkable are St. Maria degli
Angeli and the Church of Jesus in Old Rome. If you prefer, come along on the half-day 'Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel'
optional excursion. Following an independent lunch, head north to Montecantini-Terme, where pastel-tinted buildings on
palm-lined streets welcome you to this spa resort town in the Tuscany Region.
DAY 6 - Florence . . Montecatini-Terme
This day is devoted to artistically glorious Florence. The first architectural masterpieces you will notice during the
guided tour stand on the Piazza del Duomo: the 'Duomo' (cathedral); the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors by
Ghiberti; and Giotto's 'campanile' (bell tower). The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence at your own pace. Admire
the piazzas, each with their own distinct character, shop the open-air markets, visit the Uffizi Gallery, or enjoy gathering
with Florentines and visitors alike on the Ponte Vecchio. Return to Montecatini-Terme for an independent dinner at the
hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
DAY 7 - Montecatini-Terme
Spend a leisurely day in Montecatini-Terme. Perhaps begin with a walk through the classic pavilions and parks that
characterize this bath town. Take the funicular up to the old town of Montecatini Alte and sip a cappuccino as you enjoy a
great panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. Or, you might consider returning to Florence by train to spend your free
day. If so, visit the world famous Pitti Palace, and afterwards enjoy a stroll through the adjoining Boboli Gardens. If you
wish to get a close look at Michelangelo's 'David', be prepared to stand in a long line or try to make reservations in
advance using one of the services on the internet. Peek into the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo, and theres even more of the
great masters art to study. For your independent dinner settle down at one of the sidewalk terraces of the grand hotels of
Montecatini-Terme. Another choice for today is the 'Siena' optional excursion which includes dinner.
DAY 8 - Pisa . . Mestre
The morning begins with a visit to Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Work on the structure began in 1174, but it started to tilt
even before completion. After snapping pictures of the leaning tower, travel north past Bologna and Padua, the university
town where Galileo taught. Your hotel is in Mestre, just across the bridge from Venice harbor, positioning you nicely for a
full day in Venice tomorrow.
DAY 9 - Venice . . Mestre
A motor boat transfers you into Venice, perhaps Italy's most magical city. Marvel at the architecture of the San Marco
Basilica, the Doges' Palace, the Clock Tower, and the 16th- and 17th-century Law Courts. Walk through the maze of narrow
streets, lined with boutiques that make Venice a shopper's paradise. Numerous little bistros offer pizza and pasta dishes
for your independent lunch and dinner. If you choose to sit down at an outdoor cafe directly along St. Mark's Square, the
live music is a treat, but be prepared for high prices. The 'Venice Lagoon Cruise & Lunch' excursion is another option. If
you have your heart set on gliding through the canals of Venice by gondola, your tour manager can usually arrange a small
group. Based on 5 to 6 persons to a gondola, the cost is about $45 per person.
DAY 10 - Verona . . Milan
The first stop will be in Verona, best known for the bittersweet love story of Romeo and Juliet. Walk to Juliet's balcony
and admire Verona's own amphitheatre, which is still used for extravagant, outdoor opera performances every summer.
Departing Verona, the motor coach takes you along the edge of the fertile Po Valley and into the center of Milan. Both the
modern Galleria and the gothic Duomo dominate Milan's main square. Depending on your interests, the tour manager can direct
you toward high-fashion shops or noteworthy sights such as interesting churches, the nearby museums, and the Scala Opera
House. Along the way, the 'gelateria' tempt you with delicious Italian ice cream. A farewell dinner will be hosted at your
hotel, just outside of Milan.
DAY 11 - Daytime Flight back to the USA
Your voyage has come to a close. Catch a last glimpse of Italy on your way to Milan Malpensa Airport. Have a good flight
and come back soon!
