ITALY WITH FRIENDS ITALIAN TREASURES TOUR October 16-26, 2016 (Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice.

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1 ITALY WITH FRIENDS ITALIAN TREASURES TOUR October 16-26, 2016 (Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice.) DAY 0 - Depart USA Saturday, October 15, 2016 Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive into Rome (FCO) early enough to check into your hotel and be ready to meet with the group for sightseeing at 3PM on Sunday, October 16, DAY 1 - Benvenuto! The Eternal City of Rome Sunday, October 16, 2016 Welcome to Italy! Arrive in ROME and meet at 3:00PM for welcome and orientation in the hotel lobby before we begin our sightseeing. We will then enjoy a walking tour of the historical district including Piazza Quirinale, the Trevi Fountain, the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and Piazza Navona. We will take time for our welcome dinner at a typical Roman trattoria. Then we will visit the Spanish Steps, one of Rome s most famous landmarks. (B) (D) Moderate DAY 2 - The Wonders of Ancient Rome Monday, October 17, 2016 Today will be a full day of sightseeing including a walking tour of Ancient Rome s most important sights, such as the Pantheon, Campidoglio or Capitol Hill, the Roman Forum where ancient Rome was born, and the larger than life Colosseum. We will also visit inside the Campidoglio Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world housing some of ancient Rome's most important treasures. We will enjoy lunch at a spot overlooking the ancient Colosseum. You will then have some free time for more exploration of this marvelous city. (B) (L) Very Strenuous DAY 3 - Treasures of Vatican City Tuesday, October 18, 2016 We will begin our sightseeing with a visit to Campo de Fiore, one of the liveliest markets in Rome. We will then cross the Tiber River on the beautiful Ponte Sant Angelo which leads to Castel Sant Angelo, built as a tomb for the Emperor Hadrian. From here we will cross into Vatican City, a tiny independent country and the headquarters of the Holy Catholic Church. We will spend a big part of our day visiting the sprawling Vatican Museum, with its famous Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, followed by a visit inside St. Peter s Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom. There will be time to enjoy lunch at an outdoor café where you can watch every day Roman life passing you by. Afterwards, there will be some free time. We will meet later in the evening for a delicious pizza dinner to top off our Roman adventure and say farewell to Italy. (B) (L) (D) Strenuous DAY 4 The Countryside Awaits! Wednesday, October 19, 2016 We say farewell to the lively city of Rome and head north to the amazing Italian countryside. Our first stop will be in the region of Umbria to visit Orvieto which sits

2 majestically atop an outcrop of volcanic tufa stone with thousands of caves underneath the city, dug out during Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance times. Orvieto was once an important Etruscan city. Today it is famous for one of Italy s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, and a delicious white wine, Orvieto Classico. We will stop for a tasting at one of the local wineries. We will take time to enjoy this grand hill town. We will visit the Duomo, 300 years in construction, with its San Brizio Chapel covered in frescos by Luca Signorelli. Then we will tour the fascinating Orvieto Underground to see thousands of years of archaeological history. After enjoying lovely Orvieto, we will head to the region of Tuscany and our overnight destination near the hill town of Cortona. We will enjoy dinner together in our lovely countryside setting. (B) (D) Strenuous DAY 5 In the Footsteps of St. Francis Thursday, October 20, 2016 Today we will make an excursion back into the region of Umbria with a visit to the magnificent walled city of Assisi, the home of St. Francis. We will take plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful hill town and all its treasures. The serene Basilica of St. Francis stands proud over the city and you will have time to visit both the upper and lower chapels and pay your respects to the tomb of St. Francis. Assisi was once an important Roman town and there are some good reminders like the Temple of Minerva. Assisi is full of lovely arches throughout the town, along with many artisan shops selling the popular Christmas crèches. It is said that St. Francis made the first nativity scene to help humanize and, therefore, teach the Christmas message. We will also visit the glorious Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which marks the spot where Francis lived, worked, and died. It s a grandiose church built around the humble chapel where Francis first begun his ministry in the valley below. We will then return to the Cortona for a visit. This beautiful town is well known for its shopping and art. We will then enjoy dinner together once again. (B) (D) Strenuous DAY 6 Tuscan Treasures Friday, October 21, 2016 This morning we head to lovely SIENA. This popular Tuscan town has a medieval character that has survived to an amazing extent. Siena s heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo. This is one of Italy s most famous and most beautiful squares. The ancient Palio horse race takes place here twice a year. There will be time to learn all about the Palio and enjoy Siena with its many steep lanes filled with shops. We will also visit inside Siena s lovely Duomo, one of the most ornate churches in Italy. After enjoying all we can in Siena, we make a stop in tiny MONTERIGGIONI, a perfectly walled village. You can climb the ramparts here if you wish for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. There will be time for lunch here. Our final visit of the day will be at Fattoria San Donato, a small, working farm that produces olive oil and a delicious white wine called Vernaccia. This is one of the few whites produced in Tuscany and is said to have been a favorite of Michelangelo s. We will then make our way to our overnight destination of SAN GIMIGNANO. This city of beautiful towers (or the Medieval Manhattan), is one of Tuscany s most popular hill towns. You will fall in love with San Gimignano at first sight. Our hotel is located right in the

3 middle of town so you will be able to enjoy every part of it. There will be time for a short walking tour of this magical village. We will visit the ruins of the 14 th century fortress which is now a peaceful hilltop park. There is still one tower standing where you can see a wonderful view of San Gimignano with its towers and a 360 degree view of the Tuscan countryside. We will meet later in the evening for dinner together at the wonderful restaurant La Terrazza with that spectacular view. (B) (D) Strenuous DAY 7 - San Gimignano and Castello Verrazzano Saturday, October 22, 2016 San Gimignano is always a favorite stop in Tuscany and you will find lots to enjoy. You can find many things to do in San Gimignano. There are some wonderful shops in town for leather products, art, alabaster and much, much more. There are several Torture Museums in town, yes, I said Torture Museums! You can even climb the Torre Grande, the highest tower in town. The church, the Collegiata, is definitely worth a visit with its learning frescos of the new and old testaments. Just wandering through the many back streets can be fun, and there is a walking trail around the ancient walls. Throngs of tourists come in and out of San Gimignano each day and it is especially nice to be able to enjoy it after the crowds have gone. Do not miss the award winning gelato across the piazza from the hotel. No trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to a local winery. We will visit one of the oldest in the region, the 11 th century Castello Verrazzano. You will enjoy a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars followed by a delicious lunch of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by Verrazzano wines. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of wine tasting in this relaxed and amusing setting. We return to San Gimignano for the evening. (B) (L) Light DAY 8 Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Sunday October 23, 2016 We say goodbye to San Gimignano and the peaceful Tuscan countryside this morning. Our first stop will be at the AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY located just outside of Florence. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses recalls the heroism of the Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. I feel it is an honor and our duty to pay our respects to these fallen heroes. We will then head to the capital of Tuscany, FLORENCE or Firenze, as it is known in Italian. We will then jump right into the frenzy of Firenze. FLORENCE is truly an outdoor museum and you will see many of its most famous sights such as the Duomo with Brunelleschi s magnificent dome, Ghiberti s Baptistery doors, the Ponte Vecchio, and the sculpture filled Piazza Signoria. We will also visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo s David. You will then have some free time to enjoy the lovely city. Do not forget that Florence has many of the original designer shops, so you can go completely crazy and shop till you drop. My favorite chocolate shop Rivoire is located right on the Piazza Signoria. You can find delicious treats and some unusual gifts. We will meet again later for dinner together. (B) (D) Moderate DAY 9 - Venice, "La Serenissima" Monday, October 24, 2016 On our way out of town we will make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo. This large square overlooking the city from across the river provides marvelous views of Florence and the stunning dome of the Duomo. There is also a huge fake David located here.

4 We will then hit the Autostrada once again and head to VENICE. We will pass near Bologna, the heart of the Emilia Romagna region. You will notice how flat it will become once we pass Bologna. This is one of the most bountiful farming districts in Italy. The Po River valley is filled with farm land for miles. It is no wonder why this area is referred to as the Breadbasket of Italy. We will make a stop along the way for a quick lunch together. Finally, we will cross a long causeway leaving the mainland and arrive in magical Venice. We will drop off the van and then board a private water taxi for our ride into Venice. From now on this will be how you travel, by boat, water taxi or gondola. It will take you a few moments to really realize where you are. It is just such an unusual city. After time to settle in to our canal side hotel, we will go for a walking tour through the back streets of Venice leading to the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. We then continue our walk to St. Mark s Square. Napoleon referred to this square as the most beautiful drawing room in Europe. If the weather is nice, sitting at one of the outdoor bars on the Piazza, listening to live music is a memorable experience. Along the way we will enjoy a welcome drink and toast our adventures in Venice with a Bellini, a delicious local drink. Salute! You will then have the evening free to enjoy as you like. Most shops stay open late, so you can really enjoy wandering through all of the places selling lovely Murano glass. Venice is known for their glass blowing and your will find everything from light fixtures to jewelry made from it all over town. You may also want to take your gondola ride if that is on your list of must-do adventures in Venice. It is an experience that you will surely remember all of your life. (B) (L) Light DAY 10 - The Wonder of Wandering in Venice Tuesday, October 25, 2016 We start early this morning and will dive right into the historic center of what was for centuries Europe s top superpower, with a visit to St. Mark s Basilica, located on St. Mark s Square. We will also climb to its museum with fantastic views over St. Mark s Square and the interior of the church. We will then walk to the Rialto Bridge which has been a major landmark in Venice since It is lined with shops selling all the local wares. Across the Rialto Bridge is the commercial district of Venice. You will find the local market here and it is worth a visit. You will see more types of fish here than you could have imagined and they are all fresh. You will then have the rest of the day for your own pursuits. You may want to continue shopping for those last minute purchases. You might want to visit inside the Doge s Palace for a look into the life of the rich and famous during the Republic of Venice. You might wish to visit the Campanile (bell tower) for a 360 degree view of Venice and the lagoon. You also might wish to visit some of the islands in the lagoon. Murano is the island where you will find the glass blowing factories. Burano is a tiny fishing village where you will find beautiful lace. You might just want to wander around more of Venice. That is one of the pleasures in Venice, to get pleasantly lost in the tiny back streets and canals. We will meet later in the evening for our "farewell dinner" at a lovely restaurant along a beautiful canal. (B) (D) Light DAY 11 Arrivederci Italia! Wednesday, October 26, 2016 It will be hard to say arrivederci, but I know you will take home wonderful memories of your time spent with new friends enjoying some Italian Treasures. Graci e Ciao! (B)

5 WALKING KEY: LIGHT= 2-4 miles of mostly level walking (some cobblestones) throughout the day. MODERATE = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs. STRENUOUS = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, or uneven terrain. THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOUR: 10 nights accommodation in 3-4 star, centrally located hotels with private bath or shower. Many meals included: 10 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D). All ground transportation in Italy during tour. (Does not include airfare. Does not include transportation to and from the airport or train station) Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights, wineries and museums as described in itinerary. Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls and parking fees. Pre-tour visit with helpful travel information. Plenty of memories to last a lifetime. Surprises along the way. NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR: Does not include airfare. Does not include transportation to and/or from the airport in Venice or Rome. Does not include remaining meals, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks at included meals. Does not include personal expenses such as internet use, laundry, mini-bar, or extra transportation in tour towns. Does not include travel insurance. Does not include local city tax paid directly to hotel. Can range from 2-4 Euros per night, per person, depending on hotel LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES: Tour begins in Rome and ends in Venice; tour is for 11 days and 10 nights. The total cost per person is _$3099 with double occupancy. (Includes taxes, fees, and Euro exchange rate adjustment.) Single occupancy supplement is $650. A $500 deposit will hold your place on the tour. Tours are limited in size. (Usually only 8 people unless I have another driver.) Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal. (5% fee if using PayPal) Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is required no later than 60 days prior to departure.

6 PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Prepare for a physically demanding tour. Age is not a concern so long as you are physically fit, a very good walker at an energetic pace, and able to stand for extended periods of time and climb lots of hills and stairs. All of the above could be done in all sorts of weather and temperatures. You are required to load and unload your bags into the van, and to carry your bag to your room. This sometimes could be a short distance from the hotel. (Remember you are restricted to 1 roller bag no bigger than 26 inches) Most days our sightseeing will cover anywhere from 2-8 miles of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. Plan to get in shape before you head to Italy. (Read more about luggage and physical requirements on website.)