How To Visit Italy

Transcription

1 Italy Train Tours - Italy Train Travel Travel Italy by rail, either on an escorted tour, or an independent pre-set itinerary - the choice is yours.

2 Italy By Rail Rome, Florence and Venice 7 days Travel in either direction Florence to Venice or Venice to Florence 3 Free Style Days in Italy! Customize your vacation, choose your favourite pre-paid excursion Services of our General Tours hosts and local guides Enjoy city tours of Rome, Florence and Venice Sample Rome s culinary treasures during your free time Plenty of time for museum hopping and exploring Old Florence Experience the excitement of St. Mark s Square in Venice and see the Bridge of Sighs Travel through the Italian countryside on a first class train with reserved seats 6 nights in your choice of hotels 6 meals 6 buffet breakfasts First class Eurostar Italia train between Rome-Florence-Venice Day 1 - Rome, Italy Check into your hotel in the Eternal City. Your choice of accommodations. Day 2 - A FreeStyle Day in Rome Tailor your trip! Today choose any one of these included tours: Classic Rome Visit the major sights in Rome including the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter s Basilica and the Pantheon. You also see the Colonna of Marco Aurelio, Palazzo di Montecitorio, Palazzo Madama, and Piazza Navona. Imperial Rome A sample of Rome s most impressive landmarks including the Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Campidoglio, Circus Maximus, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, and the Colosseum. Visit the Basilica of St Paul. Christian Rome See first hand the Christian tradition in Rome with visits to the Esquiline Hill, the Holy Staircase, the Lateran Palace and the Basilica of St. John. Then proceed along the Ancient Appian Way before arriving at the Catacombs for a visit. Roman Castles Enjoy an excursion outside of Rome past the Baths of Caracalla. Drive along the Ancient Appian Way and the Road of the Lakes with its many villages to Castelgandolfo

3 where the Pope keeps his summer residence. Stop in Frascati for a taste of local wine and to absorb the flavor of village life. Ancient Ostia Leave Rome and follow the coast road to Ostia, the Roman city of the Imperial age. Begin with a visit to Via delle Tombe which leads to the Porta Romana. Continue to the terme di Nettuno and admire the beautiful mosaics, the theatre built by Agrippa and the Forum, which formed the centre of the city. Rome By Night See the Fountain of the Nayads and the Piazza Venezia. Have a glimpse at the Roman Empire as you admire the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Circus Maximus. Also experience the Papal Era with a drive along the banks of the Tiber to St. Peter s, where you see Porta Flaminia and the Piazza del Popolo. Finish the tour with a visit to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Your choice of accommodations Meals B Day 3 - First Class Train to Florence A reserved first class seat on the Eurostar Italia train is a comfortable and traditional way to travel to Florence, the city of the Medicis and home of the Italian Renaissance. Florence is beautifully situated along both banks of the tranquil Arno River perfect for walking and exploring. After arrival, the rest of the day is free. Your choice of accommodations Meals B Day 4 - A FreeStyle Day in Florence Tailor your trip! Today choose any one of these included tours: Morning Sightseeing Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: Proceed to the old city centre for a visit to the Duomo complex. Finish the tour at the Galleria dell Accademia where you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo. Afternoon Sightseeing Begin with Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin overlooking Florence. Continue to the old city centre for a visit to the Church of Santa Croce where we can admire the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini. Next, visit the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi. Finish with a guided tour of the famous Galleria degli Uffizi to see the work of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rafael. Pisa Excursion Drive through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, to the city of Pisa. Enjoy a guided visit of the Piazza dei Cavalieri, and the Piazza dei Miracoli to find the celebrated Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Chianti Excursion Drive from Florence through Tuscany, known all over the world for its wine and its countryside of unequalled beauty, Visit to an old village in Chianti, and one of the most renowned castle farms with a tasting of its prestigious wines. Your choice of accommodations Meals B

4 Day 5 - First Class Train to Venice Enjoy the romance of the rails on your way to Venice. The rest of the day in Venice is free to get acquainted with this glorious city. Your choice of accommodations Meals B Day 6 - A FreeStyle Day in Venice Tailor your trip! Today choose any one of these included tours: Morning Walking Tour Visit the historical centre of the City and see its monuments: St Mark s Square, St Mark s Basilica, Baptistry, Doge s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. The tour ends with a visit to a glass blowing factory. Walking tour with gondola ride Walk through the narrow streets of old Venice, and cross the Canal Grande by gondola reaching the Gothic Church of the Frari. After the visit, continue by gondola through the inner canals to Rialto and Canal Grande. Excursion to the Three Islands Excursion in the Venetian lagoon with the visit to the islands: Murano known for its glass-blowing, Burano for lace, and Torcello for the first Cathedral in Venice. Gondola Serenade A romantic promenade by gondola with song through the canals of Venice. Your choice of accommodations Meals B Day 7 - Venice Your program with us finishes after breakfast, or choose to extend your stay. Meals B 7 Day Venice & Florence by Rail Venice, Florence - Traveling by rail is a great and economical way to get around Italy. Your reserved seats await, ready to transport you from Venice to Florence. 5 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels 2 nights Venice 3 nights Florence Transportation between cities via First Class (Plan A, B or C) or Standard (Plan D, E) rail with reserved seats Breakfast daily Day 1, Depart to Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

5 Day 2, Welcome to Venice. An optional arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel is available for $40. Enjoy the balance of the day on your own: VENICE Day 3, Full day at leisure or choose an optional half day tour to depart by boat from Alilaguna Pier to the charming island of Murano. Built on a series of small islands connected by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon, Murano is known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry; and has been a primary cultural center for glass art since Enjoy a visit inside one of the island's glass blowing factories to witness first-hand the methods of this fascinating art. Continue the tour to Burano, the most scenic island of the Lagoon, famous for its colorful houses and central church with leaning campanile. Visit Baldassarre Galuppi Street, the main avenue of the island, filled with tiny shops that sell famous handmade lace. Continue to the island of Torcello to visit the church of Santa Fosca with its unique portico in the form of a Greek cross, and the Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.This evening, enjoy a relaxing optional gondola ride with music and songs along the famous Grand Canal, and experience a piece of Venetian history. (B):VENICE Day 4, This morning, transfer independently to the rail station for your trip to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, transfer independently to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure (B): FLORENCE Day 5, Enjoy a full day at leisure or choose an optional afternoon sightseeing tour of Pisa. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside towards the historic University city of Pisa, famous throughout the world for its architectural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Piazza dei Miracoli to view Pisa's most prized landmark, the Leaning Tower, as well as the Cathedral, Baptistery, and other famous monuments for which the city is known. (B):FLORENCE Day 6, Explore Florence independently or join our optional full day tour to Siena and San Gimignano, two of the loveliest towns in the Chianti area: Siena and the medieval walled town of San Gimignano. Relax on a scenic ride through the Italian countryside to Siena, admiring the ever-changing scenery of vineyards and scarped olive groves en route. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour with a local guide to view the Cathedral, the unique fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, and the Palazzo Comunale. Visit Libreria Piccolomini and the Gothic Museo del Duomo, whose elaborate outer portals are richly decorated with acanthus scrolls, allegorical figures, and biblical scenes. After lunch, travel to San Gimignano, a town of Etruscan origin. Built by early noble families, the fourteen remaining stone towers that line the ramparts of this medieval town, dominate the streets below, and create a beautiful skyline easily seen several miles outside of town.

6 Enjoy a leisurely walk through the town's narrow lanes and squares. (B): FLORENCE Day 7, Should you choose, a private car transfer to the airport is available (1 to 3 passengers). Return to. (B) Florence and Rome by Rail 7 day independent tour Traveling by rail is a great and economical way to get around Italy. Your reserved seats await, ready to transport you from Florence to Rome. 5 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels 2 nights Florence 3 nights Rome Transportation between cities via First Class or Standard rail with reserved seats Breakfast daily Day 1, Depart to Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey Day 2, Welcome to Florence. A private car transfer to your hotel is available (1 to 3 passengers). Balance of the day at leisure to explore Florence on your own: FLORENCE Day 3, Morning at leisure or enjoy an optional Pisa tour from Florence. Enjoy a relaxing drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside towards the historic University city of Pisa, famous throughout the world for its architectural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Piazza dei Miracoli to view Pisa's most prized landmark, the Leaning Tower, as well as the Cathedral, Baptistery, and other famous monuments for which the city is known (B): FLORENCE Day 4, This morning, transfer independently to the rail station for your trip to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, transfer independently to your hotel for the remaining of the day at leisure. This evening enjoy an optional illuminated tour of

7 Rome by night with dinner. Depart Piazza San Bernardo for an illuminated tour of the Eternal City. Traveling for the famous Piazza della Repubblica, enjoy flood-lit views of the Via Veneto, Palazzo Margherita, Porta Pinciana, Villa Borghese, Piazzale Flaminio, Via Flaminia, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Augusto Imperatore, and Via del Corso. Arriving at the Piazza della Repubblica, visit Trevi Fountain, the largest and most exquisite Baroque fountain in Rome. Continue to Piazza Venezia and enjoy charming views of the Capitol, Imperial Forum, Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, and Circus Maximus. Compliment this fascinating tour of Rome by night with traditional Roman cuisine in a typical restaurant, accompanied by folk music (B): ROME Day 5, Full day at leisure or choose our optional half day tour of ancient Rome and Vatican Museums accompanied by lunch. This morning, depart from the Piazza San Bernardo, adorned by Moses' Fountain, and travel to view the Fountains of Naiadi in the center of the Piazza della Repubblica. Continue past Via Piemonte, the Aurelian Walls, Porta Pinciana, the Muro Torto, and the Villa Borghese on Pincian Hill. The tour continues to the Vatican Museums and Galleries, where you will find the Round Hall, the Hall of the Greek Cross, and the Tombs of St. Helen and St. Constance. From here, visit the Sistine Chapel and behold the great frescoes by Michelangelo. Proceed to the Galleries of the Chandeliers, Tapestries, Geographical Maps, and the Vatican Library Hall. Continue by coach, crossing Piazza Venezia and the square of the Capitol, and admire the unique sight of the Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient parts of Rome. Stop for a walk along the ancient pavement of the original Roman grid, which crosses the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Curia, and the Reggia. Enjoy views of the Temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus, and the triumphal Arch of Constantine. Continue the tour towards the Circus Maximus, Aventine Hill, and the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, ending with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (B): ROME Day 6, Full day at leisure to explore Rome independently or choose an optional excursion to Naples and Pompeii. Depart Rome in the early morning for a pleasant drive along the "Sun Route" motorway, crossing the scenic regions of Lazio and Campania along the way. Pass the famous Abbey of Montecassino en route to Naples where, upon arrival, you will enjoy a short panoramic tour of the city. Continue towards Pompeii for lunch in a typical restaurant, followed by a short visit to a nearby coral and cameo factory. Afterwards, visit the excavated ruins of this best preserved Roman town, destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. (B): ROME Day 7, Should you choose, an optional transfer from your hotel to the airport is available.

8 Rome & Venice 7 days in Rome & Venice Spend a week in Rome and Venice! Included in both cities are choice of centrally located hotels, services of a Local Host, and sightseeing with a Local Guide. In Rome, visit St. Peter s Basilica and Square, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. And in Venice, see St. Mark s Basilica and Square, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, and watch a glassblower s demonstration. The transfer from Rome to Venice will be operated by the Eurostar* train (first-class). Various optional excursions are available. City maps Guided sightseeing in Rome including headsets; visit St. Peter s Square and Basilica, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum Travel from Rome to Venice by Eurostar train (first-class); transfers from/to hotels are included Guided sightseeing in Venice including headsets; visit St. Mark s Square and Basilica, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glass blowers demonstration -MEALS: Buffet breakfast daily (BB) -AIRPORT TRANSFERS Airport transfers may be included -Hotel Accommodations Twinbedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling -Professional Tour Director while touring, cruise director on River cruises, host services on Independent Vacations, and hosts to assist you at airports and hotels -Private deluxe motorcoach with air-conditioning, extra leg room, and emergency washroom while touring Day 1 Board your flight. Day 2 Arrival in Rome. Remainder of the day is free. Day 3 Your morning sightseeing in Rome (approximately 6 1/2 hours) starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to

9 monumental ST.PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman Legions marched in triumph. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursions.. (BB) Day 4 Full day to enjoy Rome at your own pace. (BB) Day 5 Rome-Venice by Eurostar train. (BB) Day 6 Enjoy morning sightseeing in Venice (approximately 2 hours). Highlights of your walking tour are ST.MARK'S SQUARE and the Byzantine Basilica, the Clock Tower, lavish DOGES' PALACE, and the Bridge of Sighs. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects. (BB) Day 7 Full day to enjoy Venice at leisure. (BB) Day 8 Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB) Italy by Train 9 day hosted tour This is one of our most popular tours and well suited for the first time Independent traveler to Italy. Enjoy the 3 major cities, Rome, Florence and Venice. Choose between 3* tourist class hotels or 4* first class hotels. Travel between the cities by high-speed first class rail. A sightseeing tour in each city is included, featuring many of the tourist highlights and you join in the camaraderie with other foreign travelers. You will have plenty time to see, explore on your own, shop, visit museums or take other optional tours. You may also add extra nights in any or all of the cities. We can also custom-design this tour according to your own wishes. This program designed for the savvy traveler is completely flexible, you can reverse itinerary, modify hotels Transfer by private car in Rome from Airport to Hotel 7 nights accommodations at selected hotels. Continental or buffet breakfast daily (hotel s choice) Half-day scheduled city sightseeing in each city, First class train tickets between cities

10 Day 1 - ROME Depart to Rome. Dinner and beverages will be served on board. Day 2 - ROME Arrival at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport where you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin to explore the Eternal City on your own. Overnight at your hotel. Day 3 - ROME Following breakfast at your hotel you will be picked up for your city sightseeing tour including such highlights as Piazza della Repubblica, the famed Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Castel St. Angelo and the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or visiting various museums and churches. Overnight at the hotel. Day 4 - ROME AT LEISURE Breakfast and overnight at the hotel. Today enjoy a full day of leisure or choose one of the optional city sightseeing tours or excursions. Day 5 - ROME/FLORENCE Following breakfast at the hotel, board your first class train to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this Renaissance city on your own. Day 6 - FLORENCE Breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning city sightseeing tour including Piazzale Michelangelo, the Cathedral, Giotto s Bell Tower, the Baptistery and the Fine Arts Academy. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to shop along the Ponte Vecchio or visit the famed Uffizi Gallery. Day 7 - FLORENCE/VENICE Folowing breakfast at your hotel, board your first class train to Venice. Upon arrival in Venice, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this city of canals on your own.

11 Day 8 - VENICE Breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning walking tour of Venice including the famous St. Mark's Square, the Golden Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and a visit to a glass factory. The rest of the day and evening are at leisure. Day 9 - VENICE/ Following breakfast at your hotel you will be met and transferred to the Venice airport in time for your return flight home. Arts Capitals. Departs daily - 9 days/7 nights tour. Includes hotel accommodation with breakfast daily, arrival & departure transfers and train transportation as per itinerary, half-day sightseeing tours in Rome, Florence and Venice. Day 1: Rome Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Rome. Day 2: Rome - Arrival You are greeted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a free day in the "Eternal City." Day 3: Rome Morning tour to visit the Trevi Fountain, where throwing in a coin ensures returning to Rome, the Piazza Navona, site of Bernini's fountains, and St. Peter's Basilica, seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Consider an optional afternoon tour of ancient Rome, which stops at the Colosseum.(B) Day 4: Rome Enjoy a day at leisure in Rome or join optional Tours to Capri or Pompeii. (B) Day 5: Rome - Florence You will be transferred to Termini train station to board the train to Florence

12 (ticket included). In Florence, transfer to hotel on your own. Rest of the day is free. (B) Day 6: Florence A rich renaissance jewel. In the morning enjoy a city tour visiting the Duomo, the baptistery with the golden doors by Ghiberti, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Academy of Fine Arts with the original statue of "David" by Michelangelo, and Piazza della Signoria. Afternoon is free. Consider an optional half-day trip to Pisa or Chianti. (B) Day 7: Florence - Venice Transfer on your own to the train station for your "Rapido" train journey (ticket included) to Venice. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a day to explore Venice. (B) Day 8: Venice Enjoy a walking tour of St. Marks' Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Afternoon is free. Consider taking an optional gondola ride. (B) Day 9: Venice - Return You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B) Highlights of Italy 10 days The perfect introduction to Venice, Florence and Rome must-see sights for the first-time visitor. Includes all of the traditional favorites: Venice, Florence, Rome and two nights in the Tuscan city of Siena Romantic gondola ride in Venice, the perfect way to see the city First-class rail travel between Venice and Florence, the ideal way to enjoy the scenery in comfort Accommodations at the Hotel, just steps away from St. Mark s Square in Venice

13 Freedom of choice to dine at one of recommended restaurants in select cities Private visit to a wine cellar in the Chianti region with an opportunity to sample local wines Private visit to a Sienese Contrada Museum to learn about the annual tradition of the Palio race A stylish end to your trip at the luxurious hotel in Rome ideally located near the fashionable shopping district Days 1 2: / Venice, Italy Depart on an overnight flight to Venice. On arrival, transfer by private launch to your prestigious hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Hotel D Day 3: Venice Walking with your specialist local guide this morning, admire the sights of this astonishingly beautiful city St. Mark s Basilica, the Bell Tower and the Doge s Palace. This evening, after a romantic gondola ride, dine à la carte in one of a carefully selected choice of traditional trattorias. Hotel B D Day 4: Venice / Florence Transfer by private launch to join the train to Florence. With a specialist local guide, see the glorious Renaissance palaces, statues and churches of this beautiful city with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, housing Michelangelo s famous David. B L D Day 5: Florence Today is at leisure. B Day 6: Florence / San Gimignano / Siena Drive through the Tuscan countryside to the picturesque town of San Gimignano. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Chianti for a private visit to a wine cellar and wine tasting. B L Day 7: Siena Spend the day visiting the highlights of this enchanting medieval city, including a private visit to a Contrada Museum. This evening dine à la carte in your hotel. B D

14 Day 8: Siena /Assisi / Rome Depart by coach for a visit to the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, famous for the magnificent frescoes of Giotto. Explore the town and have lunch before continuing to Rome for an evening at leisure. B L Day 9: Rome and Vatican City Begin your visit to Vatican City at St. Peter s Square, then the magnificent Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel with its famous frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo. After lunch, visit the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.. B L D Day 10: Rome / After breakfast transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B Rome, Florence & Venice 11 Days Experience Rome with her ancient and modern attractions, visit Florence for Renaissance treasures, and revel in romantic Venice to discover the unique ambience of its canals. In all three cities, this 11-day vacation includes choice of centrally located hotels, services of a Local Host, and sightseeing with a Local Guide. In Rome, visit St. Peter s Basilica and Square, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. In Florence, visit Michelangelo s David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square. Then in Venice, see St. Mark s Basilica and Square, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, and watch a glassblower s demonstration. All transfers between the cities will be operated by the Eurostar train (first-class). Various optional excursions will be available. City maps Guided sightseeing in Rome including headsets; visit St. Peter s Square and Basilica, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum Travel from Rome to Florence by Eurostar train (first-class); transfers from/to hotels are included Guided sightseeing in Florence including headsets; visit Michelangelo s David in the Academy of Fine Arts, the cathedral, and Signoria Square Travel from Florence to Venice by Eurostar train (first-class); transfers from/to hotels are included

15 Guided sightseeing in Venice including headsets; visit St. Mark s Square and Basilica, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glass blowers demonstration -MEALS: Buffet breakfast daily (BB) -AIRPORT TRANSFERS Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements -Hotel Accommodations Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling -Professional Tour Director while touring, cruise director on River cruises, host services on Independent Vacations, -Private deluxe motorcoach with air-conditioning, extra leg room, and emergency washroom while touring Day 1 Board your flight. Day 2 Arrival in Rome. Remainder of the day is free. Day 3 Your morning sightseeing in Rome (approximately 6 1/2 hours) starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Continue to monumental ST.PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman Legions marched in triumph. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursions. (BB) Day 4 Full day to enjoy Rome at your own pace. (BB) Day 5 Rome-Florence by Eurostar train. (BB) Day 6 Enjoy morning sightseeing in Florence (approximately 3 hours). Follow your Local Guide to the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo's celebrated David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise", sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE, and Santa Croce Square. Afternoon free for an optional excursion to the Uffizi Gallery, independent sightseeing or browsing through the shops. (BB) Day 7 Full day to enjoy Florence at leisure. (BB) Day 8 Florence-Venice by Eurostar train. (BB) Day 9 Enjoy morning sightseeing in Venice (approximately 2 hours). Highlights of your walking tour are ST.MARK'S SQUARE and the Byzantine Basilica, the Clock Tower, lavish DOGES' PALACE, and the Bridge of Sighs. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects. (BB)

16 Day 10 Full day to enjoy Venice at your own pace. (BB) Day 11 Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB) 8-Day Independent Tour Day 1 - Rome Depart to Rome airport (FCO). Day 2 - Rome Upon arrival at the airport, you are transferred to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating city. Day 3 - Rome After breakfast, why not join a private or collective sightseeing tour of Rome and discover the Eternal City or a tour of the Vatican and Museums? This evening, experience some great Roman cuisine in a typical trattoria? (BB) Day 4 - Rome - Florence This morning, transfer independently to the rail station for a train ride to Florence. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The day is at leisure to discover the beauties of this Renaissance city. Join a collective or private tour showing Stazione Station Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, San Marco, Santa Croce, Zecca Vecchia, Piazzale Michelangelo, Galileo, Villa Cora, Porta Romana, Pitti Palace, Tornabuoni and many other sites such as Uffizi and the Academy of Fine Arts. Independently admire the marvels of Donatello and Michelangelo works of art or shop for Florentine gold items and leather goods. (BB) Day 5 - Florence Morning at leisure or take an optional tour to visit the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano or opt for a visit to the Tuscan countryside to enjoy a wine tasting in one of its many cellars. (BB) Day 6 - Florence - Venice After breakfast, board your first class train to Venice. Transfer independently to your hotel or arrange a private transfer. Savor the sights and sounds of this

17 unique city full of canals and narrow streets. A romantic gondola ride would be hard to resist! (BB) Day 7 - Venice After breakfast, join a collective or private walking guided city tour of St. Mark's Square to admire the magnificent 13th century Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace. Later, why not join an optional tour of the Lagoon to visit the center of the glassmaking industry in Murano and the most colorful of the Burano Islands? (BB) Day 8 - Venice - After breakfast, independent transfer to Venice (VCE) airport for your return flight. (BB)