Romans to the Renaissance
Magnificent Tour of the Highlights of Italy
Venice – Verona – Florence – Assisi – Rome – Pisa – Sorrento – Capri

Day 1   We arrange the flight from your gateway to Venice, Italy.

Day 2   Venice arrival and motor coach transfer to our hotel. Accommodation is in Maestra area.

Day 3  We enjoy breakfast and depart at 9:00AM for Venice. Our sightseeing starts with motor launch transportation to St. Mark’s Square. The best place to start seeing Venice is the vast Piazza San Marco in the heart of the city and dominated by the stunning Basilica of San Marco. The Basilica is on of the world’s most unique architectural creations. It combines Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles. At the corner rising 322 feet is the Campanile Bell Tower. Just to the north is the Clock Tower whose Moorish figures have emerged to strike the hours for 450 years. Adjacent to the Basilica is Gothic detailed Doge’s Palace. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and learn of its intriguing name. There are fine views of the Isle of San Giorgio Maggiore and the beginning of the Grand Canal. Time permitting we venture to Murano or Burano where we take in demonstrations of glass making and lace making. Return to hotel in Venice area for dinner and talk of the day’s grand adventure.

Day 4  Early morning we depart with time for souvenir shopping. Immediately after lunch we transfer to Florence. We arrive late afternoon in Florence with time for a short walking tour of hotel vicinity before enjoying supper. With early departure we can visit Siena or Verona (Romeo and Juliette’s Balcony) en route to Florence.

Day 5  Breakfast is at 8:00. Depart shortly after on a full day Florence sightseeing tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Renaissance began here 500 years ago and Florence has rich Etruscan and Roman history. We start our sightseeing at Piazza del Duomo. With its thirteenth century Baptistry of San Giovanni and, of course, Ghiberti’s famous Bronze Doors. The nearby Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the second largest in Italy and has a central dome larger than St. Peter’s in Rome. We’ll see the Church of Santa Maria Novella and the Church of Santa Croce. We walk the Piazza della Signoria which is bordered by world famous Palazzo Uffizi (gallery). Step into the Gallery of the Accademia. Here we see the incredible work of art by Michelangelo, "David". After a stop for lunch we see the Ponte Vecchio which is lined with shops of jewelers, goldsmiths and other craftsmen. Near to Ponte Vecchio is the Loggia del Mercata Nuovo (new market) where we have time for a little souvenir shopping. High on a hill above the Pitti Palace is Piazza Michelangelo with breathtaking views of the city. We return to our hotel, exhausted by a very busy day.

Day 6  We are up early for breakfast. Check out of our hotel and visit the Basilica and the leather derns. Late morning finds us departing to Rome by motor coach. We stop in Assisi for lunch and a short tour. The former home of St. Francis of Assisi has a Basilica which is actually two churches, one built above the other. Arrive in Rome in time for a short walk around our hotel before dinner. How about an evening stroll after dinner.

Day 7 Roma!  Incredible Roma. Up early for breakfast and start our walking tour. Rome was founded as an Etruscan city around 750 BC. Citizens of the city overthrew their rulers and established the Roman Republic.

Day 8  Full day walking tours of Rome include the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and of course the Roman Colosseum. We’ll see the Spanish Steps, Palazzo Venezia, Appian Way, Forum, Pantheon and much more. O/N Rome.

Day 9  Our group travels south to Sorrento visiting Pompeii en route. This is one of the most fascinating tours in Italy with life frozen for us to witness by Mount Vesuvius thousands of years ago. Walk in homes, Roman baths, see fast food restaurants and directions to businesses carved into the street! A wonderful day. Overnight Sorrento.

Day 10  Full day excursion is included to the Isle of Capri and Blue Grotto. Transfer by local coach to the port, with water transport to Capri. Then travel by lift up to the town with a guided tour of Capri. Then venture inside the Blue Grotto (subject to weather conditions) and return by water and coach to our hotel. O/N Sorrento

Day 11  Motor coach transfer to airport for flight to Canada.

Please call for a customized program and prices.