9 Day Reflections Of Italy

Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

On a locally guided tour of Classical Rome, wander along the Roman Forum and the Via Sacra, traversed by the likes of Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony. View the Arch of Titus, depicting the emperor’s conquests in its elaborate carvings. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide recounts its rich history. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour to the Vatican Museums* and St. Peter's Basilica.

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria.

With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Piazza IV Novembre or visiting medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.

Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent lake, situated off if in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun.

End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance” – and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery* to see Michelangelo’s David.

This morning, it’s your choice! Experience Florence’s cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria -OR- visit the Rodolfo Siviero House Museum – the former home of a WWII “Monuments Man” – as well as the Ponte Vecchio and the Florence American Cemetery. The rest of the day is yours.

Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment.

Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of its 12th-century castle, learn about the winery’s Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch.

This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Valley of the Po. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

See Venice from the water and take a boat** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark’s Square, taking in the basilica and the ornate façade of the Doge’s Palace.

The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime – a gondola ride.

Travel to Milan. Then, it’s your choice! Take in some of the city’s iconic sights on a walking tour. View the La Scala Opera House and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery before visiting the Duomo* – a Gothic cathedral that is the third largest in Europe -OR- join a local guide for a tour of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-fashion district, including visits to some of the city’s best ateliers and fashion stores.

This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant, featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.

Your journey comes to a close in Milan this morning.