Essential Europe

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Spend your day your way in Rome Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Rome of the Caesars Time travel to ancient Rome! Stand in the Colosseum and let your imagination be captured by stories of gladiator games and emperor reigns. Delve deeper into the Rome of the Caesars with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of the Roman Empire; see the Palatine Hill considered to be the birthplace of Rome. Historic Faith: Rome Jewish Ghetto and Saint Mary Major Basilica Follow your guide on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history-from the ruins of Republican and Imperial Rome to the medieval age; from the Renaissance Ghetto to the construction of the Synagogue and the ultimate tragic affront of Nazi deportation suffered by the oldest Jewish community in Europe. Taste a traditional Kosher pastry, then continue on to magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary the Major. Built in the 4th century to celebrate a miraculous August snowfall, the basilica was rebuilt in the 5th century with continued embellishments ever since. See the papal basilica's Room of the Popes and the famed five-story so called "Bernini staircase". The Papal City Explore the Papal City for a guided visit of the extensive Vatican Museums. Lift your eyes to the heavens in the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling fresco, then continue to St. Peter's Square to see the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica. Stroll along the Via della Conciliazione to admire Castel Sant'Angelo, the former Papal Fortress. Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B) * For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded. * When either the “Papal City” or “Rome of the Caesars” excursions are not available, the excursion “Historic Faith Rome Jewish Ghetto and Saint Mary Major Basilica” will be offered as an alternative.

Fine Art in Firenze Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo’s David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B) 186 mi / 300 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Benvenuti a Venezia Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breathtaking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, [LOCAL FAVORITE] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D) 162 mi / 260 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito!