Italian Mosaic

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 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. Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening to explore more of this charismatic city. * (B) * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

The Tilted Tower 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. En route to Florence, enjoy a stop in Pisa to visit the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and location of one of the most recognizable monuments in the world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (B) 280 mi / 450 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.

Fine Art in Firenze Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your local guide for 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,” the sculptures of Signoria Square, and the Ponte Vecchio. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B) 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 while Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Italian Treasures This morning drive to La Spezia, the starting point of your Cinque Terre adventure. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Join a guided boat ride (weather permitting) to admire the dramatic scenery along the Cinque Terre coast. Arrive in Monterosso, one of the 5 villages, for some free time before boarding a train to continue your journey. Later, drive to Lake Maggiore. (B,D) 311 mi / 500 km LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre for an exquisite look at sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.

Island Beauties Relax on the peaceful shores of Lake Maggiore. Late afternoon, [LOCAL FAVORITE] board a private boat to cross the calm waters to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands. Enjoy a guided visit of the English-style botanical gardens before sitting down for dinner at a local restaurant on the island. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Isola Madre is one of the starring beauties of the Borromean Islands and transport those who cross Lake Maggiore into a reverie of Baroque palazzos and perfect gardens. On the island, a showcase of exotic botanical beauty surrounds the 16th-century Palazzo Borromeo with magnificent magnolias, myrtles, wisteria, and citrus groves. Enjoy dinner at the island restaurant combining good food and stunning views of the lake.

Swiss Views & A Scenic Cruise Depart Italy this morning and cross the border into Switzerland. Visit the lakefront city of Lugano. Enjoy free time to admire the buildings and browse the stores in the pedestrian center or to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Continue to Venice Island and take a private boat ride. (B) 245 mi / 395 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Discover the city of Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss, style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.

Spend your day your way in Venice Enjoy a private boat ride. On disembarkation walk to an historic vetreria (glass factory) to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Explore more of Venice with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Palaces & Pontoons Your Local Guide shares legendary stories on a Venice walking tour, featuring iconic St. Mark s Square, with views of its landmark columns, Basilica, and Clock Tower. Enjoy skip-the-line access and guided visit to magnificent Doge s Palace, with its lavish rooms and infamous Bridge of Sighs which offered a final glimpse of the outside world to prisoners crossing to prison. Location, Location, Location! Once described by Napoleon as "the world's most beautiful drawing room," St. Mark's Square remains the beating heart of Venice. After a short stroll through some picturesque calli (alleyways), take a seat in a historic café for a taste of Venetian café culture. Enjoy a refreshment served with unrivaled views of Venetian landmarks! An afternoon and evening at leisure to meander along the canals and through the typical Venetian “calli and campi.” (alleyways and squares). (B)

Medieval Marvels Scenic drive through the Apennine Mountains to the stunning hilltop town of Assisi, an important center for both religion and art, and birthplace of St. Francis. Meet the local guide for a walking tour in the medieval center which includes a visit to the Basilicas of St. Clare and St. Francis. (B,D) 261 mi / 420 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the Saint is buried.

Italian Vistas Watch the changing scenery as you drive south, from the lush green hills of Umbria, through drier mountainous areas until you arrive at the dramatic Sorrentine coastline that hugs the Bay of Naples. (B) 267 mi / 430 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Join the ranks of holiday-goers on the sun-kissed cliffs of Sorrento, where literati like Byron, Goethe, Dickens, and Tolstoy soaked in the sun and took their inspiration from atop the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Here, in the town of lemons, you can give in to the sweet temptations of lemon gelato and limoncello to toast the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea Relax on a jetfoil as you cross the Bay of Naples to the captivating island of Capri. Join your Local Guide for a funicular ride from the harbour to Capri village followed by a guided sightseeing. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Visit the Augustus Gardens, enjoy a granita (semi-frozen drink) and admire the incredible views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks. Return to the mainland for free time this afternoon and evening. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical brilliance on the cliffs overlooking the island and the sapphire sea below. Toast the view with a glass of granita for a frozen treat amid the sun-washed monuments and mesmerizing vistas.

Time Standing Still in Pompeii This morning, together with a local guide, visit the incredible excavations of Pompeii. As you walk along the ancient streets, hear about day-to-day life under the Roman Empire and the events surrounding the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. After some free time for lunch, return to Rome and join your traveling companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 193 mi / 310 km * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings of the people who perished here.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)