Italian Treasures

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

Italian Treasures Discover the timeless beauty of Italy’s capital and be transported back to Ancient Rome when you join a fascinating guided walking tour of the Roman Forum, for over 1400 years it was the hub of the Roman Empire. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening to take in more sights and experiences.* (B) * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS Rome is a vibrant city with a strong character and overflowing with art, culture, history, gastronomy, monuments, fascinating stories, and much more. Built on 7 hills and considered to be the “Cradle of Western Civilisation”, it is the city with the most churches and fountains in the world. When you stand in the heart of Ancient Rome, discovering stories about the Roman Empire whilst admiring the Roman Forum, it becomes easy to understand the origins of the saying “All roads lead to Rome”.

Roman Rulers 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 the beautiful walled town of Lucca and enjoy an orientation walk followed by free time to explore the delightful historic center. (B) 217 mi/ 350 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Within the walls surrounding the medieval city of Lucca, the modern world fades away. Whilst you walk, see the Piazza Anfiteatro, San Michele Square, the Roman Amphitheatre, the soaring clock tower, and the Guinigi Tower topped with a hanging garden roof – just to name a few of the impressive sights you’ll find in this historic city in Tuscany.

The Italian Riviera 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, and enjoy some free time before boarding your train to La Spezia. En-route back to Lucca, 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,D) 155 mi/ 250 km LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre and take in fascinating views of the sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.

Tuscany’s Terra Bella Often called the medieval Manhattan for its remarkable skyline, San Gimignano is a real treat. Join an orientation walk before exploring the town independently with time to browse the artisan shops and try some of the local produce. Relax for a scenic drive to Borgo Machiavelli, in the heart of Chianti, for a [LOCAL FAVORITE] wine tasting accompanied by local specialties. (B) 93 mi / 150 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit Borgo Machiavelli in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, once home to Niccolò Machiavelli, the renowned Italian philosopher and political thinker. Taste the tradition of winemaking with regional specialties enjoyed in the vineyards of this beautiful landscape for centuries.

Spend your day your way in Florence 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,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. Explore more of Florence with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Florentine Fare Celebrate Florence's age-old traditions with a tasty tour featuring historic streets and authentic treats! Sample a selection of fried specialties, refreshing pappa al pomodoro, and luscious gelato at the famous Vivoli Ice Cream Parlor. Sweet smells are also on the menu with artisan perfumes near Santa Croce. Toast your day with a glass of wine from an historic "buchetta" (wine window). Medici Heritage and Aperitivo Discover the magnificent Pitti Palace on a guided walking tour. Admire artwork by Raffaello, Rubens, and Tiziano, as you hear stories about its former residents; once the symbol of the Medici family¿s power, it was later the home of Napoleon. In recent times it was a key setting in Dan Brown¿s novel ¿Inferno¿. Stroll in the San Frediano district with your local guide and experience traditional life in Florence with an aperitivo in a local bar. Enjoy an evening at leisure to discover more of Florence. (B)

Ladies & Gentlemen of Verona Arrive in the elegant city of Verona, rich in history, but made famous by Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Enjoy a stroll to admire the main squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, with its pink marble Roman Arena, still used today as a concert venue. Continue to Venice Island and take a private boat ride. (B) 242 mi / 390 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Stroll through the grand piazzas of Verona, where the tradition of La Passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is alive and well near the site of the ancient forum. Where fruits, vegetables, and spices once filled the market squares, now eateries and shops share the space with the ancient arts of sumptuous fountains, monuments, architecture, and people-watching.

Benvenuti a Venezia Enjoy a private boat ride before meeting your local guide for a fascinating sightseeing walk. See St. Mark’s Square, with its landmark columns and Basilica, and visit the ornate Doge’s Palace with the Bridge of Sighs. At a vetreria meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Free time this afternoon and evening to meander through the typical Venetian “calli and campi” (alleyways and squares). (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms.

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) 267 mi / 430 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.

Parting is Sweet Sorrow En-route to Rome, stop in Orvieto, perched dramatically on a plug of volcanic rock and dominated by a striking cathedral. Enjoy an orientation walk to see the cathedral, plus free time to visit San Brizio Chapel or to explore Piazza del Duomo. Continue to Rome and follow your Local Guide on a guided walking tour to visit St. Peter’s Square and see the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a stroll alongside the walls of the Passetto di Borgo to reach Castel Sant'Angelo for a visit of the former Papal Fortress. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Rome. (B,D) 137 mi/ 220 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MYSTERY Orvieto’s Cathedral is perched atop a volcanic hill in stunning style that features a large rose window, golden mosaics, and massive bronze doors. Inside, its frescoed chapels are adorned with spectacular works such as the Judgement Day, the coronation of Mary, the Pietà created by the great artist Scalza, and a spectacular organ with 5,585 pipes. Here, a blood-stained relic cloth is stored in the Chapel of the Corporal, remembrance of the 1263 miracle of Bolsena – when a priest who doubted his faith witnessed the Communion Host begin to bleed onto the altar cloth.

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