Wonders of Italy

Benvenuti a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, antiquities and hearty flavors crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Join your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City' on an orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the 'Mouth of Truth' without the crowds. See the church, crypt, and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine. This evening, enjoy a light supper with your travel companions.

Enjoy a guided visit to the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist, including Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then head into Ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus and explore the Colosseum. This afternoon, take time to discover more of the city at your own pace. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.

Travel north to Lucca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to admire the 14th-century San Martino Cathedral and Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman arena. In your free time, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.

A sea of pastel pink, yellow and blue houses cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the villages of the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will explore today on your included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and delve into daily life in these picturesque fishing villages. Later, visit Pisa and its UNESCO-listed 'Square of Miracles' to view the architectural feat that is the Leaning Tower.