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Day 1 ~ USA - Milano, Italy
This evening we will depart from the U.S. on our trans-Atlantic flight to Milano. Meals and entertainment aloft.
Day 2 ~ Milano
This morning we will arrive in Milano, the birthplace of geniuses and masterpieces. Here we will be able to appreciate the treasures of the city hidden within its deepest intimacy. We will visit some of Milano’s wonders including Castello Sforzesco, one of the most extravagant royal castles in all of Northen Italy. Our tour will continue with visits to the Galleria- the first enclosed modern day mall, Piazza del Duomo in the exact center of Milano, the third largest cathedral in the world. We will also experience some Milanese culture with a visit to La Scala Opera House- the best known theater in Italy, where world famous singers, conductors, and orchestra conductors have made their debuts. Dinner (included) and overnight in Milan.
Day 3~ Milano - Venezia
This morning after breakfast we bid farewell to the slick and busy city of designer fashions. A morning drive will bring us through the Lombardia region into Venice, a golden fairy tale city floating on the sea. Todays walking tour brings us to Europe’s finest drawing room and most well known sites of Venice. St. Marks Square, the Basilica, Il Ponte dei Sospiri (the Bridge of Sighs), the Rialto Bridge, and the Doges Palace with its many art treasures. Dinner included and overnight in Venice.
Day 4 ~ Venezia - Firenze
This morning we say goodbye to the enchanting through gondolas, canals, and romance. We head southwest to through the region of Toscana to Florence, a virtual paradise for art lovers. This afternoon we will enjoy some of Florences most famous sights such as Piazza del Duomo, with Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower. We will then visit Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and Dante’s house. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Florence.
Day 5 ~ Firenze
Known as the flower of Italy, Florence is the Renaissance capital of the world. Today we will visit the Accademia, which holds many of Michelangelo’s sculptures, including one of his most famous and magnificent - David. Lunch (included) at a typical Florentine restaurant. We will visit the Uffizi Gallery, the most important picture gallery in Italy. Here we will see the noble art collection of the Medici Family. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Florence.
Day 6 ~ Firenze - Siena - Roma
This morning we say goodbye to Florence and head south to it’s arch-enemy and artistic rival of past centuries - Siena. We will experience the revelation of Siena’s dazzling ensemble of medieval buildings, gardens and olive groves on the lower slopes filling the old city, and above it Tuscanys tallest tower and its most brilliant cathedral. Siena has stood still in time, a city virtually unchanged since the 14th century when the Black Death carried away nearly half of the city’s population. We begin our visit to Piazza del Campo where the Palio (horse races) have been held twice a year since the 17th century. This afternoon we will enjoy lunch (included) and some free time before we continue on our journey to the Eternal City. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Rome.
Day 7 ~ Roma - Citta Eterna --- Ancient & Monumental Rome
This morning we will begin our walking tour of Monumental Rome, visiting such sites as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon - built by the Emperor Hadrian almost 2000 years ago - Piazza Navona - the most beautiful Baroque style squares in all of Rome with the three Bernini fountains. We will continue on our journey to the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), a very popular place for visitors to congregate, especially for those artists seeking inspiration. In the afternoon on to Ancient Rome where we will visit the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, The Capitoline Hill - a masterpiece of Michelangelo, Palantine Hill and Roman Forum, the remainder of the day will be for you to spend on your own - perhaps exploring this wonderful city or shopping. Dinner in Trastevere with wine and music. This is one of the most ancient quarters of the city, where the people claim to be the true descendants of Rome. Dinner (included) and overnight in Rome.
Day 8 ~ Rome - Vatican - Sistine - Borghese Gallery
Today we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum along with the newly discovered brilliance of the Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece ceiling. We will also see some of the many galleries contained within the museum such as: the Tapestry Gallery, the Map Gallery, the rooms of Raphael - with their magnificent frescos, and Bernini’s Royal Staircase. Next we will visit the recently reopened Galleria Borghese which houses a wealth of ancient and modern art collected by the Borghese Family Dynasty of the 17th century. Tonight we will have a traditional Roman dinner (included). Overnight in Rome.
Day 9 ~ Rome
Today will be a free day to shop or explore Rome leisurely on you own. You may want to return to some of the sites already visited or see some other sites of the Eternal City. Rome is very easy to get around in via public transportation and the Roman citizens are warm and helpful. They are always willing to lend a helping hand to visitors. Overnight in Rome and dinner on your own. Today an optional excursion will be offered. Details will follow.
Day 10 ~ Rome - USA
Unfortunately, as all good things do, this too must end. And so we bid a fare a presto (not goodbye, but see you soon) to Italy. We will transfer to the airport for our flight from Rome to Newark International Airport.
Inclusions:
Round trip economy air travel from Newark to Rome.
4**** (star) First Class Hotels
Daily Buffet Breakfasts - including coffee, tea, milk, and juices
All Meals (Lunches/Dinners) as per itinerary
All comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary
English speaking tour guides throughout
English speaking tour Escort from the time of arrival to time of departure
All taxes and service charges (excluding Airport tax)
All gratuities to hotel staff
All porterage and assistance abroad (except within confines of airport, for security purposes)
Exclusions:
Beverages at meals unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
Gratuities for Tour Guides, Escorts, and Drivers
All fees for items of personal nature, telephone calls, laundry service, passport and visas etc.
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