Itinerary Details
The Best Of Italy
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2: ROME Spend your day your way in Rome Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
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.
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.
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.
* 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.
Day 3:
ROME–PISA–MONTECATINI The Tilted Tower 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. Later, arrive at your hotel in the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini. (B)
242mi / 389km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE 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 this hub of European medieval art in Pisa’s beautiful piazza.
Day 4:
MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO FLORENCE Italian Beauties Florence is 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, enjoy free time to explore more of Florence “La bella”. (B,D)
99 mi / 160 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.
Day 5:
MONTECATINI–VENICE ISLAND Today, drive across the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. (B)
173mi / 278km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Today's drive to Venice takes you through a shifting tapestry of Italian landscapes. From Tuscany’s soft green hills and vineyards, through the wide open fields of Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto’s flat countryside crossed by rivers and canals. As you approach the Venetian Lagoon, the land gradually melts into water. The lagoon stretches out like a calm, shimmering basin, dotted with tiny islands, fishing huts, and wooden poles rising from the surface to guide boats along the safe channels.
Day 6:
VENICE ISLAND Benvenuti a Venezia Embark on 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. Visit a favorite vetreria (glass factory), meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to meander along the canals and through the traditional 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, gets its name from the prisoners sighing as they took in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms.Day 7:
VENICE ISLAND–ASSISI Medieval Marvels Enjoy a 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 your 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.Day 8:
ASSISI–POMPEII–NAPLES–CAPRI Time Standing Still in Pompeii 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 discover what happened when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Later, travel by jetfoil across the Bay of Naples to the captivating island of Capri. Upon disembarkation take a funicular ride from the harbour to Capri village. (B,D)
292 mi / 470 km
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 the dwellings of the people who perished here.Day 9:
CAPRI Coves & Cliffs on the Clear Blue Sea Join your Local Guide this morning to explore the idyllic isle of Capri. Travel to the pretty village of Anacapri perched high on the island and visit the famous Villa San Michele. Later, take the funicular to Marina Grande and board a boat for [LF] a spectacular, scenic cruise around the island (weather permitting). This afternoon and evening are at leisure to experience more of the island. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Visit stunning Villa San Michele perched high above the breathtaking Bay of Naples. Swedish physician Axel Munthe dedicated much of his life to the construction of the villa and surrounding gardens. His masterpiece, the Story of San Michele, recounts of his wish for a “house open to the sun and wind and the voice of the sea, like a Greek temple, and light, light, light everywhere!”
Day 10:
CAPRI–SORRENTO–ROME Arrivederci, Roma This morning, board a jetfoil to reach the clifftop town of Sorrento. After a brief orientation, enjoy free time to browse the artisan stores, try local specialties, or just relax and watch the world go by. Return to Rome and join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Just as the sirens of Greek mythology lured sailors to the rocky shores of Sorrento, so we are drawn to its sun-drenched cliffs, where legendary authors like Byron, Goethe, Dickens, and Tolstoy soaked in the sun and local inspiration in the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Here, in the town of lemons, give in to the sweet temptations of lemon gelato and limoncello to toast the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.Day 11:
ROME Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
