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DELUXE ITALY

Understanding the simplicity of the Italian culture will only help you enjoy your trip even more and want to adopt their ways, at least for the short time you may be there.

SPECIAL INCLUDED FEATURES:

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED FEATURES:

Dining Plan

Six dinners and one lunch at popular restaurants, featuring regional cuisine and including wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino

Bonus Sightseeing

deluxe italy

TOUR DESCRIPTION
Travelers who enjoy exploring their destinations of choice will do so on this 15-day itinerary to Rome, Sorrento, Perugia, Tuscany, Venice and Stresa. Escape to the places where myths and legends were born and uncover the truth behind them, or take a stroll through the narrow and winding streets of Capri and discover charming shops and sidewalk cafes. From Palatine Hill in Rome to Capri’s famous Piazzetta travelers will relish in what Italy has to offer.

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ITINERARY & MAP

Day 1—Sunday (Depart USA)
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2—Monday (Rome)
Welcome to the Eternal City! There is time to rest or to begin exploring on your own. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a brief walking tour followed by a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3—Tuesday (Rome)
With a history dating back at least as far as 753 B.C., the true origins of Rome are enveloped in myth and legend. However, once it was established, the city quickly grew, with kings and emperors leaving their marks by means of imposing structures, a myriad of which are still standing - at least in part. Meet your local guide and see the highlights of this ancient city, including the Colosseum; Palatine Hill, the oldest inhabited area of the city and later a wealthy neighborhood with grand villas; and the Roman Forum, an immense complex of monuments. Your afternoonis free to explore on your own or to take an optional tour.

Day 4—Wednesday (Rome)
A full free day in this historic city. You may want to explore the remains of ancient Rome in more depth, or visit one of the many museums and galleries. Stroll down the popular shopping street Via Condotti, visit the romantic Spanish Steps, or relax in a café or restaurant. Discover Rome’s hidden treasures at your own pace or join an optional excursion. The choice is yours - there is plenty to do and see in the ’City of the Seven Hills.

Day 5—Thursday (Rome/Pompeii/Sorrento)
Bid Rome a fond arrivederci - goodbye, and head to Pompeii. Once a prosperous port city, Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in late August of 79 A.D. A local guide will explain the sights and history of this ancient city, remarkably well preserved by the same catastrophe that destroyed it. Afterward, continue to the resort town of Sorrento. The balance of the day is free.

Day 6—Friday (Capri Excursion)
Board a jetfoil for an excursion to the Isle of Capri. Meet your local guide and start sightseeing in the Piazetta, the main square of Capri city. Wander through the narrow, winding streets, past shops and sidewalk cafés. Then on to the little village of Anacapri. Visit the Piazza Vittoria and see the impressive Villa San Michele. There is time to relax and shop before traveling back to the pier for the jetfoil return to Sorrento. Savor dinner in a favorite local restaurant tonight.

Day 7—Saturday (Sorrento/Assisi/Perugia)
Leave Sorrento, traveling to UNESCO World Heritage listed Assisi. This medieval city is most often associated with St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. The impressive Basilica of St. Francis was built in honor of the saint and to be the final resting place for his remains. Follow your guide through this ornate and venerable building. Then, continue on to Perugia. There is time to relax before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8—Sunday (Perugia/Siena/Tuscany-San Gimignano)
Traveling north from Perugia, head to the Tuscan town of Siena. There is time to stroll along the narrow lanes and see the beautiful Piazza del Campo on your own. Then enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch in a local wine cellar. Afterward, continue on your journey to San Gimignano, set on a hill in the heart of Tuscany.

Day 9—Monday (Florence Excursion)
After breakfast, make the short drive to magnificent Florence. Although Florence’s history dates back to Roman times, her most famous sights by far are from the Renaissance. Artistic masters of the Renaissance whose work can still be seen in Florence include Donatello, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and of course, da Vinci and Michelangelo. Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of this splendid city. View the architectural wonders here and visit the Academy of Fine Arts, whose Gallery is home to outstanding works of art. This afternoon is free.

Day 10—Tuesday (Pisa Excursion)
Set off today for an exciting excursion to Pisa. Have your camera ready for pictures of the immense Camposanto, the Romanesque Cathedral and, of course, the amazing Leaning Tower. Your afternoon is at leisure. Later, relax and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11—Wednesday (Tuscany/Venice)
Drive through the rolling countryside to the magical city of Venice. The balance of the day is free.

Day 12—Thursday (Venice)
Built on 118 small islands with at least 100 canals criss-crossing the city, Venice is a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. In 828, the relics of St. Mark were brought to Venice and he became the city’s patron saint. The grand Cathedral and Piazza built in his name are the focal point and heart of this marvelous city. There is much to see and do here, in this city on the water. Your local guide will escort you on a walking tour to see the highlights, including St. Mark’s Square and the magnificent cathedral. After a visit to the pink and white Doges’ Palace, your afternoon and evening are free.

Day 13—Friday (Venice/Milan/Stresa)
Head across the Lombardy region to cosmopolitan Milan, Italy’s second largest city. Milan is a dynamic metropolis on the go. Yet, despite its modern verve, it is also a historic city. See the best of both on an orientation tour including the Scala Opera House, the glass-domed Galleria, and the gothic Duomo. Enjoy some time on your own to continue exploring, shop or relax in a café before traveling to the beautiful resort town of Stresa.

Day 14—Saturday (Stresa)
A full day free to relax, do some last minute shopping, or explore. This elegant lakeside resort offers breathtaking scenery, beautiful neoclassical architecture, parks, gardens, and much more. Tonight, relish a Farewell Dinner with the new friends from your deluxe Italian holiday.

Day 15—Sunday (Stresa/Depart Milan)
Transfer to Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Please do not schedule homebound flights before 9:30 a.m. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay.

Updated on: March 11 2010