Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

Let's start this tour off with a bang. We'll meet at 3 p.m. at our hotel to get acquainted, then get to the heart of the matter and see Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Museum. Afterwards, we'll enjoy our first Italian dinner together at a favorite restaurant. Sleep in Florence (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Walking Tour of Florence and the Uffizi Gallery

Our guide will lead us on a historical treasure hunt of Florence's Renaissance highlights, featuring the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. The rest of the day is yours to visit Florence's many other monuments, browse the markets and sample countless helpings of gelato. No bus. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 3: Lucca and Cinque Terre Villages

We'll drive west today, taking much of our day to savor Lucca's impressive city walls and lively old city center. Later this afternoon, we'll continue to our destination — the Cinque Terre, a string of path-connected villages on the Italian Riviera, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Free Day to Roam the Cinque Terre

Today is entirely yours in our Mediterranean getaway. Hike above dramatic cliffs and through vineyards from one town to the next, sun yourself on the rocks or find a waterfront bench and catch up on your journal. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 5: The Heart of Tuscany

Today begins with a scenic drive to our favorite Tuscan hill town — vibrant Volterra. After an orientation walk, you'll have time to explore Volterra's ancient lanes and varied sights on your own. We'll meet before dinner together this evening to sample this region's famous wine at a favorite enoteca. Sleep in or near Volterra (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 6: All Day in Siena

We'll daytrip over the hills and devote most of our day admiring the red brick lanes, gothic arches and famous campo of medieval Siena. We'll spend our time in the capable hands of a local expert who will make this magnificent city and its many traditions come alive. Bus: 3 hours. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: A Walk Through Caesar's Rome

Today we'll make a dash south to uncover ancient Rome and walk in Caesar's footsteps through the Colosseum and Forum. We'll cap this day with an unforgettable floodlit fountain walk through Rome's great piazzas. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: The Pope's Rome

We'll devote today to Catholic Rome, visiting St. Peter's Basilica, the immense Vatican Museum and the brilliantly restored Sistine Chapel. You'll also have free time to find the Roma of your dreams: climb the Spanish Steps, toss coins in fountains or do any last-minute shopping. As it's our final night together, we'll have a grand dinner. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: Tour Over After Breakfast

It's a breeze to reach Rome's airports by taxi or train. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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