Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

We'll meet at 4 p.m. at our Venice hotel, deep in the old center of Europe's best-preserved medieval city. After introductions, we'll set off on an orientation walk before enjoying a traditional Venetian dinner together. Sleep in Venice (3 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Historic Venice

After a morning walking tour through the backstreets of Venice, we'll dive directly into the historic center of what was for centuries Europe's top superpower, with a visit to St. Mark's Basilica and a tour of the Doges' Palace. Tonight is yours to take in a church concert, waltz on St. Mark's square or pub crawl your way through this unique city. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: The Art of Wandering in Venice

Today begins with a locally guided visit to the Accademia, a treasure trove of Venetian art through the centuries. The afternoon is free for you to visit Venice's other famous sights or to get delightfully lost in the back lanes of this magical island. No bus. Walking: strenuous. 

Day 4: Wonders of Renaissance Florence

We'll drive straight to Florence this morning. After checking into our hotel, we'll plunge into the historic heart of Florence and experience its years of glory as your guide leads you on a Renaissance walk across town. We'll see the magnificent Duomo (cathedral), Baptistery doors, and other Renaissance sights. Tonight we'll feast together on hearty Tuscan cuisine. Sleep in Florence (3 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: David and the Oltrarno

This morning, we'll experience the remarkable accomplishments of Florence's most famous son at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. Afterward a local scholar will join us as we visit the backstreets of Florence. We'll go beyond the Renaissance, with a fascinating peek into Roman, medieval and 19th century Florence (when the city suddenly found itself the capital of a new country called Italy). The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Florence's other sights, enjoy Italy's best shopping...or just eat more gelato. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: The Uffizi

This morning we'll devote our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere. After our visit, the remainder of the day is yours to explore more of the Uffizi or the other brilliant museums that Florence has to offer. No bus. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 7: Roaming Through Rome

This morning we'll hop on our bus for the drive to Rome. After stopping en route for lunch, we'll get comfortable in our centrally-located hotel before celebrating our arrival in Rome with dinner together and a fountain-splashing, after-dinner stroll through the historic heart of the city. Sleep in Rome (3 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum

We'll spend much of today on the other side of the Tiber River, where the Vatican City beckons. We'll see the treasures of the Vatican Museum, including the sublime Sistine Chapel, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, with Michelangelo's moving Pietà and Bernini's amazing, seven-story bronze canopy. You'll have free time to explore the crypt or climb the dome (for a fantastic vista). No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: Monuments of Ancient Rome

We'll spend our morning uncovering Ancient Rome as we tour the impressive Forum, Colosseum and Pantheon. You'll be free this afternoon to wander through the nearby Palatine ruins, St. Peter-in-Chains church or the Mamertine Prison — or find your own slice of Roman history. Tonight we'll feast together at our farewell dinner. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 10: Tour Over After Breakfast

This morning we'll say our final goodbyes and head for home...or you may want to stick around for a few more days of la dolce vita (the sweet life). Arrivederci!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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