ITALIAN MASTERPIECES ITINERARY:
Day 1 — Depart the U.S.
Depart the U.S. for Rome on an overnight flight.
Day 2 — Rome, Italy
Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by
dinner featuring local delicacies, wine, and captivating Italian
music. (D)
Day 3 — Vatican City
The Vatican is renowned for its impressive artistic
masterpieces and architecture. During a guided tour marvel at
the Vatican's collections of painting and sculpture, the Sistine
Chapel frescoes, and St. Peter's art and architecture. An
afternoon panoramic coach tour of classical Rome highlights the
Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of
Constantine. (B)
Day 4 — Siena and Florence
Travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena, once a rival
to Florence. Join a local expert for a walking tour that begins
in the shell-shaped Campo, the heart of the city and home to the
annual Palio horse race. Your walking tour concludes with a tour
of the richly decorated cathedral, with its distinctively
striated campanile and fine sculpture by Pisano. The day ends in
Florence, the capital of the Italian Renaissance. (B,D)
Day 5 — Florence
Experience a day devoted to the magnificent city of
Florence. A special walking tour features the cathedral, capped
by Brunelleschi's dome and the symbol of Florence, and the
bronze doors designed by Ghiberti at the adjacent Baptistery.
Continue past the Piazza della Signoria to the Church of Santa
Croce, which houses frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of
Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. This afternoon view
paintings by Leonardo, Botticelli, Raphael, and others at the
world-famous Uffizi Gallery. (B)
Day 6 — Florence or Lucca Excursion
Enjoy a day to further explore the cultural riches of
Florence independently or indulge in the Italian joy of dolce
far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). A half-day optional
excursion features the small medieval town of Lucca, known for
its well-preserved Renaissance walls, Roman street plan, and
charming piazza. This evening enjoy a special cooking
demonstration of Tuscan specialties before dinner at a popular
Florentine restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7 — Florence and Perugia
Travel through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and Umbria
to Perugia. During a leisurely guided walking tour, explore
Perugia's massive Etruscan walls and the Piazza IV Novembre, one
of the grandest squares in Italy, surrounded by medieval palaces
and cathedrals. (B,D)
Day 8 — Perugia, Assisi, and Perugia
Learn about the art of fresco painting prior to visiting
nearby Assisi, the famous hill town known for its magnificent
Basilica of St. Francis. Tour the restored Basilica and admire
the delicate colors and forms of Giotto's and Cimabue's
frescoes. Upon returning to Perugia, the afternoon is
unscheduled so that you may relax in a pleasant piazza, discover
historic neighborhoods, or visit a museum housing paintings by
Umbrian masters. (B)
Day 9 — Perugia, Montepulciano, and Perugia
Today, explore one of Tuscany's most enchanting hill towns.
Montepulciano, a pearl of the Renaissance, offers breathtaking
views of the surrounding landscape. A guided walking tour
features the old town with its fortified gateway and magnificent
Renaissance-style palazzi. Outside of town, stop at the
exquisite honey-colored church of Madonna di San Biagio, a
Renaissance gem and the final masterpiece of Sangallo. Enjoy a
tasting of Montepulciano's famous Vino Nobile at a nearby wine
cellar. (B,D)
Day 10 — Perugia, Orvieto, and Rome
Depart Perugia and stop at the Etruscan hill town of Orvieto,
known for its white wine and its Gothic cathedral, one of the
finest in Italy which houses a stunning fresco cycle by
Signorelli. There will be ample time for a leisurely lunch or
exploring this town on your own. Later today, arrive at a hotel
near the Rome airport and enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 11 — Depart Rome
Depart Rome for the U.S. (B)
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