Escorted Tours 2023

Highlights of Italy Tour, 8 Days
visiting Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome 

Day-By-Day Program: 

Day 1, Arrive Venice, Sunday

Upon arrival at Venice airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather for a Welcome Dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions (D)

Day 2, in Venice, Monday

We begin exploring Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. Then, on to St. Mark’s Square, for the walking tour, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoying views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, or join an optional gondola ride (B)

Day 3, Venice to Ferrara, Pisa and Florence, Tuesday

Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour, continue to Pisa where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for dinner and a free evening (B,D)

Day 4, in Florence, Wednesday

This morning begins with a city tour of the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way (B)

Day 5, Florence to Assisi and Rome, Thursday

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome for dinner and an evening at leisure (B,D)

Day 6, in Rome, Friday

A full-day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the incomparable Eternal City. Visit the Vatican Museums with moving Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Then on to visit the Coliseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum (B,L)

Day 7, in Rome, Saturday

Your day is free in spectacular Rome! Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the chic shops, galleries, and museums; do some more sightseeing on your own or relax in a sidewalk cafe with a glass of fine Italian wine, a cold Limoncello, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner with your fellow travelers is the perfect way to celebrate your glimpse of Italy (B,D)

Day 8, depart Rome, Sunday

One last breakfast in Italy before you are transferred to Rome’s airport. Your homebound flight arrives the same day (B)

Included Features:

• Arrival transfer Venice airport to hotel on Day 01

• Accommodation in first class hotels

• Service charges and hotel taxes

• Luggage handling (1 PC per person)

• Buffet breakfast daily

• 1 lunch & 4 dinners (coffee or tea included)

• Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach

• Professional English-Speaking Tour Director throughout

• Licensed Local Guides

• Entrance fees included where indicated in bold letters

• Complimentary whispers with sightseeing tours

• Departure transfer hotel to Rome airport on Day 8

Sightseeing Tours Included:

• Venice

• Florence

• Assisi

• Rome