WEDNESDAY – DAY 1- EN ROUTE
Evening departure via the airline of your choice to Rome.

THURSDAY, DAY 2- ROME
Welcome to the Eternal City that is rich in wondrous architecture, art and inspirational history. Meeting and assistance and transfer to your centrally located hotel, which is easily accessible to the splendors of the city. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Welcome dinner at a Folkloric restaurant for a first taste of Italy’s splendid cuisine. D

FRIDAY, DAY 3- ROME
This morning,an excursion through imperial, ancient Rome. Arrive by coach at Piazza Venezia with its impressive monument dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II and the Unknown Soldier, continue on foot to the famous Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo, for a fantastic view of the Roman Forum. Continue by coach past the Circus Maximus and the Pyramid of Calus Cestius before arriving at the Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls (visit inside). The tour is completed with a stop outside the imposing Coliseum. This afternoon, visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel where an expert guide will discuss the history and beauty of the Museum. See Michelangelo’s “Creation” and the famous “Last Judgement B

SATURDAY, DAY 4- ROME
This morning, a Professional Visit is scheduled. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore and discover. Perhaps browse the Via Condotti, containing Rome’s most elegant clothing and jewelry shops. Or, on a sidewalk café, sip a cappuccino and just people-watch. B

SUNDAY, DAY 5- ROME-PERUGIA
Today’s drive takes us to a fascinating region in central Italy, Umbria, whose landscape is soft, as in the paintings of Perugino and in the early work of Raffaelo, with rolling hills and mountains in the distance, oak woods in pleasant valleys, vines, olive trees, fields, scattered cottages, poplar trees and small towns silhouetted on the crest of hillocks, Green and mystical are the two adjectives often applied to the region. Stop en route in Orvieto, one of the most spectacular and charming medieval towns of central Italy. Tour the town with your escort. Opportunity to browse and lunch on your own. Continue to Perugia in time for a rustic and gourmet dinner at a local restaurant. BD

MONDAY, DAY 6- PERUGIA-MONTECATINI
Morning departure for Montecatini, your home base for the next 4 nights, with a stop at a Tuscan wine estate for a rustic lunch with wine & cheese tasting. This afternoon, tour Pienza, a charming little Renaissance town, conceived as a unified, pure expression of beauty. Arrive in Montacatini, a chic resort area in the Tuscan hills. Dinner at your hotel. BLD

TUESDAY, DAY 7- MONTACATINI-FLORENCE
Board the local train to Florence for a full day excursion in this beautiful city, the cradle of the Renaissance. Our half day guided tour includes entrance to the Academia Museum. Return to Montacatini in the late afternoon. B

WEDNESDAY, DAY 8- MONTACATINI-SAN GIMIGNANO & SIENA
Today’s full day excursion includes a visit to San Gimignano, a small 14th century town which has kept its medieval appearance unchanged. The city is encircled by ramparts bristling with fourteen tall towers of nobility (the original number was 72). Stroll along the delightful narrow streets lined with palaces and old houses. Continue to Siena, spread over three steep hills, the jewel-town of Tuscany, the most harmonious, most uniform and most beautiful of the large Tuscan cities. Renowned for its shell-shaped square, it hosts the traditional “Palio” horse race, where the city’s neighborhoods compete biannually. See the Cathedral with its unique interior and enjoy lunch on your own. Return to Montacatini in the late afternoon. B

THURSDAY, DAY 9- MONTACATINI
Today is a full day at leisure – to relax or enjoy the spa – or take the optional tour to Cinque Terre .
The “Cinque Terre” area consists of five little villages at the end of narrow valleys cutting through the steep coastal range. The houses rise in tiers on the cliffs, the alley-ways are narrow, with flights of steps and boats are pulled up to the tiny spaces left by the sea. This would be one of the wildest landscapes in Liguria, if it were not for the green terraced slopes of the ancient vineyards. Overnight in Montacatini. B

FRIDAY, DAY 10-MONTACATINI-VENICE
Depart for fascinating Venice, city of romance and fantasy, inviting you to discover her fabulous treasures. Upon arrival in the city, check into your hotel, then take part of a walking tour beginning in the Piazza San Marco, Venice’s hub of activity, the world famous marble square, lined with galleries, luxury shops and charming cafes. Dominating the square is the magnificent Basilica San Marco, whose mixtures of architectural styles and profuse decoration reflect the history of Venice. Marvel at the shimmering mosaics encrusted on its interior walls. Visit the magnificent Doges’ Palace with its splendid Renaissance paintings. Crossing the Bridge of Sighs, which connects to the Piombi Prisons, will complete your morning tour. Afternoon at leisure in Venice. Tonight, dinner in a local restaurant. BD

SATURDAY, DAY 11-VENICE
A Professional Visit is scheduled this morning. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. The city holds so many interesting sites. Perhaps wander the quiet streets of Giudecca (Venice’s original Jewish Quarter) or a visit to the Academia Gallery – or Peggy Guggenheim’s palazzo- perhaps a boat ride to Torcello or Murano –the day is yours. And, if you like, your Tour Escort will guide you through the labyrinthine streets for the best shopping and food in town. Tonight: Farewell Dinner completes a magical visit. BD

SUNDAY, DAY 12- EN ROUTE
Today, a transfer person and motor-launch will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the U.S. B