- Day 1
MON I VENICE
Morning arrival into Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)
- Day 2
TUE I VENICE
Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will highlight the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. End the tour with a stop at a “Bacaro” for a “cicchetto. The Bacari, also known as cicchetti bars, are part of the local heritage of food in Venice and they are found in large numbers scattered throughout the historic center. Going for a bacari tour is a local habit but it is also a tasty and convivial pleasure! Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. (B)
- Day 3
WED I VENICE I MARANELLO I MODENA I FLORENCE
This morning depart Venice and stop in Maranello, home to the Ferrari Museum! The Museum tells the Ferrari story by delving deep into the history and myth of the "Cavallino" extraordinary roots and taking visitors on a magnificent journey via its most famous and successful F1 cars, legendary sports prototypes and GTs, and, of course, the road cars that have set the benchmark for the entire car industry. After an independent visit of the Museum we will continue to Modena where you’ll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. (B,L)
- Day 4
THU I FLORENCE
Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. At the end of the tour you will be treated to a delicious gelato tasting. Legend has it that gelato was first created in Florence. The Medici Family commissioned Bernardo Buontalenti to organize their banquets, and he gave vent to his creativity by inventing a new recipe for a dessert based on milk, honey, egg yolk and a touch of wine. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)
- Day 5
FRI I FLORENCE
The day is yours to discover the city of Florence, to shop for some local goods or to take an optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and expansive central Il Campo Plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the old-world center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
- Day 6
SAT I FLORENCE I ASSISI I ROME
Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at a local winery where a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process. After a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch, continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)
- Day 7
SUN I ROME
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome, and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. Afternoon at leisure to discover the Eternal City on your own, for some shopping or to join an optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Tonight, learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine during a cooking class under the guidance of a chef who will share his passion for food and cooking (B, D)
- Day 8
MON I ROME
This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Rest of the day at leisure to relax or discover why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special festive dinner with wine and music in one of the most famous restaurants in Trastevere. (B,D)
- Day 9
TUE I ROME TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)
Travel on this, one of our best Italy vacation tour packages and revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites from Doge's Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, to Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, and the iconic Sistine Chapel in Rome, plus so much more during your 9-day immersion into "la dolce vita!" Central Holidays’ Northern Italy vacation packages take travelers to live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and feelings of the true Italy. Travel via deluxe motorcoach and stay in well-appointed, centrally-located first class hotels on all of our Italy travel packages like this inspired escorted ...
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