ITALIAN ESCAPE

Visit Italy

1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY.

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

2 ROME.

Roman Holiday ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind's greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel's ceiling - a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo's 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered the most famous ceiling in the world, depicting the Creation of Adam in striking fresco style.

3 ROME-ASSISI-FLORENCE.

Medieval Marvels ASSISI Visit the Basilica of St. Francis. Scenic drive en route to Florence. (B) 230 mi/ 370 km (Tour Highlights) ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica named after the deacon, friar, and mystic, who became one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Revered for his love of the Eucharist and the Earth, Francis found communion with God through nature here in this Italian village where he lived and died. Marvel at the magnificent frescoes by Italian master Giotto that adorn the Basilica where the saint is buried.

4 FLORENCE.

Fine Art in Firenze FLORENCE Guided sightseeing includes Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze 'Gates of Paradise,' and Signoria Square. Globus Local Favourite Light lunch next to Santa Croce Square. Free time. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world's most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo's Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

5 FLORENCE-PISA-VENICE ISLAND.

The Tilted Tower PISA Take photos of the Leaning Tower en route to Venice. (B) 280 mi / 450 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE See architecture gone askew from the viewpoint of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. Take the ultimate selfie in front of the Leaning Tower with a tilt of the head or other popular poses to commemorate your visit to the site of medieval art in this beautiful piazza.

6 VENICE ISLAND.

Italian Beauties  VENICE Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Guided walking tour includes St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Glassblower demonstration and free time. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco 'la piazza.' As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called 'the drawing room of Europe.' St. Mark's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its facade. Also gracing the square is Doge's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners sighs at seeing their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison.

7 VENICE ISLAND.

Safe travels until we meet again!  Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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