THAT'S AMORE: ITALY BY DESIGN

Visit Italy

1 ARRIVE IN ROME

Welcome to Rome! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

2 ROME

ROME An orientation tour includes views of the major landmarks of the Eternal City. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: STROLL: There's no Place Like Rome Across Rome's Tiber River lies Trastevere, a former working-class enclave that today boasts a bohemian vibe of trendy shops, cafes, and bars. Walk the picturesque streets and charming medieval buildings with your Local Guide and continue on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history. GAZE: Summer Snow & Sacred Secrets Visit the magnificent Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Built in the 4th century to celebrate a miraculous snowfall in the month of August, rebuilt in the 5th century, and embellished ever since, the basilica holds precious secrets inside its ancient walls. Included audio-guides allow you to hear fascinating stories about the treasures here, including the marvellous medieval mosaics, the precious relic of the Holy Manger, and the magnificent chapels of Pope Sixtus IV and Paul V, with the venerated icon of the Virgin Mary Salus Populi Romani - and much more. Your tour ends with the access to the archaeological area, discovered in the 60's with exquisite remains of an ancient roman building, which enshrines an important painted calendar. Your tour concludes with a refreshing tasting of Nevicata (`snowfall' gelato) made specially for Basilica visitors! (B)

3 ROME- NARNI- SPOLETO

NARNI Orientation and free time for lunch. SPOLETO Orientation (B)

4 SPOLETO

SPOLETO YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: GAZE: Olive You, Spoleto! Follow your Local Guide through the cobblestone streets of one of the oldest cities in Italy. See the Albornoz fortress, the symbol of the city designed as an instrument of control and defense of the territory to restore order to the region and the Tower Bridge - a powerful structure used both as aqueduct and walkway. This tour concludes with a stop at "il Frantoio" oil shop for an olive oil tasting and a glass of wine. MARVEL: The Steps of Saint Francis When most people think about Saint Francis, one of the first images that come to mind is the ubiquitous statues depicting the friar in peaceful care of animals. Hear how the life and legacy of this founder of the Franciscan Order is much more fascinating. Aformer bon-vivant and soldier, Francis renounced his wealth to embrace a life of poverty; made daring religious missions to hostile lands, and experienced mystical ecstasies, as well as seeking spirituality in nature. Follow your Local Guide to the most important sites of the saint's life, from Santa Maria degli Angeli to Assisi, and from L'eremo delle Carceri to St. Damiano. STROLL: Diamonds in the Rough Wild truffles have been called the diamonds of the kitchen. These jewels of haute cuisine are hard to come by and in great demand by elite chefs across Europe who pay top dollar (or Euro) for this flavorful delicacy. During an unforgettable cultural experience in the hills of Umbria, you'll learn the art of truffle hunting with local farmers who share everything you need to know about finding, collecting, and cultivating truffles. A great experience for foodies and wine lovers, this excursion to Umbria will also delight you with its spectacular countryside and lovely people. (B)

5 SPOLETO- PIENZA- FLORENCE

PIENZA Guided sightseeing in the Italian Pearl of the Renaissance. FLORENCE Guided sightseeing with views of the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gates of Paradise" and Signoria Square. (B)

6 FLORENCE

FLORENCE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: DELVE: On Cloud Wine On its hilltop perch, the ancient city of San Gimignano is visible from afar with magnificent views of its 13 legendary towers-earning the city a nickname of "Medieval Manhattan." Taste some of the region's world-famous wines while taking in the views of the Chianti Hills. PEDAL: Firenze in Bicicletta Discover the soul of Florence on a small-group bicycle tour through its maze of quaint cobblestone alleys and small piazzas. Breathe in fresh air and the city's most impressive landmarks, including the historic city centre and Oltrarno. On this guided bike ride, uncover Florence's hidden views and secret spots only the locals know and love. Take a break, park your bike, and relax with an authentic Italian gelato! GAZE: Fragrance & Fashion in Florence Follow your expert Local Guide through a maze of must-see-sights and legendary landmarks. You'll hear a secret or two about the ancient tradition of perfume making at the Officina di Santa Maria Novella, a centuries-old institution founded by Dominican friars in 1221, making it the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Your tour takes you from fragrance to footwear with a visit to the Ferragamo museum, dedicated to the shoemaker-turned-designer Salvatore Ferragamo. See stylish examples of the more than 10,000 shoe designs revered throughout the world. Farewell dinner at local restaurant. (B,D)

7 FLORENCE

FLORENCE Your holiday ends with breakfast in the morning. (B)

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