Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart US, arrive Rome

Depart the States, arrive Rome, bus transfer to Florence. Check into our centrally located hotel for orientation, dinner, and overnight. (L,D)

Day 4 – Florence

Today we explore the most glorious city of the Italian Renaissance: Florence.  We visit the Duomo, Baptistry, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi, and see Michelangelo’s David.  Overnight Florence. (B,L,D) 

Day 6 – Rome

We begin our exploration of the Eternal City with the most famous icon of Italy: the Colosseum.  From there we visit the Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Capitoline Museum, Imperial Fora, San Pietro in Vincoli, and Baths of Diocletian.  Overnight Rome.  (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Ostia Antica, Rome

Today we explore the expansive ruins of ancient Ostia, the original port city of Rome.  We then return to Rome to visit the Piazza del Popolo, Bridge of the Angels, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Column of Marcus Aurelius, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.  In the evening we gather together for our closing meeting and celebratory dinner.  Overnight Rome.  (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Pisa, Lucca

Our journey begins as we visit Pisa and the dazzling architectural buildings of the Piazza dei Miracoli, including the Duomo, Baptistry, and the famous leaning tower. After a climb of the tower, we head to the Tuscan town of Lucca. Overnight Florence. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Perugia, Assisi

Departing Tuscany, we head to Perugia, the capital of Umbria, where we explore the heart of the old town, including the Perugia Cathedral, Fontana Maggiore, Etruscan Arch, and the underground passageways of the Rocca Paolina.  We then head to Assisi where we visit the Basilica of St. Francis and its famous frescoes by Giotto. We continue on to our hotel in Rome.  (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Vatican City

The day begins at the Christian Catacombs, deep underground, as we explore this ancient burial site.  We then enjoy a walk down the Appian Way before heading to the Vatican City. There we tour the Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Overnight Rome. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Depart

Depart Rome with new knowledge and unforgettable memories. (B)