DAY 1, Sunday - Arrive in Venice

We arrive in magical Venice and transfer to the hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure. Time to rest before tonight’s Welcome Dinner and briefing by our Tour Manager on the upcoming journey that awaits us in beautiful Italy!Overnight: VeniceMeals: Dinner

DAY 2, Monday - Venice City Tour

The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. Afterwards, to St. Mark’s Square where we begin the guided walking tour of this romantic city. We view the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. We walk via the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then, to the pink marble Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is ours to explore Venice independently. Or, participate in this afternoon’s optional Gondola Ride with music - it’s definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday! Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM)Overnight: VeniceMeals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Tuesday - Pisa Sightseeing En Route to Florence

We depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. We visit a typical Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. We continue to the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. The four monuments on the ex-traordinary Piazza del Duomo create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Goth-ic styles. Then, we travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight

Incredible Italy Tour

8 Days

Overnight: FlorenceMeals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Wednesday - Florence City Tour

Today’s tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelan-gelo’s David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. We walk to the magnificent Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptis-tery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. We continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the “Old Bridge”. Florence is indeed the center of the world’s finest art and architecture. We enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery* that provides insight into the history of the structure and its collec-tions. The tour highlights include exceptional examples of Florentine painting to help you bet-ter understand the works of the masters, including Giotto, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Tonight, a delightful optional evening begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely villa where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment*Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour - Available for purchase only in Italy from your Tour Manager. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in 2-3 hour linesOptional: Dinner at a Tuscan Restaurant (PM)Overnight: FlorenceMeals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Thursday - Assisi City Tour, Transfer to Rome

We depart Florence to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Um-bria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto’s astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architec-ture. Afterwards, we continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Dinner together at the hotelOvernight: Rome

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Tour Vatican Museum

Today, we visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s incomparable Sistine Chapel. Stroll through St. Peter’s Square, passing Bernini’s famous colonnade to St. Peter’s Basilica. Stand in awe as you view Michelangelo’s Pieta. This highly-finished marble sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of Mary after the Crucifixion - considered to be among the most compelling of all works of art in the Western world. We enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City’s grand piazzas that begins at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight’s optional tour in Rome includes a delicious four-course Italian dinner with unlimited wine, and a drive to see some of Rome’s most famous sightsOptional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)Optional: Dinner & Evening Sightseeing Drive of Rome (PM)Overnight: RomeMeals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Saturday - Tour Ancient Rome

The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the legendary Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, we view the triumphal Arch of Constan-tine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Ro-man Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiator contests and public events were at-tended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. We discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on our own. Stop at a local café and just people-watch, or linger over a cup of coffee, indulge in a delectable gelato or try a perfect Italian pizza. There is so much to see, and so much to doOvernight: RomeMeals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Sunday - Depart Italy Meals: Breakfast

Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these sugges-tions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provid-er and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.