Home City flights - Arrival into Venice

Today you we'll depart the states and fly overnight to Venice, Italy.  When you arrive your tour manager will meet the group upon arrival at the Venice airport. Short transfer to the hotel to freshen up and continue to the boat terminal. Private transfer to St. Mark square where you will meet your local guide who will take you on a delightful walking tour of this ‘City of Islands’. On our tour we will see St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Bell Tower and the Clock Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. Our tour will conclude at the Doges’ Palace, which you can visit at your leisure.  Enjoy the remaining time before making your way back to the hotel. 

Murano & Burano Island Tours

After breakfast we'll board the coach to the boat terminal and then board a private boat for a cruise past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the Lido famous beach resort to Murano Island. Known worldwide for its colored glass, you’ll see mouth-blown glassmaking in progress and enjoy a factory tour. Next stop is Burano Island. This picturesque island is famous not only for its lace, but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colors.  Enjoy the place before cruising back to the main island for some time at leisure before making your way back to the hotel.

Venice to Florence via Revenna

This morning we will leave Venice and begin our scenic journey to Florence. We’ll stop in Ravenna to visit this treasure chest of art, history and culture. The richest heritage of mosaics in the world, preserved in the basilicas and baptisteries of the city, is a clear evidence of that extraordinary period. For their universal value and the uniqueness of their mosaics, eight monuments of Ravenna have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Continuing south we’ll arrive in Florence, known as the Cradle of Renaissance.

Florence Tour

After breakfast this morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Florence, taking in all the amazing out-door art and sculptures. Our guided tour will include the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore (Duomo), known for Giotto’s bell tower and Brunelleschi’s famous Dome.

We’ll have also a tour of the Academia featuring Michelangelo’s statue of David. After seeing so many of Florence’s Renaissance attractions, the afternoon is yours to explore her shops, museums, markets and cafes at your leisure.

Tuscany / Siena Tour

Today, we drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to Siena. Notice the medieval ramparts where you are greeted with the Latin inscription 'Cor Magis Tibi Sena Pandit' (Siena opens its heart to you). We’ll walk through the maze of narrow streets, see the Piazza Del Campo where the  famous 'Palio Horse Race' is held and the 13th century Cathedral. On our way back to Florence we will stop in San Gimignano, another beautiful medieval town famous for its unmistakable skyline. San Gimignano is known as the city of “hundred towers”. Today only still 13 towers remain of the fourteenth century and make the city clearly visible and recognizable from afar. 

Florence to Rome via Assisi

After breakfast we will leave Florence and head south to Rome. Through the Umbria region we will arrive in the delightful town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Here we will have time to visit the cathedral and the amazing frescoes by Giotto and the medieval downtown. After a brief stop by the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli we will continue to Rome.

LDS Temple Tour with free afternoon to explore Rome on your own

Transfer by private coach to the new LDS Temple.   If during the Open house period we'll attendance and get to see the inside of this historic temple.  If not, we will tour the area and see the temple site while enjoying the Roman country side.  We'll return to our  hotel in the afternoon and you'll have the rest of the day to explore Rome on your own.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tour

This morning tour the Vatican, the world's smallest, yet wealthiest independent state. Your guide will start with an overview of the history of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the Hall of Tapestries and the Maps Gallery.  The highlight of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is covered with Michelangelo's famous paintings of the 'Creation' and 'Last Judgment.'  Then we explore St. Peter's Square, with Bernini's 284 columns, before entering St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. See the many treasures including the golden mosaics of the apse, Bernini's bronze baldachin and the famed 'Pieta' by Michelangelo.  This afternoon you are free to enjoy the city of Rome.

Ancient Rome Tour

This morning tour the Vatican, the world's smallest independent state. Your guide will start with an overview of the history of the Vatican Museums.  The highlight of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is covered with Michelangelo's most famous paintings.  Then we explore St. Peter's Square, with Bernini's 284 columns, before entering St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the city of Rome on your own.

Tonight a farewell dinner is served at a local restaurant including live music entertainment. Return transfers from hotel are included.

Return to the USA

Board your private coach to the airport for your homebound flight. Arrive in the USA on the same day.