Grand Tour of Italy

• Itinerary
• Prices & Information

1. Overnight Flight
Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance awaits you.  Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, “The Eternal City.”
 
2. Arrive Rome, Italy
Upon arriving in Rome, the remainder of your day is at leisure.  Your hotel is the deluxe Grand Hotel Palatino, in the heart of Rome, a perfect place to spend a relaxing three night stay! This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino, Rome
Included Meals: Dinner

3. Rome
Today enjoy a tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted through the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Rome independently. 
Included Meals: Breakfast
4. Rome
Christian Rome City Tour
You may begin your day with an optional tour to the “Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums. This afternoon, enjoy a Christian Rome city tour featuring St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.  You then proceed to St. John in Lateran, the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377.  Next is St. Paul Outside the Walls, which contains the remains of St. Paul under its main altar. Visit the catacombs where early Christians, fearing persecution, hid. 
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
5. Rome – Naples – Isle of Capri – Vietri Sul Mare
Journeying toward the region of Campania via the Autostrada, you travel along the brilliant Bay of Naples. A short transfer by boat brings you to the enchanting Isle of Capri.  Exploring this island paradise, you visit the picturesque town of Capri, full of charm and tradition. 
Included Meals: Breakfasat, Dinner

6. Pompeii – Sorrento – Vietri Sul Mare
See the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius. The city of Pompeii would remain buried and forgotten for nearly 1,600 years. Archeologists began excavating Pompeii in 1800, unearthing a city that was literally frozen in time. Buildings, houses, streets and artwork were found extremely well preserved.  Peer into the daily life of an ancient Roman city with a fascinating tour of Pompeii. Continue your journey to the resort of Sorrento, where each turn in the road reveals panoramic views.  Later in the day, travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, offering spectacular views of the ocean and hillside towns. 
Hotel: Lloyd’s Baia Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
7. Vietri Sul Mare – Florence
Welcome to the northern region of Tuscany.  Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance”, offers spectacular culture, art and cuisine.  Your day ends with a wonderful Tuscan dinner. Your hotel is the deluxe Grand Hotel Baglioni in the heart of fabulous Florence.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Baglioni
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
8. Florence
A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic and architectural gems.  A guided tour of Florence includes the Academy Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David; the Piazza Del Duomo, to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world; and the Baptistry. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Museum and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.  Included Meals: Breakfast

9. Florence – Pisa – Padua – Venice
Driving toward the coast to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, you will find the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistry, along with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Explore this fascinating area before journeying through central Italy to the medieval city of Padua to view the impressive six-domed Saints Basilica. Your travels continue to enchanting Venice, built on 117 islands, with 150 canals and 400 bridges. Your hotel is the beautiful Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal, perfectly located on the amazing canal of Venice.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal

10. Venice – Murano Island – Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass-making demonstration. Return by boat to charming St. Mark’s Square, a hub of quintessentially Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a leisurely walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, with its famous Moors; St. Mark’s Basilica; the Doge’s Palace; and the famous Bridge of Sighs.  The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, an optional gondola serenade cruise is available. 
Included Meals: Breakfast
 
11. Venice – Verona – Stresa
Depart Venice and drive to Verona, home of the epic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Later, continue north to the picturesque Italian Lake District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa. 
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Regina Palace or Grand Hotel Des Iles

12. Stresa – Lugano, Switzerland – Isola Bella – Stresa
Driving through the beautiful lake district of Italy, you cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano, which offers excellent shopping opportunities.  Tonight you are transported by boat to your farewell dinner on Isola Bella, the largest of the Borromean Islands.  This is the perfect way to celebrate the end of a spectacular and memorable trip.
Included Meals: Breakfasat, Dinner

13. Stresa – Milan to Home
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we head for Milan and catch our flight for home.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Pompeii: Frozen in Time
It’s the summer of A.D. 79, and the city of Pompeii, Italy is thriving. Imperial Romans rule the land, and the local farming industry has never been better.  Soon, however, things will change.  It was the fateful day of August 24 when the once dormant Mt. Vesuvius volcano erupted, unleashing its fury on an extremely prosperous city. Flames shot out from the volcano, and a cloud of smoke covered the sun. Volcanic matter poured down on the city for three straight days. When it was all said and done, the town was completely buried in ash and mud – in some cases it was more than 20 feet deep.  Sadly, more than 20,000 people perished in the disaster.