Meet your tour director at 4:00 PM for a welcome reception and take an orientation walk around the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’. Spend time exploring on your own before gathering again for a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers.(D)

Take a walking tour of Venice, the most serene of cities, with a local guide. See its glorious architecture, and charming bridges and canals. Visit the magnificent Doge’s Palace and the acclaimed Piazza and Basilica of San Marco. Journey along the canals for a view of the city from a gondola. Delight in an evening of independent dining and exploration.(B)

Take a private group water taxi from your hotel to your coach and travel on to Florence. During your journey, stop for free time and lunch on your own in the lively, historic foodie city of Bologna. Arrive at your hotel in Florence’s city center. Take an orientation walk with your tour director and then take some free time to discover this beautiful city. The capital of Tuscany, Florence was the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner with your group at a local Florence restaurant. (B, D)

Take a walking tour of Florence with a local guide and marvel at the sights of the city center such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David. Savor a local lunch in the heart of Florence. After lunch you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. (B, L)

You’re off to the Eternal City – Rome. Along the way, stop in the scenic hill town of Orvieto for a delicious tasting of its renowned local wine. Visit the Colosseum, imperial Rome’s iconic structure, built between 72 and 80 AD. This engineering marvel could hold up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator battles and dramatic productions. (Please note that on some departures, the Colosseum visit may be moved to day 6.) Imagine the ghosts of the Caesars in the ruins of the Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire. Your hotel tonight is in Rome’s historic center. (B)

Discover Rome independently this morning, as you enjoy free time to explore. In the afternoon visit the Vatican for a guided tour of the Museums, with entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. (Please note that the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica are sometimes closed by the Vatican, so visits are subject to availability.) Then it’s off to dinner in a local restaurant. This evening enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant.(B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >