DAY 1. Arrive Rome / Todi Tour departs: Rome's Leonardo da Vinci
Airport in Fiumicino one hour after the arrival of our selected
flight(s). The lush countryside surrounding small towns built into
the hills of Central Italy's Lazio and Umbria regions gradually
appears as you travel north from Rome. Arrive in Orvieto, former
stronghold of the Etruscan civilization, set high on a hill that's
blanketed in vineyards. Visit the colorful Piazza Duomo and enjoy
lunch at a typical trattoria. See one of Italy's greatest cathedrals,
with glistening mosaics on its incredible facade; magnificent art
blends with striking architecture. View the scenic Tiber Valley
en route to your lovely country-style hotel in the center of the
medieval hilltop village of Todi. The views are spectacular! Join
us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals LD
DAY 2. Assisi/Umbria /Todi A visit to Assisi, dramatically built
into the side of a hill, is memorable. The inspirational Basilica
di San Francesco is filled with frescoes detailing the life of St.
Francis who resided in 13th-century Assisi. The architectural details
of centuries-old buildings are stunning, laden with flowers cascading
from wall sconces. Explore charming shops set amidst quaint cobblestone
streets and lanes. Dining in Italy is a celebration of food; travel
to the rural countryside for a "cucina genuina" luncheon
at a family-run restaurant. Return to Todi late afternoon, traveling
through scenic Umbrian landscapes; the remainder of the day is free.
Relax at one of Todi's charming restaurants, or pursue your own
creative interests in this lovely town. Meals BL
DAY 3. Siena / Tuscany Travel through the lush landscapes of Tuscany
to visit one of the regions most beautiful towns, Siena. Begin in
Piazza del Campo, Siena's central square shaped like an amphitheater.
Twice a year the Sienese celebrate their rich medieval heritage
with the running of a horse race called the Palio around the square.Spend
a few hours exploring the town and perhaps the Duomo. The cathedral's
green, pink and white marble geometric patterns found inside. Journey
to Florence, city of art and the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Join us for a visit to the Galleria dell' Accademia, home of Michelangelo's
David. Enjoy a lecture this evening by a local art historian. Meals
BD
Day 4. Florence at Leisure Today is yours to discover the wonderful
treasures of Florence. Special reservations have been made for you
to visit, at your leisure, the world's greatest masterpieces of
art in the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery. You might take a stroll
across the ancient Ponte Vecchio; visit the Palazzo Pitti, residence
of the Medici Grand Dukes; see the Duomo, featuring one of the world's
largest domes; or stop at the beautiful Renaissance-style gardens
of the Giardino di Boboli. Meals B
Day 5. Eurostar to Rome Leave enchanting Florence and travel by
train through lovely countryside to Rome, capital of Italy and the
ancient world. Following lunch you will see Piazza Barberini, showcasing
Bernini's incredible fountain; Palazzo del Quirinale; Piazza Colonna;
Piazza Venezia, with the monument to Victor Emmanuel II; Trajan's
Forum; San Pietro in Vincoli to view Michelangelo's statue Moses;
Imperial Palaces; the Circus Maximus; Temple of Vesta and the Synagogue.
Walk through the Roman Forum, and envision ancient gladiators when
you visit the Colosseum! The remainder of the day is free. Meals
BL
Day 6. Explore The Vatican No trip to Rome would be complete without
a visit to the Vatican, the world's smallest independent nation.
View the vast collection of art and antiquities in the Vatican Museums;
a guided tour takes you to the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery and
the Tapestries. The highlight is a visit to the Sistine Chapel,
where Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling fresco, depicting the
history of the creation, overlooks masterpieces by Italy's greatest
artists. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square, returning
to your hotel midday for an afternoon at leisure. Dine this evening
in Trastevere at one of Rome's oldest, and most charming, restaurants.
Meals BD
Day 7. Rome at Leisure The entire day is free to do as you please.
Reservations have been made at the Galleria Borghese, just steps
away from your hotel, which features works by Italy's Renaissance
and Baroque artists. The Galleria is located near the glamorous
Via Veneto; spend some enjoyable time relaxing at a sidewalk café.
Your Tour Director will be happy to assist with suggestions for
activities. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner.
Meals BD
Day 8. Journey Home Tour ends: Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport
in Fiumicino three hours prior to the departure of our selected
flight(s). Persons departing at other times should secure their
own transportation. Taxi fare is approximately €75 Euros (US
$85). Meals B
|
