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Treasures of Italy Tour

Including Tuscany, Umbria, Amalfi Coast & Rome

Day 1: Departure
Depart for our International flight to Rome.

Day 2: Arrive Rome, Siena, Montecatini 
Upon our arrival in Rome, relax as we travel northward through scenic Umbrian countryside to the walled city of Siena.  Steeped in art, Gothic palaces, medieval gates, narrow streets, walls and towers, Siena offers a charming introduction to our Italian adventure.  Enjoy a snack at a cafe along the Piazza del Campo and a visit to the famous Cathedral before we continue on to our lodging for the next four evenings  in the lovely spa village of Montecatini. (D)  Tuscani Inn Link

Day 3: Pisa, San Gimignano 
Our morning drive through the rolling vine-clad Tuscan hills brings us to hilltop San Gimignano, the most picturesque of Italy's preserved towns.   There is plenty of time to admire its superb architecture, shop and have a leisurely lunch. This afternoon we tour Pisa where you will visit the Baptistry, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli.  (B, D)

Day 4: Florence Tour and Accademia, free time in Florence in afternoon. 
After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and a visit to the Accademia Gallery, home of Michelangelo’s David.  This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the Arno River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the world and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be the time to purchase those special Christmas gifts. (B, D)

Day 5: Todi, Sorrento 
As we continue southward through the beautiful vineyards and hill-towns of Umbria, we stop for lunch and free time in the fairy tale village of Todi with a rich Etruscan, Roman and medieval past.  This afternoon, we travel southward to the beautiful coastal village of Sorrento, the town of inlaid wood crafts, our lodging for the next four nights. (B, D)
Hotel Gran Paradiso Link

Day 6: Isle de Capri, Blue Grotto 
Another relaxing day awaits as we sail for the Capri, island of the Blue Grotto. We will take a boat ride with spectacular scenery into the famous cavern, then ride the funicular to the top of the island for a panoramic view of the Amalfi Coast region and free time in the charming village of Anacapri. Return to our hotel with free time to relax or walk through town. (B, D)

Day 7: Pompeii, Naples 
In Pompeii, the fantastic and ancient ruins uncovered from beneath volcanic ash, stone and mud evoke thoughts about life and death and how tenuous it all is. Buried just 6 years after the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, you can see a myriad of excavated well-preserved buildings as well as cement casts of people as they were when they were buried, sometimes shielding themselves from the horror.  In Naples, rich with history, architecture, archaeological treasures, and food, we will have a "taste" of each in this often chaotic, but fun and lively, city in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. The architecture and often narrow streets are worth a look alone.  Finally, we will visit a cameo factory, where you can purchase very unusual and beautiful crafts.  (B, D)

Day 8: Amalfi Coast 
It's time for a relaxing ride down one of the most beautiful coast-hugging, cliff-hanging roads in the world. We stop in the colorful towns of Amalfi and Positano along the way with time for pictures, a taste of the local foods, shopping and strolling along the waterfront, before we return to our hotel with free time and one last night in Sorrento.
(B, D)

Day 9: Sorrento Free Time, Rome
This morning will provide one last time to explore Sorrento on your own and shop for those special gift items you have only seen from a distance. You may wish to walk along the beach, visit one of the many century old cathedrals, piazzas, museums or enjoy the quality of your lodging and lush garden surroundings.  This afternoon we travel to Rome where we check in to our lodging for the next four nights. (B, D)
Hotel Roma Link

Day 10: Vatican City
Spend today visiting the Vatican City. Your tour director will take you to visit the Vatican Museums, ending with the wonderful Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo's famous frescos. Continue to St Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and residence of the Pope. See Michelangelo's Pieta, now behind bullet-proof glass, and rub St. Peter's foot. For those who wish, ascend to the top of Michelangelo's dome for breathtaking views of St. Peter's Square and Rome itself. Our sightseeing concluded by mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day is free for you to sightsee, shop, stroll around town or just relax at a curbside cafe. (B)

Day 11: Coliseum, Scala Santa, Trevi Fountain, free time.
We begin our walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets. We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70.  We will step inside the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. The Roman church would say that Peter was imprisoned here as well, but there is no imperial evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Next, we visit the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated people for years. We then visit the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences.  We conclude our walk with pictures at Trevi Fountain.  The rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose with shopping and sights such as the Spanish Steps only a short walk from here. (B)

Day 12: St. Paul's, Catacombs, Sorrento , Rome Farewell Dinner
Today you will visit the 4th century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the traditional site of Paul’s tomb.  Next, we visit the amazing Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries. Our last stop today will be the Church of Prisca, where we find the burial place of Priscilla, Aquilla and a number of martyred saints.  The remainder of your afternoon is free to do as you please.  A special treat is in store for you as we attend a special dinner including & music entertainment.  (B, D)

Day 13: Home
We depart for home with many wonderful memories!  (B)