Italian Tapestry

Day 1 - ARRIVE ON VENICE ISLAND, ITALY Welcome to Venice! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2 - VENICE ISLAND Italian Beauties Enjoy a private boat ride before meeting your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing walk. Hear about Venice’s colorful history as you admire St. Mark's Square and the ornate façades of the Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Meet a local glassblower to discover how the world-famous Murano glass is created. [LF] Appreciate Venice from a different perspective during a traditional gondola ride with music. Free time this afternoon and evening to meander along the canals and through the typical Venetian “calli and campi” (alleyways and squares).LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Centuries ago, gondolas were the main form of transportation in Venice, powered by a gondolier with a single paddle to navigate the canals of this historic city. Today, Venetian gondoliers continue generations of family tradition to squire visitors through the iconic waterways while passengers are serenaded with romantic Italian ballads.

Day 3 - VENICE ISLAND–MODENA–FLORENCE Sweet & Sour in Modena Back to mainland Italy for a drive across the River Po into Emilia-Romagna, often considered the epicenter of Italian gastronomy. A real treat today, with a [LF] balsamic vinegar tasting at the renowned Acetaia Leonardi of Modena. Later, continue across the Apennine Mountains to reach Florence. (B) 214 mi / 345 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Creating classic Balsamic Vinegar requires the patience learned through four generations of devotion and respect for the 18th-century traditions at Acetaia Leonardi farm. The farm sits on 27 acres of vineyards where Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes are grown to produce this delicate balance of sweet and sour Modena specialty.

Day 4 - FLORENCE–SIENA Fine Art in Firenze Florence is one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo’s David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. Enjoy some free time before departing for Siena. (B) 62 mi / 100 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Day 5 - SIENA–PIENZA–ROME Heart & Soul in Siena This morning, join your Local Guide for a walking tour through the undulating medieval streets of Siena. Visit the Piazza del Campo, the hub of this delightful city where twice a year the Palio is held, a horse race fiercely contended between the local contrade (city wards). Also see the black and white Gothic cathedral. Arrive in Pienza, a lesser-known Tuscan gem, join the orientation walk and enjoy free time for lunch and to stroll the charming streets. Continue on to Rome. (B) 155 mi / 250 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Perched within Italy’s stunning Tuscany region, the medieval city of Siena is a treasure trove of medieval architecture. The 13th-century Piazza del Campo remains the heart of Siena, where locals stroll and socialize as they have done for centuries. The Duomo di Siena stands majestically with its black and white marble façade amid the serenity of Siena’s streets and squares.

Day 6 - ROME Spend your day your way in Rome This morning follow your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing tour that features St. Peter’s Square with views of the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica. Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Historic Faith: Rome Jewish Ghetto and Saint Mary Major BasilicaFollow your guide on to the Jewish Ghetto to hear of its long and storied history¿from the ruins of Republican and Imperial Rome to the medieval age; from the Renaissance Ghetto to the construction of the Synagogue and the ultimate tragic affront of Nazi deportation suffered by the oldest Jewish community in Europe. Taste a traditional Kosher pastry, then continue on to magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary the Major. Built in the 4th century to celebrate a miraculous August snowfall, the basilica was rebuilt in the 5th century with continued embellishments ever since. See the papal basilica¿s Room of the Popes and the famed five-story so called "Bernini staircase".Taste of Rome: A Guided Culinary TourEnjoy the traditional delights of la dolce vita with a guided culinary tour in the Testaccio area, referred to by the locals as the ¿heart of Rome.¿ Taste authentic specialties, from Caprese with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes to savory bites of suppli. Indulge in Italian gelato and visit the old slaughterhouse and the archaeological site of Monte dei Cocci. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon and evening to explore more of Rome.* (B)*For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 7 - ROME–POMPEII–SORRENTO AREA Time Stands Still in Pompeii Together with a Local Guide, visit the incredible excavations of Pompeii. As you walk along the ancient streets, hear about day-to-day life under the Roman Empire and discover what happened when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. After some free time for lunch, enjoy a scenic drive around the Bay of Naples towards Sorrento. (B) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii is a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving and sophisticated Roman city was consumed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., with its residents and structures buried beneath inescapable ash and stone. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings of the people who perished here.

Day 8 - SORRENTO AREA. EXCURSION TO CAPRI Coves, Cliffs & The Clear Blue Sea Relax on a jetfoil as you cross the Bay of Naples to the captivating island of Capri. Join your Local Guide for a funicular ride from the harbour to Capri village followed by a guided sightseeing. Visit the Augustus Gardens and admire the incredible views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks. Return to the mainland for free time. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner with Limoncello at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Nestled high above the sea on the island of Capri lie the exquisite Gardens of Augustus. This natural paradise promises 180-degree panoramic views and a kaleidoscope of botanical beauty on the cliffs overlooking the island and the sapphire sea below. Toast the view with a glass of granita for a frozen treat amid the sun-washed monuments and mesmerizing vistas.

Day 9 - SORRENTO AREA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Naples. (B)