DAY 1, Arrive in ROME, Italy:  Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

DAY 2, ROME: The ”Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in ST. PETER’S SQUARE, followed by a visit to the ROMAN FORUM and the mighty COLOSSEUM. (B)

DAY 3, ROME –Pisa–MONTECATINI: This morning, vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Stop in Pisa and visit the SQUARE OF MIRACLES and see the amazing Leaning Tower. Arrive in Montecatini for two overnights. (B)

DAY 4, MONTECATINI- Excursion to FLORENCE: Today, enjoy an included excursion to Florence. Your Local Guide will show you most of the cities highlights on the walking tour. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the "Gate of Paradise". (B, D) 

DAY 5, MONTECATINI –La Spezia–Cinque Terre–GENOA: Travel towards La Spezia, a province in Italy's Liguria region. Pause along the way and ride the TRAIN to Levanto to see one of the five spectacular Cinque Terre villages. Here, the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired poet Lord Byron. Back on the coach, head towards Genoa, birthplace of explorer
Christopher Columbus, for an overnight. (B) 

DAY 6, GENOA–Milan–LAKE MAGGIORE: Today's included guided sightseeing tour is an excellent introduction to Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, the city grew around the port, a natural inlet, and boasts the largest medieval historical center in Europe. Some of the highlights include the remains of the city's 17th-century fortifications; the Lanterna (lighthouse), a symbol of Genoa; San Lorenzo
Cathedral; Christopher Columbus' childhood home; the Palace of the Doges, ancient seat of Genoese government; and one of Europe's biggest aquariums. Next, head north into the plains of Lombardy, crossing the Po River into a stark change of scenery. Stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Duomo, then spend the night in Baveno in the Lake Maggiore area. (B) 

DAY 7, LAKE MAGGIORE - Excursion to LUGANO: Time to relax and get to know the area. Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes and is located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. In fact, on clear days you can see the peaks of the Swiss Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano and its lake in Switzerland. (B) 

DAY 8, LAKE MAGGIORE –Verona–VENICE Area: Travel across the Po River plain and stop in the romantic city of Verona to see Romeo and Juliet´s balcony, and enjoy some time at leisure before reaching the Venice area. (B) 

DAY 9, VENICE: Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its crisscrossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. The included orientation starts with a BOAT RIDE and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B, D)

DAY 10, VENICE Area–Ravenna–Assisi–PERUGIA: An interesting drive southwards right across the Po Delta to Ravenna. In the afternoon, journey to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis—see the BASILICA OF ST. Francis, with its famous frescoes by Giotto. Overnight in beautiful nearby Perugia, capital of Umbria. (B, D)

DAY 11, PERUGIA –Pompeii–SORRENTO: Drive south on the autostrada to Pompeii. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of POMPEII with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included visit you can see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Next, Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with
shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine, absorbing the easygoing life of this charming resort. (B)

DAY 12, SORRENTO - Boat Trip to CAPRI: This legendary island is surrounded by rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (B, D)

DAY 13, SORRENTO – ROME: This morning, enjoy an optional excursion to Positano before a comfortable drive northwards for an afternoon arrival in Rome. (B)

DAY 14, ROME: Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Package Includes: 

·        
3 Nights hotel accommodations in Rome·        
2 Nights hotel accommodations in Montecatini area·        
1 Night hotel accommodations in Genoa·        
2 Nights hotel accommodations at Lake Maggiore·        
2 Nights hotel accommodations in Venice Area·        
1 Night hotel accommodations in Perugia·        
2 Nights hotel accommodations at Sorrento·        
Meals: 13 breakfast 4 Dinners ·        
All sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary·        
Deluxe motorcoach throughout the tour of Italy  ·        
Local Guides for city sightseeing throughout·        
Professional Tour Director while touring·        
Optional sightseeing tours available at your own expense. 

Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)  Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships’ crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.