ITALIAN CONTRASTS

Day 1 – VENICE – MASK MAKING.

Discover the real beauty of this city as a local guide brings you to each colorful corner, from the opulent gold mosaics of St. Mark’s Cathedral to the green waters of the Grand Canal. Opt to spend your afternoon learning the art of Venetian mask making.

Day 2 – MILAN.

Italian culture and couture surround you when a local guide shows you La Scala opera house, Sforzesco Castle and the Gothic Cathedral, ay. E forest of spires and statuary. End your day with thoughts provoked by the unique expression of each apostle in da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Day 3 – RIVIERA.

Travel south to the beautiful n. n.

Day 4 – PISA.

We, titness the most famous battle between architecture and Mother Nature, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Wm, tith a 13 – foot discrepancy between top and bottom, the tower as been shifting in the soil since its creation in 1173. Continue to Florence.

Day 5 – FLORENCE.

Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of”The Cradle of the Renaissance”including The Duomo, Ghiberti’s Bapistry doors, the tiny shops on the Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce and a visit inside the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.

Day 6 – ROME.

Journey south to Rome, ty. Ahe Eternal City. A local guide shows you the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and Trajan’s Column. Listen for the voices of long – since – gone philosophers as you tour the Roman Forum. This evening enjoy a walking tour of the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Day 7 – VATICAN.

Visit the Vatican and Marvel at the ceiling of the t. PSt. Peter’s Basilica. Rub the feet of the saint’s statue for good luck and admire Michelangelo’s famous Pietà.

Day 8 – POMPEII EXCURSION.

A guided tour of Pompeii uncovers the mystery behind the city’s tragic burial beneath the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius catastrophic eruption in first century AD.

Day 9 – NAPLEt. V OVERNIGHT FERRY.

With Mt. Vesuvius as a backdrop, enjoy a free morning of exploration in Naples. This afternoon visit the National Archeological Museum, wi. Bhich houses most of the artistic ruins from Pompeii. Board an overnight steamer to Sicily.

Day 10 – PALERMO.

City sightseeing with a local guide includes the Piazza Bellini, La Martorana, a 12^th century church, and the Royal Palace.

Day 11 – AGRIGENTO EXCURSION.

An optional excursion with a local guide to the s. s.