VIVA L'ITALIA

Day 1: Rome

Arrive in Rome, you will be transfered to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, we offer an optionalilluminated tour of Rome, a spectacular way to see the Eternal City. See Via della Repubblica, Piazza Venezia, Capitol Square, seat of Rome Town hall, and view the unique sight of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill with a view of the massive Colosseum. Walk along the ancient pavement crossing the Forum, the Curia and the Reggia. Admire the Temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus and Arch of Constantine. The tour continues towards the Circus Maximus, Aventine Hill and the Pyramid of Caius Cestius ending with a visit of the Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls.

Day 2: Rome

Enjoy a full day on your own in Rome or choose our optional morning tour of the Vatican Museum. See Porta Pinciana, the Aurelian Walls and the park of Villa Borghese on the way to the Museum. During your visit, admire the hall of the Greek Cross the beautiful Tapestry Gallery, and the cartographic study in the Maps Gallery, see the Raphael Rooms entirely frescoed by the master, and the Sistine Chapel where Popes are elected. The afternoon is free to explore the city, we suggest a short stop at the "Gilotitti Bar" near Navona Square to taste the best ice cream in Rome.

Day 3: Rome/Florence

This morning, transfer independently to the rail station for your trip via first class rail to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, transfer independently to your hotel. Explore Florence on your own or join an optional afternoon city tour including Fiesole, a delightful town of Etruscan origin positioned in the hills of Florence and the Arno Valley. The tour continues to the historic centre for a visit of the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce where you can view the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini among others. The tour then arrives at the famous Gallery of the Academy housing DAvid by Michelangelo and other masterpieces by the great artist. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Florence

Enjoy a full day at leisure or choose a half day tour of Florence. Follow the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo, admire the wonderful panorama of the city. The tour continues with a visit of the 15th century "Palazzo Pitti". Inside, visit the celebrated "Palatine Gallery" with works by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Murillo, Velasquez and others. From the windows admire a panoramic view of the celebrated Boboli Gardens. Then tour the Cathedral complex, with Brunelleschi's grandiose cupola, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its famous bronze Gates of Paradise.

Day 5: Florence/Venice

This morning transfer independently to the rail station for your trip via first class rail to Venice. Upon arrival in Venice, transfer independently to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure or experience a relaxing gondola ride through centuries old canals. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Venice

Full day at leisure or consider an optional walking tour of the city including St. Mark's Square, the Baptistery, Ducal Palace, and Doges Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 7: Venice/Home

Transfer to the airport in Venice for your departure flight.