DISCOVERY ITALY

Day 1: Milan/Bologna/San Marino

Departure to San Marino via Bologna, one of Italy's most important art cities. Visit this fascinating medieval town with its charming squares Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno. Proceed to San Marino, the world's smallest and oldest independent Republic, founded in the year 301, as a Christian sanctuary. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: San Marino/Perugia/Rome

Continental breakfast. Departure to Perugia, the charming university town. Visit the impressive Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. Proceed to Rome. Overnight.

Day 3: Rome

Continental breakfast. In the morning guided sightseeing of the monuments of the city: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Castel S. Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica. No tour leader during the stay in Rome. Assistance available through Alitours. Overnight.

Day 4: Rome

Continental breakfast. In the afternoon guided sightseeing of Ancient Rome: The Capital Square, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Basilica of St, Paul outside the walls. Overnight.

Day 5: Rome

Continental breakfast. Day at leisure for shopping or private sightseeing. Possible optional tours to Naples, Pompeii and Capri. Overnight.

Day 6: Rome/Assisi/Siena/Florence

Early morning, departure for Assisi, the mystic town of Saint Francis still surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Proceed on to Siena, the beautiful medieval city renown for the Palio. Then on to Florence. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Florence

Buffet breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour of the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the "David" by Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. Rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing or shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Florence/Padua/Venice

Buffet breakfast. Departure for Venice via Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello's "Gattamelata". Continue on to Venice, and upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. Then visit a glass factory to see the moulding of glass. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Venice

Buffet breakfast. Day at leisure for optional tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by motorlaunch or for shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Venice/Verona/Lake Como

Buffet breakfast. Morning departure for Verona to see the town of Romeo and Juliet. Then continue on Como. Dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Lake Como/Milan

Continental breakfast. Departure for Milan and end of tour at Central Railway station. (Transfer to Airport or hotel in Milan not included).