Grand Tour of Northern Italy

DAY 1: USA-ROME
Depart via overnight transatlantic flight to Rome with meals en route.

DAY 2: ROME
Upon arrival at Rome's airport, you will we be welcomed by our representatives and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day on your own to get acquainted with this lively city.

DAY 3: ROME (B)
After breakfast enjoy a morning tour of the Vatican Museums. While there view the Tapestry Gallery, the Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel as well as the Vatican Library. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own.

DAY 4: ROME (B)
This morning’s sightseeing will feature the Aurelian Walls, Porta Pinciana, the famous Via Veneto, Villa Borghese, Quirinale Square, and the Trevi Fountain. Visit the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Also view Castel S. Angelo, Vatican City, Via della Conciliazione and end with a visit to St Peter’s Basilica. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 5: ROME - ASSISI - SIENA - FLORENCE (B, D)
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. The on to FLORENCE. Dinner and overnight..

DAY 6: FLORENCE (B, D)
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 7: FLORENCE - PADUA - VENICE (B, D)
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 8: VENICE (B, D)
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 9: VENICE - VERONA - LAKE COMO (B, D)
Buffet breakfast. Morning departure for VERONA to see the town of Romeo and Juliet. Then continue on COMO. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: COMO - MILAN - SAN MARINO (B, D)
Continental breakfast. Departure to Milan and panoramic tour of the city. Proceeded on 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 11: SAN MARINO - PERUGIA - ROME (B)
Continental breakfast. Departure to PERUGIA, the charming university town. Visit the impressing Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. Proceed to Rome. Overnight at your hotel

DAY 12: ROME - DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.