Absolute Italy

DAY 1: USA/VENICE
Depart via overnight transatlantic flight to Venice with meals on board.

DAY 2: VENICE (D)
You will be welcomed by our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a boat ride to St. Mark's. Enjoy a welcome dinner in a typical Venetian restaurant next to the Square.

DAY 3: VENICE (B,D)
Today begins with a walking tour of romantic Venice, including visits to the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square and the Doges' Palace. The balance of the day is free to explore Venice on your own and perhaps take an optional musical gondola ride. Dinner tonight on Lido.

DAY 4: VENICE/PADUA/PISA/FLORENCE (B,D)
Depart today for Florence. Along the way, stop in Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony. Continue via Pisa to view the famous Leaning Tower and Baptistery, before reaching Florence for overnight.

DAY 5: FLORENCE (B,D)
This morning's sightseeing includes the Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed. Walk to Duomo Cathedral and Baptistery to view the "Gates of Paradise." Continue to Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge." Afternoon at leisure in the center of Florence. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

DAY 6: FLORENCE/SORRENTO (B,D)
Enjoy a final spectacular view of Florence from Michelangelo Square, before you drive south via Umbria to Sorrento.

DAY 7: SORRENTO (B,D)
Enjoy a full day at leisure or choose an optional excursion along the "Amalfi Drive," to view the spectacular coastline. Return to Sorrento for afternoon at leisure. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

DAY 8: SORRENTO (B,L,D)
Full day tour via hydrofoil to Capri. Visit to the Blue Grotto, weather permitting. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon. This evening's dinner will be at a local restaurant.

DAY 9: SORRENTO/POMPEII/ROME (B,D)
As you depart Sorrento this morning, visit the ruins of Pompeii including the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter and the Theater. Continue north passing by the famous Monte Cassino Abbey and Mt. Vesuvius and arrive in Rome.

DAY 10: ROME (B,D)
Visit the Vatican and its breathtaking museum including the Sistine Chapel. Walk through St. Peter's Square and visit St. Peter's Basilica. Afternoon at leisure or take an optional walking tour of the piazzas and fountains of Rome including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

DAY 11: ROME (B,D)
This morning, a tour of "ancient Rome" takes you to the Roman theater, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, then enjoy an illuminated tour of Rome by night.

DAY 12: ROME/USA (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the USA.