A Portrait of Italy

Venice, Padua, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and
Monteriggioni, Florence, Assisi, Rome, Pompeii, Naples

A Note from your Tour Hosts.
From ancient to modern times, Italy has played a central role in world culture, particularly through its contributions of sculpture, architecture, painting, literature, science and music. With three thousand years of history, you will find this most evident in the major cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. The country has been dubbed a "living art museum," and it is unquestionably a cultural Mecca of art and architecture unparalleled in the world.

This was our fifth visit to this fascinating destination and we were excited to share our love and experience.

DAY 1: Phoenix to Italy

DAY 2: Arrived in Venice and transfered to hotel.
This day was at leisure, with activities such as strolling through Venice's narrow roads and bridges. The city's "main street" is the Grand Canal, which passes each district as it winds along the length of Venice from Santa Lucia to St. Mark's Square.

DAY 3:
Today began with a boat tour to the Island of Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. We continued to St. Mark's Square for a walking tour of romantic Venice. Next, we visited the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doges' Palace.

DAY 4: Departed for Florence
We stopped in Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and were then on to Pisa to view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and Duomo.

DAY 5:
We enjoyed a spectacular view of Florence from Michelangelo Square before reaching the Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed. We walked to the Duomo and Baptistery to view the "Gates of Paradise," then continued to Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge."

DAY 6:
This morning we experienced the Medieval towns of Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, three hilly towns along the Francigena road.

DAY 7:
We traveled through the stunning panorama of Tuscany to Assisi and visited the Basilica of St. Francis before continuing to our hotel in Rome.

DAY 8:
What a day! We visited the Vatican and its breathtaking museum including the Sistine Chapel, walked through St. Peter's Square and visited St. Peter's Basilica. That afternoon, we toured "ancient Rome" and were taken to the Catacombs, Roman Forum, the Coliseum and the Arch of Constantine.

DAY 9:
This was a full day visit to Pompeii and Naples.

DAY 10:
We transfered to the airport for our departure flight to the USA.

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