Day 1, arrive Venice, Sunday

You will be met at Venice Airport and then transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for a welcome reception and orientation. (WR)

Day 2, in Venice, Monday

Optional tour: Pub crawl “Venetian style”

Day 3, to Florence, Tuesday

We drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, situated on the banks of the Po River. After our orientation tour of Ferrara, we continue to Pisa where we view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for a free evening. (B)

Day 4, in Florence, Wednesday

Day 5, Florence to Assisi and Rome, Thursday

We travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany on our way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here, we will take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. We also visit an art and ceramics factory in Assisi. Later, we continue to Rome for an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 6, in Rome, Friday

Day 7, in Rome, Saturday

Today we will visit the Vatican Museums, located within that city’s boundaries. We see the works of Raphael & Michelangelo, and admire the Sistine chapel’s magnificent frescoes. We continue to St. Peter’s Square where some of the most important Papal ceremonies take place. Later in the day, we tour a venerable gelato workshop and sample some artisan frozen desserts. In the evening, there is a dinner with your fellow travelers and your tour director. (B, D)

Day 8, Rome to Pompeii and Sorrento, Sunday

We say goodbye to Rome and travel to Pompeii, a town caught off guard by a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Buried under ashes, the well preserved ruins were rediscovered in the 16th century and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route to Sorrento, we visit a Limoncello distillery and savor this delicate lemon liqueur there. Dinner is served at our hotel, followed by a free evening. (B, D)

Day 9, in Sorrento, excursion to Capri, Monday

Glide by ferry across the glistening bay to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Here, we visit the magnificent Gardens of Caesar Augustus and view the famed Faraglioni Rocks. Then there’s time to wander through the winding streets before we return to Sorrento. (B)

Day 10, in Sorrento, Tuesday

Day 11, depart Naples, Wednesday

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Naples for your departure flight. (B)