Reflections of Italy

Highlights
Rome Colosseum, Assisi, Perugia, 
Florence, Chianti Winery, Venice, Murano Island,
Lugano, Switzerland Como, Siena

Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, August 17, 2009
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, "The Eternal City."

Day 2: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rome
This morning it's your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica* will be on your personal sightseeing list. This afternoon, enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Rome - Assisi - Perugia - Umbria
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Friday, August 21, 2009
Umbria - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. After a walking tour with a local expert, take some time to explore the medieval corners of Siena with its great shops and outdoor cafes. En route to Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Florence
In Florence, the 'Cradle of Italian Renaissance', visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Sunday, August 23, 2009
Florence - Venice
Start your day with a trip to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region with its very own 12th century castle. Learn about Tuscany's famous wines and enjoy a lunch filled with local specialties. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Valley of the Po. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 8: Monday, August 24, 2009
Venice - Murano Island - Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark's Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Venice - Lugano, Switzerland - Como, Italy - Milan Malpensa
Today you travel to the picturesque Italian Lake district. Cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano where you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. Returning to Italy, enjoy some time in the elegant town of Como. Lake Como's charm is tied to its beautiful villas, lush gardens and spectacular views. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends Your tour ends in Milan Malpensa this morning. Today breakfast will be included.