A Romantic tour of Italy- Rome, Florence and Venice

DEPART USA

Board your overnight flight.

ROME

Welcome to Italy! You are met on arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Your driver will meet you and drive you to your luxury hotel set on the grand Piazza della Repubblica.

Choose either a private or guided tour in the Vatican City where you are escorted through St Peter's Basilica - its history, art and architecture expertly revealed. Now visit the Colosseum, scene of great excitement in Imperial times. Ascend the broad flight of steps to Michelangelo's spectacular Piazza del Campidoglio from where you overlook the Roman Forum. This afternoon is set aside for you to enjoy Rome as you please.

ROME - FLORENCE

A highlight of any visit to Rome is without doubt, a private guided tour of the priceless art in the Vatican Museums. Emerge into the glorious Sistine Chapel, immortalized by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Head for the cypress clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany. Pause to sample the Chianti wines that make this region so famous.

Transfer to your centrally located hotel in Florence

FLORENCE OF THE MEDICIS

Head to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's beautiful statue of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, Giotto's belltower and 'Gates of Paradise' before visiting the Piazza della Signoria.

FLORENCE
Spend the day visiting the fifteenth-century shops on the Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy a gelato. A drive to Pisa can be arranged.

VENICE

Transfer to your hotel, overlooking the St. Mark Cathedral.
Venice was once one of the greatest trading centers of the world. The city's wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. Admire also the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride to see the hidden parts of the city. Afterwards, take to the water once more to explore the Venetian lagoon. The colorful island of Burano is a photographers' paradise, famous for its lace and leaning campanile. A local style seafood lunch sampling the local specialties and wine is included.

VENICE
Take the day to explore.

VENICE
Today, visit one of the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello; Chioggia; the canals of the Brenta and the Veneto villas. Admire the enchanting and unique lagoon and the majestic reddish spires of the Dolomites.

Depart for Home from Venice airport