On this Escape to beautiful Italy, experience three of Italy’s most iconic cities Venice, Florence, and Rome—without the crowds of the high-season, or the high prices associated with busy travel months. What better way to start your escorted vacation to Italy than with a delicious welcome dinner in Venice? Your Venetian experience also includes a private boat ride, a guided walking tour; a visit to St. Mark’s Square, its byzantine Basilica, the Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Also watch the age-old art of glassblowing by a local artisan. Travel to Pisa—home of the famous leaning tower—before continuing on to Florence, considered the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Florence is an art-lovers dream and your sightseeing highlights such masterpieces as Michelangelo’s David in the Academy of Fine Arts. You’ll also travel to Assisi to visit the Basilica of St. Francis—named after the saint who sought the virtues of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and best known for his love of God’s creatures.

Spend two nights in Rome. Your Local Guide takes you to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where you will see Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment. And of course you’ll visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica—with the artists’ marble-sculpted masterpiece, The Pietà. Drive to the Imperial Roman Forum area to see the Colosseum—ancient arena of the gladiators, and be treated to a farewell dinner in a local Rome restaurant. Your Bella Italia vacation offers historical sites, beautiful art, impressive architecture, delectable treats and many unforgettable moments on this guided tour of Italy.

City Highlights

VENICE Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; private boat ride; guided walking tour, visit St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblower’s demonstrationPISA Marvel at the legendary Leaning TowerFLORENCE Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David and Signoria SquareASSISI [LF] Visit the Basilica of St. Francis with a friarROME Guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and basilica; farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 3 three-course dinners with wine including a welcome dinner in Venice and a farewell dinner in Rome at local restaurants

Notes

Hotels listed may occasionally be substituted with alternative hotels of equivalent standard.

Transportation

Motorcoach; private boat ride in Venice. Free wi-fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies