Itinerary
 DAY 1 Depart USA
Depart the USA for Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2 Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your tour escort, followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 3 Tour Ancient Rome
This morning, a historic tour of "ancient Rome" takes you to the ROMAN FORUM, the political center during the Roman Republic, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the COLOSSEUM, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure in the Eternal City. The afernoon is free at leisure, or perhaps take an optional tour to the Vatican Museums. Tonight dinner at hotel. (B,D)
DAY 5 Rome - Assisi - Florence
After breakfast, meet your Touring Coach Driver and depart to Assisi. Visit the BASILICA OF ST FRANCIS which was built in 1228, just two years after the Saint's death. It has since been called "Paradise Hill," for the mortal remains of St. Francis have been guarded there throughout the centuries. The basilica holds innumerable works of arts that have been created by world-famous painters. Visit SAINT CLARE CHURCH and SAINT MARY OF ANGELS , including the thornless rose bush and Porziuncola Chapel. Continue on to Florence, the 'Cradle of Renaissance' for evening dinner at a local restaurant with entertainment. (B,D)
DAY 6 Full day in Florence
Today, visit the 16th century ACCADEMIA OF FINE ARTS, whose Tribuna has been home to Michelangelo's David since 1873. Walk to the Duomo, which was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, and continue to the Baptistery to view Ghiberti's famous "Gates of Paradise." Continue to Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio, known as the "Old Bridge." Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Florence. This evening, dine in an authentic Tuscan restaurant in the countryside. (B,D)
DAY 7 Florence - Pisa - Venice
Travel through the central hills of Tuscany for Pisa. On arrival, view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. The four monuments of this extraordinary piazza make for a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Continue to Venice and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at hotel. (B,D)
DAY 8 Tour Venice
Today begins with a boat ride to the ISLAND OF MURANO, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Visit St. Mark's Square to begin a guided walking tour of romantic Venice. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and visit the DOGE'S PALACE, whose facade features a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. Afternoon at leisure to explore Venice on your own. Perhaps take a gondola ride. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
DAY 9 Venice - Innsbruck
Leave Italy and travel via the spectacular Brenner Pass into Austria, to Innsbruck. Tour Innsbruck, Rococo capital of the Austrian Tyrol, where our sightseeing will include the famous Maria Theresiastrasse and the GOLDEN ROOF of the Emperor Mazzimillian. (B,D)
DAY 10 Innsbruck - Oberammergau
Depart early to Oberammergau. Arrive before noon. The history of the Passion Play at Oberammergau goes back to 1634, when the village of Oberammergau was miraculously saved from the ravages of the Black Death. Since that date, the play has been performed every ten years on the decade. The day is set aside for the event. This unique occasion is literally a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. Lunch and Dinner at hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 Oberammergau - Munich
After Breakfast, Travel to the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal for a visit. Then travel to LINDERHOF CASTLE. Ludwig II built this secluded hunting lodge, it was known as the Kings Hut. Ludwig decided that this will be a New Versailles. It was planned as a modest villa but had become a splendid Rococo palace in the ornate French style. Linderhof is the smallest of the three royal castles, and the only one which was completely finished. This afternoon travel to Munich This tour gives you a comprehensive survey of the major and most beautiful sights of Munich. Travel past Nymphenburg Palace and learn some interesting details from Bavarian history. To give you an impression of modern Munich as well, you are taken for a short walk through the Olympic Grounds. See the Frauenkirch, the Obelish, Theatiner Church and Feldhermhalle. Farewell dinner this evening at hotel .(B,D)
DAY 12 USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B) |
