Reflections of Italy

Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight.

Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums,* explore the extensive Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgment. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini’s altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome, still the tallest in the world. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.

Depart Rome today en route to the iconic hill town of Orvieto. As you approach, its distinctive profile rises on the horizon, crowned by the facade of its famous cathedral. Delve into the local scene, exploring Orvieto’s rich history and Etruscan heritage. Perhaps you’ll pause to savor a glass of its renowned Orvieto Bianco, a wine that has delighted popes and nobility since the Renaissance. Then, you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Corso, Perugia’s main street, where gothic facades are lined with shops and restaurants.

This morning, travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, a treasure trove of medieval and early Renaissance paintings. Then, it’s your choice! Continue exploring the hometown of St. Francis during a guided walking tour of the city, -OR- enjoy free time to wander among the rose-hued stone buildings of this medieval hill town. This afternoon, journey into the surrounding Umbrian countryside, where olive groves blanket the hillsides, and visit a traditional frantoio (olive mill) where olives are pressed each November.** Learn about the region’s trees and oil-making methods, sample a variety of extra virgin olive oils produced at the mill, and enjoy dinner in the serene setting of the grove.

Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and gothic architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.”

This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on an extensive walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore this veritable open-air museum. Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment.

Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of a 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

See Venice from the water and take a boat*** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice, then it’s your choice! Join a guided walking tour of the city’s most iconic monuments such as the Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Square -OR- explore the Arsenale district, discovering historic shipyards, grand churches, and quieter canals away from most crowds. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime, a serenaded gondola ride. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner.

Your journey comes to a close in Venice this morning.