Reflections of Italy
Service Type
Tour
About This Package
Experience Vatican treasures including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. Visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and explore its magnificent basilica adorned with breathtaking frescoes. Discover Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, including Michelangelo's David. Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch at a historic winery in the Chianti region. Witness glassblowing artisans transform glass into exquisite art on Murano Island. Journey to the glamorous shores of Lake Como for stunning alpine lake views.
Detailed Itinerary
The tour begins with an overnight flight to Rome, where you'll spend three nights exploring the Eternal City's ancient wonders and Vatican treasures. Travel through medieval Umbria to Assisi and Perugia, experiencing authentic Italian hill towns. Journey to picturesque Cortona, featured in "Under the Tuscan Sun," before arriving in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Spend two enchanting nights in Venice, exploring its canals, bridges, and islands. The tour concludes with a visit to romantic Verona (home of Romeo and Juliet) and ends at stunning Lake Como.
Travel Styles
What's Included
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight
Day 2: Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
Welcome to Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Day 3: Rome
This morning you’ll come to know the history and traditions of Rome while on a locally guided panoramic tour featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, the famous Piazza Navona, and a visit to the Colosseum. The remainder of the day is at leisure. 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.
Day 4: Rome - Assisi - Perugia/Assisi
Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on 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. Behold one of the grandest squares in Italy – the Piazza IV Novembre – and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.
Day 5: Perugia/Assisi - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. Delight in 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. You are sure to find many surprises among its shops and outdoor cafés. Arrive in Florence and enjoy some free time before gathering for dinner.
Day 6: Florence
In Florence – the “Cradle of the 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. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.
Day 7: Florence - Venice
Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of its 12th-century castle, learn about the winery’s famed Tuscan wines and enjoy a light lunch filled with local specialties. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing 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.
Day 8: Venice - Murano Island - Venice
See Venice from the water this morning as we board a boat** (weather permitting) bound for Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Discover the secrets of this ancient art and marvel at the intricate designs of each one-of-a-kind piece. Then we make our way to St. Mark’s Square where you choose how you want to see Venice! You may choose to join a local expert who will take you on a walking tour of this famous square to view the stunning Basilica and visit the impressive Doge’s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Or perhaps you would prefer to go off the beaten path to explore the Castello Sestiere district with a local expert; get to know authentic Venice and see for yourself how the locals live as you walk canal by canal through the narrow streets lined with churches and historic buildings of this very unique city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently.
Day 9: Venice - Milan Malpensa
Today you travel to Milan. Take in some of the city’s amazing sights on a locally guided walking tour; view the Opera House La Scala and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, and visit the Duomo – this magnificent Gothic cathedral is the third largest church in Europe. Later, perhaps you will indulge in some shopping at the “Quadrilatero della Moda,” Milan’s high-fashion district. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
Day 10: Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in Milan Malpensa this morning.
Gallery
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