Splendors of Italy
This Itinerary can be Customized for Your Group
Day 1 and 2: Depart USA and Arrive Rome
Your Italian adventure begins as you depart on your international flight.
You will be met at the airport in Rome by our representatives. Time permitting, walk through the Catacombs of St. Sabastino before going to hotel in the Rome area for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Siena and San Gimignano
Beautiful Siena is built across several hills and valleys. The focal point of the city is the shell-shaped town square which is both a meeting place and market place. It is also the venue for the town’s famous horse race known as the "Palio". Your journey continues as you travel to one of the most charming and picturesque of all the Tuscan hill towns, San Gimignano. Magical medieval towers dominate the town. At one time there were more than 70 towers, but only 14 remain today. Overnight in Montecatini area.
Day 4: Pisa
Travel to Pisa where you can snap your photo in front of the famous Leaning Tower. This 180 foot tall round tower is over 10 degrees out of perpendicular. In the past, some thought the tower was designed to lean. In fact, it was designed to stand straight and tall. The tower began to lean during its construction in 1173 and corrective efforts failed. Even if it did not lean, it would still be one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe. While the tower is a great source of pride for the town’s people, it is just one of several renown buildings in the center of Pisa. Travel to the Venice area for overnight.
Day 5: Venice
You will travel by boat to the magical city of Venice. Rising between sea and sky, this fascinating city boasts waterways and boats instead of roads and cars, encompassing 118 islands separated by more than 150 canals. You will stand in the Piazza San Marco, bordered on three sides by palatial arcades in two tiers and faced on the other by the Basilica of St. Mark, one of the world’s most magnificent churches. You’ll visit the Basilica with its treasure of marble and gold-background mosaics. From the square, you can see the famous Bell Tower and the Clock Tower, as well as the charming pink and white Doges’ Palace. You’ll view the sadly romantic Bridge of Sighs. There is much more to see in Venice and you’ll enjoy free time to explore on your own. You can shop, stroll along the bridges and canals or, perhaps, indulge in a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Overnight in Venice area.
Day 6: Florence
The elegant city of Florence is nestled between a line of hills and the banks of the Arno River. During your stay, you will have time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and stroll through the open-air markets. Every street, every square and winding alley of Florence is a showcase for Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance grandeur. Among the wealth of masterpieces to be found in Florence, you’ll see the Piazza della Signoria with its Neptune Fountain and Vecchio Palace, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral which houses Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietá, the Baptistry which features Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise and the Academy where you can view some of Michelangelo’s finished and unfinished work, including the awe-inspiring David. Overnight in Florence area.
Day 7: Assisi
Today, you will journey to Assisi, a charming medieval town which was the home of St. Francis. Just two years after his death, the large Basilica was started in his memory. At one time, the land on which the church stands was an execution ground for condemned criminals. In his humility, St. Francis asked to be buried there and it became known as the Hill of Paradise. The church contains his tomb and many great works of art. Overnight in Rome area.
Day 8: Ancient Rome
History is woven through the streets and neighborhoods of Rome as in no other city. Today you’ll explore the many wonders of ancient Rome when you visit the magnificent Colosseum, Mamertine Prison and the Pantheon. From the most sacred hill of ancient Rome, Campidoglio, you’ll view the Forum. You’ll also view the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Titus, the famous Baths of Caracalla and the Arch of Constantine. You’ll see the Victor Emanuel Monument and the Monti Region, Rome’s most ancient neighborhood which spreads over three of her seven hills. In the afternoon, you’ll discover why Rome is also known as the “City of Love”. You’ll explore the romance of Rome as you climb the graceful Spanish Steps and stop at the famous Trevi Fountain. Legend says those who toss a coin into the fountain will one day return to Rome to toss another into the waters of Trevi.
Day 9: Vatican City and Christian Rome
Christianity came late in her long history, conquering and changing Rome in a way few other invaders have. Today, you will experience the glory of Christian Rome when you visit the Vatican, home to one of the greatest museums in the world. And, of course, you’ll enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll view Michelangelo’s frescoes which have been restored to their full, colorful glory.
Day 10: Return to the USA or enjoy the exciting extension.
Note: Daily Mass for Catholic groups is available when a priest accompanies the group.
Special Features for Catholic Groups while in Rome:
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Mary Major
St. John Lateran
St. Paul Outside the Walls
Audience and Blessing with Pope Benedict XVI
contingent on the Pope's schedule.
Note: St. Peter’s Basilica will be closed during Papal Audiences and may not be able to be rescheduled.
For More Information on how to customize this itinerary for your group, contact: