Day-by-Day Itinerary
April 6 – 14, 2014
- Day 1 April 6 – Arrive in Rome, Italy
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. This evening, meet your Tour Director.
- Day 2 April 7 – Rome
The “Eternal City,“ Rome is a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)
- Day 3 April 8 – Rome–Orvieto–Siena
Journey northwest to the charmingly located city of Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Early evening you’ll be in Siena with time to visit this jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafés surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy’s most unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race. (B)
- Day 4 April 9 – Siena–SanGimignano–Greve–Montecatini
Drive to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers make it unique. Next, into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards; watch out for names such as Castellina in Chianti, Badia, Gaiole, and Brolio, where classical Chianti wines are produced. Stop in Greve for some wine tasting at a local wine producer. Arrive in Montecatini. (B)
- Day 5 April 10 – Montecatini–Excursion to Florence
This Renaissance gem and city of the Medic is will keep you enthralled the entire day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss out on the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce; beautiful Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B,D)
- Day 6 April 11 – Montecatini–Pisa–Venice Area
Drive to Pisa for a visit to its Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 16 feet out of the perpendicular. Later, head across the wooded Apennine Hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley for two overnights in the Venice area. (B)
- Day 7 April 12 – Venice Area
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and waterbuses, arched bridges, palaces, and little quiet piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. (B,D)
- Day 8 April 13– Venice Area–Assisi–Rome
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then crossing the Apennines. Stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. (B)
- Day 9 April 14 – Rome
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
- Contact Travel Agent Susan Donnelly and be sure to mention Traveling Sisters.
Susan Donnelly
Avoya Travel, Independent Affiliate
800.393.7804
