Optional Excursions

TUSCANY (Arezzo)

FLORENCE
Florence, celebrated the world over for its magnificent art treasures and the "Cradle of the Italian Renaissance,Ó is a city with overwhelming historical and cultural significance. Highlights featured on the walking tour of its compact city center are the magnificent cathedral, its huge dome and elegant campanile piercing the sky, and the marble encrusted baptistery, famous for its vast bronze doors by Ghiberti. Marvel at the magnificent Statue of David by Michelangelo in the Academy of Fine Arts and visit the medieval bridge of Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria, the impressive city square, flanked by the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzi Vecchio, the 'old palace' that still fulfills its original role as town hall.

ASSISI
Journey through the gentle pastoral countryside of Umbria to Assisi, one of Italy's most famous and picturesque hilltop towns. Dramatically situated along the slopes of Monte Subasio, Assisi is renowned as the birthplace of Italy's patron saint, St. Francis. The town flourished during the 13th century and its prosperity gave rise to a number of beautiful buildings. Enjoy the walled city's lovely fountain-splashed piazzas, charming medieval buildings set amidst quaint cobblestone streets, and the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, which dominates the town. One of the great Christian shrines, the inspirational Basilica's interior is richly decorated with paintings by Lerenzetti and other masters, and filled with stunning frescoes detailing the life of St. Francis.

INCLUDED SCENIC TRANSFER VIA BOLOGNA
Experience delightful scenery as you cross the Apennine Mountains and enjoy the charms of historic Bologna. Once the cultural and intellectual capital of Medieval Europe, Bologna has a rich historical heritage and its university is the oldest in Europe. Admire the medieval palaces that are clustered around Piazza Maggiore, one of the town's main squares and the famous Neptune Fountain is a must to see. There will be time to enjoy lunch (on your own) and explore the city's picturesque streets.

VENETO (Abano Terme)

VENICE
Romantic Venice is a magical city with its lattice-work of islands, canals and bridges lined with opulent palaces, elegant piazzas and tiny squares that enchant all who visit. Travel across the lagoon by private boat, first stopping at the island of San Giorgio Maggiore to visit the impressive church designed by Palladio, and enjoy a panoramic view from the campanile. Continue with a walking tour that allows you to experience the quiet backwaters of 'hidden' Venice, before arriving in the most famous area of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Fabulous architecture such as the San Marco Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge are sure to delight, as you explore the remarkable sights that are found around every corner.

VERONA
Roman, medieval, gothic, and Renaissance - Verona embodies in a single city the entire cultural heritage for which Italian cities are so justly famous. Visit this beautiful city that is also known worldwide as the setting for Shakespeare's romantic tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet.' The historical center, full of fine churches and interesting museums, is architecturally stunning and scattered with evidence of Verona's glorious, medieval past. Boasting Roman ruins second only to those in Rome, one of its most magnificent is the Arena (amphitheater) that dates from the first century AD. Marvel at this historical amphitheater, the third largest in the world, with an interior that is virtually intact, and still used today for major events.

Optional day and evening excursions will be available at an additional cost, and may be booked prior to departure. Excursions are subject to change. Additional excursions will be available.