DAY 1: Departure from the U.S.A. - Overnight flight to Italy
The day of departure has arrived. Keep your departure instructions handy, for they will guide you through the check-in process. After boarding, settle in for your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

DAY 2: ITALY
Rome - Pomezia
Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, transfer to the hotel in Pomezia, about 45 minutes outside the city. After check-in, freshen-up and rest a little. At your 'Welcome to Italy' dinner in the hotel this evening, get to know your fellow tour members. (Dinner)

DAY 3: ITALY
Rome - Pomezia
As legend has it, Rome was built on seven hills by Romulus and Remus. You'll find that this city constantly reminds you of history, yet at the same time, keeps you firmly aware that it is a vibrantly modern capital. Highlights during the city sightseeing tour are the Trajan and Roman Forums, the Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. For your free time we suggest a walking tour from the Piazza Venezia, the center of Rome, to the beautifully restored Fountain of Trevi. Toss in a few coins and make a wish. If you prefer, come along on the afternoon optional 'Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel' excursion. Choose from over 2000 restaurants in Rome for your independent dinner. Or, join the tour manager for the 'Rome Dinner' optional excursion. (Breakfast)

DAY 4: ITALY
Rome - Pomezia
If you wish, take a local bus or train to Rome and spend this free day in the Eternal City, or set out to discover the lakes, beaches, and hillside villages of the surrounding Lazio Region. The hotel desk and tour manager can advise you as to the best means of transportation. Add a fascinating slice of history to your travel experiences if you decide to join the 'Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii' optional excursion. (Breakfast)

DAY 5: ITALY
Rome - Tuscany Region - Montecatini-Terme
It's off to Rome for further exploration. You might indulge in a shopping spree in Rome's highly touted fashion stores. We also recommend a visit to the Gardens and Villa Borghese at the end of the Via Veneto. Or, as you walk this marvelous city, stop at all the beautiful churches. Each one is a museum in its own right. Among the most remarkable are St. Maria degli Angeli and the Church of Jesus in Old Rome. Following an independent lunch, head north to Montecantini-Terme, where pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets welcome you to this spa resort town in the Tuscany Region. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 6: ITALY
Florence - Montecatini-Terme
This day is devoted to artistically glorious Florence. The first architectural masterpieces you will notice during the guided tour stand on the Piazza del Duomo: the 'Duomo' (cathedral); the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors by Ghiberti; and Giotto's 'campanile' (bell tower). The rest of the day is yours to explore Florence at your own pace. Admire the piazzas, each with their own distinct character, shop the open-air markets, visit the Uffizi Gallery, or enjoy gathering with Florentines and visitors alike on the Ponte Vecchio. Return to Montecatini-Terme for an independent dinner at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant. (Breakfast)

DAY 7: ITALY
Montecatini-Terme
Spend a leisurely day in Montecatini-Terme. Perhaps begin with a walk through the classic pavilions and parks that characterize this bath town. Take the funicular up to the old town of Montecatini Alte and sip a cappuccino as you enjoy a great panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. Or, you might consider returning to Florence by train to spend your free day. If so, visit the world famous Pitti Palace, the largest museum complex in Florence, containing eight different museum collections. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the adjoining Boboli Gardens to enjoy the statues, grottos and fountains. The outdoor markets of Ponte Vecchio and Via dei Tornabuoni are amusing as well as a fun place to test your bartering skills while looking for leather goods and jewelry. For your independent dinner, settle down at one of the sidewalk terraces of the grand hotels of Montecatini-Terme. Another choice for today is the 'Siena' optional excursion which includes dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 8: ITALY
Pisa - Treviso
The morning begins with a visit to Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Work on the structure began in 1174, but it started to tilt even before completion. After snapping pictures of the leaning tower, travel north past Bologna and Padua, the university town where Galileo taught. Your hotel is in Treviso, just across the bridge from Venice harbor, positioning you nicely for a full day in Venice tomorrow. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9: ITALY
Venice - Treviso
A motor boat transfers you into Venice, perhaps Italy's most magical city. Marvel at the architecture of the San Marco Basilica, the Doges' Palace, the Clock Tower, and the 16th- and 17th-century Law Courts. Walk through the maze of narrow streets, lined with boutiques that make Venice a shopper's paradise. Numerous little bistros offer pizza and pasta dishes for your independent lunch and dinner. If you choose an outdoor cafe along St. Mark's Square, you will be serenaded by live music, but be prepared for high prices. The 'Venice Lagoon Cruise & Lunch' excursion is another option. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals of Venice by gondola, your tour manager can usually arrange a small group. Based on 5 to 6 persons to a gondola, the cost is about $45 per person. (Breakfast)

DAY 10: ITALY
Verona - Milan
The first stop will be in Verona, best known for the bittersweet love story of Romeo and Juliet. Walk to Juliet's balcony and admire Verona's own amphitheatre, which is still used for extravagant, outdoor opera performances every summer. Departing Verona, the motor coach takes you along the edge of the fertile Po Valley and into the center of Milan. Both the modern Galleria and the gothic Duomo dominate Milan's main square. Depending on your interests, the tour manager can direct you toward high-fashion shops or noteworthy sights such as interesting churches, the nearby museums, and the Scala Opera House. Along the way, the 'gelateria' tempt you with delicious Italian ice cream. A farewell dinner will be hosted at your hotel, just outside of Milan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11: Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.
Your voyage has come to a close. Catch a last glimpse of Italy on your way to Milan Malpensa Airport. Have a good flight and come back soon! (Breakfast)