Schedule:

Day 1: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Overnight Flight Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2: Thursday, January 29, 2026 Rome, Italy Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties. (D)

Day 3: Friday, January 30, 2026 Rome On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums* explore the extensive Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgment. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini’s altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome – still the tallest in the world. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment. (B)

Day 4: Saturday, January 31, 2026 Rome – Assisi – Perugia Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Corso, Perugia’s main street, where gothic facades are lined with shops and restaurants. (B)

Day 5: Sunday, February 1, 2026 Perugia – Cortona – Florence Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and gothic architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” (B)

Day 6: Monday, February 2, 2026 Florence This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore this veritable open-air museum. Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment. (B)

Day 7: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Florence – Venice Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of a 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Venice See Venice from the water and take a boat** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark’s Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent façade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride. (B)

Day 9: Thursday, February 5, 2026 Venice – Verona – Lake Como This morning, you’ll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. Then, it’s your choice! Explore Verona on foot with an expert local guide, taking in the city’s must-sees, like Juliet’s balcony and the impressive exterior of the Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater -OR- enjoy ample free time to explore Verona however you’d like: peruse the alluring storefronts of Via Mazzini or wander around the market stalls of Piazza delle Erbe. After some time for lunch on your own, relax aboard your bus during a full afternoon transfer to Como, where you check into your hotel in the early evening. (B)

Day 10: Friday, February 6, 2026 Lake Como This morning, admire the shores of glamorous Lake Como during a ferry ride*** to alluring Bellagio. Admire the endless succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake’s blue waters. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Bellagio’s charms before sailing back to Como. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 11: Saturday, February 7, 2026 Lake Como – Tour Ends Your journey comes to a close in Como this morning. (B)

Additional Add-Ons Options:

*Florence: Tuscan Feast: $99 per person

This evening, set off on a scenic drive to nearby Galluzzo, famous for its Carthusian monastery which rests upon one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Prior to dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th-century monastery – La Certosa.* Revel in the beauty that lurks inside and experience the monastery’s magnificence as you learn about monastic daily life. Then your evening of fun continues at one of the area’s most popular dining establishments. Experience an authentic and traditional dinner served family-style! Savor local wines and Tuscan food and enjoy the entertainment. It’s a memorable – truly Italian – evening out that you won’t want to miss! *Visit to the monastery may not be possible when weddings are taking place. Gratuities are included. Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

*Venice: Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise $75 per person

Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies! This option operates weather-permitting. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is not included.

*Rome: Roman Serenade: $99 per person

Enjoy a pleasant serenade with dinner in Trastevere, a charming, bohemian district where Rome’s locals often frequent. Indulge in a hearty, traditionally Roman menu, complete with wine. As you savor the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers entertain you with folk songs. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging immersion into Italian culture. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included.