K101 ~ VENICE, FLORENCE, ROME & SORRENTO

We begin our exploration of Venice with a boat ride to the Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. Then, on to St. Mark’s Square, for the walking tour, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoying views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, or perhaps join an optional gondola ride. (B)

Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour, continue to Pisa where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for dinner and a free evening. (B, D)

Today’s morning city tour begins at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way. (B)

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here, take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome for dinner and an evening at leisure. (B, D)

A full-day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the incomparable Eternal City. Visit the Vatican Museums with moving Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Then on to visit the Coliseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum. (B, L)

A day free to explore Rome your way. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to browse through some of the stylish shops and galleries, visit a museum, sightsee, or relax in a sidewalk cafe. Tonight, dinner with your fellow travelers is the perfect way to celebrate your Italian adventure. (B, D)

Departing Rome, travel to Pompeii, a destroyed & buried under ashes and forever preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. After a visit to the haunting site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Sorrento. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, then a free evening. (B, D)

Glide across the glistening bay to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Here, you’ll visit the magnificent Gardens of Caesar Augustus and view the famed Faraglioni Rocks. Then there’s time to wander through the winding streets and browse in the elegant boutiques before returning to Sorrento. (B)

Take in the sights of Sorrento your way with a full free day. You might want to wander through the shops, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply relax & enjoy the views. Tonight, enjoy dinner in hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Naples for your departure flight. (B)