Day 1: We meet at your town of departure to board our bus to O’Hare Airport, and check in for our flight to Venice. We will be served dinner and can watch a movie during our overnight flight. (In-flight meals)

Day 2: Upon our arrival in Venice, we meet our coach and driver and travel to Murano- a cluster of small islands connected by bridges and the center of the Italian glassmaking industry since 1291. But our destination today is fabulous Venice-La Serenissima, the “Serene One.” Built upon 117 islands, Venice is a mosaic of canals, plazas, fascinating markets, and chaos! (D)

Day 3: We begin our day in Venice with an excursion to St. Mark’s Square, including a cruise along the serpentine Canale Grande. Here we see the Bell Tower and the impressive St. Mark’s Cathedral. There is time in the afternoon to explore and shop in the famous market area around the Rialto Bridge or to enjoy a coffee and some people-watching at St. Mark’s square. (B, D)

Day 4: Departing Venice, we now journey southward into the region of Tuscany, often described as the “heart of Italy.” Our home for the next four nights is Montecatini Terme. Situated between Florence and Pisa, the city is one of the world’s most famous health spas. Our sightseeing today includes the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and a lunch break in Lucca –a Roman-style city surrounded by massive red brick walls. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore Montecatini. (B, D)

Day 5: Today we drive to the Ligurian Sea, where we have an excursion to the Cinque Terra, a series of fishing villages. We begin with a boat ride along the sea, and then return by train and on foot, with a lovely stroll down Lovers’ Lane, a spectacular walk along the sea. These villages have a special character, as we observe the life of the fishermen and the abodes to which they return. (B, D)

Day 6: This morning we have time free to explore Montecatini on our own. Early in the afternoon, we dive into Chianti country and San Gimignano with its thirteen towers. The main item on our agenda today, however, is the lovely city of Siena. A locally-guided tour of this fabulous Gothic city acquaints us with its sunken Piazza del Campo and the Duomo- perhaps the finest Gothic cathedral in Italy! Before returning to Montecatini this evening, we enjoy a wine-tasting dinner in the gentle hills of the Chianti countryside. (B, D)

Day 7: Our entire day is devoted to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. We begin with a stop at the American Cemetery of Florence. Here we see the graves of thousands of GI’s who fell while fighting their way “up the boot” of Italy. Florence is home to the Duomo with its famed Baptistry, Giotto’s Tower and the Pitti Palace, the Accademia with Michelangelo’s incomparable David, and the Uffizi Gallery with the finest collection of paintings in all of Italy. We take time for exploring the sprawling San Lorenzo Leather Market and the shops along the Ponte Vecchio. We return to our hotel n time to relax before dinner. (B, D)

Day 8: This morning we continue in a southerly direction and enter the region of Umbria, where we arrive at its most beautiful town, Assisi. Here a local guide acquaints us with the life of Saint Francis and shows us the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco where he is buried. We drive on to Rome for our overnight. (B, D)

Day 9:  Travelers flock to the Eternal City of Rome to see the glories of the Caesars, to experience the awe that is St. Peter’s and to become acquainted with the city that was the birthplace for much of civilization. This morning we visit the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the largest building in Christianity. Also included is a visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. We have free time to visit the city center in the afternoon. (B, D)

Day 10: This morning our sightseeing in Rome continues as we visit the Capitoline Hill area, from which we view the Roman Forum. We also see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and more. Dinner tonight is on our own.  (B)

Day 11: A full day excursion takes us to the Isle of Capri. Known as the Island of the Wild Boars, the island has lush Mediterranean vegetation and is so beautiful that Tiberius moved the seat of the empire there. A visit to the Blue Grotto is also on the agenda. We return to Sorrento for our overnight. (B, D)

Day 12: Departing Sorrento, we drive through this beautiful Italian seaport to Pompeii. Mount Vesuvius is an archaeological treasure trove and an insight into the ancient world. A local guide familiarizes us with the area. We then return to Rome. In the evening, we enjoy an unforgettable dinner with music at Pepe Carlo’s subterranean restaurant, The Ancient Baths of Diana. Situated on the site of an actual Roman bath dating back two thousand years, this is a fitting end our adventure in Italy. (B, D)