Bell'Italia

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday March 28: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 29: Rome

Benvenuti in Italia! Arrive in the Eternal City and begin exploring. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 30: Rome

This morning go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. This afternoon visit St Peter's before a local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel this afternoon, rounding out your Rome experience. In the evening, try your hand in the Italian culinary arts with a pizza making lesson and dinner. Pay close attention to the chef's presentation on how to lay out the dough of a perfect pie, top it with ingredients in the Roman style and finish it off in the oven. You'll work in teams to assemble and cook your own authentic, brick oven pizza. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 31: Rome

This morning attend Easter Mass at St. Peters (group leader to provide tickets). The rest of the day is free to further explore Rome. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 1: Florence

This morning depart for Assisi to see the stone cell where St. Francis of Assisi lived and founded the Franciscan order of Friars. In the Basilica of St. Francis, located above his tomb, you will see beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. After an early dinner in Assisi, continue to Tuscany and its magnificent capital, Florence. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 2: Florence

Today's walking tour shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of the Renaissance city. Also, enjoy a timed entrance to the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. During the afternoon perhaps learn about Florence's merchant history with a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. Dinner vouchers are included tonight. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 3: Venice

This morning drive across the plains of Veneto and stop in Padua, famous for its university where Galileo once taught. Here you will see the Basilica of St. Anthony, crowned with seven cupolas. Continue to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 4: Venice

Consisting of an archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, the incomparable city of Venice contains a wealth of sights. Ride along the Grand Canal and listen for the sounds of singing gondoliers as you cross under the Rialto Bridge. Arrive in St. Mark's Square and explore the fantastic places and stories of this city. See the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the Doge's Palace. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 5: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of la dolce vita with an extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager, at the beginning of your tour. (B)