Maximum Elevation: 1,300 ft.
Venice
r
the temples, arches and basilicas of the Roman Forum and visit St.
s
t
a
r
o
u
Peter’s Basilica. Get set for a special treat this evening when our local
E
expert takes you on a guided after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums,
Pisa
without crowds. It is an extraordinary experience, a memory that Florence
LIGURIAN SEA
ADRIATIC
creates a lasting lifetime bond for families. Look around – and up – at
SEA
the palace walls and ceilings to view its colorful frescoes, then look down
Orvieto
at the amazing floors. The Sistine Chapel is adorned with a dozen of
ITALY
Rome these detailed murals, with the most famous of all painted on the ceiling
by one of the most famous artists of all time, Michelangelo. Meals BD
TYRRHENIAN SEA
Day 3 – Explore Orvieto’s medieval tunnels
MEDITERRANEAN
Italy astounds with wonders of another time and place, as you will
SEA
discover as we drive through the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside to
Florence. First stop is Orvieto, looming over vine-covered hills from
its walled perch atop a volcanic plateau. This medieval gem is filled
Day 1 – Arrive Rome, capital of the Ancient World
with Gothic discoveries, even below ground! Explore its honeycombed
Tour begins: 3:00 PM, The Westin Excelsior, Rome. A transfer is
tunnels and Etruscan caves on a guided tour that takes you under the
included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to The Westin
town’s cobblestone streets, then continue on your way to Florence.
Excelsior, Rome, ideally located in the heart of the city within walking
See Michelangelo’s statue of David on a guided visit to the Galleria
distance to many historic sights. Your adventures in Italia Bella begin
dell’Accademia before settling into your palace hotel. Meals BD
with a guided visit to the fascinating Catacombs of St. Callistus,
underground burial tunnels for almost half a million early Christians
and 16 third-century popes. Cryptic symbols and painted frescoes
provide pictorial clues to the life and customs of its ancient Christian
community! End your first day in Rome at our welcome reception and
dinner at a local restaurant where the fun really heats up. Meals D
Day 2 – Go inside Rome & tour the Vatican after hours
Drive back through the history of Imperial Rome today, relics of which
are visible virtually everywhere you look. While many of the ruins
you’ll see just hint at their former grandeur, the Colosseum roars with
memories of gladiators, lions and the deafening cheers – or jeers – of
the some 55,000 spectators who watched the emperor’s games here.
Walk through one of its 80 entrances on a guided tour, learning more
about this huge amphitheater from your knowledgeable guide. See
There’s no place like Rome
to experience a gallery of
unforgettable sights, while
setting the stage with picture-
perfect backdrops for your own
gallery of treasured art!
Call your travel agent or Tauck Bridges at 866-636-6500 www.tauckbridges.com 13
YI_10_Bridges_12_14.indd 13 9/4/09 11:56 AM
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