ITALIA BELLA: ROME TO VENICE
Maximum Elevation: 1,300 ft. Venice Pisa LIGURIAN SEA Orvieto Rome TYRRHENIAN SEA
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Florence
ADRIATIC SEA
ITALY
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Families of all ages will jump at the chance to see the landmark sites of Venice and Rome with our local experts and guides
1. ARRIVE ROME Tour begins: 3:00 PM, The Westin Excelsior, Rome. A transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to The Westin Excelsior, Rome, ideally located in the heart of the city within walking distance to many historic sights. Your adventures in Italia Bella begin with a guided visit to St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Join us at our welcome reception and dinner tonight. Meals D
2. 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 the temples, arches and basilicas of the Roman Forum. Get set for a special treat when our local expert takes you on a guided after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums, without crowds (subject to availability and day of the tour may vary). It is an extraordinary experience, one that
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creates a lasting lifetime bond for families. Look around and up at the palace walls and ceilings to view its colorful frescoes, then look down at the amazing floors. The Sistine Chapel is adorned with a dozen of 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 B
3. EXPLORE ORVIETO’S MEDIEVAL TUNNELS Italy astounds with wonders of another time and place, as you will 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 with Gothic discoveries, even below ground! Explore its honeycombed tunnels and Etruscan caves on a guided tour that takes you under the town’s cobblestone streets, then continue on your way to Florence. See Michelangelo’s statue of David on a guided visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia before settling into your charming 18th-century palace hotel. A historical landmark, it is ideally located near a Renaissance Square overlooking the Arno River. Dine at the hotel tonight ordering what you want from its à la carte menu. Meals BD
4. SEE THE LEANING TOWER IN PISA Explore nearby Pisa today, home to the famous Leaning Tower as well as the Duomo and graceful Baptistry. Learn about the history of the “field of miracles” and have lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner is on your own tonight in Florence. Meals BL
5. VISIT THE UFFIZI Meet an art historian who shares insights about the masterpieces of the Renaissance, many of which you will see today. Join a
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