Day 1 – Arrive Rome, capital of the Ancient World Tour begins: 2:00 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. This vast marble landmark draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world and dates back to the 2nd century. The Basilica you will see today took over a century to complete. All the great architects of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque period had a hand in its design, giving you the perfect introduction to all the spectacular sites you will see during your family vacation. Tonight get a taste of “real” Italian food at our welcome reception and dinner. Meals D
Day 2 – Go inside Rome & tour the Vatican after hours Drive back on perfectly engineered roads 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, the epicenter for political, commercial and judicial life
in ancient Rome. Nearby, the Vatican has been the heart of papal life since the popes returned to Rome from Avignon at the end of the 14th century. Get set for a special treat when our local expert takes you inside 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 creates a lasting lifetime bond for families who experience its treasures together. Look around and up at the palace walls and ceilings to view its colorful frescoes, then look down at the amazing floors you’ll walk on. 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
Day 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
It was very interesting to see where my grandmother came from and to see all of the architecture. It was fun to meet all of the kids.
“ ” – Laura, age 12
Have fun around every corner as you and your family share some laughs at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, on a high-speed train from Florence to Venice, and at a pizza-making demonstration in Florence.
Call your travel agent or Tauck Bridges at 866-636-6500
www.tauckbridges.com 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76