Depart on an international overnight flight to Milan, Italy. Dinner and breakfast are served on board.

Upon arrival in Milan, we are met and greeted by our Tour Escort. Plans for the day in Milan include visiting the DUOMO, the GALLERIA VICTOR EMMANUEL, Italy’s oldest and one of the most prestigious shopping centres, and the CHURCH OF STANTA MARIA delle GRAZIE which houses da VINCI’S THE LAST SUPPER mural.* We will see the Teatro all Scalle (outside), the world renowned opera house build between 1775 and 1788, partially destroyed during the Second world War, but successfully rebuilt. Continue to Padua, have dinner and check into hotel. (D)
*The visits in Milan are only doable with flight arriving before 11 AM.

After breakfast we travel to Venice and begin our half day sightseeing tour of Venice, the magical city consisting of 118 islands connected by lagoons and bridges. Venice is home to many palaces, bell towers and domes dominating the skyline. We see the St. Mark’s Square, the St. Mark’s Basilica and see the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Columns of San Marco and San Todaro (no entrances).The afternoon will be free time for shopping or exploring. One suggested activity is using the water taxi for a tour around the entire island (not included).This takes about one hour to complete the circuit. Return for dinner and overnight in Padua. (B/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel and checkout. For those who are interested they may visit the BASILICA OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA prior to departure on the bus. The bus will depart for the town of Modena, about an hour and a half drive. Upon arrival, we will visit the ENZO FERRARI MUSEUM AND WORKSHOP. The museum, which includes a large collection of the famous Italian sports car, is the boyhood home of Enzo the genius behind the Ferrari brand. After lunch on own, we continue to the city of Pisa. In Pisa, we will visit the LEANING TOWER, the PISA CATHEDRAL, the PISA BAPTISTRY, and the MONUMENTAL CEMETERY. We’ll depart Pisa and drive to Florence. We will check into the hotel and have dinner in Florence. Florence is the heart of the Tuscany region of Italy and is renowned as one of the historical and cultural cities in the world. (B/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the day by visiting the main historical center of the city. We will visit the CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIE del FIORE and its accompanying BAPTISTRY, MUSEUM,AND COMPANILE TOWER. The famous dome of the Florence Cathedral is the masterpiece of the architect Brunelleschi and a true marvel of engineering. Next is the PIAZZA SIGNORIA which is where Savonarola was both hung and burned at the stake. We will walk across the famous PONTE VECCHIO—the bridge with shops and stores built on it. There will be time for souvenir shopping, sampling Italian gelato, and a ride to MICHELANGELO HILL in the late afternoon, a beautiful location the overlooks the city. Dinner and overnight. (B/D)

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After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll check out and begin the day at the GALLERIA DELLE ACCADEMIA ART MUSEUM to admire Michelangelo’s renowned masterpiece, the statue of David. Before leaving Florence, we will stop briefly to visit the AMERICAN CEMETERY, where over 4,000 American soldiers who fought in WWII, are buried. We will continue to Rome where we will enjoy visits to the TREVI FOUNTAIN and the SPANISH STEPS (no guide). Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the VATICAN MUSEUM, SISTINE CHAPEL and ST. PETER’S BASILLICA. The unique ceiling is one of Michelangelo’s greatest achievements. St. Peter’s Basilica is built over the tomb of the Apostle Peter. Those with energy can climb the 500 plus stairs for a great view of Rome (ticket not included). Then, we’ll visit the burial place of CAESAR AUGUSTUS (outside). Next is a brief visit to the PANTHEON (ticket included), the oldest building in Rome. We will stop at SAN PAOLO ALLA REGOLA, built over the house where Paul lived under house arrest and likely wrote several of his epistles. Then back to our hotel to get ready for dinner. Overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the MAMERTINE PRISON, where the Apostle Paul was held before being executed. Then it is on to the ROMAN COLOSSEUM, the ARCH OF CONSTANTINE, the ARCH OF TITUS,THE ROMAN FORUM,TRAJAN’S COLUMN, and the CIRCUS MAXIMUS, an ancient hippodrome and the filming location of the chariot races in the movie Ben Hur, followed by a glance into the ST. JOHN LATERAN CATHEDRAL and the SANCTA SCALA (Holy Stairs) across the street. It’s on to the CHURCH OF ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS built over Paul’s tomb, the TRE FONTANE ABBEY (the traditional site of Paul’s martyrdom).We will view the APPIAN WAY, a stretch of the renowned Roman Road system, likely traveled by the Apostle Paul on his way into Rome under arrest. Back to the hotel for dinner. There may be time for last-minute souvenir shopping and Italian gelato. (B/D)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

*(B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner