USA to Venice, Italy

Today we depart the US and fly overnight to Venice, Italy. Our Italian experience begins upon arrival at the Venice airport when we are greeted by our local tour director. We have a short transfer to our hotel to freshen up and then continue to the mainland boat terminal for a private transfer to St. Mark’s Square. Here we experience a delightful walking tour of the ‘City of Islands.’ Along the way, we see St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower, and the Bridge of Sighs to name some favorite sites. Today's tour concludes at Doges’ Palace, where we can explore and visit at leisure before making our way back to the hotel. This evening we enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner and have a chance to get to know each other better.

Murano & Burano Islands tour

After breakfast we board our coach, travel to the boat terminal, and board our private boat for a cruise past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena, and the famous Lido Beach Resort on our way to Murano Island. Known worldwide for its colored glass, we can see mouth-blown glass-making in progress and enjoy a factory tour. Our next stop is the picturesque Burano Island; famous for its lace and the fisherman houses painted with bright colors. We enjoy the area before cruising back to the main island for some leisure time before making our way back to the hotel.

Venice to Montecatini Terme via Ravenna

This morning we leave Venice and begin our scenic journey to Montecatini Terme (near Florence). We stop in Ravenna to find a treasure trove of art, history, and culture waiting for us. Here is one of the richest collections of mosaics in the world, preserved in the basilicas and baptisteries of the city; clear evidence of the extraordinary art that flourished in this area. Eight monuments of Ravenna have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for their universal value and unique mosaics. After enjoying these amazing sites, we continue south arriving in Montecatini Terme for overnight.

Florence

After breakfast, we will travel for about 45 minutes to Florence, where we will enjoy a walking tour, taking in all the amazing outdoor art and sculptures along the route. Our guided tour includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore, known as the Duomo, and the home for Giotto’s bell tower and Brunelleschi’s famous Dome. We also tour the Academia featuring Michelangelo’s statue of David. The afternoon is at leisure to explore museums, shops, markets, and cafes on our own. Return to our hotel in Montecatini Terme.

Carrara Quarry & Pisa

Today is unquestionably another tour highlight as we make our way out to the mountains, visiting the historic Carrara marble quarry. We will enjoy a jeep ride up the hill to the quarry opening where Michelangelo, and other famous sculptors of his day, picked their marble that we still marvel at today. We get to try our hand at the chisel and see many works of art. After a wonderful local lunch, we continue to Pisa and its iconic “leaning tower” for a city tour before returning to our hotel in Montecatini Terme.

Tuscany and Rome

This morning we head south to Rome. We drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to Siena; notice the medieval ramparts greeting us with the Latin inscription 'Cor Magis Tibi Sena Pandit' (Siena opens its heart to you). We walk through the maze of narrow streets, see the Piazza Del Campo where the famous 'Palio Horse Race' is held, and view the 13th century Cathedral. As we continue our journey we will visit a local agricultural farm by the Tuscan hills. The owners will introduce us to their activity and let us know about local culinary highlights as extra virgin olive oil and more. After a typical Tuscan meal we will continue our way to Rome.

Rome (Optional LDS Temple Visit)

After breakfast for those who choose, we board our coach and transfer to the newly dedicated LDS Temple and enjoy attending a session and touring the grounds. Later in the day we return to the hotel with the remaining day at leisure. For those who choose not to visit the LDS Temple, enjoy a free day in Rome to explore at leisure.

Optional Tour: For those who would like, our local Tour Director, Ugo Perego will be offering an optional walking tour to several religious sites in Old Rome that relate to the time of the apostles Peter and Paul (Cost 30 Euros approximately for entrance fees).

LDS Church with Ancient Rome Tour

This morning after breakfast, we will travel by coach to attend a local Sacrament meeting. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel to change our clothes before spending the afternoon seeing some of the highlights of this historic city.  As we arrive at the Colosseum, walk underneath the Constantine Arch, then enter the huge arena dating from 79 AD.  Next stop if the roman Forum, where the ancient market place seems to jump to life as we stroll through the ruins.  After the visit, you will return to the hotel.  Remaining time is at your leisure.

Vatican tour and Free Afternoon

This morning we tour the Vatican, the world's smallest independent state. Our guide provides an overview of the history of the Vatican Museums, with the highlight of the tour being the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is covered with Michelangelo's most famous paintings. As the tour continues, we explore St. Peter's Square, with Bernini's 284 columns, before entering St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. We will see many treasures including the golden mosaics of the apse, Bernini's bronze baldachin, and the famed 'Pieta' by Michelangelo.  This afternoon we are free to enjoy the city of Rome.

Tonight, a farewell dinner is served at a local restaurant including live music entertainment.

Return to the USA

Today we end our tour by boarding our private coach to the airport for our home bound flight.