Day 1 Venice
There is no arrival transfer included in this tour. Please make your own way to our joining hotel by following the joining instructions below. Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned. Your Leader will organize a short meeting on the evening of Day 1 of your tour, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Afterwards you may choose to join your tour leader and fellow group members for a short orientation walk of the local area, followed by an optional dinner in a local restaurant. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Days 2 Venice (B)
Today we have a guided tour of the Doge\'s Palace, exploring the spectacular interior and learning about the intricacies of government in the Venetian Republic. We also learn the basics with an introductory Italian language lesson. As well, we have the chance to travel up the Grand Canal on a vaporetto (the Venetian equivalent of a bus - only on water) offering a truly fantastic view of the Venetian palaces.
Days 3-4 Florence (2B)
On the morning of Day 3 we board the comfortable high-speed Eurostar train bound for Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. We have time in the afternoon for optional visits to some of the many museums and galleries for which Florence is famous. On Day 4 we take a morning trip to Florence\'s excellent covered market, to see (and sample) some Tuscan delicacies. The afternoon is free for you to take in more of Florence\'s myriad of attractions, or maybe browse for a bargain at the San Lorenzo leather market. This evening our guide will take us on an escorted walk through the streets of historic Florence and up to Piazzale Michelangelo, for an iconic view across the Arno River towards the city sights. Estimated travel time: 4 hours
Days 5-6 Siena (2B, L)
This morning we take the comfortable non-stop express coach from Florence to Siena. We will then set off on an orientation walk of the city, visiting the church of San Domenico, where the relics of St Catherine of Siena (including her head) can be seen. On Day 6 we travel by public bus to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, with its many stone towers and narrow streets. We enjoy a 3 mile (5km) walk through the surrounding countryside, with excellent views across vineyards and olive groves. We also enjoy a winetasting of the classic local vintage together with a light lunch before returning to our hotel in Siena Estimated travel time Florence to Siena: 2 hours Please note: the 3 mile (5km) walk around San Gimignano includes traversing some fields and uncultivated ground, which can be uneven and at certain times muddy. There are some slopes to ascend and descend though these are not long. Sensible closed footwear with good grip is recommended. If you do not wish to do the hike you are free to remain in San Gimignano
Day 7-8 Rome (2B 1D)
In the morning we catch our comfortable long-distance coach (public) to Rome. After checking in at our hotel, there will be time for an orientation walk of Rome with our group leader On Day 8 we will enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, finishing at St Peter\'s Basilica. There will then be some free time for further sightseeing, before we re-group in the evening and head to a local Trastevere for a final night of aperitivi together followed by included dinner. Estimated travel time to Rome: 4 hours
Day 9 Rome (B)
Depart at any time.

Duration - 9 days

Physical Rating - 2

Prices are updated frequently and are subject to change. Please call 1866 940 0214 for most up to date pricing.

Tour Departure Dates	Pricing
Sat May 19 2012 to Sun May 27 2012	$3299** per Adult
Sat Aug 25 2012 to Sun Sep 02 2012	$3299** per Adult
Sat Sep 22 2012 to Sun Sep 30 2012	$3299** per Adult

** Taxes and fees included. Airfare not included.