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For more information, call: 800-935-5000 or visit:
www.centralholidays.comDAY 1
I
MON
I
VENICE
Morning arrival into Venice’s Marco Polo Airport.
Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance
of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a
popular restaurant. (D)
DAY 2
I
TUE
I
VENICE
Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will
highlight the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of
Sighs and Piombi Prison. Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for
more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. (B)
DAY 3
I
WED
I
VENICE
I
PADUA
I
MODENA
I
FLORENCE
This morning
depart Venice and stop in Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony
and its art, including the large bronze works of Donatello. Continue
your scenic drive to Modena where you’ll be treated to a special
balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties
and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of
Michelangelo. (B,L)
DAY 4
I
THU
I
FLORENCE
Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo
Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to
see Michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the
Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and
Santa Croce Church. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of
Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring
dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan
countryside. (B)
DAY 5
I
FRI
I
FLORENCE
I
SIENA
I
SAN GIMIGNANO
I
FLORENCE
After
breakfast today, head out for a day of discovery to Siena and San
Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races
and expansive central Il Campo Plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit
Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals
in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the old-world center and take in the
fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city
and the surrounding valley. Tonight, enjoy a festive dinner with wine
and music at a charming villa located on a beautiful Tuscan hillside
outside Florence. (B,D)
DAY 6
I
SAT
I
FLORENCE
I
MAGIONE
I
ASSISI
I
ROME
Morning
departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian
countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at
the Magione Castle, presently the private residence of the Prince and
Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta. Here
a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place
at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines
produced there and a light lunch. Continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive
in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)
DAY 7
I
SUN
I
ROME
Rome is filled with monuments, fountains,
antiquities and other sites worth exploring. Use this free day to
discover, on your own, all the Eternal City has to offer. Take an
optional tour or discover why Roman trattorias are famous for their
fine cuisine. (B)
DAY 8
I
MON
I
ROME
This morning, experience a very special privately
guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine
Chapel and Vatican Museum. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and
Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum – a testament to the
greatness of Rome’s past. Continue your full day tour by viewing the
Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola
Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a
special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B,D)
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
The Cathedral Duomo in Siena