Itinerary:
Day 1 USA - Rome
Our 9 days vacation begins as we board the flight bound for Rome, the Eternal City.
Day 2 Arrive Rome
The first stop of our tour is Rome, a 2700-years old city but still feeling young and vital. Upon arrival, we are transferred to hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Rome is such a brilliant city day or night. You may want to explore this city on your own, enjoy delicious pizza, espresso or ice cream in cozy cafe, or perhaps walk around and shop for the famous Italian goods.
Day 3 Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento
This morning, we travel south passing by the famous Mt. Vesuvius to the Gulf of Naples. Let our tour director guide you inside the ruins of Pompeii, once a city of shops, markets and comfortable townhouses, with paved streets, stadium, theatres, temples, baths and brothels, buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. Its rediscovery during land reclamation operations in the 18th century, and subsequent years of excavation have revealed an intimate picture of life in a 1st-century Roman city. In the afternoon we travel on to Sorrento, a peaceful town with lemon groves, beautiful beach and plentiful cafe. (B, D)
Day 4 Sorrento - Capri - Naples - Rome
The highlight of today・s tour is a visit via ferry to Capri, the most popular island outside the Gulf of Naples. As our ferry arrives at Marina Grande, the sightseeing tour immediately starts. If weather permits, you may take the optional tour to the most famous sight of the island, Blue Grotto, a cave on the water・s edge. The strange blue light of water inside the grotto has made it the most visited attraction in Campania after Pompeii. This afternoon on our way back to Rome for overnight accommodation, we pass through Naples for a tour of this beautiful seaside city. Our sightseeing tour of Naples includes visits to the Piazza Municipio and the busy Port Santa Lucia. (B)
Day 5 Rome - Florence - Venice
Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and a city built by many geniuses. Our walking tour shows us the Duomo, the Bronze Doors of the Baptistry called the Door of Paradise, Signoria Square, and the 13C Santa Croce Basilica where Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and others are buried. You will have a chance to shop in a major leather factory outlet store. If time permits, the tour director will guide you to the Michelangelo Square for a bird's eye view of this enchanting city. Later, we proceed towards the most fantastic city in Italy, Venice. (B, L)
Day 6 Venice - Lucca
Venice, with over 150 canals and 400 bridges, is truly a dream city for worldwide travelers to explore. Our itinerary today begins with a ferry ride to Venice. Upon arrival at Venice, our sightseeing tour shows us the magnificent St. Mark・s Basilica, the magical Piazza St. Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, the Dodge・s Palace (outside). If time permits, you may take an unforgettable optional tour by gondola ride and see the Grand Canal from the best vantage point. We stay overnight in Lucca. (B, L)
Day 7 Lucca - Pisa - Rome
Depart for the beautiful seaside cityof Pisa after breakfast. The celebrated leaning tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistry are the landmarks not to be missed while visiting Pisa. Later, we drive southwards through the stunning panorama of Tuscany to Rome. (B)
Day 8 Rome
This morning the touring bus drives us to Vatican where we visit the St. Peter・s Basilica, the largest church in the world, and St. Peter・s Square. Here, you can feel the uninterrupted flow of the ages from the classical era of the ancient Romans to the contemporary life being lived in centuries-old settings. Our tour will also take you to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Constantine Triumphal Arch, Spanish Steps. You may toss a coin at the famous Trevi Fountain and make a wish to return to Rome, again and again. (B)
Day 9 Rome - USA
Say a wistful good-bye to Italy as we board our homebound flight today. Our vacation is at an end all too soon, but the memories will last a lifetime! (B)
