Itinerary:

Day 1, USA - ROME: Overnight flight to Rome, Italy. Airfare not included.                               

Day 2, ROME: Mid-day arrival into Rome, transfer, and check-in at your hotel for the next 2 nights. Rest of day at your leisure.  Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities, and other sites worth exploring. Use this time to discover the ancient and modern aspects of cosmopolitan Rome for yourself. A 48 hour Hop on Hop off pass is included. In the evening discover on your own why Roman Trattorias are famous for their fine food and wine.     

Day 3, ROME: Early morning discover the Vatican on a 3-hour St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Tour. Navigate the vast complex of rooms, artwork, and history with your guide, who will bring the ancient collection to life. Skip all the entrance lines to explore halls such as the Gallery of the Maps and Raphael’s Rooms; step inside the Sistine Chapel to admire ‘The Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo’; and hear little-known tales about sacred St Peter’s Basilica. Rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Use the time left on your 48 hour Hop on Hop off pass at your own pace to explore the Roman sites. View the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant 'Angelo.  Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely local Roman trattoria. (B, D)

Day 4, ROME / ASSISI / SIENA / FLORENCE:  Arrivederci Roma. Mid-day arrival at Assisi. At your own pace, visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica di San Francesco (Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi) including the crypt with the remains of St Francis as well as masterpieces by Cimabue and Giotto. The Duomo di San Rufino, the Basilica di Santa Chiara (St Claire) and the lovely main square, Piazza del Comune. Early afternoons continue to Siena, a Medieval town known for its annual Paleo horse race which takes place each year around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Stroll around at your leisure, exploring other highlights like Siena Cathedral and Palazzo Comunale – the city’s elegant Gothic palace. Use your included entrance pass to Siena’ Cathedral and sites. Early evening arrival and check-in at your hotel in Florence for three nights. (B)            

Day 5, FLORENCE: This morning, enjoy a city tour of Florence. Start at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way. (B)    

Day 6, FLORENCE:  Day at leisure to enjoy exploring the Cradle of the Renaissance, visiting Florence’s magnificent Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of
Santa Croce. Then, stroll the cobblestone streets on your own or take an afternoon trip to Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower. Tonight, we enjoy a Tuscan dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)   

Day 7, FLORENCE/ Bologna/ VENICE:  On the way to Venice, discover the beauty of Bologna, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, Browse the city’s specialty food shops, ripe with the smells and sights of epicurean fantasy, and sample local delicacies along the way. Arrive later in Venice, World-renowned for its classic gondola boats and its elegant, refined art, settle in for a 2-night stay in one of the most romantic cities in the world. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 8, VENICE: Begin your exploration of Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory and watch a master artisan demonstrate this traditional Venetian art. Take a panoramic stroll at your own pace to St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bell Tower, and the Bridge of Sighs. Browse through the shops or take an optional gondola ride. (B) 

Day 9, VENICE / Verona / STRESA Lake Maggiore:  We depart Venice this morning traveling west to Verona. Stroll through the city’s UNESCO-recognized historic center. Admire the   Roman arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and the balcony of Shakespeare’s Juliet. Continue to Lake Maggiore in the town of Stresa. Check-in for a 2-night stay.  (B)   

Day 10, STRESA / Borromean islands: This morning we Island-hop at Lake Maggiore and discover the tiny Borromean Islands with a hop-on hop-off ferry ticket. Use the 1-day pass to venture out from Stresa and spend your day sightseeing as you wish. Soak up beautiful views of the lake and dramatic slopes. Move between the three islands as you please. Explore botanical gardens and palatial residences on Isola Bella and Isola Madre See the quaint old houses and traditional fishing boats of Isola dei Pescatori. Optional admission tickets at Isola Madre and Isola Bella are not included. (B) 

Day 11, STRESA / Como / Bellagio/ MILAN:  After breakfast mid-morning we depart Stresa and take in the scenic beauty of Como and Lake Como.  Discover Como town’s history and architecture during a morning walk. As you stroll at your own pace, you will check out the landmarks that bear testament to the city’s reputation as a site of art and culture. See the churches of San Fedele and Sant’Abbondio, discover the famous Broletto, and visit the city walls, which skirt the Centro Storico. Continue a short drive to Bellagio. You will have free time to spend in the beautiful town of Bellagio. Bellagio is the perfect six of photogenic streets, small shops, wonderful restaurants, and gorgeous views across Lake Como. Bellagio is small and compact. Many of the roads are pedestrian only, perfect for strolling and exploring the waterfront, narrow cobblestoned streets, and walking paths. Late afternoon we travel south to Milan. Check-in and overnight at our hotel in Milan Linate. Dinner at our hotel.  (B, D) 

DAY 12, MILAN / USA: Transfer via Shuttle to Milan Linate Airport for our return flight home. (B)  

Includes:   

§ Roundtrip airport transfers Airport – Hotels - Airport·       

§ First class 4-star hotel accommodations with daily breakfast·  

§ Transportation throughout via air-conditioned minivan, max 8 pax or 16 pax minibus

§ Tour Escort/Driver at your disposal throughout Italy.

§ Entrance ticket to Siena Cathedral and sites in area

§ Three-hour sightseeing walking tour of Florence and entrance ticket to Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo Statue 

§ Murano 4-hour tour, 3 island cruise in Venice

§ 13 Meals included: 10 breakfast, 3 dinners

§ Panoramic sightseeing per itinerary in Florence, Siena, Rome

§ Half day Vatican tour includes Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel skip the line entrance fees 

§ Hop on Hop off ticket for 48 hours in Rome

§ Lake Maggiore hop-on hop-off ferry ticket

§ Porterage one 25” medium size suitcase

§ Hotel taxes and service charges

Please note: Rates do not include local hotel city taxes. City tax will be paid directly at the reception hotel desk at the arrival or at the check-out according to the local city board procedure. City tax will change according to hotel category    (3 - 6 euros/ per day) 

TRANSFERS: Airport transfers are included per itinerary only when airfare is purchased from Classic Holidays. Taxi service or private ground transfers are available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere at additional cost.