ITALY’S NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

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. End the tour with a stop
at a “Bacaro” for a “cicchetto. The Bacari, also known as cicchetti
bars, are part of the local heritage of food in Venice and they are
found in large numbers scattered throughout the historic center.
Going for a bacari tour is a local habit but it is also a tasty and
convivial pleasure! Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for
more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. (B)

This morning depart Venice and stop in Maranello,
home to the Ferrari Museum! The Museum tells the Ferrari
story by delving deep into the history and myth of the “Cavallino”
extraordinary roots and taking visitors on a magnificent journey
via its most famous and successful F1 cars, legendary sports
prototypes and GTs, and, of course, the road cars that have set
the benchmark for the entire car industry. After an independent
visit of the Museum we will continue 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)

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. At the end of
the tour you will be treated to a delicious gelato tasting. Legend
has it that gelato was first created in Florence. The Medici Family
commissioned Bernardo Buontalenti to organize their banquets,
and he gave vent to his creativity by inventing a new recipe for
a dessert based on milk, honey, egg yolk and a touch of wine.
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)

The day is yours to discover the city
of Florence, to shop for some local goods or to take an optional
excursion 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 dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Morning
departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and
Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno
with a stop at a local winery where a wine expert will lecture on
the vinification process. After a delicious tasting of the varieties
of wines produced there and a light lunch, continue to Assisi,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy your guided tour of St.
Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)

This morning, embark on a guided tour
of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the
Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks
immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the
magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza
Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome,
and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of
holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. Afternoon at
leisure to discover the Eternal City on your own, for some shopping
or to join an optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Tonight, learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine during a cooking
class under the guidance of a chef who will share his passion for
food and cooking (B, D)

This morning, experience a very special
privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and
treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Rest of
the day at leisure to relax or discover why Roman trattorias are
famous for their fine cuisine. Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at
a special festive dinner with wine and music in one of the most
famous restaurants in Trastevere. (B,D)