Reflections of Italy

Rome, Colosseum, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, Florence, Chianti Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Lugano, Switzerland, Como
9 days, 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
Visit the beautiful resort town of Como in the Italian Lake District.
Discover Siena’s narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo.
A tour of Florence showcases the cultural treasures of the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.”
Enjoy a visit to one of Chianti’s treasured wineries complete with a visit to its medieval castle and a special lunch.
Spend a day in the breathtaking region of Umbria as you visit two of its most important cities: Assisi and Perugia.
Spend some time in Switzerland visiting the beautiful resort town of Lugano.
Regional wines included with every dinner.

Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano.Day 1: Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.

Day 2: Rome
This morning it’s your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica* will be on your personal sightseeing list. This afternoon, enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain.

Day 3: Rome - Assisi - Perugia - Umbria
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.

Day 4: Umbria - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. After a walking tour with a local expert, take some time to explore the medieval corners of Siena with its great shops and outdoor cafes. En route to Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.

Day 5: Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.

Day 6: Florence - Venice
Start your day with a trip to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region with its very own 12th century castle. Learn about Tuscany’s famous wines and enjoy a lunch filled with local specialties. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains towards the Valley of the Po. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 7: Venice - Murano Island - Venice
SB>Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.

Day 8: Venice - Lugano, Switzerland - Como, Italy - Milan Malpensa
Today you travel to the picturesque Italian Lake district. Cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano where you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. Returning to Italy, enjoy some time in the elegant town of Como. Lake Como’s charm is tied to its beautiful villas, lush gardens and spectacular views. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

Day 9: Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Milan Malpensa this morning.1 , 2
UNA Hotel Roma, Rome

OR

1 , 2
Hotel Diana, Rome

3
Hotel Sangallo Palace, Perugia

4 , 5
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence

6 , 7
Hotel Ai Mori D'Oriente, Venice

OR

6 , 7
Hotel Principe, Venice

8
Crowne Plaza Malpensa, Malpensa

OR

8
Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa, Malpensa

On some dates alternative hotels may be used.