An Italian Adventure – May 2010
Day 1: Thursday, May 20th, 2010 Depart USA. Depart USA for Rome, Italy. Overnight: In flight.
Day 2: Friday, May 21st, 2010 Arrive Rome; The Empire that was Rome: (Coliseum and Forum). Arriving in Rome (07:35). After arrival we will transfer to inner city Rome. We will secure a “security room” for luggage because we will arrive before normal check in time. After we have lunch we will make our way for a walking tour of “ancient Rome”, the area of the Coliseum and Forum! Overnight: Rome (1)HB.
Day3: Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 The Empire that was Rome: (Spiritual and Artistic Rome). Today we will visit the immense Vatican Museum, the brilliantly restored Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. A trip south of Rome to the Catacombs (St. Callixtus, Quo Vadis) will also help us understand the spiritual background of the city. This evening should be ideal for a dinner in a special hideaway restaurant and a floodlit fountain walk through Medieval Rome, with its leftover piazzas. Can you say “Spanish Steps?” Overnight: Rome (2)BB.
Day 4: Sunday, May 23rd, 2010 When in Rome: The Intense Beauty of Life – Today we will visit the Borghese Museum and the Bernini school of art in the morning, allowing for free time in the afternoon for wandering in Piazza di Campo de Fiori open market. Since the medieval times the square offered a place to absorb the culture and witness Romans being very Roman. This is an authentic Roman culture feast. Overnight: Rome (3)BB.
Day 5: Monday, May 24th, 2010 Discovering Rome (by Leaving It!) – Rome / Pompeii / Vesuvius / Rome – Today we’ll get up early to get on the road, travel south to Pompeii. This is a fabulous excavation of the ruins of an Imperial city! Before we leave the area, weather permitting we will climb a bit on Mt. Vesuvius to get a “warm feel” for the volcano. Afterwards, we will return to Rome for another night of fun! Overnight: Rome (4)BB.
Day 6: Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 Rome / Orvieto / Florence – This morning we will depart early for a drive following the Tiber River to view the heights of Orvieto and have an afternoon to enjoy the glory of Umbria! This is a city not to be missed, and we will use the time on the journey well! On to Florence, for our stay in one of the jewel cities of the Renaissance. Overnight: Florence (1)HB.
Day 7: Wednesday, May 26th, 2010). Florence – With the art of Florence at our fingertips today we visit the city described as a great living museum of the Renaissance including the Boboli Gardens and the Uffizi Gallery. Overnight: Florence (2)BB.
Day 8: Thursday, May 27th, 2010 Florence / Pisa / Viareggio / Florence – Today we’ll make our way from Florence to Pisa, and see what all the fuss about a leaning tower is all about. Next, we’ll travel to the coast for a look at Viareggio beaches, for a bit of “exploration time”. This afternoon we travel back to Florence, for a night on the square. Overnight: Florence (3)BB.
Day 9: Friday, May 28th, 2010 Florence – Today we visit the Accademia Museum featuring Michelangelo’s David, and discuss why David became an image of the Florentine persona of the period. With time to roam, today we will enjoy Florence. Overnight: Venice (1)BB.
Day 10: Saturday, May 29th, 2010 Venice – Today we have a trip to the canal city of Venice, a favorite of romantics everywhere! Ride along a Venetian canal, visit St. Mark’s Square and the see the center of Venetian trade and power for centuries! Overnight: Venice (2)HB.
Day 11: Sunday, May 30th,2009 Venice / Rome – Transfer to Rome via motor coach, final dinner in Rome! Overnight: Rome (1) BB.
Day 12: Monday, May 31st, 2009 Rome to Philadelphia – Early morning transfer to airport. Depart to USA. Arrive later that same day.
