Lucerne to Rome

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Lake Lucerne

Arrive in Switzerland's bustling financial center of Zurich. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne.

Day 3: Lake Lucerne

A morning walking tour of Lucerne shows you the Altstadt (Old Town), Lion Monument and famous Chapel Bridge. In the afternoon, you may opt to ascend 7,000 feet by cable car and the world's steepest cog railway to the breathtaking heights of Mount Pilatus.

Day 4: Venice

This morning cross the Italian border and head to Verona, the impressive setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. An afternoon walking tour introduces you to the city's classic buildings and one of the largest and most impressive Roman Arenas in the world. Continue tonight to the Venice area.

Day 5: Venice

Consisting of an archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, the incomparable city of Venice contains a wealth of sights. Arrive in St. Mark's Square where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace. You'll then learn more about one of the most famous Venetian exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration, before enjoying views up and down the Grand Canal as you stop for a photo at the iconic Rialto Bridge. During your time in Venice, you'll also ascend to the top of the iconic St. Mark's Campanile—as the tallest building in the city, with a belfry that offers 360-degree views, you'll have a stunning perspective of the square and beyond, plus a unique appreciation for the incredible feat of human ingenuity and engineering involved in making Venice what it is. Then explore more at your own pace. You'll feel like a local in no time.

Day 6: Florence

This morning travel into the heart of Renaissance Italy, Florence. During today's sightseeing tour, a local guide provides commentary while showing you Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce (where many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo, have been buried) and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of the Renaissance city.

Day 7: Rome

Journey to Rome today and begin to explore the Eternal City. In the evening join your tour manager as you wander through the lively Piazza Navona and gaze up at the magnificent Pantheon, at once an ancient temple and functioning Roman Catholic Church.

Day 8: Rome

Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. Then go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Your ticket also includes entrance to the nearby Roman Forum if your group has time. Cap off your exceptional week by practicing the fine art of the evening stroll with friends with a passeggiata romana to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of la dolce vita with an extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.