Veni, Vidi, Vici

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: Venice

Arrive in Venice and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. After a private bus brings you to your hotel, your tour manager takes you into downtown Venice by private motor launch for an orientation walking tour and dinner. Return later to your hotel by private motor launch.

Day 3: 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 famous Bridge of Sighs—which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace—and enjoy a visit inside St. Mark's Basilica, including the Loggia dei Cavalli. Marvel at the Basilica's Byzantine architecture and incredible mosaics, and notice how the floor has been affected by Venice having been built over the water. The Loggia offers an elevated view of both the Basilica's interior and of the Square's highlights, along with the original sculpture of four bronze horses known as the Quadriga that was brought back from the Crusades (the horses that can been seen from outside are copies). Then learn more about one of Venice's most famous 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. Later explore more of this magical city at your own pace. You'll feel like a local in no time.

Day 4: Florence

Journey today to Florence by train, where you'll begin to explore la città bella, the glorious center of the Italian Renaissance, on an orientation walking tour led by your tour manager. After dinner, perhaps stroll out to see the iconic Ponte Vecchio, with its bustling gold shops all lit up at night.

Day 5: Florence

This morning, enjoy a timed entrance to the Accademia, where you'll marvel at Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David. Then spend the afternoon discovering more of Florence at your own pace. Perhaps climb San Miniato for spectacular city views, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce or admire the famed works of the Uffizi Gallery. Or you may choose to participate in an optional fresco making workshop, where you'll learn about this traditional Italian art form and channel your inner Michelangelo to paint your own souvenir.

Day 6: Rome

Take the train south to Rome today. Upon arrival, visit the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (and a line-avoiding timed reservation) to 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.

Day 7: Rome

Today explore the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums with audio guides, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling graced by Michelangelo's spectacular frescos, and then continue to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's most renowned examples of Renaissance architecture. In the afternoon, you're free to explore more of the Eternal City at your own speed, perhaps improving your language skills by speaking with local shop owners in the quirky Rione Monti district, taking in the amazing frescoes inside the lesser-known Basilica of San Clemente or viewing the art and artifacts inside the Capitoline Museums.

Day 8: Rome

Today is free for you to discover more of Rome's wonders with your tour manager. Perhaps browse through remarkable art museums such as the Borghese Gallery, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme and Doria Pamphilj Gallery, shop for last-minute souvenirs near the Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your future return to Rome.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.