Panorama Italiano

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday March 25: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday March 26: Rome

Benvenuti in Italia! After meeting your ACIS Tour Manager and settling in to your hotel at the heart of bustling, historic Rome, practice your language skills by ordering una coppa gelato and enjoy people-watching in one of the city’s stunning piazzas. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 27: Rome

Rome is called “The Eternal City” because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. 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, giving commentary via personal headsets. 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. In the evening, we’ll enjoy an authentic, brick-oven Roman pizza dinner and learn the art of the Italian passeggiata romana around Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 28: Rome

This morning attend Easter Mass at St. Peters (group leader to provide tickets). The rest of the day is free to further explore Rome. In the evening, try your hand in the Italian culinary arts with a pizza making lesson and dinner. Pay close attention to the chef's presentation on how to lay out the dough of a perfect pie, top it with ingredients in the Roman style and finish it off in the oven. You'll work in teams to assemble and cook your own authentic, brick oven pizza. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 29: Sorrento

This morning head to Pompeii for sightseeing with a local guide. In 79 AD, nearby Vesuvius erupted and covered the city in 23 feet of ash. You will see a perfect picture of life as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Afterwards drive to Sorrento, situated in the sheltered Bay of Naples under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday March 30: Sorrento

Today's excursion takes you to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Arriving on the island, take the funicular to the main piazza and pass by sub-tropical gardens. There is time to wander through the twisting lanes and shop in the tiny artisan stores that line the square. In the evening, a lesson with a local expert will teach you the steps of the Tarantella, a southern Italian folk dance. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 31: Assisi

This morning journey to Assisi and visit the incredible Basilica of St. Francis, home to Giotto's famous frescoes, and learn about St. Francis' founding of the Franciscan Friars. Enjoy time to experience more of beautiful Assisi like a local this evening after the day-trippers have left. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 1: Florence

Depart for Florence this morning. Upon arrival, breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. As you explore, keep an eye out for that special trattoria you might want to come back to. Tonight you’ll be able to dine like (and with) the locals using our insider tips and restaurant vouchers. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 2: Venice

This morning, visit the Palazzo Vecchio, a Florentine icon of history, art, architecture and government for over seven centuries. Partake in a hands-on fresco making workshop, learning the techniques for painting on wet plaster from an expert before testing your skills against those of masters like Vasari and Michelangelo. The lesson will give you a deeper appreciation for the palazzo's stunning frescoes and other highlights as you explore rooms such as the Salone dei Cinquecento, courtyard, Map Room and Medici private apartments. Afterwards, continue to Venice. Upon arrival explore Venice’s highlights, perhaps by riding along the Grand Canal and under the famous Rialto Bridge or exploring one of the smaller islands, with unlimited access to the entire canal network using your vaporetto pass. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday April 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 and spend the day discovering its most iconic landmarks at your preferred pace using our immersive audio guide in the ACIS Travel App. Expert storytelling and student-friendly insights will bring to life the history, legends, and artistry of physical and cultural highlights such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Venetian gondolas, Carnival masks and the Jewish Ghetto. Enjoy views up and down the Grand Canal as you stop for a photo at the iconic Rialto Bridge, and learn more about one of the most famous Venetian exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration. Exploration of the city is easy, with your vaporetto pass providing unlimited access to the entire canal network and smaller islands. You'll feel like a local in no time. (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday April 4: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)