Bell'Italia

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, Friday April 10: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA for the land of La Dolce Vita.

Day 2, Saturday April 11: Venice

Arrive in Venice, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and enjoy a fast and fun transfer by private motor launch to your hotel on the Lido. Then start exploring this magnificent city of canals and palaces with your 48-hour vaporetto pass, which allows you to come and go throughout the city as you please. (D)

Day 3, Sunday April 12: 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 before enjoying entrance to the Gothic Doge’s Palace, including the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the palace’s interrogation rooms. Then learn about the art of Venetian glassblowing with a demonstration by a master practitioner. Be on the lookout for souvenirs as you explore more of Venice’s highlights with unlimited access to the entire canal network and smaller islands using your vaporetto pass. You’ll be feeling like a local in no time. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday April 13: Florence

Depart today for Verona. See Juliet's balcony before continuing to Tuscany and its magnificent capital, Florence. Tonight perhaps stroll out to see the iconic Ponte Vecchio, with its bustling gold shops all lit up at night. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday April 14: Florence

During today's sightseeing tour a local guide provides commentary via personal headsets 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. Also, breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. There is no shortage of wonderful places to eat in Florence, and you'll get to dine like (and with) the locals using our insider tips and restaurant vouchers. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday April 15: Rome

This morning depart for Assisi to see the stone cell where St. Francis of Assisi lived and founded the Franciscan order of Friars. In the Basilica of St. Francis, located above his tomb, you will see beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Continue south, arriving in the Eternal City of Rome. Upon arrival, live la dolce vita as you visit one of Rome's most historic gelaterias to see how the famous Italian-style ice cream is produced during a gelateria tour and tasting. Your learning will be rewarded with a sweet sample of your favorite flavor as well as one of the gelateria's iconic Sanpietrino treats. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday April 16: 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. 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 8, Friday April 17: Rome

This morning 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. This afternoon enjoy time to explore more of Rome at your own pace. Later, you can mingle with café-goers around the Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda. Tonight we’ll provide restaurant vouchers and suggestions for our favorite trattorias so you can dine like (and with) the locals. After, we’ll head out for a passeggiata romana around the Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday April 18: Rome

today take a journey to the ancient city of Pompeii. In 79 AD, nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered Pompeii in 23 feet of ash, preserving the city just as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Please note: dinner is not included this evening. (B)

Day 10, Sunday April 19: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)