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, Tuesday June 14: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday June 15: 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, Thursday June 16: 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. Then learn more about one of Venice’s most famous exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration before visiting the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi for breathtaking views of the Grand Canal from its rooftop. Stop for a photo at nearby Rialto Bridge en route to an authentic cicchetteria where you will sample traditional Venetian-style tapas. Then explore more at your own pace with unlimited access to the entire canal network and smaller islands using your vaporetto pass. You'll feel like a local in no time. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 17: Montecatini

We leave Venice this morning and travel to Tuscany for lunch at Il Poggio, you will visit the farm and olive oil press before a three course Tuscan lunch including samples of the estate's wine and olive oil. Continue to Pisa for a visit of Campo dei Miracoli before arriving in Montecatini for a swim at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Saturday June 18: Montecatini

This morning travel to Florence for a full day. Your sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of this Renaissance city. Then breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Tonight enjoy dinner in Florence before returning to Montecatini for the overnight. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 19: Sorrento

Journey to Orvieto. Once a major center of the Etruscan civilization, the city is perched high on a plateau of volcanic tufa stone and is known for its gothic Duomo, whose dramatic outline is visible for miles around. Enjoy some free exploration time, then begin your scenic drive down to coastal Sorrento, situated in the sheltered Bay of Naples under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Fragrant orange and lemon trees abound. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 20: Sorrento

Today's excursion brings you by high-speed hydrofoil to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Arriving on the island, take the funicular past sub-tropical gardens to the main piazza. There is time to wander through the twisting lanes and shop in the tiny artisan stores that line the square. (Prior to March 15, an excursion to Naples with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum will be substituted). Then return to Sorrento where a dance lesson with local experts will teach you the steps of the Tarantella, a southern Italian folk dance. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday June 21: Rome

This morning head to Pompeii for sightseeing with a local guide. In 79 AD, nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the city in 23 feet of ash. You will see a perfect picture of life unearthed as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Today's final destination is Rome. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday June 22: 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. 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 to cap off an exceptional week. (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday June 23: Rome

Today entrance to the Borghese Gallery is included. Afterwards be sure to sample the gelato. One of the best spots for that is Piazza Navona. (B,D)

Day 11, Friday June 24: 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. (B)