Creativity Tour with Dr. Lucy Bartholomee and Lindsay Whittenberg

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 25: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday June 26: Venice

Arrive in Venice and meet your ACIS Tour Manager, then travel by private bus to our hotel. Introductions will be shared at our orientation session where you will collect your art supply kit and begin your creative adventure. Next, our tour manager will take us to the heart of Venice by private motor launch for an orientation walking tour and dinner. Return later to your hotel by private motor launch (B,D)

Day 3, Thursday June 27: 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 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. Next up is a visit to the Campanile on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Arrive at the 16th-century Benedictine church on the island, housing paintings from the Venetia School, including Tintoretto. From the top of the bell tower see incredible views over St. Mark's square and the Doge's Palace. Enjoy this unique site, then explore more at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 28: 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. This evening, we will offer an opportunity to be creative together through multimedia collage with marbled paper. (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday June 29: Florence

This morning, enjoy a timed entrance to the Accademia, where you'll marvel at Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David. Then spend the afternoon participating in a fresco making workshop, where you'll learn about this traditional Italian art form and channel your inner Michelangelo to paint your own souvenir. As time allows, consider exploring extraordinary museums such as the Bargello, Opera del Duomo, or the Uffizi. Venture across the Arno to the Pitti Palace and beyond, for every lane in Florence offers artistic delights. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 30: Rome

Take the train 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. This evening we will explore our neighborhood with an optional art/ography walk, with camera and sketchbook in hand, and soak up the gorgeous sunset overlooking the Eternal City. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday July 1: Rome

Start the day with a sightseeing tour that introduces you to every phase of Rome's history. Explore the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling graced by Michelangelo's spectacular frescos, with audio guides 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. Discover in situ artworks by iconic Roman artists (Caravaggio, Raphael, Michelangelo and more) with Lucy's self-paced Hidden Artistic Gems walking tour. Take time for sketching alongside locals in Piazza del Fiore, and soak up the spirit of Rome. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday July 2: Rome

Today is free to design your own creative path. Explore the marvels of the Vila Borghese Gallery or the impressive Capitoline Museums. Book a mosaic class and explore the artisanal shops in the Trastevere neighborhood. Or opt to journey to the Roman site of Ostia Antica where you can explore first century mosaics, temples, and daily life from the historic port city. We may even swing by the beach to dip a toe in the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, we will gather for our final dinner and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain so we can ensure our return to Bella Roma! (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday July 3: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)