Burlingame HS Cultura Italiana 2026

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, Saturday March 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from San Francisco on your two week Italian Language and Cultural Study Program of Italy.

Day 2, Sunday March 22: Venice

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel. After getting checked-in, 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. Dinner will be together tonight at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Monday March 23: Venice

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel board the Vaporetto waterbus and sail into downtown Venice. This morning and afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Suggestions for free time activities include a visit to the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi for a breathtaking view of the city or the Doge's Palace (entrances included). The evening is free to further explore Venice and enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Day 4, Tuesday March 24: Venice

Today's excursion via vaporetto takes you to Murano and Burano, famed for their Venetian and enjoy a fun and informative glass demonstration. The afternoon is free to further explore Venice. Why not retrace the path of famed Venetian composer, Antonio Vivaldi, Enjoy a free evening in Venice for dinner on your own. (B)

Day 5, Wednesday March 25: Under Own Arrangements

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to neafrby Udine where you will be under own arrangement for a a three day Italian language study. (B)

Day 6, Thursday March 26: Under Own Arrangements

Under Own Arrangement in Udine.

Day 7, Friday March 27: Under Own Arrangements

Under Own arrangement in Udine.

Day 8, Saturday March 28: Florence

This morning say goodbye to your hosts and depart for the magnificent city of Florence. During today's sightseeing tour a local guide provides commentary while showing you Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce; where many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo, are 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. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday March 29: Florence

The entire day is free to explore Florence on your own. Your Tour Manager is available to suggest sites of interest. Dinner is under own arrangement tonight in Florence. (B)

Day 10, Monday March 30: Florence

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full-day excursion to nearby Siena and San Gimignano. Your first stop is Siena and time to visit the main piaza and site of the yearly Palio races. Marvel at the city's stunning Duomo. Find a great spot to watch the tourists and citizens of Siena go about their day while you enjoy a refreshing drink or lunch at a local cafe. Head later today to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famous for its stunning skyline of ancient towers. Return to Florence for a free evening and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 11, Tuesday March 31: Rome

The morning is free in Florence for last minute shopping or revisiting a favorite spot. Later today, transfer to The Eternal City of Rome for hotel check in and an introductory walking tour with your Tour Manager before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 12, Wednesday April 1: Rome

Rome is called "The Eternal City" because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what empires rose and fell, Rome would endure forever. A local guide accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at your leisure and dinner under own arrangements at one of Rome's amazing restaurants. (B)

Day 13, Thursday April 2: Rome

This morning, explore the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide 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. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and this evening, enjoy another Roman dinner under own arrangement at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 14, Friday April 3: Rome

This morning after breakfadst at your hotel, transfer to the magnificent Borghese park and Galleria Borghese where a local guide will walk you through the stunning rooms and breathtaking collection of art amassed by the Borghese family which includes paintings by Caravaggio and jaw dropping sculptures by Bernini. Following this visit enjoy some free time for lunch on your own and perhaps a bit of shopping. This aftrernoon enjoy a visit and lecture on Italian culture and music at the local Italian language school, Centro Linguistico Dante Alighieri. This evening's highlight is a pizza making class where at the end you will dine on your own creations...authentic Roman style pizza! Buon appetito tutti! (B,D)

Day 15, Saturday April 4: Departure

Transfer to the Fiumicino airport for your return flight to the US. (B)