Day 1 Saturday

Depart USA

Board your international flight to Venice.

Day 2 Sunday D

Arrive Venice

Welcome to Venice. With the magic of its canals, incredible web of narrow streets and cozy squares, it is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at the get-acquainted reception and dinner. HOTEL BAUER

Day 3 Monday BL

Venice

This morning travel by private motor launch to the island of Torcello to see the magnificent Bysantine mosaics in the Church of Santa Maria Assuta. After lunch it's off to Burano, famous for its lace makers and pastel houses, where every vista is a photographer's dream. Later walk through the hidden alleyways of secret Venice for a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim collection. Conclude a perfect day with an aperitivo at an historic cafi in Piazza San Marco. HOTEL BAUER

Day 4 Tuesday BD

Venice

Your guided walking tour of romantic Venice includes interior visits to the impressive Basilica of St. Mark and the Doges' Palace, once the scene of much intrigue and home to many powerful and prosperous dukes. See the magnificent Pala d'Oro, a jewel encrusted altar screen. Enjoy a demonstration of the fascinating Venetian art of glassblowing. In the early evening be serenaded during a gondola ride on the Grand Canal before dining. HOTEL BAUER

Day 5 Wednesday BL

Eurostar/Florence

This morning transfer to the Santa Lucia Station for departure aboard the sleek new Eurostar train to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. From the Piazzale Michelangelo, you will experience that unforgettable first impression of the city from high above that you might recall from such films as Room with a View and Tea with Mussolini. Your home for the next four nights is the WESTIN EXCELSIOR PALACE.

Day 6 Thursday BD

Florence

Florence reached its zenith during the full flowering of Italy's Renaissance period. Don your most comfortable shoes and join a local guide for a walking tour of the city, featuring seldom seen as well as the expected treasures. Have views of Ghirlandaio's Last Supper, the medieval Dominican pharmacy at Santa Maria, the newly-restored frescoes of Santa Maria Novella and, of course, Michelangelo's David. Visit the enormous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Campanile and the famous bronze doors of Ghiberti at the Baptistry. Later visit the Uffizi Gallery, which houses the most important collection of paintings in Italy. WESTIN EXCELSIOR PALACE.

Day 7 Friday BL

Pisa Excursion

This morning, it's off to Pisa, to see its well-known landmark, the Leaning Tower. Professor Urano Castelli truly wrote the book on this masterpiece and you will get an autographed copy as a souvenir. Also visit the Duomo and Baptistry and see the splendid Piazza dei Cavalieri on a walk though old Pisa. Then enjoy a drive along charming country roads to lunch in a Villa, which was formerly home to Napoleon's sister Elisa, for whom Fur Elise was written. This afternoon circle the impressive city walls of Lucca and take a walking tour through the historic center of Puccini's birthplace. WESTIN EXCELSIOR PALACE

Day 8 Saturday BD

Florence

By now you know why it is so much easier to see Florence on foot. This morning's walking tour begins by crossing the Ponte Vecchio. The object of your journey is the Palazzo Pitti which houses one of the world's greatest Renaissance art collections. The remainder of the day is free to stroll the narrow medieval streets. This evening you can say Addio to Florence in style as you travel by carriage to Beccofino's, one of the trendiest restaurant's serving New Tuscan cuisines. WESTIN EXCELSIOR PLAZA

Day 9 Sunday BL

Naples/Amalfi

Board an early train this morning for Naples. Have lunch at a Pompeian Villa. Prepare for spaghetti, this is where it was invented! Discover the ancient Roman way of life on your guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii, buried by hot cinder and ash from Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. In the late afternoon, make the picturesque drive to Amalfi to spend three nights with stunning sea views from your room at the GRAND EXCELSIOR HOTEL.

Day 10 Monday BD

Ravello

Ride along the breathtaking Amalfi Drive up to the magical village of Ravello. The notable gardens of the village were an inspiration to Wagner during his Italian sojourn. In a medieval convent courtyard, as the sun sets over the sea below, listen to the strains of a Wagnerian overture. Then partake of delicious Neopolitan cuisine at Ristorante Parsifal. GRAND EXCELSIOR HOTEL

Day 11 Tuesday BL

Capri

Take a boat cruise this morning along the Amalfi coastline to Capri. Have lunch at world-famous Calzone del Mare. An unforgettable ride takes you up into Capri town for a walking tour and some free time to absorb the atmosphere of this beautiful Mediterranean isle. Keep your eye peeled - this is still a favorite haunt of the rich and famous. Return to Amalfi in the late afternoon. GRAND EXCELSIOR HOTEL

Day 12 Wednesday BL

Salerno/Rome

Drive south along the scenic coast to Salerno this morning to board a train for the eternal city, Rome! Begin your introduction with an exploration of the Caput Mundi. Visit the Colosseum, view the Arch of Constantine and stroll through the Forum. The sense of history can be overwhelming. Your Roman home for four leisurely nights is located on the elegant Via Veneto, just steps from the jet set Cafi de Paris or the famous Harry's Bar. HOTEL REGIONA BAGLIONI

Day 13 Thursday BL

Rome

This morning cross the Tiber River to Vatican City where you are taken on a tour of the Museums and Michelangelo's glorious Sistine Chapel. Have lunch beside a bubbling fountain in the magnificent courtyard of a cardinal's palace. Then visit St. Peter's Basilica and its myriad of treasures. HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI

Day 14 Friday B

Rome

The morning is free for your own pursuits. The elegant shops along the Spanish Steps are an easy ten-minute walk, sip a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe or enjoy a gelato. This afternoon, join your local guide for a lovely walk through the Villa Borghese, one of the most elegant city parks. View the masterpieces of Bernini and Caravaggio in one of the greatest private collections ever assembled in the Casino Borghese. HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI

Day 15 Saturday BD

Rome/Ostia Antica

This morning visit the ancient port of Rome, Ostia Antica. When the once thriving port and commercial center was outgrown and abandoned, tidal mud and windblown sand assured a preservation rivaling Pompeii. Return to Rome in the early afternoon for those last minute forays. This evening's farewell dinner is at the elegant Mirabelle. Reflect on all you have seen and learned about Italian history, culture and cuisine. HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI

Day 16 Sunday B

Conclude Rome

We hope this is just the beginning of your love affair with all that is Italian. Join us again soon for more in depth visits to Tuscany, north to the Lakes or south to Calabria and Sicily. Arrivederci a presto!