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Day 1
Monday, April 5
Departure day
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2
Tuesday, April 6 D
Arrive in Rome
Rome seems even more eternal in the blush of spring.
Your hotel, the Regina Baglioni, is one of Rome’s few luxury hotels located
on the most important boulevard in the city, the Via Veneto.
Meet your travel companions at the get-acquainted reception and dinner this
evening. HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI
Day 3 Wednesday, April 7 B
Rome sightseeing
Experience the expected with an unexpected
twist, a true experience
of living history. Get an insider’s
view of this 2,757 year- old city today
as your native Roman guide pulls the
past into the present for you at
the Domus Aurea, ruins of the Palace
built for Emperor Nero, and its
surroundings. Evening entertainment
caps off an exhilarating day.
HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI
Day 4 Thursday, April 8 BL
Vatican/St. Peter’s Basilica
Today there is no need to wait in line—you are scheduled
for a private tour of the Vatican Museums. Learn off-the-beaten-track
secrets of the museums including, the Sistine Chapel. Lunch is at La
Veranda, a restaurant favored by the cardinals. Then tour St. Peter’s
Basilica and the seldom-visited catacombs below. If you choose, you may
view the "Washing of the Feet" ceremony at San Giovanni Laterano. HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI
Day 5 Friday, April 9 BD
Villa Borghese
Gain insight into the traditions of a Roman Easter at a
private lecture this morning. Then enjoy on a guided walking tour through
the beautiful Borghese Gardens to visit to the Villa Borghese Museum,
housing one of the most wonderful collections in Rome. The afternoon is
free for your own pursuits. This evening dine at a rooftop restaurant
overlooking the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. From this bird’s-eye vantage
point, you can observe preparations for the traditional candlelight
procession around the Colosseum, which happens later in the evening. You
are invited to join the procession if you wish. HOTEL REGINA BAGLIONI
Day 6 Saturday, April 10 BD
Eurostar
Board the new, deluxe and very comfortable high-speed
train known as Eurostar on your way to Florence. The journey time
has been reduced from more than 4 hours to just 90 minutes. Upon arrival,
make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for a classic across-the-rooftops view
of Florence. Continue to the centrally located and newly restored Hotel
Savoy. The afternoon is at your leisure. Florence is a walking city and you
might want to explore a bit on your own. You are just steps from the famous Ponte Vecchio, where
gold and silversmiths have plied their wares since the 15th
century. HOTEL SAVOY
Day 7 Sunday, April 11 BL
Florence
Following Mass at the Duomo of Florence, see the
traditional "Carro di Fuoco" ceremony, where an enormous wooden float decorated
with flowers is wheeled in front of the cathedral and set alight with
thousands of fireworks in celebration of an ancient Florentine victory.
Afterward take a drive along the beautiful Chianti Valley Road to the
Castle Vicchiomaggio, on the grounds of which da Vinci painted the
priceless "Mona Lisa." Here you'll enjoy a special Easter lunch including
lamb and colomba, a dove-shaped sweet bread, and the traditional Easter egg
cake. Later travel to San Gimignano for a short visit and a wine tasting of
six different varieties of Tuscan wines, vinsanto and grappa at the Villa
Torciano. Your host is Pierluigi Giachi, whose family has owned the Villa
for more than 350 years. HOTEL SAVOY
Day 8 Monday, April 12 BD
Florence walking tour
An unscheduled morning allows the pursuit of your own
interests. What better time to pickup those remembrance souvenirs for the
folks back home? Florence is known for its leather crafts. This afternoon,
take a walking tour of "secret" Florence. Your local guide will show you
several sights not on a standard city tour, including the Pharmacy of Santa
Maria, the world's oldest, and two variations of the "Last Supper", one by
Ghirlandaio at Ognisanti and the other by Andrea del Castagno at
Sant’Appollonia. Late this afternoon, have a lesson in pizza making at
Baldovino's Pizzaria. Learn to throw the disk then decorate your own pizza
and share it with your companions at the family-style pizza party that
follows. HOTEL SAVOY
Day 9 Tuesday, April 13 BD
Florence sightseeing
Join your Florentine expert this morning to view the
famous statue of David in the Academy and other art treasures. Spend the afternoon as you
wish. Regroup this evening for
a panoramic carriage ride around old Florence, terminating at one of the
most popular new restaurants in Florence. Beccofino, whose chef was recently
on the cover of "Wine Spectator." At your gala farewell dinner, you are
greeted and offered a cocktail by the owner before you sit down to a
wonderful gastronomic tasting menu, including appropriate wines. HOTEL SAVOY
Day 10 Wednesday, April 14 B
Conclude Florence
Following breakfast transfer, to the airport for your
return flights to the US.
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