THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14 – FLY TO MILAN, ITALY

La Dolce Vita Awaits

Depart the United States from your local international airport and fly overnight to Milan, Italy, where you'll embark on an exciting European adventure — setting the stage for a bucket-list tour of Italy.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 – ARRIVE MILAN / ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT

Sparkling Waters & Alpine Scenery

Upon arrival at Milan's Malpensa Airport, transfer to your hotel nestled in the stunning Italian Lake District, where sparkling waters and alpine scenery set the tone for your stay. After checking in, take some time to relax and freshen up before the evening begins.

Later, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful "Welcome to Italy" dinner at the hotel — a perfect opportunity to get acquainted, share in the excitement of the journey ahead, and savor your first taste of authentic Italian hospitality.

Included: Dinner

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 – ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT / MILAN

Style, Heritage & the World's Oldest Shopping Mall

This morning, set off for the vibrant heart of Milan, where history, culture, and style come together in spectacular fashion. Step into the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — renowned as the world's oldest shopping mall — before arriving at the magnificent Duomo, whose intricate façade dominates the city's main square. Enjoy an interior visit of this awe-inspiring cathedral, taking in its soaring architecture and remarkable artistry.

Afterward, your local Tour Manager will guide you toward Milan's famed fashion district, where chic boutiques and designer storefronts line the streets. Along the way, admire iconic landmarks such as the legendary La Scala Opera House, a symbol of Italy's rich musical heritage. Of course, no visit to Milan would be complete without a stop at a local gelateria — where you'll be tempted to indulge in a scoop (or two!) of authentic Italian ice cream.

This afternoon, return to the tranquility of your Lake District hotel, where a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner await.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 – LAKE GARDA / VERONA

In the Footsteps of Romeo & Juliet

Your first destination today is Lake Garda. Stroll along the lakefront, browse the quaint markets, or take in the scene from one of the many sidewalk cafés. From Garda, it's a short ride to Verona, famous for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

Your Tour Manager will offer a walk through the medieval center of the city. The focal point of Verona is the ancient Arena, still used for outdoor opera performances every summer. Sample authentic Italian dishes during an independent dinner in Verona before transferring to your hotel.

Included: Breakfast

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18 – VENICE

The Floating City

Today is devoted to a full-day exploration of the enchanting city of Venice, a place unlike anywhere else in the world. Known for its winding canals, graceful gondolas, and timeless beauty, Venice invites you to slow down and experience life as the Venetians do. Your journey begins with a scenic boat transfer into the heart of this remarkable "floating city," offering your first glimpses of elegant palaces rising directly from the water.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through the city's labyrinth of narrow lanes and picturesque bridges. Along the way, visit a traditional glass-blowing workshop, where master artisans demonstrate the centuries-old craft that has made Venetian glass famous worldwide.

The remainder of the day allows ample time to soak in Venice's most iconic sights. Stand in awe in St. Mark's Square, surrounded by architectural masterpieces including the ornate façade of St. Mark's Basilica, the grandeur of the Doge's Palace, and the striking Clock Tower. Pause to take in the atmosphere, perhaps with a coffee at a historic café.

For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to glide through the canals on an optional gondola ride (approximately €45 per person, based on up to six passengers per gondola). This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure — perhaps a cozy neighborhood pizzeria — or join your Tour Manager for an optional dinner at a classic Venetian restaurant. After a memorable time in Venice, return to your hotel in the Verona area.

Included: Breakfast

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 – LUCCA / PISA / MONTECATINI-TERME

Through Tuscany to the Leaning Tower

A morning drive takes you south through the Apennine Mountains and into Tuscany. Stop in the medieval center of Lucca before continuing to Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Work on this unique structure began in 1174, and it had already begun to tilt by the time the second floor was complete! The cathedral complex consists of the Duomo, baptistery, and bell tower. Set against the Field of Miracles (an expansive green lawn), these three white marble buildings are an impressive sight.

This evening, pastel-tinted buildings on palm tree-lined streets welcome you to the spa resort town of Montecatini-Terme, your home for the next three nights.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FLORENCE / MONTECATINI-TERME

The Cradle of the Renaissance

This day is devoted to the art and architecture of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. During your guided walking tour, take in the city's most celebrated landmarks, including the magnificent Duomo, the renowned bronze Baptistry doors by Ghiberti, and Giotto's elegant Campanile (bell tower), each a testament to Florence's rich artistic legacy.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Stroll through lively piazzas, browse the open-air markets, visit a world-class gallery, or simply soak up the atmosphere alongside locals and visitors on the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Depending on availability, your Tour Manager may offer an optional visit to the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, David.

Later, return to Montecatini-Terme, where you may choose to relax and enjoy dinner "al fresco" on a charming sidewalk terrace.

Included: Breakfast

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 – MONTECATINI-TERME

A Tuscan Day at Your Pace

Spend a leisurely day enjoying the shops, cafés, spas, and parks of Montecatini-Terme. Take the funicular up to the old town of Montecatini Alto, and sip a cappuccino as you take in the panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. Consider using the convenient train service to return to Florence for further exploration. Another choice for today is the optional Siena & Vineyard Dinner excursion.

Included: Breakfast

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 – TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE / POMPEII

Olive Groves & Rolling Hills

Your final impressions of Tuscany take you past olive groves and rolling hills to a morning stop in a charming provincial village. This afternoon, continue south toward your hotel in the area of Pompeii, where dinner will be served upon arrival.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 – SORRENTO

A Day on the Sparkling Mediterranean

Transfer to nearby Sorrento for a full day to explore at your leisure. Wander through the narrow streets and alleyways in Old Sorrento, sit at a sidewalk café at the Piazza Tasso, and walk among the frescoes in the Sorrento Duomo.

Another option is to board a 25-minute ferry to Capri, and spend the day investigating this beautiful island. Or, perhaps you have decided to join the optional Amalfi Coast excursion (Note: this excursion must be reserved prior to and paid with your final tour payment).

Included: Breakfast

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 – POMPEII / ROME

A City Frozen in Time

A local guide will join you for an educational visit to the ruins of Pompeii. Buried under thick ash after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., Pompeii was discovered during an excavation in 1748. Since then, large sections have been unearthed, providing extraordinary insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire.

On the way from Pompeii to the "Eternal City" of Rome, stop for an included dinner of homemade specialties at a countryside farm. Afterwards, continue to your Rome area hotel.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 – ROME

The Eternal City

Today is devoted to the wonders of Rome. During a panoramic tour, a local guide will introduce you to some of the city's most famous landmarks. This afternoon, continue with a walking tour including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and more. Top off the day with an independent dinner at one of Rome's many restaurants or sidewalk cafés before returning to your hotel this evening.

Included: Breakfast

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 – ROME / VATICAN CITY

In the Footsteps of the Apostles

This morning, transfer to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. A guided visit provides insight into the history of Christianity in Rome. The Basilica is built upon the grave of the Apostle Paul, who came to Rome in 61 A.D. for his trial by the Roman court which condemned him to death as a Christian. His tomb became a place of veneration for the faithful, and throughout the centuries, the simple memorial chamber was expanded into an enhanced and embellished basilica.

This afternoon, continue your guided experience by joining the optional Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel excursion or spend the afternoon exploring the area around Vatican City on your own. Return to your hotel this evening for a "Farewell Dinner."

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 – ROME

The Colosseum & Final Discoveries

Your final day in Rome provides the opportunity for independent exploration. Transfer to the area around the Colosseum where you can wander the shops, visit the Capitoline Museums, and admire artwork and artifacts from the ancient Roman world. Or, simply relax with a cappuccino at a sidewalk café.

This afternoon, your Tour Manager will offer the optional Colosseum excursion for a guided tour through the interior of this massive structure and the Roman Forum. Savor your final Italian meal of the tour during an independent dinner.

Included: Breakfast

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 – RETURN TO THE U.S.A.

Arrivederci, Italia

Following an included breakfast, say "Arrivederci, Italy" and transfer to the Rome Fiumicino Airport for your return flight home, taking with you fond memories of your amazing time in beautiful Italy.

Included: Breakfast