9

DAYS

 

FROM $2425* pp dbl

Day 1 - Overnight Flight to Italy

Today board your overnight flight to Europe.

 

Day 2 - ARRIVE ITALY!†

Arrive in Venice, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel in Venice-Mestre, the center and the most populated urban area of the mainland of Venice for a 3 night stay. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (D)

 

Day 3 - Verona

After breakfast travel to Verona where a guided tour reveals that this city is second only to Rome in its number of Roman ruins. Pastel villas, built from rosso di Verona, the local pink limestone, line the cobbled streets. See the famed Romeo & Juliet Balcony that inspired Shakespeare’s tale of love gone tragically wrong. Also enjoy a visit to the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater which is internationally famous for large-scale opera performances. Later return to Venice-Mestre for an evening at leisure.    (B)

 

Day 4 - Venice

Today a very short ride brings you to Venice, one of the most unique cities in the world built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges. Start your Venice Tour  in St. Mark’s  Square, the most  famous square in Venice to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and see the Doge’s Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing the Clock Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. Also enjoy the quintessential Venetian experience – a Venice Gondola Ride on the canals. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to wander through this exceptional city.  Later return to Venice-Mestre. (B)

 

Day 5 - Venice-Mestre - Milan - Como

After breakfast, travel to Milan. Enjoy a Milan City Tour and see Duomo di Milano, which took 6 centuries to complete and is the 5th largest cathedral in the world. Enjoy some time at leisure to enjoy a cappuccino or stroll the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls Later travel to your hotel in the Como area for a 4 night stay. Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Day 6 - Como - Bellagio

Today enjoy a scenic Lake Como Cruise to one of the most famous resort towns in Italy, Bellagio. The village is characterized by century-old buildings, stone lanes and picturesque cobbled stairways filled with shops showcasing the finest Italian wares. Enjoy some time to explore Bellagio at your own pace before returning to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

 

Day 7 - Day at Leisure

Enjoy the day at leisure in the Lake Como area. An optional excursion to famous Stresa will be available. Travel through the Italian Lake District to Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a short boat ride to Isola Bella, a small island 400-yards from Stresa famous for its Baroque palace and elaborate Italian gardens. Later boat back and enjoy a brief tour of Stresa and time at your own pace to stroll the resort town’s elegant lake- side. This afternoon arrive back at your hotel for an evening at leisure.    (B)

 

Day 8 - Lugano, Switzerland

This morning travel to Lugano, Switzerland, an Italian-style city set on the edge of a bejeweled lake  with views of the not-too-distant  Alps.  Enjoy  a tour of Lugano and some free time to explore on your own. Appreciate the splendor of the Bernese and Vallese Alps as seen from the top of Switzerland’s sunniest mountain as you enjoy your ride on the Monte Bre Cable Car. From the top, enjoy the stunning views of Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains from the panoramic terraces. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring great food and wine. (B,D)

 

Day 9 - Flight Home†

This morning transfer to Milan for your flight home with wonderful memories of Italy. (B)

 

†Land only rates do not include hotel transfers. Roundtrip air package includes hotel transfers.