Rise and shine for an early departure from ROME via deluxe motor coach to your first destination, ASSISI. Today, you will meet your tour guide and get to know your fellow guests. Relax, enjoy the ride, and welcome to the “Discover Florence and Venice” tour!

ASSISI: Arrive in Assisi, in Italy’s Umbrian region, and enjoy some leisure time in this tiny town surrounded by ancient walls and graced by grand castles and historic ancient churches. A visit of the Basilica of St. Francis, a World Heritage Site, will provide visitors with a chance to view the frescoes of Giotto and Cimabue as well as many other beautiful works of art.

Departure from ASSISI to SIENA.

SIENA: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Tuscan hill town includes magnificent cathedrals, pretty botanical gardens, Gothic palazzos, and the shell–shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square and favored gathering place, home to the Palio horse race, an excellent art museum, and plenty of opportunity for people-watching.

Departure from SIENA to our destination of the evening, magnificent FLORENCE.

FLORENCE: Arrive at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and comfortable overnight accommodations.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then depart for a day of Florence sightseeing.

FLORENCE: Truly the center of Italian art, this breathtaking Etruscan city will be the highlight of the trip for culture lovers. Florence flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune and became the center for art and architecture during the Renaissance. The most-populated city in Tuscany, it is best known for its domed cathedral, the 13th century Santa Maria del Fiore (known as the Duomo). A visit to this astounding site is included on the tour. This ecclesiastic structure is a masterpiece inside and out, having as its centerpiece the magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. We will then proceed to the nearby Campanile Tower (partially designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery with its golden bronze doors, dubbed the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo himself. In the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage city, guests can view the Piazza della Signoria, the Santa Croce Basilica, and walk the paths that once led to the homes of the city’s most famous residents, including da Vinci, Machiavelli, Raphael, Donatello, the Medici Family, and even modern well-known “artists” such as Gucci and Ferragamo.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or take part in the optional Pisa tour.

PISA: (Optional) Most famous for its Leaning Tower, the power of this city as a mighty maritime nation reached its apex in the 11th century, when it acquired fame as one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. We will take time to admire the area known as the Square of Miracles, which includes the Duomo, the Leaning Tower, the monumental cemetery, and the opulent Baptistery of the Cathedral.

Enjoy dinner with your tour companions and overnight accommodations in a Florence hotel.

After breakfast you will depart Florence by a deluxe coach and head to BOLOGNA.

BOLOGNA: : Situated between the Po River and the Apennines, the city of Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world (established in 1088) and is known throughout Italy for the excellent quality of life it provides its residents. The landscape of this city, one of the most developed in Italy, is enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), an architectural element for which the city is famous. Have your camera ready as we explore Neptune Square and its beautiful fountain, and nearby Major Square, both located in the heart of the city. Home to companies such as Lamborghini and Masserati, Bologna is a pedestrian-friendly city where guests can feel free to explore on foot. Here, you’ll be fascinated by the opulent King Renzo Palace, the Podestà Palace, and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest basilicas in the world.

Departure from BOLOGNA to PADOVA.

PADOVA: Our stop in Padova includes a visit to the beautiful Sant’Antonio Basilica in the heart of the city.

Departure from PADOVA to our next destination, VENICE.

VENICE: In the evening when the city sparkles, arrive in spectacular Venice, often described as one of the most romantic cities in the world, famous for its gondola-traveled canals and magnificent architectural sites.

Enjoy dinner in this magical city and a good night’s sleep before a day of sightseeing.

Partake of breakfast at the hotel and end of our services.

Not ready to go home yet? Having too much fun exploring magnificent Italy? Your travel specialist will review all the options available to you at the end of the trip, including an extended opportunity to explore the country or the option of spending an extra night in Venice. Remember, we are always eager to help you create the travel experience you desire, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like to keep your travel options open!