Itinerary:

Day 1  DEPART LAX FOR THE OVER-NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2 ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY.On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There is time to relax before meeting your guide and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink tonight.

Day 3  ROME. See the highlights of Rome this morning on a sightseeing tour with our local guide. In ancient Rome, see the Forum, the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Then visit impressive St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, drive to Piazza Navona for a complimentary drink or ice cream. (B)

Day 4 ROME / GREVE IN CHIANTI / FLORENCE.Travel into the rolling Umbrian hills to Tuscany. Stop in the charming town of Greve in Chianti. Visit a wine and olive oil outlet to taste delicious wines and extra virgin olive oils. There is time to stop in the main square, with its excellent food shops. Then drive through the Chianti hills to Florence. This evening, sip a glass of wine while listening to a presentation on the basic principles of Italian cuisine and learn a few words of Italian in preparation for tomorrow's shopping and cooking day. (B,D)

Day 5 TUSCAN COOKING LESSON.Your day starts at a fruit and vegetable market to buy fresh produce for your cooking lesson. On to the kitchen of a nearby restaurant, where a chef leads a class in traditional Tuscan cooking. Afterward, enjoy your homecooked lunch with local wines. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 6 FLORENCE.This morning, a walking tour with a local guide visits the Accademia to see the recently restored David, sculpted by Michelangelo. Next, see Piazza Signoria and the multi-colored Duomo. The afternoon is free to explore on your own, shop, relax or visit some of the other fine museums. This evening, relish a Tuscan-style barbecue in a farmhouse restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7 PISA EXCURSIONJourney into the Tuscan countryside and to the historic city of Pisa. Visit the splendid Square of Miracles with its
monumental Cathedral and famous Leaning Tower. There is time to explore the other monu-ments in the square or to sip a glass of wine in a café. Then drive to a nearby olive oil mill for a delicious lunch and an olive oil tasting. Return to Florence, where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8 FLORENCE / VENICE.Your morning is free in beautiful Florence. Take one last stroll through town, shop, or just relax over an espresso. You might want to join an optional excursion to San Gimignano or guided walking tour through the Tuscan countryside. Later, drive to the magnificent floating city of Venice. (B,D)

Day 9 VENICE.An orientation cruise by private motor launch along the Giudecca canal takes you to St. Mark's Square. Watch a demonstration ofthe ancient art of Murano glassblowing in one of the city's oldest workshops. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own or perhaps join one of the optional activities available. (B)

Day 10 VENICE.Today, cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge with a local guide. Cross the Rialto and visit the colorful fish market which has existed for centuries. Take a walking tour through the "calle," and see Marco Polo's home and other beautiful archi-tec-ture. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take a trip to the island of Burano. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 11 DEPART VENICE. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend you stay in Europe. (B)


Your Travel Value Includes
Airport transfers in Rome on day 2 and Venice on day 11
Twin-bedded rooms in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, service
charges, and tips for baggage handling
9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 4 three-course dinners (D)
Services of a professional Tour Director
 Private luxury motorcoach or smaller vehicle if fewer than 20 passengers travel together with air-conditioning, reclining seats and emergency washroom
Sightseeing with a local guide, with headsets M: Rome, Florence, Venice
Inside visits and special features as shown in bold in the tour
description including admission charges where applicable
Portfolio of travel documents
Group airport transfers
Arrival transfers at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 9:30 a.m.,
12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
 Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Venice's Marco Polo
Airport at 8 a.m.
 Hotels
ROME - Villa Pamphili (First Class)
 FLORENCE - Croce di Malta (First Class)
 VENICE - Continental (First Class)