Travel from the days of Roman emperors and gladiators in ancient Rome to medieval cities in Tuscany to the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence to the canal city of Venice as you discover the treasures of Italy, past and present.

Meet a Roman Centurion at the Colosseum during a guided tour of ancient Rome. Look up at the amazing Sistine Chapel ceiling on a visit to the Vatican Museums. Listen to an art historian and see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David and other treasures in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Learn the secrets of pizza making at a local Italian restaurant. See firsthand how far the Leaning Tower really leans when you visit the famous structure in Pisa. Ride the high-speed Eurostar train to Florence as well as to Venice, where you can explore this city of canals aboard one of its famed gondolas.

Day 1 – Arrive Rome, capital of the Ancient World
Tour begins: 2:30 PM, Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi. A transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to the Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi. Your adventures in Italia Bella begin with a walking tour of the center of Rome including the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, where you can make a wish to “ensure” a return trip to the Eternal City; after your tour, enjoy a real treat – tartufo (ice cream truffles). Gather with your fellow explorers tonight for a festive welcome reception followed by dinner at your hotel overlooking the beautiful Borghese Gardens. Meals D

Day 2 – See the sights of Imperial Rome
Step back in time as you discover antiquities of the Roman Empire in Rome, the capital of Italy and the most influential city in the ancient world. Take a fascinating journey through history on a city tour today; visit the massive Colosseum, where you’ll have your picture taken with Roman Centurions, and the ruins of the Forum, the heart of Imperial Rome. Spend the rest of the day exploring Rome as you please. Meals B

Day 3 – Explore Vatican City & Eurostar to Florence
The world’s smallest independent nation – Vatican City – is yours to explore with a local expert today. Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and view some of the great art in the Vatican Museums, displayed in palaces that were originally built for wealthy popes during the Renaissance. See the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; the artist Michelangelo, who considered himself a sculptor rather than a painter, spent four years painting this masterpiece on his back. Travel first-class aboard the high-speed Eurostar train to Florence for a three-night stay. Meals BLD

Day 4 – Discover Florence’s art & Pisa’s Leaning Tower
Admire the treasures of Florence today, Tuscany’s city of art and the birthplace of the Renaissance. An art history professor will tell you what you should look for on a guided walking tour that includes a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, established in 1563 as the first art school in Europe, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. After lunch, set off for Pisa, a city whose impressive navy and great success in foreign trade during the Middle Ages led to vast wealth, reflected in the historic buildings you’ll visit today. Tour the magnificent Duomo (cathedral), dating back over a thousand years; the graceful 12th-century Baptistry; and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, completed in 1350, whose celebrated tilt has been reduced to about 13 feet by modern engineers. Spend a free evening in Florence. Meals B

Day 5 – Visit the Uffizi and learn how to make pizza
See some of the greatest art of the Renaissance – including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s painting of The Holy Family – during a visit to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery. Accumulated over the centuries by the Medici family, part of this collection has been on display here since the 1580s, making the Uffizi the world’s oldest art gallery. Switch gears this evening when you learn the secrets of pizza-making firsthand, with a hands-on demonstration at a local restaurant! Meals BD

Day 6 – Take the Eurostar to Venice, city of canals
Board a sleek Eurostar train once again for another first-class, high-speed rail trip, this time to Venice. A private boat will be waiting to take you to the heart of the city for a buffet lunch and a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square; see the Doges’ Palace, perhaps the most beautiful Renaissance palace in Italy, and an eloquent example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Enjoy a relaxing and memorable ride aboard one of the city’s famed gondolas, serenaded as you glide along! Meals BL

Day 7 – Experience remarkable Venice as you wish
Spend the whole day exploring this city of canals with your family as you wish today, seeing the sights you’ve read about, perhaps sampling some gelato – served warmer and often creamier than traditional ice cream. If you climb to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower, you’re certain to take home great photos! Join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight as we say arrivederci to our adventure in Italia Bella. Meals BD

Day 8 – Journey home
Tour ends: Venice, Italy. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido Resort to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1⁄2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B