215116

Rome, Florence and Assisi

On December 8th you will depart from the United States and travel overnight to Rome, Italy.  As the “Eternal City” and capital of Italy, Rome is a magnificent city built on seven hills and is literally layered with history, one civilization built on top of another.  21st century Rome is a breathtaking mixture of ruins and monuments, fantastic fountains, beautiful piazzas and innumerable museums.

Florence – December 9th

Upon arrival to Rome on you will enjoy a scenic ride as you transfer to Florence to begin the first part of your exciting Italian sojourn.  Following hotel check-in and time to rest, you will join your tour director for dinner at a local restaurant and time to begin your explorations of this enchanting Italian gem.

Florence – December 10th

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is sure to thrill you with its artistic and cultural treasures. You will discover the “Masters” of Florence with your tour leader as you explore this magnificent city including a visit to the Academia* on your guided city tour*.  The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, the famous straw and leather markets and more all await you on Florence’s historic streets.

Florence – December 11th

Start your day with a morning tour of the Uffizi Gallery* and continue on optionally to the Bargello Museum.  Culminate your Florentine explorations with a self-guided visit to Santa Croce and the home of Dante’.   Round-out your final afternoon in with shopping and simply enjoying an outdoor café or one of the many fine restaurants.

 Assisi – Rome – December 12th

Today you will travel from Florence to Rome with a stop to explore Assisi with your tour leader and Instructor Jane Crawford. The lovely Umbrian hill town of Assisi is the home of St. Francis and the Basilica di San Francesco*, which dominates Assisi and is one of the greatest Christian shrines.  After ample time to enjoy Assisi and its treasures, you will continue onto the magnificent city of Rome to begin exploring the numerous historical districts which make up the heart of ancient Rome.

Rome – December 13th                                                             

Dedicate this morning to exploring the massive St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. You will enjoy a guided visit to the Vatican Museums* where you may have a chance to view religious relics and treasures accumulated over the centuries or visit the gorgeous Sistine Chapel, painted by the illustrious Michelangelo.  The afternoon will take you to enjoy the wonderful collection at the Villa Borghese*.

 Rome – December 14th

You will begin your day with a wonderful guided city tour, including such sites as the Coliseum* and Forum*, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona.  Your afternoon offers further Roman exploration with your Instructor Jane Crawford.

Rome – December 15th                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Discover Rome and the cultural marvels it has to offer at leisure.  Today is the perfect time to visit such additional sites as the Palatine Museum or the Capitoline Museum.  Later this afternoon you will have time for last minute sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs or delighting in Roman piazzas and cafes with your tour leader.  Tonight, in honor of your trip and memories, you will enjoy your final evening with a farewell dinner.

Rome – December 16th

Today you will board a plane bound for home with souvenirs, memories, and perhaps a photo or two in tow marking the end of your European adventure.

 

SPECIAL TOUR CONDITIONS: **The tour price, if payments are made by cash or check, is $3,495.00; otherwise, if paying by credit card, the standard non-discounted price is $3,595.00.  Tour participation is based on twin occupancy and includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, point-to point transportation between cities while in Italy, all breakfasts and 4 dinners.  *The entrance fees and/or transportation, marked with an asterisk, which are included in the tour price are the Vatican Museums, Villa Borghese, Coliseum, Forum St. Francis Basilica, the Academia, the Uffizi Gallery and guided city tours in Rome and Florence while other items may be offered optionally, are subject to availability, and are not included in the tour price.  A guaranteed single room may be available for a supplemental charge of $425.00.  Included are the estimated applicable governmental international airline ticket taxes, fuel surcharges, security surcharges, and associated fees.  Tax increases will be billed on a supplemental invoice, if applicable.   All tour participants must submit a signed application.  You may apply online by visiting www.EAtours.com and “student sign up.”  The tour number for your group is 215116.  Final payments are due no later than September 29, 2014.  Tour details (itinerary, hotels, flights, etc.) are released two to three weeks prior to departure.