The Wonders of Italy with Mary Ruth and John Brindley
Friday, May 19th
Today you depart the United States on your overnight flight to Italy. Naturally, meals will be served and optional in-flight entertainment offered. Please refer to your flight schedule for pertinent details.
Saturday, May 20th
Upon arrival in Venice you will be met, load your luggage on the bus and then proceed by boat to Burano. This island is famous for the ladies who make handmade lace and embroidery and will be delighted to show you their skill and beautiful items. Following lunch you will return to the airport where you will board your bus and travel to the hotel. Dinner tonight is included at the hotel.
Sunday, May 21st
This morning you will enjoy a guided walking tour in the area around Piazza San Marco. The remainder of the day you are free to explore Venice with your tour leader. Shopping, trying delicious seafood as well as taking an optional gondola ride are all possible. In the evening you return to your hotel.
Monday, May 22nd
Today you will travel with a guide into the Prosecco area for wine tasting and a visit to Palladio’s Villa Emo, a perfect blend of symmetry and light, airy rooms and beautiful frescoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the middle of a flourishing estate.
Tuesday, May 23rd
This morning you depart your hotel and travel to Bardolino on Lake Garda. En-route you will stop in Padua where your guide awaits to show you the city, the magnificent Scrovegni Chapel and St. Anthony’s Basilica. Dinner tonight is included at your hotel.
Wednesday, May 24th
Following breakfast you travel to nearby Verona where you will meet your guide and begin the city tour. Included will be the Roman Amphitheatre, San Zeno Church and a view of Juliet’s Balcony. There will be free time in Verona before returning to your hotel in Bardolino.
Thursday, May 25th
Montecatini is your next destination. A stop in Mantua, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is planned where you will experience a guided city tour and free time for lunch. You will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight dinner is included at your Hotel.
Friday, May 26th
At 8:00 am you depart your hotel for a full day excursion to Florence, home of the Renaissance. Your guide will meet you and the city tour will include the Academia where you will see Michelangelo’s state of “David” as well as many other works of art. A full day of shopping, exploring and seeing all of the magnificent art is planned. Your included dinner is planned before returning to your Montecatini hotel.
Saturday, May 27th
A funicular ride to Montecatini Alto for a wonderful view of the Tuscan countryside and a delicious wine tasting tour and lunch are planned for today. This should be a really fun and relaxing day.
Sunday, May 28th
Today you have the option of taking an excursion to the Cinque Terre including a day pass on the village train, or you can travel to Florence by train for a free day on your own. Train tickets will be provided.
Monday, May 29th
This morning you depart for Lake Maggiore. A boat ride to visit Isola Bella is planned. The palazzo was built in the 17th century and is surrounded by a stunning garden.
Tuesday, May 30th
A trip to world famous Bellagio is planned and will include a boat tour on Lake Como. Bellagio has been a stopping place for the rich and famous for hundreds of years due to the beautiful landscape of the area.
Wednesday, May 31st
An optional trip to nearby Switzerland by scenic train and ferry is planned and free to those who registered by the deadline. Otherwise, you have a free day to enjoy Lake Maggiore. What a wonderful place to spend your last day in Italy. Dinner tonight is included at the hotel.
Thursday, June 1st
This morning you board your bus and travel to Milan airport where you bid good-bye to Italy and head back home taking with you wonderful memories, photos and souvenirs of your 14 day adventure.