Day 1, arrive Venice, Sunday

You will be met at Venice Airport and then transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for a welcome reception and orientation. (WR)

Day 2, in Venice, Monday

We begin our exploration of Venice at St. Mark’s Square with a walking tour which includes visits of the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in the amazing views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. During our tour we stop for a tasting of Spritz, a typical Venetian aperitif. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice on your own. (B)

Optional tour: Gondola serenade

Optional tour: Pub crawl “Venetian style”

Day 3, to Florence, Tuesday

We drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, situated on the banks of the Po River. After our orientation tour of Ferrara, we continue to Pisa where we view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for a free evening. (B)

Day 4, in Florence, Wednesday

Our morning city tour begins at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, we visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is free to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital on your own. (B)

Optional tour: Visit to San Gimignano with wine tasting

Day 5, to Rome, Thursday

We travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany on our way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here, we take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Later, we continue to Rome for an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 6, in Rome, Friday

This morning, we visit the Colosseum, a symbol of Rome. After our visit, we continue to see the splendid Arch of Constantine, climb the ancient Palatino Hill, overlook Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace; and stop on the legendary Via Sacra or “Sacred way”. In the afternoon we have time at leisure for more discoveries and activities on your own. (B)

Optional tour: Visit of the Grand Piazzas & food tour

Day 7, in Rome, Saturday

Today we will visit the Vatican Museums, located within that city’s boundaries. We see the works of Raphael & Michelangelo, and admire the Sistine chapel’s magnificent frescoes. We continue to St. Peter’s Square where some of the most important Papal ceremonies take place. In the evening, there is a dinner with your fellow travelers and your tour director. (B, D)

Day 8, Rome to Pompeii and Sorrento, Sunday

We say goodbye to Rome and travel to Pompeii, a town caught off guard by a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Buried under ashes, the well preserved ruins were rediscovered in the 16^th century and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey continues to Sorrento where dinner is served at our hotel, followed by a free evening. (B, D)

Day 9, in Sorrento, excursion to Capri, Monday

Glide by ferry across the glistening bay to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Here, we visit the magnificent Gardens of Caesar Augustus and view the famed Faraglioni Rocks. Then there’s time to wander through the winding streets before we return to Sorrento. (B)

Day 10, in Sorrento, Tuesday

We have a full day of free time to take in the sights of Sorrento. You might want to browse the shops, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply relax &, enjoy the views. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)

Optional tour: Amalfi coast with limoncello tasting

Day 11, depart Naples, Wednesday

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Naples for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can join one of many other exciting Kompas tours or Adriatic Cruises today. (B)