Enchanting Italy with Amalfi (12 Days) 

     Depart USA to Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

     Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your tour escort, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

     Today begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Visit St. Mark's Square to begin a guided walking tour of romantic Venice. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and the 14th century Doges' Palace, whose facade features a massive late Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta, on the Piazzetta side. Take the remainder of the day to explore Venice on your own, or join an optional gondola ride with music along the famous Grand Canal and experience a piece of Venetian history ($58). (B)

     Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany to Pisa. On arrival, view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. The four monuments of this extraordinary piazza make for a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. En route to Florence, visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting with local specialties. Evening at leisure. (B)

     Today's morning tour begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue to explore the open air art museum of Signoria Square ending at Ponte Vecchio, known as the "Old Bridge." Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Florence. This evening, dine in an authentic Tuscan restaurant in the countryside. (B, D)

     Travel along the famous "Sun Route" motorway to the hilltown of Perugia. Following an orientation of this medieval center, continue to the city of Assisi, world-known for its 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto's frescoes. Continue to Rome (B,D)

     This morning, a historic tour of "Ancient Rome" takes you to the Roman Forum, the political center during the Roman Republic, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre built in the Roman Empire. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure in the Eternal City, or join an optional walking tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains, including the Trevi Fountain, the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, with its vast domed hall and oculus ($42).(B)

     Today begins with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Stroll through St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famed colonnade to visit St. Peter's Basilica, completed in 1626, where you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. This highly-finished marble sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of Mary after the Crucifixion, and was created for the funeral monument of French Cardinal Jean de Billheres. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner in a typical Roman restaurant, with wine and music, followed by an illuminated tour of Rome by night. (B, D)

     Drive south, passing by the famous Monte Cassino Abbey, founded by St. Benedict of Norcia in 529. Destroyed on four separate occasions, it was last rebuilt after being the site of fierce fighting during WWII. View Mt. Vesuvius in passing the Bay of Naples, before reaching Pompeii. Visit the ruins of this best preserved Roman city, including the Temples of Apollo, Jupiter and the Forum. Continue to Sorrento for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

     Enjoy a full-day exploring Sorrento on your own, or choose an optional tour to the colorful Island of Capri ($95). Meander the winding city streets past the chic boutiques, en route for a visit to the open-air Caesar Augustus Gardens, from where you will see the famed Faraglioni Rocks. Return to Sorrento for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

     Today, enjoy panoramic views of the enchanting towns along the scenic Amalfi Coast. Pass the distinctive white Moorish homes of Positano on this legendary road overlooking the Mediterranean, to reach the coastal town of Amalfi, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

     Transfer to the Naples airport for your departure flight.(B)