Carlson & McLuen Italy Itinerary

Oct. 7 & 8, Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart US, arrive Rome, Italy

Depart US, arrive in Rome and then transfer by bus to our hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. (D) 

 Oct. 9, Day 3 – Rome, Classical

All roads lead to Rome… for thousands of years tourists, merchants and pilgrims have journeyed to the city of seven hills on the Tiber. Rome has unarguably one of the richest, fullest histories of any city on earth… and all the while incorporating some of the finest architecture still surviving. The tour begins with a visit to the Colosseum followed by a walking tour through the ancient Roman Forum, the very center of the powerful Roman Empire. (B, L, D) 

Oct. 10, Day 4 – St. Peter’s and Vatican City, Sistine Chapel

We stroll along the Tiber and enter Vatican City where we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. We also visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica where Michelangelo's "Pieta" is but just one of many highlights. (B, L, D)

Oct. 11, Day 5 – Martyrdom of the Apostle Paul   

We travel along the Appian Way and visit the Catacombs.  Here we share in communion in the underground resting place of the early Christian community. Concluding Paul’s life, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, built over the recently excavated site of his tomb.  After a free afternoon in Rome, we end our time in the Eternal City with our farewell dinner. (B, D) 

Oct. 12, Day 6 – Umbria Countryside & Assisi 

Walled Assisi is miraculous with its many churches, and we will visit the churches of St. Clare and St. Francis. St Francis was born here and work began on his basilica two years after his death. It's a magnificent tribute to the patron saint of animals, with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and Martini. After our visit to Assisi we make our way to the rustic Tuscan town of San Gimignano. (B, L, D) 

Oct. 13, Day 7 – Tuscan Vineyard Tour & Farmhouse Lunch 

We slow down the pace but not the experience. We explore the beautiful countryside of Tuscany with its verdant vineyards. Enjoy a charming afternoon in a Tuscan village as we explore a working vineyard and countryside farmhouse. Take a tour of the property with the owner and his family, sample their home-grown wine, and enjoy a feast of rustic, countryside specialties grown from their garden and the surrounding region. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy picturesque San Gimignano. (B, D) 

 Oct. 14, Day 8 – Tuscan Cooking Class

Again, we slow down the pace but not the experience. Take a Tuscan cooking class and prepare a full Tuscan menu as you spend time with a local chef and her family. Knead fresh pasta, prepare traditional desserts, and sample the family's own wine. After a day of festive cooking, enjoy the dinner that you have prepared. (B, D) 

Oct. 15, Day 9 - Pisa

Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. It is a strangely appealing bell tower (campanile), yet it is just a single component of Pisa's breathtaking and dazzling architectural structures of the Campo dei Miracoli where we visit the Duomo and Baptistry before a climb up the tower. Of particular note are the acoustics in the Baptistery, and the amazing mosaics in the Cathedral itself. After leaving the tower we make our way to the capital of Tuscany, the magnificent city of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. (B, L, D) 

Oct. 16, Day 10 - Florence, David

Our first day in Florence begins with an exploration of the subject that has inspired countless artists: David. Our morning begins with a visit to the Bargello museum where we see Donatello’s famous attempt, amongst many other spectacular pieces. Then in the afternoon we visit to the greatest sculpture of the Renaissance, Michaelangelo’s David, located at the Accademia of Florence. We examine the story behind the sculpture, and appreciate the beauty of the artist. (B, L) 

Oct. 17, Day 11 - Florence, Duomo

Florence is truly one of the world’s most amazing cities. Our walking tour will include many of the signature works of the Renaissance as we learn about the city that launched modern European culture. We’ll start in the heart of Florence at the Baptistry of St. John where we see the Byzantine style mosaics of the roof. Stepping outside, we see Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise, considered the beginning of Renaissance sculpture. From here we marvel at the grand Duomo and Brunelleschi's magnificent, red-tiled dome. We continue to the Duomo Museum before lunch at a local panini shop. In the afternoon we visit the Basilica of Santa Croce with its walls lined with the tombs of Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo and Bardi. (B, D) 

Oct. 18, Day 12 – Depart for USA or Venice Extension

We make our way to the Florence airport to return to the States with memories of Peter, Paul, and the beauty of the Renaissance!  

Venice Extension 

Not to be missed is the stunningly beautiful city of Venice, unlike any other in the world. Arriving in Venice, we marvel at the grand canal, and tour the majestic St. Mark’s square and Basilica. (B) 

Oct. 19, Day 13 – Venice

Several options await you. Visit the nearby island of Murano, known for its intricate glass-blowing and magnificent glass sculptures. Or simply stroll the canals and catch a performance of the famous Venetian Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. (B) 

Oct. 20, Day 14 – Venice 

Our final day is a day of leisure for you to reflect upon your wonderful experiences as well as soak up one last day of enchanting Italy in an idyllic setting.  We join together for our final festive farewell dinner and say “arrivederci” to our Italian experience. (B, D) 

Oct. 21, Day 15 – Depart Venice/ USA

We depart the island and make our way to the Venice airport, returning to the States with the memories of a lifetime!