Christ Church, Italy, Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 – Arrival
Depart US, arrive Florence, San Gimignano

Arrive at Florence Airport and transfer to San Gimignano for the next six nights.  (D)

Day 3 – Pisa

Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. It is a strangely appealing building yet it is just a single component of Pisa's breathtaking and dazzling architectural buildings of the Campo dei Miracoli where we visit the Duomo and Baptistry before a climb of the tower. Return to San Gimignano. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Siena

Siena is one of the most appealing towns in Tuscany with its well-conserved medieval streets and the square, the Piazza del Campo. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico which dates back to 1250. We also visit the monumental Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Return to San Gimignano for overnight. (B, D)

Day 5 – Tuscan Countryside

We slow down the pace but not the experience. We enjoy the beauty of Tuscany with its verdant vineyards. Spend the morning exploring the countryside and soak up the local atmosphere, strolling the streets of San Gimignano or climbing one of its towers. The medieval towers of San Gimignano are among Tuscany's most famous views and are a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon we visit a vineyard with a Tuscan farmhouse dinner as well as a local wine tasting event. (B, D)

Day 6 – Florence

Florence is truly one of the amazing cities of Italy. Some of the greatest works by Michelangelo are found here. We visit the Academia and view the majestic David, then to the Duomo, Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome, predominant on Florence's skyline and the world's fourth-largest cathedral. The Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery are not to be missed. Then to the Basilica of Santa Croce with its walls lined with the tombs of Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo and Bardi. Return to San Gimignano for overnight (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Tuscan Cooking

Again, we slow down the pace but not the experience. You may visit the many fine churches of San Gimignano or shop for ceramics, local wines, or water colors of the sunflower fields of Tuscany. In the afternoon we take a Tuscan cooking class and prepare a full Tuscan menu as we spend time with a local chef and her family. After hours of festive cooking, enjoy the dinner that you have prepared.  (B, D)

Day 8 – 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. Overnight in nearby Spoleto.
(B, D)

Day 9 - 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, D)

 Day 10 - Rome: Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum

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)

Day 11 - Martyrdom of 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)

 Day 12 – Depart for USA / Optional Amalfi Coast Extension

Not to be missed is the stunningly beautiful Amalfi coastline.  Arriving in Amalfi, we marvel at our luxurious seaside view of the Italy coastline. (B)  

Day 13 – Amalfi

Several options await you.  Sail along the Amalfi coastline and then to the picturesque island of Capri, or stroll through the gardens of Villa Cimbrone in the World Heritage Town of Ravello.  Enjoy the seaside setting of Amafi and visit the Church of St. Andrew with its Romanesque bell-tower.  (B) 

Day 14 – Amalfi

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)

Day 15 – Depart for USA

Return home with lifelong memories and new friends.