9 DAYS • 12 MEALS Where else can you explore the ancient ruins of a mighty empire, wander the countryside that inspired Leonardo da Vinci, and swoon to the sounds of the gondolier’s song? Only in Italy, where romance awaits you in a sun-kissed landscape of art and culture.

Fairy tale Venice
Start in that “Jewel of the Mediterranean”, Venice, a fairy tale city where wonders await around every corner. The city itself is a wonder: a marvel of engineering built on 117 small islands crossed by its world-famous canals. But this is engineering with a touch of fairy dust. Who can think of romance without imagining a pair of lovers floating beneath graceful bridges in a Venetian gondola?

Venice offers a unique vision of Italian culture, an enticing mix of East and West. Venice’s rich history—its place as an important trading port for the Byzantine Empire—has left its mark everywhere on this beautiful city. Exotic sights surround you, from the soaring domes of St. Mark’s Basilica, to the master glassblowers practicing their age-old trade, to the tragic “Bridge of Sighs” where condemned prisoners caught their last glimpse of this watery wonderland or their loved ones.

The Pure Poetry of Fair Verona
Travel on to Verona and experience the pure poetry of this fabled town. Nestled on the shore of the Adige River, Verona has charmed visitors and residents with its winding streets and panoramic views for more than two millennia, including famed poet Dante Alighieri, who moved here after fleeing Florence. The romance of this setting also inspired Shakespeare, who took the town as his setting for Romeo and Juliet. Imagine the passion of Shakespeare’s heroine as you stop for a visit at Casa di Giulietta (House of Juliet), which boasts a balcony that evokes memories of the Bard’s great romance. Then explore the city’s ancient Roman amphitheatre and stop for a moment of peaceful contemplation in a Gothic cathedral.

Florence—Cradle of the Renaissance
Walk in the footsteps of great artists, rulers, and philosophers as you explore Florence, the breathtaking capital of the Italian Renaissance. The city is steeped in the achievements of generations of great minds that found inspiration here. As you stroll past the glorious marble façade of the Duomo and the quaint shops that line the Ponte Vecchio, experience the sights and sensations that inspired the great Michelangelo as he created his world-famous sculpture of David. Contemplate the grandeur of the Medicis, the great ruling family that shaped this world-famous city and who served as patrons for some of the finest artists and thinkers the world has known, including Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli, Donatello, and Botticelli.

The Medieval Wonders of Chianti and Assisi
After sampling the treasures of the Renaissance, step back even further in time to the Medieval wonders of the Chianti region and nearby Assisi.

The looming towers of San Gimignano call to you from their hilltop perch above the sun-dappled Tuscan plains. As you stroll along the 13th-century walls that surround the city, you catch breathtaking views of the countryside and the historic structures of this beautifully preserved historic city. Continue on to neighboring Siena, home to Romanesque churches and Europe’s oldest University. Complete your journey into Medieval Italy with an overnight stay in Assisi, the famed resting place of St. Francis. Admire the gorgeous frescoes that adorn the Basilica of St. Francis, the holy man’s final resting place, and then browse the quaint shops and cafes that line the winding streets of this charming town.

Rome—The Eternal City
With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Rome offers a breathtaking overview of all the highlights of Western civilization. From the remarkable Coliseum to the gorgeous Sistine Chapel, this bustling metropolis invites you to imagine life in the distant past as you gaze upon memorials to past civilizations. Climb the sweeping Spanish Steps and take in the glorious panorama of the city, then stand in the footsteps of ancient emperors at the daunting Roman Forum. As you stroll Rome’s picturesque squares and toss your coin in the fabled Trevi Fountain, you’ll experience the heady thrill of this ancient city—a vibrant cosmopolitan capital where the art and heritage of centuries past are part of the very fabric of life.

Optional Excursion to World-Famous Pisa
Don’t miss one of the most famous landmarks of Italy, the memorable Leaning Tower. You’ll also tour the city’s famed Piazza dei Miracoli, a spectacular square housing Romanesque architectural wonders.

Included Audience with Pope Benedict XVI
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a papal audience or blessing. It’s a transcendent experience you’ll never forget! (Papal schedule permitting)