Day 1 : Overnight flight to Europe

Our tour begins with an overnight flight to Italy.

Day 2 : Arrive in Rome

Upon arrival, we are greeted by our Italian guide and begin the scenic journey through Tuscany’s famous landscapes to our home for the next four nights. Within the rolling hills of Chianti, it offers breathtaking vistas for us to soak in while relaxing. This evening, we get to know our fellow travelers over authentic Tuscan cuisine, complete with local wine.

Day 3 : Volterra & San Gimignano

Today we visit two of Italy’s best preserved medieval hill towns, both of which are surrounded by fortified walls and overlook rolling farmland. Pre-dating the Roman Empire, Volterra was once an important Etruscan city. Learn about its ancient history and see the more recent 12th-century Romanesque cathedral. In the afternoon we visit San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers once used by feuding noble families. During our free time here, roam the quaint cobblestone streets and squares that make this ancient hill town so mesmerizing. Discover the tastes of the region with an included dinner.

Day 4 : Florence

This morning we tour Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia and view incredible works including Michelangelo’s David. Marvel at the Duomo, the largest brick dome ever constructed, and gaze upon Ghiberti’s bronze doors of the Baptistery, often called the Gates of Paradise. Take time to visit the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge with its unique hanging houses and shops or enjoy a fresh gelato. This evening offers a special treat, the winery at Castello di Verrazzano. Learn the history of celebrated navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano. We delight in an included dinner featuring a fantastic selection of wines for our sampling pleasure.

Day 5 : Cortona

After a splendid breakfast, we make our way to the hilltop town of Cortona. Our Italian guide will provide a fascinating tour of the medieval architecture of Piazza Garibaldi, sights and shops of the Via Nazionale, and Palazzo Casali, displaying relics from the Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the Renaissance churches, olive groves, and terraces that surround us in this picture-perfect town. Following an included dinner, we bid farewell to our time in Tuscany.

Day 6 : Pisa & Ligurian Coast

Say arrivederci to Tuscany as we travel north to Pisa, known for its opulent churches and palaces. Our guide introduces us to the area famously called "The Field of Miracles," where we see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. We then have some time at leisure in the city before we continue our journey to our home for the next two nights, Santa Margherita Ligure, nestled along the Ligurian Coast.

Day 7 : Cinque Terre

Today we visit Cinque Terre, an Italian National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive by rail on the Cinque Terre Express for a day of exploring cities on this rocky coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Pastel colored buildings in the tiny fishing villages make for stunning pictures. Enjoy superb views of the distinctive terraced vineyards that produce local wine, the specialty here being dry whites. Our adventure begins at the quaint village of Riomaggiore, we continue on to Vernazza, and end our visit in Monterosso al Mare, with a lovely beach and beautiful lemon trees. We return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 8 : Italian Riviera

A short boat ride takes us to Portofino, known as the Pearl of the Italian Riviera. This enchanting fishing village with its picturesque harbor is frequented by some of Europe’s wealthiest and most discerning pleasure seekers. This afternoon, we travel to Milan for our overnight accommodations near the airport where we gather for a Farewell Dinner and toast our new friendships.

Day 9 : Fly Home

After an included breakfast, we make our way home with fond memories of our Italian adventure.