Day 1: Rome
Sunday - Upon your arrival at Rome Airport a private car transfer will take you to your centrally located Rome hotel. After checking in you are free to relax or explore Rome.
Day 2: Rome | Assisi | Montepulciano | Florence
Monday - Early morning departure for Assisi. Located just 90 miles north of Rome and set in the rolling hills of Umbria, this mystic town of Saint Francis still displays the ancient walls which surround it. Here you will visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, built between 1228 & 1253 CE, and resplendent with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Journey on to Montepoulciano*, a medieval town famous for its "nobile" wine and for the annual Jazz festival. Your day ends in Florence with dinner and an overnight stay. (B.D)
(* Tours departing between December 2012 & March 2013 visit Siena instead of Montepulciano)
Day 3: Florence
Tuesday - Today enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Florence, the "Cradle of the Renaissance", which commences with a scenic drive up to Piazza Michelangelo offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence and its surroundings. The tour also includes a visit to the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, and finally to the stars of the tour - a visit to the world famous Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the "David" by Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. The remainder of the day is at leisure for optional sightseeing or shopping. Dinner and overnight in Florence. (B.D)
Day 4: Florence | Padua | Venice
Wednesday - This morning depart for Venice by way of Padua, where you will visit the famous Basilica of St. Anthony and view Donatello's celebrated Gattamelata, or 'Honey-Cat', which was completed in 1450 and placed in the square facing the Basilica. Travel on to Venice, to enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city highlighting such sights as the Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs & the Prisons. Dinner and overnight in Venice. (B.D)
Day 5: Venice | Rome
Thursday - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a morning tour to a glass factory (optional shopping) to see how the famous venetian Murano glass is produced. In the afternoon make your way to the railway station for your return trip to Rome. Arriving at Termini Railway station transfer independently to your hotel, check-in and overnight accommodation in Rome.(B)
Day 6: Rome
Friday - Today marks the end of your tour. After breakfast, transfer by private car from your hotel to Rome airport for your return flight. Ask your travel agent about extending your vacation with CIT Tours. (B)
Sunday departures:
Tour departs January 6, February 17 & March 17 plus every Sunday from March 31 to November 03/2013.
