Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Day

Your Italian adventure begins! Board your overnight flight to Rome, excited to explore the art, history, and culture of Italy.

Day 2: Welcome to Rome

Arrive in the Eternal City, where your Travel Director will greet you at the airport. Transfer to your centrally located hotel and settle in. Later, enjoy an orientation walk through Rome’s historic streets, ending with a welcome dinner to kick off your journey.

Day 3: Ancient Rome and Vatican City

Step back nearly 2,000 years with a guided tour of Ancient Rome, including visits to the iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Learn about the remarkable engineering, history, and culture that shaped one of the greatest civilizations in history. This afternoon, take a guided visit to Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope. Explore Michelangelo’s stunning Sistine Chapel and the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica with your local guide.

Day 4: Beach Day in Ostia and Rome at Night

Escape the bustling city for a beach day in Ostia, a seaside town near Rome. Spend the morning relaxing on the Mediterranean coast, swimming, and playing beach games with your group. After returning to Rome, enjoy a magical evening walking through the city’s historic center, visiting the beautifully illuminated Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon as you experience the charm of Rome under the stars.

Day 5: Rafting and Assisi

Travel north to Umbria, where you’ll enjoy a thrilling rafting adventure on the River Nera. Take in the breathtaking scenery and cool off with a swim in crystal-clear waters. Continue to the picturesque town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy’s patron saint. After dinner, explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval town on a guided walking tour.

Day 6: Florence and Tuscany

Head to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. On a guided walking tour, visit the city’s highlights, including the Duomo, Santa Croce, and the Piazza della Signoria. In the afternoon, travel to the Tuscan countryside and settle into your accommodations. Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner while surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards.

Day 7: Farm-to-Table Experience and Lucca

Spend the morning on a working organic farm, where you’ll learn about sustainable agriculture and pick fresh produce for a farm-to-table cooking class. After preparing your own Italian lunch, head to Lucca, a charming city surrounded by Renaissance walls. Enjoy free time to explore its cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in some gelato.

Day 8: Venice by Gondola

Travel from Tuscany to Venice and settle into your accommodations. Later, experience the city from its most iconic vantage point with a gondola ride through Venice’s winding canals, passing historic palazzos, hidden bridges, and quiet waterways that reveal daily life beyond the busy piazzas. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Venice’s shops, browsing artisan boutiques, traditional mask makers, and local stores tucked along the canals.

Day 9: Marco Polo’s Venice

Step into the world of Marco Polo and explore Venice through the lens of its most famous adventurer. Begin the day with a guided tour of St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica, where the grandeur of Venetian history and Marco Polo’s era come to life. See the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s power during the time of Polo’s travels, and hear stories of the city’s role as a gateway between East and West. Next, trace Marco Polo’s footsteps as you stroll through the city’s winding alleys and canals, crossing the Rialto Bridge—a hub of trade and commerce during his time. Tonight, join your farewell dinner and celebrate your time in Italy!

Day 10: Departure Day

Say goodbye to Italy and the unforgettable memories of your Italian adventure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.