Sunday, October 5

Depart from Dulles Airport

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Monday, October 6

1:15 PM Arrive at Rome FCO Flight #: UA126

3:30 PM Check in to Rome Hotel

4:30 PM Meet Local Rome Tour Guide

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See the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and more!

• Spanish Steps: an iconic 18th-century stairway connecting Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church, famed for its grand sweep and people-watching.

• Trevi Fountain: Rome’s largest Baroque fountain, known for its dramatic sculptures and the tradition of tossing a coin to ensure a return to the city.

• Pantheon: An ancient Roman temple with a striking domed roof and oculus, remarkably well-preserved and now a church.

• Piazza Navona: A lively Baroque square built on the site of an ancient stadium, featuring ornate fountains, street artists, and cafés.

6/6:30 PM Have some dinner

8:00 PM Go to bed!!

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Tuesday, October 7

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

• Vatican Museums: A vast collection of art and historical artifacts gathered by the popes, featuring classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and countless galleries.

• Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s famed ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, and the chapel where papal conclaves are held.

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Visit Saint Peter’s Basilica

• Saint Peter’s Basilica: One of the world’s largest and most important churches, with grand Renaissance architecture, Bernini’s Baldachin, and Michelangelo’s Pietà.

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Lunch

Afternoon free

Dinner

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Wednesday, October 8

7:30 Join Tour to Pompeii

Motorcoach with Tour Manager drives from Rome to Pompeii

Meet your Pompeii Guide and visit the Archaeological Park of Pompei

• Archaeological Park of Pompeii: The remarkably preserved ruins of an ancient Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offering streets, homes, frescoes, and public buildings frozen in time.

Lunch

Drive in Reverse

Arrive in Rome

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Thursday, October 9

“Welcome to Rome” 3D Experience

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• “Welcome to Rome” 3D Experience: An immersive audiovisual presentation giving historical context and highlights of Rome’s long history.

Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum

• Colosseum: The enormous ancient amphitheatre where gladiators once fought; an enduring symbol of Imperial Rome.

• Roman Forum: The center of ancient Roman public life, with temples, basilicas, and remains of important civic buildings.

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Late Afternoon Free

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Friday, October 10

Board Train to Padova

Arrive in Padova, Leave luggage at hotel

After Lunch, Meet your Padova City Guide for a guided tour

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Visit the Scrovegni Chapel and Museums

• Scrovegni Chapel: A small chapel renowned for Giotto’s early 14th-century fresco cycle, considered a masterpiece of Western art.

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6PM Meet Dante, Lorna, and Arlea at the hotel

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Dinner

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Saturday, October 11

Visit the Saturday Markets

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• Saturday Markets: Bustling local markets offering fresh produce, regional goods, artisanal products, and a taste of daily Italian life.

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Visit Bassano del Grappa

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• Bassano del Grappa: A charming town on the Brenta River known for its wooden Ponte Vecchio bridge (Ponte degli Alpini), traditional ceramics, and grappa distilleries.

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See the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, visit the Alpini Museum, Poli Grappa Museum, shop for ceramics, grappa, and more

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• Ponte Vecchio (Bassano): The town’s historic covered wooden bridge, an emblem of Bassano’s heritage.

• Alpini Museum: A museum honoring Italy’s mountain troops with exhibits on military history and local culture.

• Poli Grappa Museum: A destination to learn about grappa production and taste regional spirits.

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Typical Veneto Region Farmhouse Lunch

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• Typical Veneto Region Farmhouse Lunch: A rustic meal showcasing local specialties—homemade pastas, cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce.

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Visit Valdobbiadine and Countryside

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• Valdobbiadene: Heart of the Prosecco region, rolling vineyards and wineries producing Italy’s sparkling wine.

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Return to Padova

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Sunday, October 12

In the morning visit Mercatino dei Portici

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• Mercatino dei Portici: A market under Padua’s historic porticoes selling antiques, crafts, and local treats.

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Lunch Francas

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11:30 Hardings – Guided tour of Palazzo Bo and museums

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• Palazzo Bo: The historic seat of the University of Padua, with grand halls, anatomical theatre, and collections illustrating centuries of academic history.

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Lunch Hardings

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3:15 Dante, Lorna, and Arlea Depart

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Monday, October 13

8:30 Train to Treviso

10:00 Arrive in Treviso

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Meet Local City Guide for Walking Tour of Treviso

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• Treviso: A picturesque, lesser-known Veneto city with canals, medieval walls, frescoed buildings, and a relaxed local atmosphere.

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12:00 Lunch and cooking experience at a local home

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• Cooking experience: Hands-on opportunity to learn regional recipes and enjoy a home-cooked meal with local ingredients.

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3:00 Free Time to Explore

6:00 Train back to Padova

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Dinner

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Tuesday, October 14

Board Train to Venice

Arrive in Venice, Leave Luggage at the hotel

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Wander the streets of Venice

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• Venice: The iconic lagoon city built on canals, famous for its narrow alleys, historic palazzi, gondolas, and unique atmosphere.

Suggested night activities (not included): Musica in Palazzo (see the calendar for the 2 nights in Venice) I Musici Veneziani

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Wednesday, October 15

Meet your Venice City Guide for a guided tour

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See St. Mark’s Square, visit the Basilica of St. Mark, learn the history of the Venetian Republic

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• St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Venice’s principal public square, surrounded by landmark buildings and a hub of social life.

• Basilica of St. Mark: A stunning Byzantine-style cathedral renowned for its golden mosaics, ornate domes, and rich history.

• History of the Venetian Republic: Learn about Venice’s maritime power, trade empire, and unique political institutions.

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Break for Lunch

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Board a boat to visit a glass blowing factory on Murano Island, see a glass blowing demonstration, time for shopping at the factory

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• Murano Island: World-famous for centuries-old glassmaking traditions; watch skilled artisans shape molten glass into delicate works of art.

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Return by boat to Venice

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Free rest of the day

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Thursday, October 16

7:15 Depart Hotel

8:05 Check in at VCE

11:05 Depart on UA 169