Art Tour in Italy

May 12 Tue Departure from Chicago on suggested Turkish Airlines flight

May 13 Wed Arrival Rome
Upon arrival to Rome, you will be met by an assistant and board the bus. If time permits, enjoy a Guided Walking tour of Rome (5-6 hours approx.). Some of the sights you will see are Colosseum, including the arena floor, Roman Forum, Trevi, Spanish Steps, Trajan column and Pantheon (only from outside). In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant .(D)

May 14 Thu Rome - Vatican
In the morning, take public transportation to the Vatican Museums, home to an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. Enjoy a 4-hours guided tour, where you’ll explore masterpieces from renowned artists and gain insight into the museum’s rich history. During the tour, visit the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes, including The Creation of Adam. You’ll also explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most iconic churches in the world, known for its stunning architecture and Michelangelo’s Pietà. Marvel at its breathtaking architecture, renowned artworks, and spiritual atmosphere as you learn about its rich history and the masterpieces housed within. At last, visit the Catacombs, where you will explore the underground history of Rome. These ancient burial sites, used by early Christians, reveal a fascinating glimpse into centuries-old traditions, hidden frescoes, and intricate networks of tunnels. Your guide will share insights into the historical and religious significance of these mysterious underground chambers. Overnight in Rome (B)

May 15 Fri Rome - Pompeii - Rome
08:30AM After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart by coach for a day trip to Pompeii. Travel time approx: 3 ½ hours. 12:00PM Upon arrival, lunch based on traditional Napoletan pizza. 1:15 PM Enjoy a Guided tour of the archaeological site, exploring the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Approx 4:00 PM following the tour, the group will return to Rome by coach (3 ½ -4 hrs) driving. Overnight in Rome. (B, L)

May 16 Sat Rome - Assisi - Florence
After breakfast, transfer by coach from Rome to Florence. Along the way you will stop in Assisi. You’ll have a guided visit of the St. Francis Basilica, decorated with beautiful frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries. In the first chapel of the lower church are remarkable scenes from the life of St. Francis by Giotto and Simone Martini. In the lower transept, the chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria is decorated with 14th-century frescoes by Andrea da Bologna, and the cycle in the nave was painted about 1260 by an unnamed artist known only as the Maestro di San Francesco. You will also see the Santa Chiara Church, Piazza del commune and Temple of Minerva and Chiesa Nuova. In the evening arrive to Florence and overnight.(B) 

May 17 Sun Florence
FREE DAY. Enjoy an optional trip to Dante’s House Museum on your own. Open from 10-6. Students attend church, relax or explore the city on their own. Overnight in Florence. (B)

May 18 Mon Florence
Today, you will have a full day guided walking tour of Florence. You will see the Piazza della Signoria, you will visit Palazzo Vecchio, a majestic palace that has served as Florence’s town hall for centuries. Explore its grand halls, stunning frescoes, and historic chambers that tell the story of the city’s rich political and artistic heritage. Afterward, take a stroll through the heart of Florence, stopping at the Piazza del Duomo, see the Giotto’s Bell Tower (outside), the Baptistry’s of Saint John bronze door (outside) and the Gothic Duomo (outside). In the afternoon, you will visit the Accademia Gallery, home to one of the world’s most famous sculptures—Michelangelo’s David. Marvel at this Renaissance masterpiece up close, along with other remarkable works of art housed within the gallery. Optional: Entrance to Palazzo Medici Riccardi €20 for adults from 25 years, €15 for students 18-25. Guided service €95,00 per hour. Overnight in Florence. (B,D)

May 19 Tue Florence
In the morning, you will enjoy a guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the most impressive collections of Renaissance art in the world. Gifted to Florence by the Medici family, the gallery showcases masterpieces by legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight in Florence. (B)

May 20 Wed Florence - Venice
In the morning, depart on a fast train to Venice. (2hrs). Then take a boat ride to the city center, and walk to your hotel. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 4-hour guided tour. During this tour you will see the St. Mark’s Square, you will visit St. Mark’s Basilica (inside), Doges’ Palace (inside), Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is free to enjoy on your own. Overnight in Venice. (B)

May 21 Thu Venice
Meet your guide and take a private boat and start a Full day guided (6 hrs.) tour. Visit Murano Island, famous famous worldwide for its glass production. Participate at the Glass blowing demonstration. Afterwards, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria & Donato. In the afternoon, proceed for Burano, known for its brightly colored houses, intricate lacemaking, and picturesque canals. Free time for lunch. Return to Venice. Overnight in Venice.(B)

May 22 Fri Venice
Free day for individual exploration. Overnight in Venice.(B)
Optional:
- Visit of the Jewish Ghetto.
- Farewell dinner. (not included)
- Depending on the event schedule, you may opt to attend a classical concert or opera performance. This experience is not currently included in the quotation but can be arranged upon request.

May 23 Sat Venice
In the morning, check out of the hotel and take a boat to the Tronchetto bus stop for your transfer to Venice airport for your departure home. (B)

• International round trip Air arriving Rome May 13 and departing Venice May 23
• 1 group arrival transfer from Rome Airport to hotel in city center + bus city tax with assistant
• 1 group departure transfer from Venice to airport with assistant
• 3 nights in Rome BB / hotel or youth hostel 3 or 4 occupancies per room
• 4 nights in Florence BB / hotel or youth hostel 3 or 4 occupancies per room
• 3 nights in Venice BB / hotel or youth hostel 3 or 4 occupancies per room
• Daily breakfast; • Welcome dinner in Rome; Pizza lunch in Pompeii
• English speaking licensed guide for min 3 -max 6 hours per day according to the program
• Entrances and reservations to the: Colosseum, Forum, catacombs in Rome;Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Church in Vatican
• Archeological park of Pompeii;Uffizi and Academia Galleries in Florence;Basilica of St. Mark, Doges Palace in Venice.
• Roma Pass 48-hours
• Transfer from Rome Airport to hotel in city center + bus city tax.
• Private coach for arrival transfer in Rome and departure transfer in Venice; for excursions and transfers between cities: Rome >Pompeii>Rome; Rome > Assisi >Florence
• Boat transfer in Venice at arrival and departure
• Boat excursion to Murano and Burano islands public
• Whispers for 10 days; • City taxes in hotels

• All Lunches and dinners, except Welcome dinner in Rome and lunch in Pompeii
• Opera / concert in Venice, to be add once the group make a choice: Classical music concert - Vivaldi’s four seasons Held at the church of Vivaldi “Church of mercy” OR Opera or concert (depending on the date) held at Teatro La Fenice
• Farewell dinner in Venice. • Optional Services; or any travel insurances
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions