Reflections of Italy

- From $4,999.00 CAD

Embark on a captivating journey that takes you from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Discover the rolling hills of the scenic Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. Explore medieval hill towns and visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Spend time at a historic abbey set in the hills encircling Florence and enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence. See glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in iconic Venice for 2 nights. Journey to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. Encounter a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance.

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Set out on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Behold medieval Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.
Enjoy a scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Dine on regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic abbey set in the hills encircling Florence.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Explore Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun.
Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.
Take in the views as you sail along the scenic shores of Lake Como.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

10 Days
9 Nights

Meals:

8 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight.

Accommodation: UNAhotels Deco Roma
Rome, Italy

Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

Meal included: Dinner
Accommodation: Villa Santa Barbara
Rome

On a guided tour of the Vatican Museums,* explore the extensive Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, classical Greco-Roman statuary, and works by great Renaissance masters. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgment. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini’s altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome – still the tallest in the world. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Starhotels Michelangelo
Rome - Assisi - Perugia - Umbrian Countryside

Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, you’re off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Corso, Perugia’s main street, where gothic facades are lined with shops and restaurants. Continue to the hills of Montefalco, where you will spend the night in a historic Umbrian villa.

Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Starhotels Michelangelo
Umbrian Countryside - Cortona - Florence

Head through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and gothic architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.”

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: MGallery Papadopoli
Florence

This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore this veritable open-air museum.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: MGallery Papadopoli
Florence - Venice

Start your day with a visit to the historic 14th-century Certosa monastery, set in the hills surrounding Florence. Join efforts with a Tuscan chef during a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch featuring local wines, Tuscan food and live entertainment. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior
Venice

See Venice from the water and take a boat** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark’s Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent facade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice’s most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride.

Meal included: Breakfast
Venice - Lake Como

This morning, you’ll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. During a one-hour ferry ride*** of the southern section of the lake, admire the succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake’s blue waters. Your panoramic sailing is accompanied by the live commentary of an expert local guide. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Lake Como - Tour Ends

Your journey comes to a close in Como this morning.

Meal included: Breakfast