Compare 10 Day Affordable Italy with Pompeii 2018 Itinerary by Gate 1 Travel vs Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours by Alma Italia

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 3, Friday - Venice City Tour
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. While here, enjoy a visit to one of the factories to witness the art of glass blowing. Afterward, to St. Mark's Square where you begin the guided walking tour of this romantic city. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Walk via the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then, continue to visit the pink marble Doge's Palace, the official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently. Or, participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride with music - it's definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday!
Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Pisa Sightseeing en route to Florence
Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Visit a typical Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa, to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The monuments on the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Sunday - Florence City Tour
Today's tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk to the magnificent Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "Old Bridge". Florence is indeed the center of the world's finest art and architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery* that provides insight into the history of the structure and its collections. The tour highlights include exceptional examples of Florentine painting to help you better understand the works of the masters, including Giotto, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Tonight, a delightful optional evening begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment
Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour ($62) - available for purchase only in Italy from your Tour Manager. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in 2-3 hour lines
Optional: Dinner at a Tuscan Restaurant (PM)
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Monday - Assisi City Tour, Transfer to Rome
Depart Florence to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Afterward, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday - Tour Vatican Museum
Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's incomparable Sistine Chapel. Stroll through St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade to St. Peter's Basilica*. Stand in awe as you view Michelangelo's Pieta. This highly-finished marble sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of Mary after the Crucifixion - considered to be among the most compelling of all works of art in the Western world. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City's grand piazzas that begins at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight's optional tour includes a delicious four-course Italian dinner with unlimited wine and a drive to see some of Rome's most famous sights
Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)
Optional: Dinner & Evening Sightseeing Drive of Rome (PM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Wednesday - Tour Ancient Rome
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the legendary Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiator contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Stop at a local café and just people-watch, or linger over a cup of coffee, indulge in a delectable gelato or try an authentic Italian pizza
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Thursday - Pompeii Excursion
Depart Rome this morning on a full day excursion to Pompeii. Drive along the Sun Route motorway through the scenic regions of Lazio and Campania, rich in astonishing natural beauty. At a distance, you might be able to see the magnificent Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the mountaintop, scene of a huge battle near the end of World War II in which the abbey was completely destroyed, but now lovingly restored (conditions permitting). As you pass the Bay of Naples, majestic Mt. Vesuvius marks the way to Pompeii, the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. The tragic fossils of people attempting to escape, along with their children and dogs are still visible, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Leisure time before returning to Rome
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Friday - Depart Italy
Arrivederci Roma! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast