Compare Best of Italy by Intrepid Travel vs Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest by Road Scholar

Day 1 Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Maybe save the unmissable sights for later and today do as the Romans do – sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city. For those captivated by the 'Eternal City', throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. Keep in mind that there will be an important welcome meeting, usually at around 6pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2 Rome / Florence

Enjoy some free time in Rome or, if you wish, your group leader will be available for an orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. If there's time, visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon you'll travel by train from Rome to Florence – Italy's outdoor museum (approximately 2 hours). Florence, the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursts with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your tour leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your travel pals.

Day 3 Florence

Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, take a visit to the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you’re wanting to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the evening, perhaps climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Afterwards, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely socialising stroll – perhaps between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica. That is, if you aren’t enjoying a Tuscan meal instead.

Day 4 Florence / Lucca

No doubt there'll be more to see in Florence this morning, then this afternoon, take a train to Lucca (approximately 2 hours). Lucca is one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets within its ancient city ramparts. You’ll be captivated by this charming and medieval town. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Make sure you join the traditional evening pastime of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the famous city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.

Day 5 Pisa / Lucca

Set off on a cycling tour following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside (4 kilometres round the walls that are now a tree-lined avenue, and 14 kilometres by the river, approximately 3-4 hours). Your base in Lucca provides you with the perfect opportunity for a later outing to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). Here there'll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. Afterwards, head back to Lucca. An ideal way to end the day is to head to a local bar for a refreshing Prosecco and a delicious focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.

Day 6 La Spezia

Travel by train to La Spezia (approximately 3 hours) – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stunning stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs makes it one of the highlights in the whole of Italy. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

Day 7 Cinque Terre / La Spezia

This morning, venture out to visit the enchanted Cinque Terre. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves, vineyards and on to idyllic, breath-taking vistas. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 kilometres, approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 8 Portofino Peninsula / Asti

Travel by train to Santa Margherita on the Peninsula of Portofino (approximately 1 hour). Store your luggage and set off on an energetic 5-7 kilometre walk, finishing in Portofino. Start by wandering down to the Santa Margherita waterfront, past small fishing boats in the marina, enjoying the views back to town. Continue along the road, passing beach clubs, private villas and hotels that command the skyline, where the hills of the Italian Riviera meet the Bay of Tigullio. Spot locals sunbaking in the coves, then cross through some undulating forested terrain. Descend down to the picturesque port of Portofino – the place where the rich and famous come to play. Continue up to the viewpoints surrounding the town, join the glamorous for coffee and people-watching along the harbour, or perhaps stop at a focacceria to try this typical Ligurian bread. Afterwards, enjoy the fabulous coastal scenery with a boat ride back to Santa Margherita (weather permitting). Continue by train to Asti (approximately 2.5 hours) in the Piedmont region, where mouth-watering culinary delights await. Be sure to try a dish flavoured with truffle and indulge in a tipple of Italian wine.

Day 9 Asti

This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like the option to enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. The town of Asti, located in the Piedmont region, was one of the most important towns in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe – excellent reds and the sparkling white ‘spumante’. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’, or truffles – a distinctive regional delicacy. You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

Day 10 Milan / Lake Como

Travel by train to Milan (approximately 3 hours) – Italy's second largest city and the capital of Lombardy – for a few hours to explore. In this most fashionable of cities, this is the place for stylish shopping and cafes! Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the stunning Gothic terrace. You may like to visit Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece – The Last Supper – if there's time, so be sure to book tickets well in advance. Alternatively, head to the park of Castello Sforzesco; the perfect destination on a hot day. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como (approximately 2 hours) – an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shore of Lake Como where you'll be able to experience its true serenity.

Day 11 Lake Como

This morning, explore the pretty village of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy a walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi. This grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from films franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif – sitting dockside, lakeside, or out on a veranda. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day. With some fine Italian food tonight, of course.

Day 12 Venice

Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan and catch a train heading to Venice (approximately 3 hours) This grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader and take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto. It only takes a minute or so, but it is a quintessential experience to have in Venice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.

Day 13 Venice

Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola. See Venetian creativity and artisan wares in the glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from the Campo Santo Stefano. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your tour leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, such as fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.

Day 14 Venice

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Venice-tours for more information. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Rome, Neighborhood Walk, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Rome L,D Hotel Tiziano
Activity note: Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 p.m.

Morning: After clearing customs, proceed to the first public area of the Arrivals terminal where a representative with a Road Scholar sign will lead Road Scholars to a motorcoach for transfer to the hotel. The Group Leader will be in the lobby to greet arriving Road Scholars. In the late morning, leaving luggage with the desk clerk, we will join the Group Leader for an introductory walk in the neighborhood to identify ATMs, pharmacies, stores, restaurants, etc.

Lunch: Gather in the lobby where the Group Leader will lead the way to a neighborhood restaurant for a set menu lunch with plated table service. Water is included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase. This is a Road Scholar FLEX program. It offers a more flexible schedule than our traditional programs with ample time for personal independent exploration and several meals on your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach or high-speed train. Venice has no vehicular traffic. In addition to the Grand Canal, there are 177 smaller canals and about 400 bridges. Vaporetti (bus boats) travel up and down the Grand Canal as it winds from Santa Lucia train station to Piazza San Marco. There are 15 stops along the route. All walks in Venice, even the shortest, entail crossing bridges, some of which have ramps and others steps. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, a set menu of typical Roman dishes. Water and a glass of wine are included.

Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Roman History, Largo Argentina, Colosseum & Forum
Rome B,D Hotel Tiziano
Activity note: The Colosseum is 1 mile from the hotel. Extended standing and walking up to 1.5 miles in the Colosseum and through the archaeological park of the Roman Forum. At Colosseum, steep, uneven steps to reach upper level; elevator available but requires walking about 250 feet. At Roman Forum, mix of uneven gravel, dirt paths, cobblestones.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet presents an egg dish, sliced meats, cheeses, cereal, muesli, yogurt, fresh fruit, breads and pastries, and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, we will be joined by a history professor who will begin to unravel the multiple layers of Roman history and set the stage for our explorations. After a short break set out on foot to explore the ruins of temples in Largo Argentina, on the same block as the hotel.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Walk to the Roman Forum where a local expert will spur your imagination to envision the buildings now in ruin. A local expert will lead our exploration of the Colosseum and share some interesting anecdotes about Roman entertainment so many centuries ago. Built in the year 80 CE and officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was the greatest in the Roman Empire. It measured 620 by 513 feet and could hold more than 50,000 spectators. Architects and researchers are still not sure how the many wonders that have been described were managed. Historical records as well as popular culture in our time have made it an iconic symbol of gladiatorial combat and the sacrifice of untold numbers of slaves, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from throughout the empire. Those with the energy and stamina are welcome to climb the 10-foot high steps to the upper level. Walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Free Morning, Borghese Gallery
Rome B,D Hotel Tiziano
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; from drop-off point at Gallery Borghese, gravel path (500 feet) leads from to museum entrance; steps down to ticket office, up to entrance; marble tile flooring. Stairs to reach the picture gallery on the second floor. Small elevator (cap 3 persons) for disabled visitors.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Meet at the hotel, and board a motorcoach to the Borghese Gallery. If you prefer to rendezvous at the museum, the group leader will give details on what time to meet for the reserved group entrance. A local expert will lead the exploration. The Borghese Gallery is one of the finest art museums in Europe, distinguished by its collection of ancient sculpture and paintings from the Italian Baroque era. The Villa Borghese that houses the collection was built from 1613-16 and remained in the hands of the Borghese family until it was acquired by the Italian government in 1902. The art collection was gathered primarily by Pope Paul V, formerly Camillo Borghese, and his nephew, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, in the 17th Century. The family were not only collectors, but patrons of the arts who commissioned many works. Among the artists represented are Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, to name but a few. Please note: The museum strictly limits the number of attendees each day; groups are allotted no more than two hours. The museum does not permit taking any kinds of photos or videos. Coach back to the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a seasonal regional menu.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Capitoline Museums, Free Time, Private Sistine Chapel Visit
Rome B,D Hotel Tiziano
Activity note: The walk to the Capitoline Hill is 1/2 mile climbing 20 low rise-low tread stairs to the top. In the museum a long marble staircase leads to the exhibitions on the upper floor. In the Vatican Museums there are stairs to reach the galleries, and a flight of narrow steps before entering the Sistine Chapel. You will be on your feet for 2 hours for this private visit.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Set out on foot to the Capitoline Museum. At the museum, a local expert will introduce some of its treasures, such as the Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus, the symbol of Rome; the statue of Marcus Aurelius; foundations of the Temple of Jupiter; and the Dying Gaul.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. If you wish to stay on in the museum, there is a sandwich bar and café with a nice view of the city from the Capitoline Hill.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. At 5:00 p.m. meet back at the hotel to transfer by coach to the Vatican. At 6:00 pm, after regular closing hours, as one of the most exciting highlights of this program, we will have a privileged private visit to the Sistine Chapel just for our group, led by a local expert. This is one of the foremost artistic achievements in human history. Michelangelo’s struggles with the pope who commissioned him, Paul III, have been told and re-told in numerous books and movies. Through his exceptional talent and sheer stamina, Michelangelo created what has been called a “shrine of the theology of the human body.” Please note: Our allotted time is two hours along a specified route that includes the Gallery of Maps, Hall of Tapestries, and the Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms), adorned with impressive frescoes. If you wish to see more of the Vatican Museums, 26 sections in all, please plan to attend during free time during your stay in Rome.

Dinner: At a restaurant in the Vatican.

Evening: Coach back to the hotel. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 6
Transfer to Florence, Tuscan Lunch, History of Florence
Florence B,L Grand Hotel Cavour
Activity note: Put checked luggage outside your door for porters to carry and load onto the motorcoach. The transfer to Florence is about 3 hours, including a vineyard lunch.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, board the motorcoach and once we pass the outskirts of Rome we can enjoy the views of Tuscany’s renowned Chianti wine region en route.

Lunch: At a vineyard restaurant in the heart of the Chianti region, enjoy a set Tuscan menu complete with water and wine.

Afternoon: Board the coach for Firenze and check into the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before our next activity. Gather in the hotel meeting room for an illustrated presentation on the history of Florence by a local expert.

Dinner: On your own to sample local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Renaissance Art Lecture, Duomo & Museum, Uffizi
Florence B,L Grand Hotel Cavour
Activity note: Extended standing during our visit of the Duomo and Museum complex. Four flights of stairs to reach the top of the Uffizi Gallery. The elevator has a limited capacity and is for the truly needy.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the buffet offerings include a selection of egg dishes, sliced meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, bread and cereals, coffee, teas, juices and water.

Morning: We will be joined in the hotel meeting room by an art historian who will provide an overview of medieval and Renaissance art in preparation for our self-guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery later. We will walk to the Duomo di Firenze and meet a museum docent who will lead our exploration of Florence’s most famous landmark, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore but known by everyone simply as the Duomo. It is the third-largest church in the world. The magnificent dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1434, was startlingly innovative at the time and is considered one of the wonders of the Renaissance. We will also explore the Duomo Museum complex, recently reopened after a major renovation and modernization. It includes more than 750 works of art covering more than seven centuries of history including medieval and Renaissance statues and reliefs in marble, bronze and silver by the leading artists of the day.

Lunch: At a restaurant in the heart of the city, a set menu of Florentine dishes.

Afternoon: Meet at the designated time and place in Piazza della Signoria and walk together to the reserved entrance of the Galleria degli Uffizi for our self-directed field trip. You are free to see what interests you most and spend as much time as you wish. This is the most extensive collection of Renaissance art in the world, tracing the development from Gothic to medieval to Renaissance to Mannerist paintings as well as architecture and sculpture. You will find many recognizable masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, some Titians, Michelangelo's Holy Family, and a few Caravaggios as well as Artemisia Gentileschi. There is a suggested guide to seeing some of the most famous masterpieces at www.uffizi.org. There is a coffee bar at the end of the second corridor, on top of the Loggia, with a wonderful view of the watch tower and Duomo where you can get a refreshment and rest.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Bargello, Accademia
Florence B,L Grand Hotel Cavour
Activity note: The Bargello is 300 feet from the hotel. Inside the museum, a long flight of stone steps lead to the upper gallery. A small elevator has been installed in the building which was designed and constructed centuries ago. The walk from the Bargello to the Accademia is half a mile.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: We set out on foot to the National Museum of the Bargello, housed in one of the oldest buildings in Florence, where an art historian will give us on Florentine Renaissance sculpture as well as historic and artistic background on works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Benvenuto Cellini, and Andrea della Robbia. We will walk to the Accademia for a lecture on one of the most famous statues in the world, Michelangelo's David. In addition to admiring this extraordinary figure, will also see the unfinished statues known as the Prisoners. It has been suggested that Michelangelo left them in their incomplete state to symbolize the struggle of humankind to free spirit from matter. We will then have time for independent exploration in the Accademia that includes works by other great sculptors and artists — many of which were collected by the Medici and donated to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany — and a Museum of Musical Instruments.

Lunch: At a neighborhood restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Palazzo Medici Riccardi, San Lorenzo, Renaissance Dinner
Florence B,D Grand Hotel Cavour
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles. Standing during site visits. Climb a long elaborately decorated 17th-century staircase to reach the second floor of the Medici Riccardi Palace.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Set out on foot for San Lorenzo. An art historian leads the visit to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the Basilica di San Lorenzo, and the Laurentian Library. The Palazzo Medici is the first Renaissance-style family palace. Commissioned by Cosimo "the Elder" de’ Medici and designed by Michelozzo in 1448, it served both the domestic and commercial needs of the Medici, and demonstrated their new status as the leading citizens of Florence. The Basilica of San Lorenzo is the first ever church built in the Renaissance style. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1421, and heavily funded by the Medici family; it houses the original funerary chapel of the Medici family. Michelangelo’s “Laurentian Library” is one the finest examples of Mannerist architecture in existence. Designed to house the Medici collection of classical texts, Michelangelo freely and imaginatively combined classical architectural forms in a completely new way. The most extraordinary feature of the building is the monumental staircase in the ricetto, which was one of Michelangelo’s most radical designs.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At the Palazzo Borghese (a few blocks from the hotel) enjoy a special dinner accompanied by Renaissance music. The palace became the property of the Borghese family in the 19th Century, though its history is centuries older. Among the most glamorous occupants were Prince Camillo Borghese and his wife Paolina — sister of Napoleon — whose statue we saw at the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Choose from a select menu. Water and wine are included.

Evening: Linger over dinner with music and entertainment at the Palazzo Borghese. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 10
Transfer to Venice, Welcome to Venice
Venice B,L Hotel Giorgione
Activity note: Put checked luggage outside your door for porters to carry and load onto the motorcoach for transfer to the train terminal; luggage will be delivered directly to the hotel in Venice. The high speed train takes approximately 2 hours. Expect some wave movement aboard the vaporetto (public transportation vessel). The city of canals is all pedestrian; bridges spanning minor canals have ramps or stairs.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel, depositing bags in the lobby where the Group Leader will supervise loading onto a van headed directly to Venice where they will be delivered to our hotel. Coach to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic countryside on the high-speed train ride to Venice. Arriving in Venice, the Group Leader will distribute passes for the vaporetto as we hop aboard and begin our trip along the Grand Canal. Along the way, you will see grand palazzi, bridges, churches, and markets. We get off at Ca' d'Oro, the stop closest to the hotel, then take a short walk to the hotel to drop off any hand luggage and head straight to the restaurant for lunch.

Lunch: At a restaurant near the hotel.

Afternoon: We will check in to our rooms and have some time to freshen up and relax. We will gather in the lobby around 4:00 p.m. and set out on foot with our Group Leader to go for a neighborhood walk to see the location of ATMs, pharmacies, stores, and vaporetto stops in the area around the hotel. Gather in the hotel meeting room for an overview of Venice with a local expert.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Scuola Grande, Palazzo Ducale, Gondola Ride, Musical Event
Venice B,L Hotel Giorgione
Activity note: Getting around Venice, which is closed entirely to motor vehicles, requires walking through narrow crowded alleys, over bridges, and along uneven pavement. No elevators in historic buildings. Climb the monumental staircase at the Scuola. There is a monumental staircase in the Doge's Palace. Assistance offered getting on and off the gondola. The walk from the concert venue to the hotel is less than a mile.

Breakfast: In the hotel, our breakfast buffet offers an egg dish, sliced meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, yogurt, bread and cereals, pastries, coffee and teas, juices and water.

Morning: Ride the vaporetto to a neighborhood up the Canal Grande for an expert-led visit of one of the seven major Scuole Grandi (great schools). These organizations combined religious and charitable functions for the laity and, unlike most other institutions in Venice, were not dominated by the aristocracy. Among the activities they organized, supervised, and supported were processions, festivities, aid to the poor, dowries for daughters of respectable families without means, burial of paupers, and supervision of hospitals. Some also developed into musical training grounds and commissioned famous artists to decorate their meeting rooms. Our expert will discuss the significance and artistry of the paintings and some of the famous members of the charity. You will also have time to explore on your own.

Lunch: At a restaurant at the Rialto, a sampler of Venetian dishes.

Afternoon: Short walk from the Rialto to San Marco. A local expert will lead our exploration of the piazza and Palazzo Ducale. Doges were the leaders of Venice, elected for life from among an aristocratic elite, with substantial temporal power as chief magistrates. What became known as La Serenissima — the most Serene Republic of Venice — was in reality anything but unless you were among the aristocratic elite, and even then you were not safe from the network of official spies, the CIA of their day. The Doge’s official residence was the Palazzo Ducale, which included not only grand living quarters but also government offices, opulent ceremonial chambers for the Great Council, courtrooms, and a jail. Those convicted of crimes walked from the jail to prison across the Bridge of Sighs, so called because prisoners sighed knowing it was their last glimpse of light and air. Next, weather permitting, take a gondola ride through the back canals to see Venice from a different point of view.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Gather for musical performance (concert or recital from current offerings). Specific information on the date and musical program will be included in preparatory materials sent closer to departure date.

Day 12
Renaissance Venice Lecture, St. Mark's Basilica
Venice B,D Hotel Giorgione
Activity note: No elevators in historic buildings. On any walk in Venice there are multiple bridges to cross; some have ramps, others have steps. The walk from San Marco to the hotel is .6 mile.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Ride the vaporetto to a conference center for a local historian's presentation on Renaissance Venice. Some free time late morning.

Lunch: On your own to sample local fare.

Afternoon: The group leader will designate a time and place to meet for an expert-led visit of the Basilica of San Marco, one of the most remarkable churches in Italy and the finest remaining example of Byzantine architecture in the world. It is named for the evangelist St. Mark to house his supposed relics, taken from Egypt by Venetian merchants in 828 CE. Our local expert will point out the amazing features in this symbol of Venetian wealth and power such as 43,000 square feet covered in brilliant gilded glass mosaics and adorned with extraordinary images by great artists from the history of Christianity. In the museum on the top floor, see the famous Quadriga (Four Horses) looted from Constantinople in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade. They were placed atop the entrance to the basilica where they remained until stolen by Napoleon in 1797. They didn’t stay there long, though, and were returned after his defeat. Take the vaporetto from San Marco to the stop nearest the hotel or return to the hotel on foot.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Water and wine are included.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Venice B,D Hotel Giorgione
Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Short vaporetto ride to the Accademia stop. Expert-led visit of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Europe’s premier small museums devoted to modern art. Peggy Guggenheim was the daughter of multi-millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim, who perished on the Titanic. After becoming part of American expatriate society in Europe, she met and mingled with artists and intellectuals of the day, first in Paris and then London before returning to the United States. She was an active art dealer as well as a collector, giving some artists the support they needed to gain public recognition. One of her protégés was Jackson Pollock. She eventually returned to Europe and settled in Venice in a palazzo on the Grand Canal where she held exhibitions of her exceptional collection. The museum displays some of the best examples of works by artists such as Braque, Calder, Giacometti, Kandinsky, Magritte, Miro, Mondrian, Picasso, Pollock, Rothko, and many other pioneers of modern art.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants at our farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Water and wine are included.

Evening: Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure in the morning.

Day 14
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Transportation to the airport is by private taxi inboard boat. The walk from the airport dock to the terminal takes about 10 minutes along a covered pathway. Luggage carts may be available with coin deposit and return.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet depending on departure times. For those with an early departure, a boxed continental breakfast will be provided. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!